A. REPORT MADE OF INCIDENT AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES OFFERED
B. INITIAL ASSESSMENT & WRITTEN COMPLAINT FILED
C. INVESTIGATION PERIOD AND FORMAL RESOLUTION
D. THE HEARINGS & PROCEDURES
E. APPEALS
This policy will apply to all organizational units within Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), and will be acknowledged and adhered to by all PBA faculty, staff, students and vendors.
This policy applies in its entirety to sexual misconduct committed by faculty, staff, students or vendor(s) against any, faculty, staff, students or vendor(s) at any University-sponsored events including any University-owned building or University-owned property or vehicles, and any building controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the University. This policy does not include sexual misconduct committed at University-sponsored study abroad or other trip activities.
This policy defines sexual misconduct and acts that constitute sexual misconduct. It provides reporting procedures and accommodations for individuals who, have experienced sexual misconduct, and hereafter are referred to as the Complainant. It outlines possible sanctions for a person found to have committed sexual misconduct.
The purpose of this policy is intended to satisfy the requirements of the Clery Act, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (the “SAVE Act”), Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 – 1688, Title 20, Education; Chapter 38, and Final Title IX Regulations of 2020 (May 6, 2020).
It is a community expectation that faculty, staff and students, and vendors of Palm Beach Atlantic University (the “University”) will neither engage in nor promote sexual activity or behavior that contradicts Biblical standards. In this regard, the University has articulated certain parameters for appropriate sexual behavior in the Community Values System section of the Navigator, (and, in particular, the section titled “Inappropriate Sexual Behavior or Activity” of the Navigator), and in similar policies found in the Faculty and Employee Handbooks. Where the content of the Sexual Misconduct Policy conflicts with other similar policies set forth in the student and/or Faculty and Employee handbooks, the requirements of this Sexual Misconduct Policy shall prevail.
Palm Beach Atlantic University is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an educational, working, and living environment that is conducive to learning and scholarship and is supportive of students and employees. Part of this commitment is fostering a campus free of Sexual Misconduct in all forms.
The University and its Title IX designees, when it has actual knowledge of actionable sexual misconduct, in an education program or activity against a member of the Palm Beach Atlantic University community, must promptly respond in a manner that is not deliberately indifferent. All University personnel, including faculty, staff, and students are obligated to report all suspected or alleged incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator who are listed under University and Off-Campus Resources in this policy.
Any student or employee reporting an incident of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking to the University will receive information regarding his or her rights and options pursuant to this policy. (See Appendix A, Statement of Rights of Parties)
This Policy supersedes any previous policies) sexual misconduct and/or retaliation under Title IX and will be reviewed and updated, as needed, by the Title IX Coordinator. The University reserves the right to make changes to this document as necessary, and once those changes are posted online, they are in effect, and shall be applicable immediately to faculty, staff and students, with or without notice.
If government laws or regulations change, or court decisions alter, the requirements in a way that impacts this document, this document will be construed to comply with the most recent government regulations or holdings.
This document does not create legally enforceable protections beyond the protection of the background state and federal laws which frame such policies and codes, generally.
If the results of the investigation indicate sexual misconduct has occurred, the University will take appropriate action. For students found to have committed sexual misconduct, such actions may include, but are not limited to, education, counseling, and loss of privileges, housing restrictions, probation, suspension, or expulsion. For faculty and staff, such actions may include, but are not limited to, education, counseling, oral and/or written warnings, probation, suspension, or termination of employment. Moreover, the University may issue no contact orders and/or no trespass orders. Both the Complainant and the (alleged) perpetrator, hereafter referred to as Respondent will be informed of the outcome of the investigation.
Regardless of whether a student or employee files a complaint of an incident of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking to law enforcement or pursues any formal action, the University is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment. Accordingly, upon request, the University will make any reasonably available change to a Complainant’s academic, living, transportation, and working situation.
