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Title IX Student Conduct Process

Each case is different and needs to be handled with care, but here are the typical steps that are followed in a Title IX student conduct process:

  • The dean of students, who is a deputy Title IX coordinator, is notified.
  • The complainant is assigned an administrative support person to assist them in receiving assistance and understanding the process and available resources.
  • The Department of Public Safety investigates the incident and may interview the complainant, the respondent, and any possible witnesses, and may ask for a written statement from the complainant and the respondent.
  • The complainant decides whether they want to make a formal complaint.
  • If a formal complaint is made, the report goes to the dean of students (or the dean’s designee), and a case should take no more than 60 days.
  • The respondent is assigned an administrative support person to assist him or her in receiving assistance and understanding the process and available resources.
  • A written notice is sent to both the complainant and the respondent informing them that the student conduct process is underway.
  • Once the conduct process begins, the complainant and the respondent are each entitled to have one advisor of their choice accompany them (but not participate in any way) in the conduct process meetings and proceedings.
  • The complainant and respondent are offered the opportunity to review the case file.
  • The complainant is interviewed by the dean of students (or the dean’s designee).
  • The respondent is interviewed by the dean of students (or the dean’s designee), usually during their conduct hearing.
  • Relevant witnesses are interviewed.
  • A second complainant interview is conducted by the dean of students (or the dean’s designee).
  • A second respondent interview is conducted by the dean of students (or the dean’s designee), usually during their conduct hearing.
  • Additional interviews are conducted as needed by the dean of students (or the dean’s designee).
  • A decision as to whether the University’s Code of Conduct, University Regulations, and/or Office of Residential Life policies have been violated is made based on a preponderance of evidence.
  • If violations have been determined to have occurred, appropriate sanctions are issued.
  • Both the complainant and the respondent are entitled to make an impact statement to the dean of students (or the dean’s designee) at the time of sanctioning and, in any case, at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting to provide notification to the complainant and respondent as to the outcome of the conduct process.
  • Written notification of a decision is given simultaneously to both parties.
  • Complainants and respondents are given the opportunity to appeal the decision before a panel.

It should be clearly understood that a complainant of sexual offense, stalking, or domestic or dating violence always has legal recourse outside the University. If civil or criminal proceedings are filed, the University reserves the right to conduct its own investigation and proceedings notwithstanding the status or resolution of any civil or criminal proceedings.