Grievance Procedure


Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Complaint Process Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973


The Massachusetts Institute of Technology ("MIT") has adopted an internal process to provide the prompt and fair resolution of complaints alleging a violation of MIT's non-discrimination policy based on a disability. MIT has designated the Chancellor (for student matters) and the Vice President for Human Resources (for employee matters) as the employees responsible for coordinating MIT's compliance with Section 504 (the "504 Coordinators").

MIT encourages any individual (the "Complainant") who believes that he or she has experienced discrimination to attempt to resolve the issue informally. To this end, students should bring their concerns to the Associate Dean in the Disability and Access Services in the Office of Student Support & Wellbeing, 5-104, and employees or others should bring their concerns to the Manager of Disability Services in the Human Resources department. If the Complainant remains dissatisfied with the resolution of their concerns after attempting to resolve them informally, the Complainant may file a formal written complaint.

Any individual who wishes to file a formal complaint alleging discrimination based on a disability may do so by submitting it to the appropriate 504 Coordinator: the Chancellor if the Complainant is a student or if not a student, to the Vice President for Human Resources, NE49-5000 (disability-related assistance will be provided upon request):

A complaint must be submitted in writing, be signed, contain the name and address of the complainant, and a description of the allegation(s) of discrimination. The Complainant must set forth specific facts in support of the allegation(s).

  1. A complaint must be filed within 60 calendar days of the alleged discrimination in order to be considered timely.
  2. A fact finding investigation, as may be appropriate, shall be conducted at the direction of the Chancellor or the Vice President for Human Resources following receipt of the written complaint. This process affords the complainant and the person(s) against whom the allegation(s) of discrimination have been made an opportunity to submit information and documentation regarding the complaint allegations.
  3. The fact finding investigation will be completed within 30 working days from the time the investigation commences and the fact finder will provide a written report to the Chancellor or the Vice President for Human Resources. The Chancellor or Vice President for Human Resources within 10 working days from receipt of the fact finding report will report to the Complainant and the Respondent, if any. If the Chancellor or Vice President for Human Resources determines that any of the allegations raised by the complaint warrant action, he or she will set forth what actions MIT must take in order to address the substantiated concern(s).
  4. Although MIT will make reasonable efforts to comply with these timelines, circumstances such as school breaks, witness unavailability and other factors may justify an extension to a time reasonable. If an extension of time is needed, the parties will be notified.
  5. MIT prohibits retaliation against any person who files a complaint of alleged discrimination, participates in an investigation, or opposes a discriminatory employment or education practice or policy.

MIT does not entertain grievances initiated by applicants seeking admission or applicants seeking employment. 34 C.F.R. § 104.7(b).

All inquiries are welcome at das-student [at] mit.edu.