The University will ensure that orders of protection issued by courts are fully upheld on all University property. For that reason, if a student or employee of the University obtains an order of protection or restraining order, he or she should promptly inform Palm Beach Atlantic University Campus Safety & Security and provide them with a copy of that order. (For more information see APPENDIX A, Resources, Support & Protective Measures).
(See APPENDIX B, PBA Title IX Process Flowchart)
Faculty, staff, and students may make a complaint of sexual misconduct to the Title
IX Coordinator a Deputy Title IX Coordinators. The Title IX Coordinator will implement
effective remedies designed to ensure it is not deliberately indifferent to sexual
misconduct or retaliation, their potential recurrence, or their effects.
At this initial meeting the Complainant is notified of the right of all parties to
have an Advisor to advise, support, and/or consult with them throughout the resolution
process; present with both parties for all meetings, interviews, and hearings within
the resolution process, if they so choose. The parties may choose Advisors from inside
or outside of the PBA community. The University will provide an advisor, if a party
desires to have an advisor and is unable to afford one.
1. Confidentiality and Retaliation
The University is committed to protecting the privacy of faculty, staff, and students
who report incidents of sexual misconduct. If the University is required to disclose
information regarding an incident, to the extent permitted by law, the University
will keep the identity of the Complainant anonymous or will redact any personal identifying
information specific to the Complainant.
2. Anonymous Reports
Because reporting carries no obligation to initiate a formal response, unless there
is a compelling threat to health and/or safety, the Complainant is largely in control
and should not fear a loss of privacy by making a report.
3. Three Options Available to a Complainant
Upon receipt of a complaint or notice of an alleged violation of the Policy, the Title
IX Coordinator will propose at least one of three following options, which are available,
to the Complainant:
a) Supportive Measures; with or without a Formal Complaint being filed; and/or
b) An Informal Resolution (upon submission of a formal complaint); and/or
c) A Formal Resolution including an investigation and a hearing (upon submission of
a formal complaint)
Supportive Measures Supportive measures may be put in place for the Complainant with
or without an Informal or Formal Complaint being filed. The University shall provide
the individual(s) with information about resources and options, available both on
and off campus; including health and mental resources and other referrals or services.
Supportive measures shall be confidential, to the extent that maintaining confidentiality
does not impair the University’s ability to provide such measures. If it appears
that the safety or security of a Complainant is in jeopardy, appropriate action will
be taken to protect the Complainant. (Additional information on supportive measures
can be found in Appendix A.)
Informal Resolution If Informal Resolution is applicable, the Title IX Coordinator
will assess whether the complaint is suitable for Informal resolution and whether
all parties are able to agree on responsibility, sanctions, and/or remedies. If so,
the Title IX Coordinator implements the accepted finding that the Respondent is in
violation of Complainant policy and implements agreed-upon sanctions and/or remedies,
in coordination with other appropriate University administrators, as necessary.
This result is not subject to appeal once all parties indicate their written assent
to all agreed upon terms of resolution. When the parties cannot agree on all terms
of resolution, the Formal Resolution will begin or resume at the same point where
it was paused.
When a resolution is accomplished, the appropriate sanction or responsive actions
are promptly implemented in order to effectively stop the sexual misconduct or retaliation,
prevent its recurrence, and/or remedy the effects of the discriminatory conduct, both
on the Complainant and the community.
Formal Resolution At the Complainant’s request, if the complaint is not resolved through
the Informal Resolution process, the complaint shall be processed according to the
Formal Resolution procedure. The Formal Resolution consist of three distinct stages:
investigation, hearing, and appeal.
The Formal Resolution Hearing must be live and both parties must be able to see each
other. Crossexamination is allowed and conducted by the parties’ advisor(s), never
by a party. The Hearing Officer will deliberate the opinion on the Respondent’s alleged
misconduct. Both parties have the right to appeal. (For more detailed information
on the Formal Resolution, see Section C – Investigation Period & Formal Resolution).
