Grievance Procedure

Roger Williams University, including its School of Law, (“University”) has adopted this grievance procedure to assist in facilitating resolution of complaints alleging disability discrimination in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”). The University has designated Diana Proto, Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, (the “Coordinator”) to coordinate its efforts to comply with Section 504. The contact information for the Coordinator is as follows: Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Diana Proto, Roger Williams University, Center for Student Development, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, Telephone: (401) 254-3533.

Initial Discussion:
An individual with a concern relating to their disability should first discuss the matter orally with the appropriate responsible department listed below that will attempt to resolve the individual’s concern.
•    Roger Williams University students should consult with Student Accessibility Services.
•    Roger Williams University School of Law students should first consult with the Associate Dean of Student Life and Operations of the School of Law. If the student is not satisfied with the resolution proposed by the Associate Dean of Student Life and Operations, the student should then consult with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs of the School of Law.
•    University employees should consult with the Department of Human Resources.

Informal Resolution:
If the individual is not satisfied with the resolution proposed by the appropriate responsible department listed above, the individual should discuss the matter orally with the Coordinator. Individuals who are not satisfied with the resolution proposed by the Coordinator may file a formal grievance following the procedures set forth below.

Formal Grievance Procedure:
An individual may file a formal grievance with the Coordinator after attempting to resolve his or her concern orally with the appropriate responsible department listed above and the Coordinator. The formal grievance should be filed as soon as practicable. For example, students should file a formal grievance during the academic semester in which the concern arose, and employees should file a formal grievance within thirty (30) calendar days in which the concern arose.
The grievance must be in writing and include the following: (i) the individual’s name, address, email address, and telephone number; (ii) a full description of the individual’s concern; (iii) a description of the efforts made to resolve the concern orally through the appropriate responsible department listed above and the Coordinator; and (iv) a statement of the remedy requested.
Upon receipt of the grievance, the Coordinator will provide the individual with written notice acknowledging its receipt and promptly initiate an investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the Coordinator will prepare and transmit a written reply to the individual and the party(ies) against whom the grievance is directed within thirty (30) calendar days of the filing of the grievance, unless additional time is needed, at which time the Coordinator will notify the individual and the party(ies) against whom the grievance is directed.

U.S. Department of Education Contact Information:
Individuals may always contact the following regarding allegations of disability discrimination in violation of Section 504:
•    Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100, Telephone: 1-800-421-3481; or
•    Boston Office, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 33 Arch Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02110-1491, Telephone: 617-289-0111.

Updated: 9/14/2023

Close Course Type Descriptions

Course Types

We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.

Core Course

Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility.  Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.

Elective

After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses.  Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.

Seminar

Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.

Clinics/Externships

Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor.  RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.