Carnegie Mellon University

Informal Process

When you experience an issue at work, your first line of communication on job-related matters is your supervisor. Since open communication facilitates fair treatment, you are encouraged to ask questions and to offer opinions and suggestions. Discussion with your supervisor can usually solve problems that may have developed and often leads to a better working relationship.

If discussion with your supervisor does not resolve a job-related issue, your HR business partner is available to consult with you. Staff members can obtain information about university policies affecting their employment, request feedback about their particular situation and explore alternatives. Schedule a meeting by contacting your area's HR business partner.

Staff members experiencing work-related problems also can consult with the staff ombudsperson. The ombudsperson's role is to act as a source of information and referral, aid in answering questions, and assist in the resolution of workplace concerns. To arrange an appointment with the ombudsperson, call 412-268-1018.

The assistant vice president for HR, people and organizational effectiveness coordinates the staff grievance procedure. To arrange an appointment with the assistant vice president, call 412-268-9685 or email ggruber@andrew.cmu.edu.

Additional Resources Through the Employee Assistance Program

Counselors are available for confidential, professional consultation at no cost to the staff member through the university’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). To schedule an appointment with an EAP counselor, or for more information about this service, please see the EAP Resources page.