Complainant will meet with the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator(s) to discuss
the incident which occurred. Only a Complainant can file a formal complaint, which
must be written. A support person/advisor of choice may be present at all meetings
throughout the reporting process. Complaints need not be in writing initially, if
a Complainant desires to move forward with the Complaint, the Complainant will be
requested to submit, in writing, a detailed description of the alleged violation of
this policy, as well as any additional information considered relevant to an investigation.
1. Written Notice of the Investigation and Allegations to Respondent
The Written Notice of the Investigation and Allegations, hereafter referred to as
NOIA, will be provided to the Respondent upon commencement of the investigation. This
notifies the Respondent of their rights and options, including the right to an Advisor.
The NOIA is also copied to the Complainant, who is to be given advance notice of delivery
of the NOIA to the Respondent. (For a complete listing of the parties’ rights see
APPENDIX C, Statement of Rights of Parties.)
2. Respondent May Accept Responsibility at Any Time
Resolution of a complaint may occur prior to, during or as a result of an investigation,
if appropriate, if recommended by the investigator, and if acceptable to the Complainant
and the Respondent. The determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is
more likely than not (a preponderance of evidence) that the Respondent violated the
Sexual Misconduct Policy and the Palm Beach Atlantic University Student Code of Conduct.
If the Respondent indicates an intent to accept responsibility for the alleged misconduct,
the formal process will be paused, and the Title IX Coordinator will determine whether
Informal Resolution can be used.
The Title IX Coordinator will appoint an Investigator(s) and will ensure that all
Investigators and Hearing/Appeal Officers, pursuant to this policy, will conduct the
proceedings in a manner, that protects the safety of both parties and with a presumption
of innocence for both parties throughout the process till resolution has been made.
All investigators and Hearing/Appeal Officers, pursuant to this policy, will be
trained on methods for conducting an investigation and hearings, if applicable.
The Title IX Office will make a good faith effort to complete investigations as promptly
as circumstances permit and will communicate regularly with the parties and their
advisors, if any, to update them on the progress and timing of the investigation.
The investigation will afford the Respondent an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
During this period, the Complainant and the Respondent, and any other persons believed
to have information relevant to the investigation will be interviewed. Meeting notes
will be provided for confirmation. A mutual Do Not Contact expectation may be issued
to both the Respondent and Complainant. Other supportive measures may be implemented
at this time.
During this period of Investigation, the Investigators will commence a thorough, reliable,
and impartial investigation by identifying issues and developing a strategic investigation
plan, including a witness list, evidence list, intended investigation timeframe, and
order of interviews for all witnesses and the parties. All parties have a full and
fair opportunity, through the investigation process, to suggest witnesses and questions,
to provide evidence and expert witnesses, and to fully review and respond to all evidence
on the record.
Once the initial investigation phase is complete the investigator(s) in consultation
with the Title IX Coordinator will determine if the case should proceed to a Formal
Resolution Hearing.
1. Referral for Hearing Provided the complaint is not resolved through Informal Resolution,
and if sufficient evidence, the Title IX Coordinator will refer the matter for a hearing.
The hearing cannot be less than ten (10) business days from the conclusion of the
investigation, unless all parties and the Hearing Officer agree to an expedited timeline.
2. Notice of Hearing No less than ten (10) business days prior to the hearing, the
Title IX Coordinator will send notice of the hearing to the parties, and their advisors.
Once mailed, emailed, and/or received in-person, notice will be presumptively delivered.
3. Pre-Hearing Meetings The Hearing Officer may convene a pre-hearing meeting(s) with
the parties and/or their Advisors to invite them to submit the questions or topics
they (the parties and/or their Advisors) wish to discuss at the hearing, consider
arguments of evidence as relevant or not, and other pre-hearing duties.
4. Pre-Hearing Report A comprehensive investigation report will be submitted, ten
(10) business days prior to the conclusion of the investigation, fully summarizing
the investigation, all witness interviews, and addressing all relevant evidence. The
parties and their respective Advisors, if any, are provided with a secured electronic
or hard copy of the draft investigation report. The parties and their respective
Advisors will have the opportunity to inspect and review all of the evidence obtained
as part of the investigation, that is directly related to the reported misconduct,
including evidence upon which the Title IX Coordinator does not intend to rely in
reaching a determination. They will have ten (10) days to submit a meaningful response
for the consideration of the investigator.
