Title IX and Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Grievance Process

Receipt of a Report or Formal Complaint

If the Equal Opportunity & Regulatory Compliance (EORC) Office receives a report or formal complaint alleging sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or interpersonal violence, a staff member from that office will reach out to the complainant (an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment) to discuss the availability of supportive measures, and inform the complainant of the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a formal complaint. A staff member from the EORC Office will also explain the process for filing a formal complaint if one has not been filed already.

Filing a Formal Complaint

A formal complaint is a document alleging sexual harassment against a respondent (an individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment) and requesting that the University investigate the allegation of sexual harassment.

If an individual decides to file a formal complaint with the University’s EORC Office, upon receipt of a formal complaint, the EORC Office will provide written notice to the parties of the allegations contained in the complaint, along with notice of the University’s grievance procedures. An EORC Investigator will then promptly begin an investigation into the allegations contained in the formal complaint.

The Investigation

The Investigator will attempt to interview the complainant and the respondent of the alleged incident. Additionally, the Investigator will request from both parties any information and evidence that is directly related to the allegations under investigation, including the names of potential witnesses to interview. Both parties will also have the ability to discuss the allegations under investigation with the Investigator and to gather and present relevant evidence.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the Investigator will make an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence. The report will not contain findings of fact as to whether a University policy violation did or did not occur but will instead contain a summary of the investigation and all relevant documents submitted by the parties and potential witnesses.

Resolution of a Formal Complaint

The parties to a Title IX or Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct case may be able to reach a resolution through an informal resolution process, called mediation. If the parties are unable reach an agreement through mediation, the matter will be resolved by the University’s designated Independent Decision-Maker through a live hearing. After the live hearing, the Independent Decision-Maker will create a written determination regarding the respondent’s responsibility.

Depending upon the facts and circumstances of a particular Title IX Policy or Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy violation, sanctions resulting from a finding of responsibility may range from a verbal reprimand to expulsion from the University. Sanctions are enforced immediately upon determination of the violation.

More information about how the University will respond after receiving a report or formal complaint can be found in the Title IX Policy or the Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy.