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Section I: The Augustana Commitment

Purpose of the Universal Handbook

Augustana College understands that its employees receive a lot of information about the college and the college's expectations of members of the Augustana community. This handbook was created to give employees an overview of the organization and to serve as a resource for the expectations and guidelines for employees. This handbook was not designed to create an employment contract and should not be considered a contract.

This handbook replaces and supersedes all previous handbooks as well as all written or verbal policy notifications that may have been received or distributed. Additionally, statements or promises made by a supervisor or manager may not be interpreted as a change in policy and do not constitute an agreement with an employee. Any agreement with an employee must be in writing and signed by a Cabinet member or the President of the College.

While the college strives to keep all employees updated on policy changes, it is the responsibility of each employee to obtain the most recent version of this handbook, and to seek out information to clarify policies or situations that are unclear. Such questions should be directed to the employee's manager, supervisor or a member of the Human Resources team. The college reserves the right to change, alter, suspend or cancel all policies and practices without notice.

Mission and History of the College

Augustana College, deeply rooted in the liberal arts and sciences and an inclusive expression of Lutheran higher education, is committed to offering a challenging education that develops the qualities of mind, spirit and body necessary for students to discern their life’s calling of leadership and service in a diverse and changing world. 

The words of Augustana's mission statement reflect both tradition and vision. Founded by Swedish Lutheran settlers in Chicago in 1860, Augustana has grown from a small school educating Swedish immigrants into a highly selective college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college honors its roots and its affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. At the same time, Augustana's rich liberal arts environment is enhanced by diversity.

Augustana continues to do what it has always done — challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, changing world.

Employment Goals

Augustana College is focused on the overall mission of challenging and preparing our students. To meet this goal, it is essential that outstanding people are hired and provided with the necessary tools and resources, as well as an appropriate employment atmosphere. In general, the employment goals include: 

• Providing equal employment opportunities for all employees regardless of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, ancestry, age, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any other factor protected by federal, state or local law. 
• Promoting equal access to employment and education regardless of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, citizenship status, veteran status, ancestry, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any other factor protected by federal or state law. 
• Providing a package of compensation and benefits to meet the needs of our varied employee base.
• Creating a safe, efficient and productive working environment that complies with all safety regulations as well as federal and state laws. 
• Encouraging and acting on constructive suggestions that will help the college continually improve. 
• Creating an environment of open communication so that employees can make decisions and take responsibility for their workplace outcomes. 

Equal Opportunity Employment

Augustana College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Augustana College provides equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

This non-discriminatory treatment applies to not only employment but also: 

• promotion and/or tenure decisions 
• transfer 
• job assignment 
• demotions 
• rates of pay or other compensation 
• layoffs 
• selection for training 
• any other employment-related decision 

All decisions on job-related issues will be made based on job performance, education, training, experience, skill, attitude and other requirements specific for each situation. Should employees have questions or concerns about this policy or concerns about a specific situation, they should discuss their concerns with the director of Human Resources, who also serves as the college's Equal Employment Opportunity officer. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Augustana College strives to make the hiring and application process, as well as the work environment, accessible to everyone. Any employees with a disability should notify their immediate supervisor if changes are necessary in order to perform the job. After an interactive accommodation process, the college will make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities who are qualified to perform their work. Similarly, employees may be asked to adapt to changes necessary in work functions or work environment to accommodate such needs or special situations of others. 

When an individual with a disability requests accommodation and can be reasonably accommodated without creating an undue hardship or causing a direct threat to workplace safety, the individual will be given the same consideration for employment as any other applicant. Applicants who pose a direct threat to the health, safety and well-being of themselves or others in the workplace when the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation will not be hired.

Augustana College will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of a job unless (a) doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation or (b) the accommodation creates an undue hardship to the college. Contact the Office of Human Resources with any questions or requests for accommodation.

All employees are required to comply with the college’s safety standards. Current employees who pose a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or other individuals in the workplace will be placed on leave until a college decision has been made concerning the employee’s immediate employment situation.

Individuals who currently are using illegal drugs are excluded from coverage under the college ADA policy.

The Office of Human Resources is responsible for implementing this policy, including the resolution of reasonable accommodation, safety/direct threat and undue hardship issues.

As used in this ADA policy, the following terms have the indicated meaning:

• Disability: A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of the individual, a record of such an impairment or being regarded as having such an impairment.

• Major life activities: Term includes caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating and working.

• Major bodily functions: Term includes physical or mental impairment such as any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement or anatomical loss affecting one or more body systems, such as neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, immune, circulatory, hemic, lymphatic, skin and endocrine. Also covered are any mental or psychological disorders, such as intellectual disability (formerly termed “mental retardation”), organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. 

• Substantially limiting: In accordance with the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) final regulations, the determination of whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity requires an individualized assessment, and an impairment that is episodic or in remission also may meet the definition of disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active. Some examples of these types of impairments may include epilepsy, hypertension, asthma, diabetes, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. An impairment, such as cancer that is in remission but that may possibly return in a substantially limiting form, also is considered a disability under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) final ADAAA regulations.

• Direct threat: A significant risk to the health, safety or well-being of individuals with disabilities or others when this risk cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation.

• Qualified individual: An individual who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position that such individual holds or desires.

• Reasonable accommodation: Includes any changes to the work environment and may include making existing facilities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, job restructuring, modified work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, appropriate adjustment or modifications of examinations, training materials or policies, the provision of qualified readers or interpreters, and other similar accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

• Undue hardship: An action requiring significant difficulty or expense by the college. 

• Essential functions of the job: Term refers to those job activities that are determined by the college to be essential or core to performing the job; these functions cannot be modified.

The examples provided in the above terms are not meant to be all-inclusive and should not be construed as such. They are not the only conditions that are considered disabilities, impairments or reasonable accommodations covered by the ADA/ADAAA policy.

Anti-Bullying

Workplace bullying involves repeated unreasonable acts toward an employee, either by a colleague, department chair or supervisor, intended to humiliate or undermine the employee and thus create a risk to the employee’s health. Augustana College does not tolerate this type of behavior. 

Violation of the anti-bullying policy can result in discipline up to and including termination for employees. While each circumstance is different, bullying is inappropriate, unwelcome behavior (which can be through verbal or other communication or physical contact) that targets an individual or group because of a characteristic of the individual or group, whether protected by anti-discrimination laws or not. Prohibited bullying may be the result of repeated behavior or, if sufficiently severe, a single incident; can be direct or indirect; and can be caused through verbal, physical, electronic or other means. 

Prohibited bullying behavior can take a variety of forms, and may include, but is not limited to, the following examples: 

• verbal abuse, such as the use of derogatory remarks, insults and epithets; slandering, ridiculing or maligning a person or that person’s family; persistent name calling; using an individual or group as the butt of jokes. 
• verbal or physical conduct of a threatening, intimidating or humiliating nature. 
• inappropriate physical contact, such as pushing, shoving, kicking, poking, tripping, assault or the threat of such conduct, or damage to a person’s work area or property. 
• inappropriate electronic communication, including but not limited to the use of electronic mail, text messaging, voice mail, websites or online chat rooms in a threatening, intimidating or humiliating manner. 

Reports of issues related to bullying should be made to the Office of Human Resources.

Mandated Reporting - Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act

All individuals employed and/or appointed by the college, including but not limited to faculty, staff, student employees and volunteers are considered mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. This means that all employees have a duty to immediately report or cause a report to be made whenever they have “reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be abused or neglected.” Augustana employees have a legal obligation to immediately report or cause a report to be made to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) at 1-800-25-ABUSE or 1-800-252-2873. 

All Augustana employees must sign and return the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status form. 

To access additional information or to report abuse, visit the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) website at www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/Pages/default.aspx or at the phone number below.

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services
Abused & Neglected Child Reporting Hotline
1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873)

Employees interested in additional information regarding mandated reporter requirements may view the Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act PowerPoint presentation or view the online training provided by DCFS at mr.dcfstraining.org.

Information and reporting procedures: 

If you know or suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, you must follow the steps outlined at the DCFS website. 

Child abuse or neglect is reported by calling the Child Abuse Hot Line (800-252-2873) and submitting a Written Confirmation of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect Report to DCFS within 48 hours utilizing the instructions received from the hotline.

Augustana College is committed to the safety and welfare of all members and visitors to our campus.

Code of Conduct

Introduction

A faithful commitment to the mission of Augustana College requires the ethical conduct and decision-making of the entire community. This Code of Conduct sets out basic principles to guide us in achieving this. This Code is supplemented by the policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and the Whistleblower Policy, together providing a framework for making decisions we can stand by and a process to report concerns of violations.

Maintaining our reputation for integrity requires that we examine our behaviors and actions from an outside perspective. In other words, we must ask ourselves how certain behavior or conduct might appear to others, including students, parents, and co-workers. It is important that we avoid engaging in conduct or activity that raises questions as to the college's honesty or impartiality or creates even the appearance of unethical conduct.

Employees who violate the standards in this Code will be subject to disciplinary consequences. If you are in a situation that you believe may violate or lead to a violation of this Code, follow the guidelines described in Section 5 of this Code or the accompanying Whistleblower Policy. 

This Code should also be provided to and followed by the college's agents and representatives, including consultants.

1. Conflict of Interest: Understanding what it is and what to do about it

• A "conflict of interest" exists when your private interest interferes in any way with the interests of the college. A conflict situation can arise when you take actions or have interests that may make it difficult to perform college work objectively and effectively. A conflict situation can also arise when you benefit personally, either directly or indirectly, from activities conducted on behalf of the college as an employee or consultant. The following situations are examples of conflicts of interests that must be avoided:

• Use of or disclosure of confidential information for personal gain

• Use of college time, facilities or equipment for personal purposes

All decisions made by you in the course of your professional responsibilities are to be made only on the basis of your desire to promote the best interests of the college. This is also described in the college's conflict of interest policy for the Board of Trustees.

