Informal Resolution Process

Purpose

The informal process is an opportunity to resolve an informal complaint through awareness, education, and/or a facilitated discussion.  Informal resolution may be requested by either party, or recommended by the Title IX Coordinator, at any time during the resolution process; however, if the allegations are determined to potentially violate Federal Title IX Policy, a written, signed, and dated Formal Complaint must be filed before pursuing an informal resolution. When pursuing informal resolution, the Title IX Coordinator will provide written notice of all the allegations, explain that each party retains the ability to withdraw from the informal process and return to the formal process at any time before agreeing to a resolution, and explain any consequences from participating in the informal process including what records will be kept or shared.  To move forward to attempt an informal resolution, the parties must provide their written, informed, and voluntary consent. 

If these conditions are met and the parties wish to attempt an informal resolution, then the Title IX Coordinator will facilitate the informal resolution. During an informal process, written statements are not taken from the Complainant or the Respondent, no investigation is conducted, and no hearing is held.  As such, there will not be a finding of responsibility for a violation, nor will there be disciplinary sanctions levied against a Respondent; however, there could be requirements of certain behavior or the undertaking of certain acts required as a part of the informal resolution of the matter.

Step 1: Facilitate Resolution

This process utilizes the information gathered during the preliminary inquiry or investigation to facilitate an appropriate resolution to the informal complaint.  The following are examples of possible options, one or more of which may be used to bring resolution to an informal complaint.

Potential Informal Actions:

• Distribute a copy of the Sexual Misconduct Policy as a reminder to the person, group, or area where behavior is being questioned;
• Educate all parties regarding the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy;
• Advise the person(s) how to communicate the unwelcome nature of the behavior to the alleged harasser;
• Conduct a sexual misconduct educational workshop for the designated group or department;
• Meet with the Respondent to raise awareness about alleged inappropriate behavior and provide notice about possible College consequences;
• Facilitate a discussion among all the parties involved, if all parties agree to do so;
• Institute alternative work/ living arrangements, class schedule, advisor/supervisor arrangements; or
• Limit contact or impose a no-contact order between the Complainant and Respondent.

Step 2: Document Informal Resolution

At the conclusion of the informal process, a letter summarizing the outcome(s) of the process will be sent by the College official leading the process to the Complainant and Respondent and other appropriate College officials to bring closure to the matter (see Retention of Documents section in this Policy).

If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the parties utilizing the informal process, or the College determines the matter should be resolved through the formal process, the Complainant, the Respondent, or the College may pursue the formal process.  In such an instance, the Complainant, the Respondent, or the College may pursue the formal process within five (5) business days of the date on the informal outcome letter.