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Informal Resolution (IR)<\/strong> is a voluntary, alternative process to resolve certain Title IX matters before a determination regarding responsibility<\/strong> is made. It is available only when both<\/em> parties voluntarily agree<\/strong> to participate. Parties may request IR at any time prior to a determination<\/strong> in the case.<\/p>\n\n
Eligibility and limits.<\/strong> The University does not<\/strong> offer Informal Resolution to resolve allegations that an employee sexually harassed a student<\/strong>. IR will never be required as a condition of enrollment, employment, or participation in any program or activity.<\/p>\nNotice and consent (required by federal regulations).<\/strong> Before IR begins, the Title IX Office will provide written notice<\/strong> describing: (1) the allegations; (2) the requirements<\/strong> of the IR process, including any circumstances under which IR would preclude resuming the formal grievance process; (3) that either party may withdraw from IR at any time before agreeing to a resolution<\/strong> and resume the formal process; and (4) the records<\/strong> that will be maintained or could be shared. Each party must then provide voluntary, written consent<\/strong> to participate in IR.<\/p>\nProcess and outcome.<\/strong> If both parties agree to use IR, the Title IX Office will work with the parties to explore resolution options. Any agreed\u2011upon terms will be reduced to writing and signed by the parties.<\/strong> If either party chooses to withdraw<\/strong> from IR before signing a final agreement, the case returns to the formal grievance process<\/strong>.<\/p>\nAdvisors and support.<\/strong> Parties may consult with and be accompanied by an advisor of their choice<\/strong> throughout IR. The Title IX Office remains available for supportive measures and referrals regardless of outcome.<\/p>\nRecordkeeping.<\/strong> The University maintains Informal Resolution records (including signed agreements) for seven years<\/strong>, consistent with Title IX recordkeeping requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n Formal Resolution\n <\/div>\n\n
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Formal Resolution addresses reports of Title IX sexual harassment and certain sex\u2011discrimination matters through a prompt, fair, and impartial process that includes investigation, a live hearing (for Title IX sexual harassment)<\/strong>, a written determination, and appeal.<\/p>\n\n
\nFormal Complaint Filed<\/strong>Formal Complaint<\/strong> is filed with the Title IX Office.<\/li>\nNotice of Investigation and Allegations<\/strong>Investigator<\/strong> is assigned.<\/li>\nInformation\u2011Gathering (Investigation)<\/strong>Evidence Review (10\u2011day window)<\/strong>all directly related evidence<\/strong>\u00a0for inspection\/review and has\u00a0at least 10 days<\/strong> to submit a written response.<\/li>\nInvestigation Report (10\u2011day window)<\/strong>investigation report at least 10 days<\/strong> before any hearing or determination, with the opportunity to respond.<\/li>\nDismissal Review<\/strong>mandatory dismissal<\/strong> (e.g., alleged conduct would not constitute Title IX sexual harassment even if proven or is outside jurisdiction) or permissive dismissal<\/strong> (e.g., complainant withdraws), or whether it should proceed to a hearing. Parties receive notice and may appeal a dismissal<\/strong>.<\/li>\nPre\u2011Hearing Conference (for Title IX sexual harassment)<\/strong>Live Hearing & Determination<\/strong>live hearing is required<\/strong>. The Decision\u2011Maker\/Review Panel evaluates relevance, permits advisor\u2011conducted cross\u2011examination, and applies the preponderance of the evidence<\/strong> standard. A written determination<\/strong> (including findings, rationale, sanctions, if any, and remedies) is issued to both parties.<\/li>\nAppeal<\/strong>grounds permitted by policy<\/strong> (e.g., procedural irregularity, new evidence, bias\/conflict). An Appeal Officer reviews submissions and issues a final decision<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nSupport Throughout.<\/strong> The Title IX Office remains available for supportive measures, resources, and questions for all parties throughout the process and regardless of outcome.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
Anonymous Reports or When a Complainant Does Not Wish to Pursue an Investigation<\/h2>\n promptly, effectively, and in a manner that is not deliberately indifferent<\/strong> once it has actual knowledge<\/strong> of conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or Title IX sexual harassment.<\/p>\n\n
Below is how the University evaluates and responds to such requests.<\/p>\n
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Confidentiality and Anonymity<\/h3>\n\nAnonymity cannot be guaranteed when disciplinary or safety actions are taken.<\/strong> If the University must implement measures such as a No\u2011Contact Order, safety intervention, or disciplinary action, the Respondent must receive notice of the Complainant\u2019s identity.<\/li>\nConfidentiality is always respected to the extent possible<\/strong>, but it is not absolute. University officials may need to share limited information with personnel who have a legitimate need to know in order to respond appropriately.<\/li>\nAnonymous or third\u2011party reports still trigger University response obligations.<\/strong> Under the 2020 regulations, schools must respond promptly, even to anonymous reports, if they have actual knowledge of alleged Title IX sexual harassment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n