Working for another institution of higher education or another employer outside your employment with the college may create a conflict of interest. Prior to engaging in any outside employment, you should talk with your supervisor and get his or her approval. Performing consulting services can also present a conflict of interest, and you must inform your supervisor and obtain his or her approval before performing consulting services of any kind.

Acceptance of gifts in a business relationship can also result in a conflict of interest. Accepting small gifts which are commonly given in business relationships such as mugs, pens, and other office gadgets does not present a concern. You should not, however, accept the following gifts: (1) cash gifts, (2) gifts not consistent with customary business practices, (3) gifts that feel excessive in value, (4) gifts that might look like a bribe or payoff, and (5) gifts that violate any other college policies, laws or regulations. Please discuss with your supervisor any gifts or proposed gifts that you are not certain are appropriate. If you receive a gift that is valued in excess of $200, you must disclose your receipt of the gift to the President’s Office.

Conflicts of interest may not always be clear-cut, and any question should be promoted to your supervisor, the Human Resources Director, or the General Counsel. When in doubt, the best solution is simply to disclose your potential conflict of interest to your supervisor. Oftentimes, simply disclosing the situation is also the required solution.

2. Relationships Between Employees and Students

In order to foster an environment for learning and to avoid the potential for exploitation, employees shall not have any dating, romantic, or sexual relationship (even if it is deemed to be consensual) with a student. 

3. Confidential Information

As employees, it is likely that we will come into contact with information related to the College that is confidential. Regardless of how you come across confidential information, you are expected to maintain the confidentiality of the information and not misuse the confidential information. While it is not possible to list every item that is confidential, a good rule of thumb is to consider information that is not made available to the public as confidential. The information that the college deems appropriate to share with the public is typically available on the college's website. The obligation to preserve confidential information continues even after your employment ends.

4. Outside Activities & Statements to the Public

We know you have interests outside of work, and these include interests in political and governmental activities as well as supporting particular principles, issues, parties or candidates. Regardless of the personal activity, be sure that it is done on an individual basis, and not as a representative of Augustana College. If you believe personal activities or statements you are making could be interpreted as being made on behalf of the college, you should clarify with a statement along the lines of: “These are my personal opinions, and are not intended to represent the views or opinions of my employer, Augustana College.” This is particularly important when you engage in political campaigning, as Augustana College’s status as a tax-exempt entity forbids the college or its representatives from campaigning for or against candidates for elected office.

Similarly, no statements may be made to the public on behalf of the college or as a representative of the college without prior notice and permission from Communications & Marketing.

5. Social Media

You should use good judgment and common sense when using social media for both work-related and personal reasons. It is important to remember that everything you post using social media is public or can easily be made public, even if you delete it. Be sure to think twice about how a statement you make on social media will be interpreted by those who see it and how it may reflect on Augustana College. Ultimately, you are responsible for what you post online. Please also remember that personal social media activity can result in consequences at work. If the College is made aware of social media activity that may violate employment policies – for example, improperly harassing or intimidating co-workers – the matter will be investigated and handled in accordance with the workplace policy.

6. Reporting Suspected Violations and Employee Protection

Maintaining an ethical work environment means that you might have to report a concern about potentially unethical or improper activities. It is important to understand your options and obligations in such a situation, and how the college will protect you from retaliation. All employees are expected to report behavior which is believed to be illegal, unethical, or otherwise in violation of college policies. The Augustana College Whistleblower Policy (below) provides details regarding what steps an employee can take to report a concern.

Whistleblower Policy

This policy describes the procedures to be followed when reporting and investigating allegations of suspected unlawful or improper activities. It also outlines the College’s commitment to protect persons who file reports of suspected improper activities, called “whistleblowers, from retaliation. College internal controls and operating procedures are intended to deter, detect and prevent improper activities. Violations, both intentional and unintentional, of laws, policies and procedures may still occur, and may jeopardize the College’s resources or even the safety of others. We all have a responsibility for good stewardship of college resources. As a steward of college resources, it is important that concerns regarding improper behaviors or conduct are reported. When reported, Augustana College will investigate the allegation and will take action deemed appropriate to address the situation as outlined in this policy. Augustana College will also protect those employees who, in good faith, report concerns.

Augustana College will not retaliate against an employee, student or other person who has, in good faith, reported suspected improper activity. The college has a zero tolerance policy with regards to retaliation. The prohibition against retaliation does not, however, prohibit managers or supervisors from exercising legitimate supervisory responsibilities within the usual scope of their duties, the College’s workplace expectations, or other college policies and valid performance related factors.

