The College is committed to prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints of sexual discrimination, including sexual violence, by fellow students through the Discipline Program Procedure. The Title IX Coordinator will monitor the administration of the Discipline Program Procedure to ensure prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint. Other complaints of sexual discrimination (i.e., complaints against College employees) will be investigated and resolved by trained administrators with oversight by the Title IX Coordinator. In addition to the resolution procedures, when a student alleges sexual harassment or assault, the Title IX Coordinator will promptly meet with the student to explain:
- the investigation process, including the importance of treating both parties equitably, and that the complainant and alleged perpetrator will receive written notice of the outcome of the complaint;
- assurance that the College will take steps to prevent recurrence of any sexual violence and remedy discriminatory effects on the complainant and others, if appropriate;
- the College’s resolution procedures, making clear that students are not required to work out issues directly with each other and that mediation is not used in sexual assault cases;
- counseling services available either on or off campus;
- possible academic accommodations; and
- that the College prohibits and will protect complainants from retaliation.
In sexual assault cases, the Title IX Coordinator will urge the student to seek medical attention. The Coordinator will also advise the student of the right to file a criminal complaint as well as to use the College’s Student Conduct and Discipline Program. In addition, the Coordinator will explain any legal requirement or school policy to notify police of the alleged assault.
The College has a duty to investigate even if the complainant asks that it not do so. If the complainant requests anonymity, the Title IX Coordinator will remind the complainant that he or she will be protected from retaliation, and explain that anonymity may limit the College’s ability to respond. Furthermore, the Coordinator will assure the complainant that the investigation will be discreet and only disclosed on a “need to know” basis. In deciding how to proceed, the Title IX Coordinator will weigh the complainant’s anonymity request against the alleged perpetrator’s potential danger to other students. In addition, the Coordinator will determine whether interim protective actions are necessary, such as issuing a “no contact” directive. The Coordinator will follow the initial meeting with a letter to the student reviewing the options and resources and requesting a signed acknowledgment of receipt as well as a written statement indicating the course of action the student wishes to pursue.
For more information, please see section 2 of our policies and procedure manual, AFA (Local) – Title IX: ProhibitedDiscrimination and Harassment.