Grievances with Staff or Volunteers

The Women’s Resource Center strives to respond to issues with respect, timeliness, and caring.  When possible, the Women’s Resource Center encourages you to communicate your concerns directly with the individual. If you feel unsafe or are unable to voice your concerns directly with the individual, please speak with their supervisor. 

The supervisor will work with you and the volunteer/staff member towards mutual understanding and resolution. All parties are encouraged to:

• Be open to the other’s point of view.
• Criticize acts or ideas and not people.
• View constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and understanding.
• Assume best intentions.
• Ask themselves what it is they may not yet know about the situation: motivations, history, and background.
• Be clear, straightforward and concrete in their communication.
• Work towards understanding and communication.

The Center does not have a formal grievance or disciplinary procedure within the department.  If you feel that a formal institutional response must be taken or you need support outside of the Women’s Resource Center, please contact one of the Portland State resources listed below.

Affirmative Action | http://www.afm.pdx.edu | 503-725-4417

Handles complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination.

Ombuds | http://www.ombuds.pdx.edu | 503-725-5901 | ombuds@pdx.edu

The Ombuds Office will work with someone from the campus community on any university related conflict.

Student Center for Dispute Resolution | 503-725-7237 | scdr@pdx.edu

Trained Conflict Resolution graduate students and faculty advisors offer free and productive strategies for students facing interpersonal conflict.  Individual conflict coaching, mediation, conflict resolution training, and meeting facilitation to the campus community.