Alternative Resolution at the University

This resolution option is a voluntarily agreement by the parties prior to participating in a formal hearing. It may or may not include admission of responsibility by a party. The goal of an Alternative Resolution is to find a path where a harmed party feels heard and that the misconduct is appropriately addressed, and where the accused party has an opportunity to engage in education about the misconduct and agree not to repeat the behavior. Parties may withdraw from the Alternative Resolution process and proceed with a formal hearing at any time.

Generally, Alternative Resolutions may include forms of educational intervention or experience for the responding party; agreeing upon measures to reduce possible interactions; and/or programming or training for a group (department, student organization, residence hall, et cetera).  In cases involving student respondents, the parties may also agree to resolve a matter through the Administrative Resolution Process in the Word. 

Additional examples could include:

Educational Intervention

• No Contact Agreement
• Educational outcomes including conversation with respondent and/or reflective paper or project
• Mandatory training
• Written apology
• Written or verbal warning
• Mental health and/or substance use assessment and recommended follow up
• Community service

Restrictions

• Restrictions/limitations on access to campus programs or activities
• Restrictions/limitations on access to campus property
• Changes to university housing
• Change of class section or to academic schedule
• Relocation of office
• Restriction/limitation attending certain Carnegie Mellon programs and events
• Voluntary Leave from campus