5. Use of Electronics in Investigation and Hearings No unauthorized audio or video
recording of any kind is permitted during investigation meetings. If Investigator(s)
elect to audio and/or video record interviews, all involved parties must be made aware
of and consent to audio and/or video recording.
Hearings must be live and conducted in real time. Upon the request of either party,
the hearing may be conducted by videoconference with the parties in separate rooms.
However, at all times, all participants, including the parties, advisors, witnesses,
and Hearing Officer, must be able to see and hear each other. Remote options may
also be needed for witnesses who cannot appear in person.
Participants at the hearing will include the Hearing Officer, the Investigator(s)
who conducted the investigation, the parties (or three [3] organizational representatives
when an organization is the Respondent), Advisors to the parties, any called witnesses,
the Title IX Coordinator and anyone providing authorized accommodations or assistive
services.
At the hearing, the Hearing Officer has the authority to hear and make determinations
on all allegations of sexual misconduct and/or retaliation and may also hear and make
determinations on any additional alleged policy violations that have occurred in concert
with the sexual misconduct and/or retaliation, even though those collateral allegations
may not specifically fall within the Policy.
1. Joint Hearings In hearings involving more than one Respondent or in which two (2)
or more Complainants have accused the same individual of substantially similar conduct,
the default procedure will be to hear the allegations jointly. However, the Title
IX Coordinator may permit the investigation and/or hearings pertinent to each Respondent
to be conducted separately if there is a compelling reason to do so. In joint hearings,
separate determinations of responsibility will be made for each Respondent with respect
to each alleged policy violation.
2. Presentation of the Final Investigation Report The Investigator(s) will present
a summary of the final investigation report, including items that are contested and
those that are not, and will be subject to questioning by the Hearing Officer and
the parties (through their Advisors). The Investigator(s) will be present during the
entire hearing process, but not during deliberations.
3. Testimony and Questioning Both parties may provide relevant information in turn, beginning with the Complainant, and then in the order determined by the Hearing Officer. The parties/witnesses will submit to questioning by the Hearing Officer and then by the parties through their Advisors (“cross-examination”).
4. Notice of Outcome The Title IX Coordinator will work with the Hearing Officer to
prepare a Notice of Outcome. The Title IX Coordinator will then share the letter with
the parties simultaneously, of the final determination, rationale, and any applicable
sanction(s) with the parties and their advisors within 7 business days of receiving
the Hearing Officer’s deliberation statement.
The Notice of Outcome will articulate the specific policy(ies) reported to have been
violated, including the relevant policy section. They will contain a description
of the procedural steps taken by the Title IX Coordinator; from the receipt of the
misconduct report to the determination, including any and all notifications to the
parties, interviews with parties and witnesses, site visits, methods used to obtain
evidence, and hearings held.
The Notice of Outcome will also include information on when the results are considered
by the Title IX Coordinator to be final, any changes that occur prior to finalization,
and the relevant procedures and grounds for any available appeal options.
Notification will be made in writing and may be delivered by one or more of the following
methods: in person, mailed to the local or permanent address of the parties as indicated
in official Title IX Coordinator records, or emailed to the parties’ University-issued
email. Once mailed, emailed, and/or received in-person, notice will be presumptively
delivered.
Both parties may request an appeal to the Title IX Coordinator, of the findings and/or
sanctions within five (5) business days of delivery of the Notice of Outcome. Sanctions
are imposed immediately, even pending an appeal.
The Request for Appeal will be forwarded to the Appeal Officer for consideration to
determine if the request meets the grounds for appeal. This review is not a review
of the merits of the appeal, but solely a determination as to whether the request
meets the grounds and is timely filed.
1. Grounds for Appeal Appeals are limited to the following grounds:
All Respondents are expected to comply with the assigned sanctions, responsive actions,
and/or corrective actions within the timeframe specified by the final Hearing Officer
and/or Appeal Officer.