Reporting Suspected Improper Activities

For purposes of this policy, "improper activities" are defined as follows:

a. a violation of College policy that could result in significant risk to the health, safety or well-being of members of the Augustana community or others;
b. false or misleading financial reporting;
c. unauthorized destruction, alteration, or manipulation of college records, including electronic records;
d. a violation of local, state or federal laws (individuals wishing to report discrimination or harassment in the workplace should review the college’s Policy Against Discrimination & Harassment);
e. the use of college property, resources, or authority for personal gain or other non-college purposes except as provided under college policy. 

1. All employees are expected to report such improper activities. All other individuals, including students, are strongly encouraged to report improper activities. If you are unsure whether a matter is an improper activity as defined above, but the behavior seems unethical or improper, report it by following the steps outlined below.

2. Allegations of suspected improper activities can always be made verbally. It is helpful to also prepare your concerns in  writing to assure a clear understanding of the issues raised. The written report should contain as much specific information as possible.

3. When possible, discuss your concern with your supervisor. This is the basic guidance for all situations. In cases where you do not feel comfortable discussing an issue with your supervisor, you may report your concern to the Vice President of Business & Finance. If that alternative is also not appropriate, or if you are not an employee of the College, you may address your concerns to the President of the College or the General Counsel, or to any other member of the Cabinet. If a suspected violation involves the President of the College or a Cabinet member, reports can be made to the General Counsel or to the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

4. Report using the Campus Conduct Hotline 1-866-943-5787. The Campus Conduct Hotline is a confidential, independent, call-in service that provides a simple, anonymous way for concerns to be reported.

Investigation of Complaints and Protection from Retaliation 

When a person reports suspected improper activities or other violations of Augustana policies to an appropriate individual, the report is a Protected Disclosure. College employees, students and others who make a Protected Disclosure are protected from retaliation for having made the report. Employees, students and others are also protected from retaliation from cooperating in the College’s investigation of a Protected Disclosure.

Any employee who believes he/she has been subjected to or affected by retaliatory conduct for making a Protected Disclosure or participating in the investigation of a Protected Disclosure should report this concern to the Director Human Resources. If the Director of Human Resources is the source of or otherwise involved in the retaliatory conduct, then the matter should be reported to the General Counsel of the College or a Cabinet member. If an employee believes that reporting the alleged retaliatory behavior will be ineffectual or of a report has been made and the retaliatory conduct has not ended, the employee should report the matter to another Cabinet member.

All reports of improper activities will be investigated promptly and with discretion, and all information will be handled on a “need to know” basis. At the conclusion of an investigation, remedial and/or disciplinary action (up to and including termination) will be taken as the College deems  necessary. Students or employees who make allegations known to be untrue, or with reckless disregard for the truth or in bad faith may be subject to disciplinary action.

FERPA

Augustana College is committed to complying with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which maintains and protects the confidentiality of student education records. Additionally, Augustana has a designated FERPA officer available to answer questions and monitor compliance. Employees with access to students and student educational records are required to participate in periodic training concerning FERPA matters and to hold all covered student information in the strictest confidentiality. Additional information about Augustana’s FERPA regulations is available in the Student Handbook

Policy Against Discrimination & Harassment

It is the policy and commitment of Augustana College to provide an environment free from discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, service in the uniformed service (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other classification protected by law in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs or activities operated by the College.

Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that is based on any of these characteristics is a form of discrimination. This includes harassing conduct that impacts job benefits, or interferes unreasonably with an individual’s academic or work performance, or creates what a reasonable person would perceive to be an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and sexual violence (see Policy Against Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment).

Some examples of what may be considered discrimination or harassment, depending on the facts and circumstances, include the following:

• Verbal behaviors: derogatory comments regarding a person’s race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ancestry, ethnic heritage, mental or physical disability, age, appearance or other classification protected by law; threats of physical harm or distribution of written or graphic material having such effects. Derogatory gestures or the display of signs or pictures that may be offensive to others may also be examples of harassment.
• Physical behaviors: physical contact including touching, hitting, pushing or other aggressive contact. 
 Sexual behaviors: unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature such as sexual advances, demands for sexual favors or other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Conduct may be considered harassment if:

• Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis of an academic or employment decision or is either an explicit or implicit term of employment or admission to any college program or college-related activity; or
• Such conduct is sufficiently serious (i.e., severe, pervasive, and/or persistent) and objectively offensive so as to deny or limit a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s programs, services, opportunities, or activities; or
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance.

It is expected that each and every member of the Augustana community will assist and support the College in its prohibition of discrimination and harassment. All employees of Augustana College are required to promptly report suspected violations of this Policy, even if the individual who was or is the victim has not filed a complaint. The report can be made to a supervisor, the Director of Human Resources, the Dean of Students Office, or in the case of sex discrimination, a Title IX Coordinator.

SCOPE OF POLICY

This Policy applies to all employees, including faculty, staff and administrators, of the College, as well as all students, guests and visitors of the Augustana community.

