III. Retaliation

The University seeks to create an environment where its students and employees are free, without fear of reprisal, to use its procedures to determine if there has been a violation of their civil rights. Any act of retaliation will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Retaliation is defined as any adverse action taken against a person participating in a protected activity because of their participation in that protected activity. Retaliation against an individual for alleging a violation of their civil rights, supporting a complainant, or for assisting in providing information relevant to a claim, is a serious violation of this policy. Acts of alleged retaliation should be reported immediately to the Title IX Coordinator.

IV. Following the Report Filed

All initial contacts will be treated with the maximum possible privacy: specific information on any complaint received by any party will be reported to the Title IX Coordinator, but, subject to the University's obligation to investigate and redress violations, every reasonable effort will be made to maintain the privacy of all those involved. In all cases, the University will give consideration to the complainant with respect to how the complaint is pursued but reserves the right, when necessary to protect the community, to investigate and pursue a resolution when a complainant chooses not to initiate or participate in a formal complaint. From the time of the initial complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will make every effort to resolve within 60 days.

A. Role of the Title IX Coordinator and/or designee

The Title IX Coordinator is charged with coordinating the University's response to reports of misconduct under this policy and federal guidelines provided by OCR. At times, a trained designee will be appointed to further investigate complaints filed. The role of the Title IX Coordinator or designee is a complex role that:

1. Works to ensure a fair and neutral process for all parties consistent with the University's policies;
2. Explains options for resolution, both formal and informal to both parties;
3. Communicates the provisions for confidentiality;
4. Provides both parties information on options for obtaining victim advocacy, medical and counseling & mental health services, legal assistance, visa & immigration assistance, student financial aid, and other remedial accommodations available;
5. Assists with making criminal reports;
6. Coordinates with other campus officials to take appropriate interim actions such as no contact orders, academic accommodations, and rearrangement of housing, dining, and work assignments.

Remedial Accommodations:

Several remedial accommodations are available to the complainant in writing, including but not limited to, classroom accommodations, no contact orders, no trespass orders, counseling services, residential living accommodations, and/or other accommodations that can help create an increased feeling of safety.

In addition, if the University feels that the respondent is a continued threat on our campus, the University has the right to impose temporary suspension until resolution of the investigation.

B. Federal Timely Warning Obligations

Complainants of sexual misconduct should be aware that University administrators must issue crime alerts for incidents reported to them that represent a serious or continuing threat to students or employees. Should University administrators judge that a crime alert is warranted, the University will withhold a victim's name and other identifying information while providing enough information for community members to make safety decisions in light of the potential danger.

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