Failure to abide by the sanction(s)/action(s) imposed by the date specified, whether
by refusal, neglect, or any other reason, may result in additional sanction(s)/action(s),
including suspension, expulsion, and/or termination from the University and may be
noted on a student’s official transcript.
The University, in addition to local authorities and agencies, offers resources to
assist Complainant and Respondents of sexual misconduct. The following is a list of
such resources and their respective contact information.
On Campus:
Off Campus:
Ability to Confront Other Party - Complainants and Respondents are able to submit
questions for those parties to the investigators and/or hearing officers. Hearing
Officers have the responsibility to exclude or modify questions that are not necessary
to render a decision, including but not limited to questions that are unfairly prejudicial,
confusing, compound, argumentative, misleading, unnecessarily repetitive, not probative
of the disputed facts or to the determination of the case, or speak only to a party’s
character or non-relevant sexual history.
Advisors – an individual, friend, mentor, family member, attorney, or any other individual
Complainant and Respondent choose to advise, support, and/or consult with them throughout
the resolution process; present with Complainant and Respondent for all meetings,
interviews, and hearings within the resolution process, if they so choose. The parties
may choose Advisors from inside or outside of the PBA community. The University will
provide an advisor, if a party desires to have an advisor and is unable to afford
one. Advisor, should not be a witness which may create a potential for bias and conflict-of-interest.
Amnesty (For Students who Report or Participate as Witnesses) – To encourage and support the reporting of incidents of Sexual Misconduct, students
who participate as witnesses or Complainants in Sexual Misconduct investigations will
not be held accountable for violations of the Student Code that may have occurred
at the time of or as a result of the incident in question (for example, being under
the influence of alcohol or other drugs), unless the University determines that the
violation was egregious. Egregious violations include, but are not limited to, actions
that place the health or safety of another other person at risk or that involve academic
dishonesty.
Bad Faith Complaint of Sexual Misconduct – Reporting a knowingly false allegation of any kind of Sexual Misconduct or making
a knowingly false counter-complaint. A University determination that no policies were
violated following an investigation process is not, in and of itself, evidence of
a bad faith complaint.
Complainant – Individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual
misconduct.
Complaining Witness – an individual, who is a third party, reported to have witnessed the prohibited
conduct
Conduct of a sexual nature - This includes conduct that is verbal, visual, or physical. Conduct of a sexual
nature may either be explicitly sexual or may involve conduct that derives its sexual
nature from the circumstances in which the conduct occurs or when combined with other
conduct that occurs in a sexual context. Conduct does not need to express any sexual
desire or be directed to a specific person and can include conduct that attempts to
demean, control, or stereotype others on the basis of their sex.
Conflicts of interest – Palm Beach Atlantic University is committed to the rendering of fair, objective,
impartial decisions in its investigative and adjudicative processes.
The Title IX Coordinator works to identify and avoid potential bias and/or conflict
of interest in the assignment of investigator(s), hearing officers, and appeal officer(s).
At the outset of an investigation, the Title IX Coordinator will select investigator(s)
based on the parties involved, and the need to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
Complainants and Respondents may object, within two calendar days of being contacted
by the investigator(s), to their selection on the basis of bias or conflict of interest.
If a party objects, the Title IX Coordinator will evaluate whether the objection is
substantiated.
The Title IX Coordinator will remove and replace any investigator(s) the Title IX
Coordinator finds to have a conflict of interest or bias for or against any party
involved. Further, Complainants and Respondents have similar opportunities regarding
hearing and appeal officers.
Consent - Consent is knowing, voluntary, and clear permission by words or actions to engage
in sexual activity. It is the responsibility of each party to determine that the other
has consented before engaging in the activity.
Cannot be any of the following:
Sexual harassment also includes any other unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct
of a sexual nature, particularly if: a. submission to such conduct is an explicit
or implicit term or condition of employment, professional evaluation, or academic
evaluation; or b. submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis
for making employment, professional, or academic decisions; or c. such conduct has
the purpose or the effect of unreasonably interfering with the person's work or academic
performance; or d. such conduct has the purpose or the effect of creating an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive working, professional, or academic environment.
