Personal Narrative Guidelines
If, as a university community member, you wish to file a written complaint, please prepare documentation in the categories listed below. These materials will insure that your complaint is handled as fairly as possible. The documents can be hand-written and should be in your own words. Or, if you would prefer, you may dictate your responses into a tape recorder at the Equity Office, and they will be transcribed for your signature by a member of the Equity Office staff.
Your documentation should be brought or sent to the Equity Office in a sealed envelope marked "confidential." These documents, like all of your communications with the Equity Office, will be regarded as confidential materials and will be handled only by office staff members who understand their confidential nature.
1. Chronology
- Make a factual list of events, starting at the beginning and up through the present time
- Be as specific, detailed, and accurate as possible
- Date events as accurately as possible (day, month, year, time of day)
- Be objective: state "facts" rather than "feelings" in this part of your materials
2. Narrative
- Describe the effects that the problem has had on you or on your work
- Describe any physical or emotional effects, indicating when they occurred, how long they have lasted, and what help, if any, you have sought to alleviate them (e.g., doctor, clergy, Counseling for Faculty and Staff)
- This section can be subjective, that is, it can express "feelings"
3. Desired Outcomes
- While Equity Office staff members cannot tell you what the outcome of your complaint will be, please describe what you feel would be a reasonable solution to the problem
- Be as specific as possible about the ways in which you wish the situation to be improved or resolved
4. References
- Names of individuals who can support your story - witnesses
- Include full names and phone numbers
5. Photocopies of Other Relevant Documents (retain the originals in your files)
- Letters or memos (both those you have received and sent)
- Printouts of e-mail communications
- Job descriptions or other descriptions of duties and responsibilities
- Class syllabus and/or other descriptions of requirement
