This document supplements the Sexual Harassment policy, but to the extent there is a conflict, the Sexual Harassment policy will govern.
Advisor(s) of Choice
An Advisor of Choice is a person chosen by the Complainant or Respondent to conduct cross-examination of the other party and any witnesses by asking relevant and follow-up questions, including those challenging credibility, at the live hearing on behalf of that party. The College will provide an advisor free of charge for only that purpose if the party does not have one and makes such a request. The cross-examination must be conducted directly, orally, and in real time by the party's advisor. The advisor must abide by the directions provided by the decision-maker and any rules of decorum. Appellate Officer(s)
The Appellate Officer (AO) is the person to whom an appeal of the outcome following a live hearing from either party is submitted. The AO has the authority to review the findings of fact, conclusions and rationale for each finding and decide the outcome of appeal(s). The AO’s decision is final. The AO would not have served in any other role within the process for the case at hand; they may not be the Title IX Coordinator, Decision-maker, Advisor, or Investigator.
Hearing Chair
The Hearing Chair (also Decision Maker) oversees the live hearing process and determines if a question or evidence is relevant. To be relevant, the information must make a fact of consequence to the allegations in the Formal Complaint more or less likely to be true than not true. The Hearing Chair focuses on evidence pertinent to proving or disproving the allegations under the College's policy and applying the appropriate standard of evidence. The individual in this role must treat each party equitably. Following the hearing, the Hearing Chair develops and distributes the written determination. Employees
It is the responsibility of employees to review this policy and comply with it. College employees who are not Mandatory Reporters are encouraged, but are not required to, forward reports of Sexual Harassment to the Title IX Coordinator.
FacilitatorThe person assigned to work with both parties through the informal resolution process. Investigating Officer(s)
The Investigating Officer (IO) seeks information and relevant inculpatory and exculpatory evidence relative to the Formal Complaint. The IO interviews the parties and witnesses, reviews records and may conduct other searches and interviews with the purpose of determining relevant evidence. All information is analyzed and compiled in a report then shared with the parties involved. Mandatory Reporters
The College President, Vice Presidents, Dean, Title IX Coordinator and Deputy are Mandatory Reporters who are individuals who have the authority to institute corrective action. It is the responsibility of Mandatory Reporters to:
- Notify the Title IX Coordinator immediately upon being informed of conduct that may implicate the Sexual Harassment policy;
- Inform employees under their direction or supervision of this policy;
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Work with the Title IX Coordinator to implement education and training programs for employees and students; and
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Implement any corrective actions that are imposed as a result of findings of a violation of this policy.
Students It is the responsibility of students to review this policy and comply with it.
Support Person(s)
The Support Person may or may not be the same person as the advisor. This is an optional role for the parties involved in the Sexual Harassment process. If the party wishes to have a Support Person in addition to an Advisor, this option will also be granted to the other party. The Support Person may accompany the Complainant or Respondent through the process except in the live hearing (unless otherwise required by law or permitted by the Hearing Chair). If the Support Person and the Advisor are different people, then only the Advisor is permitted in the live hearing.
The College
When the College is aware that a member of the College community may have been subjected to or affected by conduct that violates this policy, the College will take prompt action, including a review of the matter and, if necessary, an investigation and appropriate steps to stop and remedy the effects. Title IX Coordinator(s)