Sexual Misconduct – Any sexual behavior, attempted or completed, that goes beyond the boundaries of
consent (as defined in Title IX Section106.30). Any attempted or actual sexual act
directed against another person without consent of the Complainant, including instances
where the Complainant is incapable of giving consent; includes intimate partner violence,
sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, stalking,
discrimination, retaliation for reporting or supporting the reporting any of these
behaviors, or filing a false complaint (Bad Faith Complaint) of Sexual Misconduct.
Sexual misconduct may include any unwelcome sexual behavior and is not limited by
the gender of either the alleged Complainant or Respondent. Sexual misconduct may
include physical, verbal or written conduct.
Stalking - The term “stalking” means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific
person that would cause a reasonable person to—
suffer substantial emotional distress
Standard of Proof – The standard of proof to find a violation of University policy is a preponderance
of the evidence. Preponderance of the evidence means that a decision of responsibility
for a policy violation will be made on whether it is more likely than not that the
Respondent violated the policy based on the totality of information gathered during
the investigation.
Student – a person taking courses at or through Palm Beach Atlantic University either full-time
or part-time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies. Persons who
are not officially enrolled but who have a continuing academic relationship with the
University are considered “students.” This includes students not currently enrolled
who are making up incompletes and former students still living in University-owned
housing. This policy also applies to persons who have been accepted for admission
to the University but have not yet begun coursework.
Student Group (may also be referred to as student club, chapter, or organization) – any number of persons organized in manners including but not limited to: clubs
and organizations, athletic teams, club sports, governing bodies, societies, departmental
student organizations or committees, any other University recognized student organization,
any student organization seeking University recognition, or any student organization
not recognized or sponsored by the University.
Third Party – Any individual who is not a University student, faculty or staff member. Third
parties may be guests who enter University property, attend a University sponsored
event, or Universityoutsourced vendors.
Title IX Coordinator – the person designated by the University to coordinate the University’s efforts to
comply with its responsibilities under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Unwelcome conduct: For purposes of this policy, conduct is considered “unwelcome”
if, under the totality of the circumstances, it is 1) neither solicited nor incited,
and 2) is regarded by the Complainant as undesirable or offensive.
Witness – any person(s) who can be called upon to provide relevant information about an incident
in which they are not the Respondent or Complainant. Witnesses may be excluded from
a hearing if:
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Supportive measures are available regardless of whether or not the complainant chooses to report full details (such as the name of the respondent) to the University or to law enforcement. Supportive measures shall be confidential, to the extent that maintaining confidentiality does not impair the University’s ability to provide such measures.
Supportive measures for students – The University shall provide supportive measures (temporary and/or ongoing) as reasonably available. Students who are complainants, respondents, and witnesses may make requests for supportive measures to the Title IX Coordinator, who will help identify all available options and determine which measures to take to support the student. Supportive measures for students may include, but not be limited to, the following options:
Supportive Measures for Students, where applicable:
Supportive measures for employees - For employees, where applicable, supportive measures may include, but not be limited to:
● The right to an equitable investigation and resolution of all credible allegations
of prohibited harassment or retaliation made in good faith by Title IX officials.
● The right to timely written notice of all alleged violations, including the identity
of the parties involved (if known), the precise misconduct being alleged, the date
and location of the alleged misconduct (if known), the implicated policies and procedures,
and possible sanctions.
● The right to timely written notice of any material adjustments to the allegations
(e.g., additional incidents or allegations, unsubstantiated allegations) and any attendant
adjustments needed to clarify potentially implicated policy violations.
● The right to be informed in advance of any public release of information regarding
the allegation(s) or underlying incident(s), whenever possible.
● The right not to have any personally identifiable information released to the public
without consent provided, except to the extent permitted by law.
● The right to be treated with respect by Title IX officials.
