It's important to know your rights and understand what occurs once a formal complaint is filed.
Complaints filed with the Title IX office are typically resolved within 60 working days. That time may be extended due to parallel criminal investigations, police inquiries, school breaks or other events necessary to ensure a fair, complete and thorough investigation.
When a formal complaint is filed, the Title IX coordinator conducts an initial assessment to determine the best way to bring about a resolution of the complaint. There are normally two forms of complaint resolution: early resolution and formal investigation.
Characteristics of an Early Resolution
An early resolution can provide a wide range of measures to address an incident’s effects, resolve a complaint and prevent the incident from reoccurring. Within the early resolution process, circumstances may require a simple investigation before potential remedies are put in place.
Possible remedies include:
• Having no future contact with the person against whom the complainant files
• Attending sexual harassment prevention courses
• Attending alcohol education courses
• Attending counseling
• Terminating the alleged behavior
• Disciplinary sanctions
Characteristics of a Formal Complaint
A formal complaint includes:
→ Investigation
This is conducted by either an internal or external investigator or investigator team. The investigators speak to all involved parties and any witnesses.
Investigators also consider all relevant evidence, such as text messages and pictures.
→ Determination of Outcome
If the investigator finds that there was a violation of the school's policy, depending on the circumstances, the Title IX coordinator will recommend that the case be forwarded to a decision maker for the potential initiation of disciplinary sanctions or further investigation.