Employee Concerns

UTC’s goal is to provide an environment that supports and fosters effective communication and working relationships. To address concerns that may arise from time to time, the Office of Human Resources (HR) provides resources and guidance to the campus community in the following areas:

Facilitated Discussions
Complaint Procedures
Grievance Procedures

Facilitative Services

Employee Relations provides opportunities for employees to discuss concerns to reach informal resolutions. A facilitated discussion, also referred to as a mediated discussion, is a process in which a neutral party facilitates communication to help involved parties informally resolve and/or manage their differences. We encourage employees to proactively discuss concerns with their immediate supervisor or next level of administration; however, if discussions at the department level are not successful, employees are encouraged to contact Human Resources. This service is available for addressing concerns in a peer-to-peer relationship (e.g., coworkers) or employee-to-supervisor relationship. The desired outcome is a better understanding and a mutual plan for moving forward toward a more positive working relationship.

Complaints

UTC offers employees informal resources to assist with addressing concerns. Employees are encouraged to reach out to their supervisor for assistance through an informal discussion, if feasible. When that is not an option or those discussions have not resulted in a resolution, and the issue/behavior becomes more persistent or pervasive, employees should advance their concerns within their chain of command or reach out to HR for further assistance. Employees may file a complaint regarding non-discriminatory concerns with HR. Complaints should be submitted promptly in relation to the incident using the online HR Complaint Form, or the form may be submitted to HR in person.

Refer to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility (EOA) for discriminatory matters or the Title IX Office for matters involving sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking. If an employee would like to report an anonymous complaint, call the UT Compliance Hotline at (855) 461-2771 or visit the Compliance Hotline website. Complaints submitted to the Compliance Hotline are forwarded to the UT System Office of Audit and Compliance (OAC) for review.

Grievances

The grievance process provides a method for regular non-exempt staff to seek a formal resolution to resolve issues. Only matters defined as grievances in UT Policy HR0640 - Grievances are eligible for the grievance process. Grievances alleging discrimination (including claims of sexual harassment) must first be addressed through the EOA discriminatory complaint process. The grievance procedure would then be available to an employee if the resolution through the discrimination complaint procedure is not satisfactory to the employee.

The Employee Relations staff can provide guidance about grievances. Employees seeking relief through the formal grievance process must initiate this process through the Human Resources Office.

A member of the Human Resources staff is also available to speak with any faculty or staff member in need of assistance in any of these areas. For more information, please contact Brianna Marchant, Director of Employee Relations, at 423-425-4758 or [email protected].

Additional Resources

UTC Cares

We care about the overall health, safety, and wellbeing of UTC employees. If you or one of your colleagues is experiencing a mental health concern need non-emergency medical assistance, or need support regarding sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, or stalking, call the UTC Care Line at (423) CARE/2273 (select Option 2) or complete a Community Member of Concern Referral Form.

If there is an immediate threat to self, others, or property, immediately contact the UTC Police Department Dispatch at (423) 425-HELP/4357 or 911. Although referrals are reviewed on a regular basis, the referral form and UTC CARE line are not designed as an emergency response notification process. Visit the UTC Cares website for information about the Case Assessment, Review, and Evaluation (CARE) Team and additional resources.

Here4TN Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS)

EWS is available to employees and their eligible dependents, regardless of whether they are enrolled in the Group Insurance Program. Available services and resources include:

Counseling — Here4TN offers telephone, in-person, and virtual in-network counseling options, including up to 5 no-cost short-term counseling visits per issue, per individual, per year at no cost to you. This service is available to you and your eligible family members. Preauthorization is required to use counseling services. You may also have access to additional support with long-term counseling through your behavioral health benefits, as needed.
Financial Support — Learn how to increase savings, reduce debt, and improve credit, so you can dial down financial stress. Here4TN offers an online financial stress assessment; self-directed online learning; a 25% discount for the preparation of all personal income tax documents; and two calls with a money coach.
Legal & Mediation services — Get free and discounted confidential access to local attorneys and professional mediators. Here4TN includes one 60-minute phone or in-person consultation with an attorney per issue per year at no cost. Plus, you can get ongoing representation by an attorney at a 25% discounted rate.
WorkLife Services — Find support for parenting, eldercare, life learning, household services, pet sitting, and more convenience services. Request a consultation online or call. WorkLife specialists are available 24/7 to offer no-cost referrals to verified resources and deliver educational materials to help you.

Confidential support is available anytime you need it. Call Here4TN EWS at 855-Here4TN (855-437-3486). Visit Here4TN.com to learn more.