Page 41 - Faculty Handbook 2021-22

11.5.7. Staff Grievance Policy (DU-HR-010)

Grievance is a cause for complaint due to unfair treatment presumed by the faculty. It is
something that causes distress to the faculty and for which they seek redressal. The unfair
treatment may be in violation of University Bylaws, policies or established practices.

With an objective to provide a healthy work environment, DU has a well-defined Staff Grievance
Policy, which provides a fair internal process to resolve disputes that arise between a faculty
member and DU administration or other peer faculty member(s).

DU ensures that the faculty is provided adequate opportunities to raise their grievances; there is
consistency, fairness, equity, transparency and promptness in dealing with grievances and faculty
members are aware of the opportunities available to them for raising their grievances.

The staff grievance handling procedure consists of three sequential stages: (1) informal approach,
(2) formal complaint and (3) formal appeal. The formal approach should be used only when the
grievance cannot be resolved informally.

A formal grievance complaint must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days of the date when the
dispute first arose. The grievant must be personally affected by the action or decision underlying
the grievance and cannot file on behalf of another individual. The grievance can also be filed by a
group of people or their representative.

The grievant may withdraw the complaint or appeal at any time during the grievance resolution
process. In that case, it is assumed that the resolution by the earlier authority holds good and is
acceptable to the grievant. The withdrawal of the complaint or appeal has to be done in writing
to the authority handling the matter at the time of the withdrawal.

11.5.8. Severance Policy (DU-HR-007)
Severance is the cessation of the contractual relationship between DU and its faculty member.

This can either be by mutual consent or with one of the parties taking the initiative.
DU has a well-defined policy in regard to severance, which provides a comprehensible procedures
and guidelines for severance of faculty. DU also ensures that all cases of severance are handled
in a fair, transparent and equitable manner.

DU may conditionally renew the contract of a faculty member for one more year clearly specifying

that if his/her performance does not improve, then his/her services shall be terminated. DU also
reserves the right to terminate the contract of its faculty because of suspension of academic
programs or lower student-intake.
Based on the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, DU Management may terminate the

employment contract of a faculty member who has been repeatedly involved in academic
misconduct in spite of being given sufficient warning in writing about this.

(For more details, Refer to DU Policy Manual Available in College Dean’s Office)

Dhofar University Faculty Handbook (2021-22) Page 37