REPORTING PROCEDURES

Sexual or other harassment can occur intentionally or unintentionally. A member of the Augustana community who feels harassed by an employee of the College, a student, guest or visitor or any other third-party (such as a supplier or vendor) should make this concern known by:

• If possible, telling the person who is engaging in the conduct or communication that their actions are offensive to you and that those actions must stop
• If the offensive behavior does not stop, or if you are not comfortable communicating directly with the person, you should advise your manager, or any member of the Office of Human Resources, a Title IX Coordinator, the Dean of Students Office, or a member of the Residential Life staff of the offensive behavior. This can be done by meeting in person or in writing. 
• Follow up a verbal complaint with a written report of the complaint. It is helpful for allegations of improper behavior to be put in writing to assure a clear understanding of the behaviors and the issues raised. The written report should contain as much specific information as possible.
• Please see the College’s Policy Against Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment for additional options in reporting sex discrimination, including sexual and interpersonal misconduct.

All complaints of harassment or discrimination will be kept as confidential as possible. The College will promptly and thoroughly investigate alleged behavior that would constitute a violation of this Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment and will take steps necessary to stop behavior that violates this Policy. The investigation and grievance procedures may vary depending on the type of discrimination reported, the nature of the allegations reported and where they occurred, as well as the classification of the individual accused of a violation (i.e, student, employee or faculty member). If you feel that your complaint has not received appropriate attention, you should discuss your concern with the Director of Human Resources, a Title IX Coordinator, the Dean of Students Office, or the General Counsel of the College.

RETALIATION PROHIBITED

It is central to the values of Augustana College that any individual who believes they may have been the target of prohibited discrimination or harassment feel free to report their concerns without fear of retaliation or retribution. The College strictly prohibits retaliation against an employee or any other individual who opposes or reports in good faith any practices prohibited under this Policy, including bringing a complaint of discrimination or harassment, assisting someone with such a complaint, attempting to stop such discrimination or harassment, or participating in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a complaint of discrimination or harassment. Any individual who believes they have been subjected to or affected by retaliatory conduct for reporting a suspected violation of this Policy or participating in an investigation should report the concern immediately to the Director of Human Resources, the General Counsel, the Dean of Students Office or a Title IX Coordinator.

Policy Against Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment

Investigation & Grievance Procedures: Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Employees

Augustana has established a Policy Against Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment (“Policy”) that articulates the College’s behavioral standards and descriptions of prohibited conduct. There are separate procedures for resolving allegations of Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment. These Investigation and Grievance Procedures: Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Employees ("Procedures") apply to all suspected or alleged acts of Sexual Misconduct that do not meet the definition of Title IX Sexual Harassment.

The College has established a Policy Against Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment (“Policy”) that articulates conduct prohibited by the College which applies to all members of the College community. The Policy and these Investigation and Grievance Procedures outline the College's approach to addressing reports of suspected Policy violations by an employee. Investigation and grievance procedures vary based on the nature of the allegations, including where the alleged conduct occurred, and the classification of the individual who is accused of violating the Policy. Allegations that a student violated the Policy are governed by the investigation and grievance procedures outlined in the student handbook Inside Augustana. The College's investigation and grievance procedures take into account the College's status as a private institution of higher education and its unique mission and culture. Because the College's approach to resolving alleged or suspected violations of the Policy is grounded in its mission and purpose as an educational institution, its approach to resolving alleged or suspected violations of the Policy is educational, rather than legal or judicial. As a result, the College retains the discretion to exercise its academic and educational judgment in investigating and resolving alleged or suspected violations of the Policy in a manner that is consistent with its mission and the various anti-discrimination laws that apply to its programs.

The College is committed to promptly, fairly, impartially, and equitably resolving alleged or suspected violations of the Policy. The College's ability to investigate in a particular situation, or the extent of the investigation in any given situation, may be affected by any number of factors, including whether the Complainant is willing to participate in an investigation, the location where the alleged conduct occurred, and the College's access to information relevant to the alleged or suspected violation of the Policy. The College is nonetheless committed to investigating and resolving all alleged and suspected violations of the Policy to the fullest extent possible under the circumstances.

RELATIONSHIP TO THE TITLE IX SEXUAL HARASSMENT INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION PROCEDURES 

“Title IX Sexual Harassment,” as defined in the Policy, will be governed by the Title IX Sexual Harassment Investigation and Resolution Procedures and should be addressed according to the processes stated therein. All other forms of sex-based discrimination that may constitute Sexual Misconduct are governed by these procedures, including sexual harassment, that do not rise to the level of Title IX Sexual Harassment as defined in the Policy. 

Conduct that is initially raised through a complaint under the Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures may also be addressed under these Sexual Misconduct Procedures, in the College’s discretion, when: (i) the conduct at issue, or some part of it, may constitute Sexual Misconduct irrespective of whether it constitutes Title IX Sexual Harassment under the Policy; (ii) the Formal Complaint, or some part of it, has been dismissed under the Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures; or (iii) a final determination of a Formal Complaint has been made under the Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures and separate or additional action may be necessary to enforce this policy.

