- There is new evidence, unknown or unavailable during the investigation, that could substantially impact the finding or sanction. A summary of this new evidence and its potential impact upon the investigation must be included in the appeal.
- The sanctions imposed are substantially disproportionate to the severity of the violation.
- The original finding and sanction/responsive actions will stand if the appeal is not timely or is not based on the grounds listed above, and such a finding and sanction/responsive action(s) are final. When a party requests an appeal, the other party (parties) will be notified and given an opportunity to respond.
- For students: In cases involving student conduct, a person designated by the Dean of Students will review the appeal request(s).
For employees: In cases involving employee conduct, a person designated by the President will review the appeal request(s).
- Where the designee finds that at least one of the grounds is met, and proceeds with the appeal, additional principles governing the hearing of appeals include the following:
- The original decision will only be changed when there is a compelling justification to do so. Interim and/or protective actions will be imposed and/or continued as appropriate.
- Appeals are not intended to be full re-hearings of the complaint. Appeals are confined to a review of the written documentation or record of the original hearing and pertinent documentation regarding the grounds for appeal.
- The designee will render a decision within ten business days to the Title IX Coordinator who with the assistance of the designee will provide written notice of the appeal to all parties in a timely manner from the date of the appeal review.
- All parties should be informed of whether the grounds for an appeal are accepted and the results of the appeal decision.
- Once an appeal is decided, the outcome is final: further appeals are not permitted under this policy.