● The right to have University policies and procedures followed without material deviation.
● The right not to be pressured to mediate or otherwise informally resolve any reported
misconduct involving violence, including sexual violence.
● The right not to be discouraged by University officials from reporting sexual misconduct
or retaliation to both on-campus and off-campus authorities.
● The right to be informed by University officials of options to notify proper law
enforcement authorities, including on-campus and local police, and the option(s) to
be assisted by Title IX authorities in notifying such authorities, if the party so
chooses. This also includes the right not to be pressured to report, as well.
● The right to have allegations of violations of this Policy responded to promptly
and with sensitivity by University law enforcement and/or other Title IX officials.
● The right to be informed of available interim actions and supportive measures, such
as counseling; advocacy; health care; student financial aid; or other services, both
on campus and in the community.
● The right to a University-implemented no-contact order, or a no-trespass order against
a non-affiliated third party, when a person has engaged in or threatens to engage
in stalking, threatening, harassing, or other improper conduct.
● The right to have the University to maintain such actions for as long as necessary
and for supportive measures to remain private, provided privacy does not impair the
University’s ability to provide the supportive measures.
● The right to receive sufficiently advanced, written notice of any meeting or interview
involving the other party, when possible.
● The right to ask the Investigator(s) and Hearing Officer to identify and question
relevant witnesses, including expert witnesses.
● The right to provide the Investigator(s)/Hearing Officer with a list of questions
that, if deemed relevant by the Investigator(s)/Hearing Officer, may be asked of any
party or witness. The right to have inadmissible prior sexual history or irrelevant
character evidence excluded by the decision-maker. ● ● The right to know the relevant
and directly related evidence obtained and to respond to that evidence.
● The right to fair opportunity to provide the Investigator(s) with their account
of the alleged misconduct and have that account be on the record.
● The right to receive a copy of the investigation report, including all factual,
policy, and/or credibility analyses performed, and all relevant and directly related
evidence available and used to produce the investigation report, subject to the privacy
limitations imposed by state and federal law, prior to the hearing, and the right
to have at least ten (10) business days to review the report prior to the hearing.
● The right to respond to the investigation report, including comments providing any
additional relevant evidence after the opportunity to review the investigation report,
and to have that response on the record.
● The right to be informed of the names of all witnesses whose information will be
used to make a finding, in advance of that finding, when relevant.
● The right to regular updates on the status of the investigation and/or resolution.
● The right to have reports of alleged Policy violations addressed by Investigators,
Title IX Coordinators, and Hearing Officer who have received relevant annual training.
● The right to preservation of privacy, to the extent possible and permitted by law.
● The right to meetings, interviews, and/or hearings that are closed to the public.
● The right to petition that any University representative in the process be recused
on the basis of disqualifying bias and/or conflict of interest.
● The right to have an Advisor of their choice to accompany and assist the party in
all meetings and/or interviews associated with the resolution process.
● The right to the use of the appropriate standard of evidence, [preponderance of
the evidence] to make a finding after an objective evaluation of all relevant evidence.
● The right to be present, including presence via remote technology, during all testimony
given and evidence presented during any formal grievance hearing.
● The right to have an impact statement considered by the Hearing Officer following
a determination of responsibility for any allegation, but prior to sanctioning.
● The right to be promptly informed in a written Notice of Outcome letter of the finding(s)
and sanction(s) of the resolution process and a detailed rationale of the decision
(including an explanation of how credibility was assessed), delivered simultaneously
(without undue delay) to the parties.
● The right to be informed in writing of when a decision by the Title IX Coordinator
is considered final and any changes to the sanction(s) that occur before the decision
is finalized.
● The right to be informed of the opportunity to appeal the finding(s) and sanction(s)
of the resolution process, and the procedures for doing so in accordance with the
standards for appeal established by the University.
● The right to a fundamentally fair resolution as defined in these procedures.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY
Issued (Originating Date): October 1, 2014
Last Revised: June 13, 2018
Revised: August 14, 2020
Responsible University Office: Human Resources