Where the College determines, in its discretion, that these Sexual Misconduct Procedures will govern for suspected or alleged acts of Sexual Misconduct, the procedures herein will be used in place of any Faculty or Employee Handbook policies or procedures used to address other alleged misconduct. In addition, any sanctions or other corrective actions imposed against employees who violate the Policy shall be imposed pursuant to these Procedures, rather than pursuant to any other set of policies and procedures governing employee conduct, unless the College determines in its discretion that any other policy governing employee conduct should be used to resolve a particular matter.

The College may at any time, upon finding of good cause, modify the Sexual Misconduct Investigation and Grievance Procedures in the interests of promoting full and fair resolution of suspected or alleged violations of the Policy in accordance with applicable law.

CONFIDENTIALITY

In matters involving incidents of sexual misconduct or other interpersonal misconduct, a request by a complainant not to to be identified will be respected to the extent allowable under federal and state law, and information pertaining to such incidents will be treated with sensitivity and disseminated with care when it is necessary to do so for purposes of conducting an investigation or taking appropriate corrective action. The College reserves the right (as permitted or required by applicable law) to issue timely warnings and make other announcements to the College community when the College determines that there is a serious or continuing threat to members of the College community or that there is another significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees on the College's campus. In making such announcements to students and employees, the College will withhold the names of complainants as confidential to the greatest extent permitted by law. Under federal law, the College must report the occurrence of certain designated crimes that occur on campus or in certain other designated areas, including sex offenses as defined by the federal government, in an annual security report that is submitted to the U.S. Department of Education. This annual security report does not include personally identifiable information.

Initial Response, Supportive Measures, Investigation and Resolution

INITIAL RESPONSE

Preliminary Assessment of Alleged Misconduct 

For every report of an alleged or suspected violation of the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, the Title IX Coordinator or designee will review the circumstances of the reported conduct to determine the following:

• Whether the College has jurisdiction over the parties involved;
• Which procedure is applicable to the parties and the conduct being reported; and
• The actions within the College’s control necessary to eliminate, prevent, and address the reported conduct.

If the Respondent is not a member of the College community or is no longer affiliated with the College at the time of the report or at the time an investigation or resolution process is initiated (including if the Respondent has graduated or otherwise left the College), the College may be unable to take disciplinary action or conduct an investigation.

As a result of the Preliminary Assessment, the Title IX Coordinator or designee may determine that the conduct constitutes or could constitute Title IX Sexual Harassment, as defined in the Policy, and may proceed to apply the Title IX Sexual Harassment Investigation and Resolution Procedures.

If the Title IX Coordinator determines that the conduct reported does not or could not constitute Title IX Sexual Harassment but could constitute Sexual Misconduct, as defined in the Policy, the Title IX Coordinator will proceed with the procedures set forth in these Sexual Misconduct Procedures below. 

Upon receiving a report or complaint alleging a violation of the Policy from a student, the Title IX Coordinator or their designee will provide Student Complainants2 with a written statement of their rights and options under the Policy and these Procedures. The Student Complainant will also be informed of the availability of a confidential advisor. Confidential advisors are available to Student Complainants and provide confidential emergency and on-going assistance to alleged victims of sexual assault upon request. Confidential advisors are employees of Family Resources- Survivor Services of the Quad Cities. The Title IX Coordinator or their designee will meet with all Complainants, student and non-student, and discuss fully the options afforded to them, including the availability of supportive measures, the option to proceed with a formal complaint, the rights and responsibilities of both parties when a formal complaint is made (including the right of students to be accompanied during any College grievance proceeding and any related meeting by an advisor of their choice whose participation will be limited as outlined in this Policy), the process of identifying potential witnesses, the prohibition against retaliation, and the need to preserve any relevant evidence or documentation. Any time after this meeting, a Complainant may choose to file a formal complaint, which initiates the College’s disciplinary process. Supportive measures may be requested regardless of whether the individual chooses to proceed with a formal complaint.

If a Complainant, whether a student or non-student, chooses not to file a formal complaint, the College must still discharge its responsibility to understand what occurred and take steps to foster an educational environment that is free of discrimination and harassment for all members of the campus community. As a result, the College will seek to respect the Complainant's request, but it must also take into account the seriousness of the alleged misconduct and threats to community safety. Factors that will be considered include the following:

• Whether there have been other complaints about the same alleged respondent;
• Whether the respondent has a known history of arrests or records from a prior school or prior employment indicating a history of violence; 
• Whether the respondent threatened further sexual misconduct or other prohibited behaviors against the student or others;
• Whether the report involves multiple perpetrators;
• Whether the report suggests there is an increased risk of future acts of sexual misconduct under similar circumstances; 
• Whether the sexual misconduct was perpetrated with a weapon;
• The relationship between the respondent and the complainant (i.e., faculty/student or employee/employee); and
• Whether the College possesses other means to obtain relevant evidence.

