Individuals making reports of discrimination or sexual misconduct generally have the options of supportive referral to other university offices or programs, alternative resolution, formal resolution, and/or referrals to available resources outside the University when appropriate. All resolution processes will be one that is fair and efficient.

Alternative or Informal resolution options are encouraged when:

• Both parties desire to resolve the situation willingly,
• When inappropriate behavior does not rise to the level of violation of university policy,
• The behavior of concern is not adversely affecting the workplace or educational environment.
• The parties and the Title IX Coordinator agree that an appropriate amount of information has been gathered in order to determine what happened, the discrimination based on sex (if any) has ended, and the effects of discrimination based on sex, (if any) have been appropriately addressed.

Some reports of discrimination or sexual misconduct may not be appropriate for alternative resolution, but may require a formal investigation at the discretion of the Title IX Coordinator.

A formal resolution process will be utilized for all grievances of sex discrimination that are not resolved through the informal/alternative resolution process. The specifics of this process will depend upon the status of the person that is the subject of the grievance. When the status of such person is a student, further information may be found in the Student Code of Conduct hearing procedures. When the status of such person is an employee, further information may be found in Human Resources policies. When the status of such person is a faculty, further information may be found in the faculty bylaws.

Formal resolution will occur when:

• The parties involved do not wish to engage in alternative resolution,
• Informal resolution is not appropriate, or
• Attempts at alternative/informal resolution are unsuccessful.

Formal resolution will include, at a minimum, the following:

• Notice of Allegation and Hearing
• Hearing Procedures
• Standard for Findings
• Resolutions
• Notifications of Decision and Appeal Options

For more information on the formal grievance process please refer to the Title IX policy.