Francisco Villarruel, an associate chair in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, has been approved by the Board of Trustees to serve as the university’s faculty grievance official.
His appointment was recommended by a University Committee for Faculty Affairs search committee after having served as the responsible administrator for the Faculty Grievance and Dispute Resolution Office for the Fall 2018 semester.
The office responds to inquiries from MSU faculty, academic staff and administrators concerning alleged violations of MSU policies and practices, attempting to informally resolve grievances. Members of the office also conduct formal grievance hearings when necessary, work with the General Counsel and Provost offices and the University Committee on Faculty Affairs to help resolve disputes and review and recommend changes in MSU Human Resource policies.
Villarruel, who joined MSU in 1988, is the associate chair for education and outreach and a University Outreach and Engagement Senior Fellow. His research interests include juvenile justice system reform/disproportionate minority contact, youth development and Latino youth and families.
He has been active on many academic governance committees, including Athletic Council, Academic Council, University Committee on Faculty Affairs, University Committee on Faculty Tenure, and the University Naming Committee, as well as numerous college and department committees.