If the College elects to proceed with an investigation, it will consult with the Complainant and provide information about the chosen course of action, including any supportive measures that will be taken to protect the Complainant and ensure the safety of the College community.

After the Complainant files a formal complaint that reports a potential violation of the Sexual Misconduct Policy or when the College determines it is appropriate to proceed with a formal complaint, the College will investigate the allegations as outlined below. The initiation of a formal complaint is not a determination of a Policy violation and the Respondent will not be deemed by the College to have violated the Policy unless and until (a) the Respondent accepts responsibility for the alleged Policy violation, or (b) the College’s process for determining a Policy violation are followed, and a finding has been made in accordance with these Procedures.

All parties will be informed that the College prohibits any retaliation against parties involved in reporting or witnessing allegations of violations of the Policy and that retaliation is grounds for disciplinary action.

2 Use of the term “Complainant” in this policy refers to all complainants, and use of the term “Student Complainants” refers only to complainants who are students currently enrolled and participating in the education program, or seeking to participate in the education program.

SUPPORTIVE MEASURES

Upon receipt of a report or complaint alleging a violation of the Policy, the Title IX Coordinator or their designee will work with all parties involved in an alleged incident to promptly undertake any appropriate supportive measures to protect the safety of the campus community and will seek to provide support for the parties that address their safety and well-being while the report is investigated, and if pursued, through the resolution. Supportive measures may include counseling services, obtaining and enforcing mutually agreed upon campus no contact orders, honoring an order of protection entered by a State court, provision of escorts, housing support, including reasonable residence or other living modifications. In addition, the College may, at its discretion, impose an interim suspension, an interim ban from the College campus, or interim leave of absence in cases where the College believes that such action is appropriate after assessing all factors in a particular case, such as the risk of harm to others and the risk of disruption or interference with normal College operations. The College will maintain as confidential any supportive measures provided to the parties, to the extent that maintaining confidentiality will not impair the ability to provide the supportive measures. Supportive measures may be requested at any time by a party, and regardless of whether an individual chooses to file a formal complaint of a Policy violation. When issued, however, supportive measures have no bearing on the complaint process and do not suggest a finding of responsibility.

Resources for Complainants and Respondents

Any student affected by Sexual Misconduct will have access to support and counseling services offered through the College. Employees involved in a Sexual Misconduct allegation also have access to support and counseling services offered through the College's Employee Assistance Program. More information on this program is available at https://www.augustana.edu/about-us/offices/hr/benefits/eap. Family Resources - Survivor Services of the Quad Cities provides assistance to victims of sexual violence and is available to all community members. The College encourages any individual who has questions or concerns to seek support from these resources. The Title IX Coordinator is available to provide information about the College’s Policy and procedures and to provide assistance. A list of existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, and other services and resources available is located at the following link: https://www.augustana.edu/student-life/TitleIX.

INFORMAL RESOLUTION PROCEDURE

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct may be resolved informally when overseen by one or more College representatives if (i) the College determines, in its discretion, that informal resolution would be appropriate; and (ii) all parties agree to participate.

If mediation is used to achieve an informal resolution, the parties will not deal directly with one another without the College's involvement and approval, and without the consent of all parties. The Title IX Coordinator and the Complainant may agree to seek an informal resolution of the complaint by meeting with the Respondent, maintaining anonymity if appropriate or possible. The Title IX Coordinator can also arrange for any current member of the College faculty, staff or student community to be asked to assist with the informal process by meeting with both parties separately or together. 

The College or a party may withdraw their consent to participate in the informal resolution process at any time before a resolution has been finalized. In such a case, the matter will proceed to Formal Resolution.

If the parties reach a resolution through the informal resolution process and the College agrees that the resolution is not clearly unreasonable, the Title IX Coordinator will outline the terms of the agreed resolution in writing and present it to both parties for their signature. Once signed, the resolution is final and all allegations addressed by the resolution are considered resolved and will not be subject to further investigation, adjudication, remediation, or discipline by the College, except as otherwise presented in the resolution itself. Informal resolution is not subject to appeal.

INVESTIGATION & FORMAL RESOLUTION

Depending upon the nature of the alleged or suspected Policy violation and any requests by the Complainant for confidentiality or an election not to proceed with a formal complaint, the College will initiate and coordinate an investigation of a reported violation of the Policy as soon as practical. The College is committed to undertaking prompt, thorough, impartial and fair investigations and to treating all individuals with respect and with sensitivity.

The nature and extent of the investigation will vary depending upon the circumstances, including whether the parties are amenable to pursuing an informal resolution. To help ensure a prompt and thorough investigation, Complainants are asked to provide as much information as possible, including the following:

• The name, department, and position of the person or persons allegedly causing the prohibited discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
• A description of any relevant incident(s), including the date(s), location(s), and the presence of any witnesses.
• The alleged effect of the incident(s) on the Complainant's opportunity to participate in or benefit from the College's programs or activities.
• The names of other individuals who might have relevant information about the alleged actions and/or have been subject to the same or similar acts of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
• Although it is not required, any steps the Complainant has taken to try to stop the discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
• Any other information the Complainant believes to be relevant to the alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

The Respondent is also expected to provide as much information as possible in connection with the investigation.

