Important Information to Remember About Title IX
When it comes to Title IX there are few things you need to know about the process and what to expect.
Making a Report or Formal Complaint
Learn the difference between a report and a formal complaint, how the process works, and about your right for an advisor.
A report is a communication to the Title IX Coordinator notifying her of an allegation of sexual harassment, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, or sexual misconduct.
A formal complaint is a signed document from a complainant to the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, or sexual misconduct against a respondent and requesting that the University investigate the allegation.
Filing a report
Community members who believe they have, or believe someone they know has, experienced a potential policy violation may submit a report in writing, in person, by mail, by telephone, by electronic mail, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the report.Filing a complaint
Individuals who believe they have experienced a Title IX or Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy violation may file a formal complaint with the EORC Office requesting an investigation into an alleged policy violation- Individuals can file a formal complaint without meeting with the Title IX Coordinator in person, so long as the complaint: (i) contains the complainant’s physical or digital signature or otherwise indicates that the complainant is the person filing the formal complaint, (ii) alleges sexual harassment against the respondent, and (iii) requests that the University investigate the allegations.
- A complainant is an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.
- A complainant generally has the option to decide whether they would like the University to conduct an investigation into the allegations of interpersonal violence or sexual misconduct.
- A respondent is an individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.
- If a complainant files a formal complaint with the University alleging a violation of the Title IX Policy or Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy, they can withdraw the formal complaint at a later time if they decide to do so.
The complainant and the respondent have the right to have an advisor of their choice, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney, present throughout the entire grievance process.
- At any time during the Title IX or Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct grievance process, both parties may choose their own advisors or may request that the University provide them an advisor at no cost or fee.
- (i) accompany the party to any meeting or proceeding during the grievance process;
- (ii) assist the party with the gathering of evidence during an investigation;
- (iii) assist the party with inspecting and reviewing evidence gathered by the Investigator(s); (iv) be asked by the respective party to assist in making meaningful written responses to the information gathered throughout the investigative process;
- (v) attend the live hearing and make an opening statement and closing argument, as well as conduct cross-examination, orally and in real time; and
- (vi) be asked by the respective party to assist in submitting a written statement in support of, or challenging, the outcome of the live hearing, if necessary.
Understanding Amnesty and Protections Against Retaliation
Learn about amnesty for drug and alchohol use and how reporting students are protected from retaliation.
To encourage University community members to timely seek medical care and to promptly report allegations of sexual harassment and other prohibited conduct, the University offers amnesty to those individuals who the EORC Office learns has voluntarily consumed alcohol or other drugs relating to the alleged incident under investigation.
- Students who have consumed or possessed alcohol or drugs during the circumstances related to or involving the incident alleged in a Title IX or Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct report or formal complaint will not face conduct proceedings nor be otherwise sanctioned for such conduct under the University’s drug and alcohol policies.
Retaliation against an individual who initiates a Title IX or Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct report or formal complaint, participates in an investigation, or pursues legal action, is prohibited.
- Intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination, including charges against an individual for code of conduct violations that do not involve sex discrimination or sexual harassment, but arise out of the same facts or circumstances as a report or complaint of sex discrimination, or a report or formal complaint of sexual harassment, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by the University’s Title IX or Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct, constitutes retaliation.