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University Process

Know that the University is required to follow up on all incidents of relationship violence and/or sexual assault and may investigate to support the University's efforts to provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment for all students. Most University faculty and staff must reports incidents of relationship violence and/or sexual assault to the University's Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA) for investigation. The survivor determines his/her level of involvement in this process. The Relationship Violence staff and counselors are not required to report.

Reporting Process

The following process will be followed when the university receives information on an allegation of relationship violence and/or sexual assault:

  1. When the University becomes aware of an alleged sexual misconduct or relationship violence incident the University will provide the individual who allegedly experienced this incident, (Reporting Party) or the person who brought the incident forward, with information regarding support services and reporting avenues.
  2. The allegation will be reviewed by appropriate University officials to determine the next steps and assess whether any interim action is necessary. The Reporting Party will be offered the opportunity to participate in the review and investigation process. If the Reporting Party does not respond to the University's request for participation, or requests that the complaint not be pursued, the University will review the request and all information available. The University will make a determination regarding the need to investigate further by balancing the Reporting Party's interests and the University's commitment to supporting a Reporting Party driven process, with the University's equally strong commitment to ensuring a safe community. The University may proceed with investigation without a Reporting Party's involvement, although the University's response may be severely limited.
  3. The University's investigation procedures will ensure that the allegation of sexual misconduct / relationship violence is handled promptly and effectively in a manner that is procedurally fair to all parties. Both parties will be given an opportunity to provide input and information during the investigation process. After the investigation is concluded, the Investigator will report both to OEOEA (in regards to potential violation(s) of Title IX) and Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (in regards to possible violation(s) of the Code of Student Conduct).
  4. Based on the investigative report, if either office has sufficient information to believe a violation occurred, a Charge letter will be issued.
  5. For specific procedures related to an informal resolution meeting and/or hearing please reference the following:
    1. Code of Student Conduct for all procedures related to Code Charges.
    2. OEOA policies  and procedures related to alleged violations of the Equal Opportunity/Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy Title IX (Code Section V.b.5).
  6. Sanctions and interventions are issued when a student is found responsible for a Code violation. Sanctions are designed to eliminate the misconduct, prevent its recurrence, educate the student, and remedy its effects. Some behavior is so harmful to the University community or so detrimental to the educational environment that it may require removal from University activities or the University.
  7. Appeals may be filed by either part for any of the following reasons:
    1. Proper procedures were not followed
    2. Unsupported conclusion
    3. The sanction/intervention was insufficient or excessive relative to the violation
    4. There is new information that was not reasonably available at the time of the investigation

Appeals

Title IX (Code Charge V.b.5) violations only are appealed to the President:

Any other Code violation and/or all sanctions are appealable to the Student Appeals Board:

2023-10-12T13:15:48.926111827-07:00 2023