Process & Procedures

Information Received and Outreach

• Civil Rights and Title IX receives information of a potential Title IX violation.
• Civil Rights and Title IX contacts the complainant to share information on resources, reporting options and process. 

Intake Meeting

• Complainant meets with director of Civil Rights and Title IX to discuss the report and discuss next steps.

Initial Review

• Complaint is assigned to an investigator to conduct an initial review to determine if the alleged conduct, if true, would be a policy violation.

Investigation

• Investigator and Administrative Review Team (ART) member interviews (separately) complainant(s), respondent(s) and any witnesses and collects evidence through interviews and review of documentation and/or materials.

Report

• The ART determines, based on the preponderance of the evidence, if the policy was violated
• Possible outcomes of the investigation are either:
  • (1) a finding of no violation of this Policy; or
  • (2) a finding of violation of this Policy
• Investigation concludes and investigator drafts the investigative report of all relevant information and findings.

Appeal

• If there is a violation finding, the respondent may appeal the finding/sanctions.
• If there is no violation found, the complainant may appeal the finding.

Information Received and Outreach

• Title IX Coordinator receives information of a potential Title IX violation.
• Title IX Coordinator contacts the complainant to share information on resources, reporting options and process.

Intake Meeting

• Complainant meets with director of Office of Civil Rights and Title IX to discuss the report and discuss next steps.

Initial Review

• Complaint is assigned to an investigator to conduct an initial review to determine if the alleged conduct, if true, would be a policy violation.

Formal Complaint Signed

• Complainant provides their signed formal complaint and request an investigation.
• Conduct reported meets the definition of sexual harassment.
• Appropriate measures to minimize contact between parties may be provided by the university.

Investigation

• Investigator and Administrative Review Team (ART) member interviews (separately) complainant(s), respondent(s) and any witnesses and collects evidence through interviews and review of documentation and/or materials.

Evidence Review and Report

• Investigation concludes and investigator drafts the investigative report of all relevant information.
• Investigative report and evidence are available for 10-day review and comment by both parties and their advisors before finalized.

Live Hearing

• Prior to hearing: Respondent(s) and complainant(s) and their advisors are given all information that will be used at the live hearing at least 10 days rior to the hearing.
• During hearing: Hearing officer oversees the live hearing where parties can ask question of each other and witnesses through their advisors.

Appeal

• If there is a violation finding, the respondent may appeal the finding/sanctions.
• If there is no violation found, the complainant may appeal the finding.

Respondent: Individual who is alleged to have been involved in an incident of prohibited conduct.

Complainant: Individual who has experienced prohibited conduct.

Witness: Anyone who may have relevant information regarding a complaint.

ART: Administrative Review Team. Consist of an investigator from Civil Rights & Title IX and a university administrator who are responsible for gathering facts and information relevant to a complaint.

Advisor: Individual who assists each party in the Title IX investigation and live hearing. Parties may select their own advisors or request an advisor be assigned to them at no cost.