A. Temple and TAUP agree that they will use their best efforts to encourage the informal and prompt settlement of grievances. In the event a grievance may arise between Temple and the TAUP, involving the interpretation and application of this Agreement, a grievance procedure is described below for the orderly resolution of such grievances. The TAUP shall be notified in advance and shall have the right to be present at meetings specified in all steps. The grievant shall have the right of TAUP representation, or may be self-represented.

Step 1. Within twenty days after the grievance occurs or after the grievance should have been known, it shall be presented informally in writing to the Chairperson, * with copies to the Dean, Provost, and TAUP. The Chairperson shall discuss and answer the grievance in writing within five days after receiving the informal presentation, with copies to the Dean, Provost, and TAUP.

*Or their counterparts for librarians and academic professionals. The answer of Chairpersons or their counterparts shall not be binding on Temple.

Step 2. A dispute unresolved in Step 1 may then be presented in writing to the Dean or the Dean's designee within five days of the grievant's receipt of the response or lack thereof in Step 1. The Dean or the Dean's designee will answer the grievant in writing within ten days after receiving the grievance.

Step 3. A grievance unresolved in Step 2 may be appealed in writing to the Provost or the Provost's designee within five days of the grievant's receipt of the response or lack thereof in Step 2. A grievance so presented in Step 3 shall be answered by Temple in writing within 20 days after its presentation.

B. Failure on the part of Temple to answer a grievance at any step within the specified time limits shall not be deemed acquiescence thereto and the grievant or the TAUP may proceed to the next step. If the failure to respond occurs at Step 3, the arbitration provisions of this Agreement may be utilized. Failure by the grievant to appeal to the next step within the specified time limit shall be deemed acceptance of the decision rendered at that step.

C. A grievance on behalf of Temple may be presented initially at Step 3 by notice in writing addressed to the TAUP at its offices.

D. All time limits herein specified shall be deemed to be exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays, and Temple declared holidays.

E. A grievance which affects a substantial number or class of employees may initially be presented at Step 2 or Step 3 by the TAUP. The grievance shall then be processed in accordance with the grievance procedure.