Filing a Formal Complaint

A Complainant who wishes to pursue a formal resolution must begin by filing a Formal Complaint with the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX. Filing a Formal Complaint will initiate an investigation, but the university may also initiate an investigation based on an Overriding Community Interest even without a formal request from the Complainant.

A report can be filed through written or oral communication. A Complainant may use a Report form or contact the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX directly in person, by mail, or by email with submission of a Formal Complaint Form [PDF]. The Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX may also initiate an investigation without a direct complaint from the impacted party if necessary for the safety and wellbeing of the university community.

Notice of Allegations (NOA)

Once a Formal Complaint is filed, the Respondent will receive a Notice of Allegations (NOA) from the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX. This notice will include:

• Details of the allegations, including the identity of the parties involved (if known).

• Supportive measures available to both parties.

• Rights and responsibilities of both the Complainant and the Respondent throughout the investigation process.

The NOA may be updated if new allegations come to light during the course of the investigation.

Advisors for Complainant and Respondent

Both the Complainant and Respondent have the right to select an Advisor of their choice to support them throughout the investigation process. The Advisor may accompany the party to any related meetings or hearings and may provide assistance, but they cannot interfere with the investigation.

Dismissal of Formal Complaint

In certain situations, a Formal Complaint may be dismissed by the university. These situations include:

• When the Respondent is not affiliated with the university, making it outside of the institution's jurisdiction.

• If the Complainant requests withdrawal of the complaint, and the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX deems it appropriate to honor this request.

• When there is insufficient evidence to proceed with an investigation.

Dismissal of a Formal Complaint does not prevent the university from offering supportive measures or referring the matter to other appropriate processes.

Investigation Process

If a Formal Complaint proceeds, an investigation will be conducted by trained staff from the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX. The investigation process includes:

• Initial Intake and Assessment: The impacted party will have an intake meeting with a representative from the IEX Office to gather information and discuss potential steps forward.

• Formal Investigation: This involves collecting evidence, interviewing the Complainant, Respondent, and witnesses, and compiling an investigative report. All individuals involved have the opportunity to share information and suggest witnesses.

• Final Report: Both parties will be given access to the draft investigative report and will have the opportunity to respond before the final report is completed. The finalized report is then reviewed by the appropriate university officials for resolution.

For more information, please refer to our Investigation and Resolution Page.