Student Complainants are entitled to bring an advisor of their choice to any meeting or interview in connection with these Procedures, provided that the involvement of the advisor does not result in undue delay of the meeting or proceeding. The role of the advisor of choice is limited to consulting privately with the party they accompany. 

If the matter is not resolved informally, a determination of whether the Policy was violated will be made based on information gathered in the investigation, including but not limited to interviews with the Complainant, the Respondent, and any other relevant individuals. This determination will be made by the Office of Human Resources when allegations involve a non-faculty employee. Allegations that a faculty member violated the Policy will be determined by the Dean of the College, or their designee. In all matters, the decision of the Office of Human Resources, the Dean of the College or their designees, will be final and is not subject to appeal. If, however, the Dean of the College recommends separation of a faculty member from the College, the separation will be handled in accordance with any existing and applicable faculty handbook provisions relating to separation from the College. In some cases, the College may not be able to determine that a Policy violation occurred; in such a situation, the College may still require action to be taken to promote a healthy and respectful environment.

The College may dismiss a Formal Complaint at any point during the grievance process if the Title IX Coordinator determines that any one or more of the following is true:

• The Complainant provides the Title IX Coordinator written notice that the Complainant wishes to withdraw the Formal Complaint or any discrete allegations therein (in which case those discrete allegations may be dismissed);

• The Respondent is no longer enrolled or employed by the College, as the case may be; or

• Specific circumstances prevent the College from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination as to the Formal Complaint, or any discrete allegations therein (in which case those discrete allegations may be dismissed).

Sanctions & Corrective Action

The College will take reasonable steps to prevent the recurrence of any violations of the Policy and to correct the discriminatory effects on the Complainant (and others, if appropriate). The range of potential sanctions and corrective actions that may be imposed for any violation of this Policy includes but is not limited to the following:

• Verbal warning
• Written warning
• Mandatory discrimination or harassment training or education
• College campus access restrictions
• Probation, suspension, leave of absence, and dismissal from the College 

Corrective actions taken by the College might also include, but are not limited to: providing and/or requiring appropriate forms of counseling and training, developing educational materials and programming, implementation of revised policies and procedures, undertaking climate surveys and other mechanisms to identify and address patterns of violations. Additional corrective actions for a Complainant may include, but are not limited to, support services and accommodations such as escorts, counseling and medical services, academic or residential accommodations and support.

In instances where the College is unable to take disciplinary or other corrective action in response to a reported violation, the College will consider other steps available to limit the effects of the conduct at issue and prevent its recurrence, such as the continuation of supportive measures, training and education.

A Complainant will be informed of the outcome of the investigation, but may not be informed specifically of all sanctions or other remedial action.

RECORDS MAINTENANCE

For a period of 7 years, the College will maintain documentation and records regarding alleged violations of the Policy and their resolution in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties involved, complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and to the extent possible excludes personally identifiable information of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Findings that an employee violated the Policy will be retained in the employee’s file and subject to retention rules pertaining to personnel records.

CHANGES IN THIS POLICY

The College reserves the right to make adjustments and changes in this policy at any time.

Policy Updated: November 8, 2020

Investigation & Grievance Procedures: Title IX Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Employees

Augustana has established a Policy Against Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment (“Policy”) that articulates the College’s behavioral standards and descriptions of prohibited conduct.

These are the Title IX Sexual Harassment Investigation and Grievance Procedures (“Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures”). Complaints of Sexual Misconduct that do not constitute Title IX Sexual Harassment are handled under the Sexual Misconduct Investigation and Grievance Procedures (“Sexual Misconduct Procedures”).

These Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures outline the College's approach to addressing reports of suspected Policy violations by an employee. Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures vary based on the nature of the allegations, including where the alleged conduct occurred, and the classification of the individual who is accused of violating the Policy. Allegations that a student violated the Policy are governed by the Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures outlined in Inside Augustana. The rights and options afforded to individuals who report violations as outlined in this Policy relating to confidentiality and supportive measures will apply in all cases.

The College is committed to promptly, fairly, impartially, and equitably resolving alleged or suspected violations of the Policy. The College’s investigation and resolution of alleged violations, including the issuance of any sanctions, will typically be completed within 90 calendar days. The College's ability to investigate in a particular situation, or the extent of the investigation in any given situation, may be affected by any number of factors, including whether the Complainant is willing to file a complaint or participate in an investigation, the location where the alleged conduct occurred, and the College's access to information relevant to the alleged or suspected violation of the Policy. The College is nonetheless committed to investigating and resolving all alleged and suspected violations of the Policy to the fullest extent possible under the circumstances.

These Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures ("Procedures") apply to all suspected or alleged acts of Title IX Sexual Harassment by employees as defined by federal law and will be used in place of any other employee conduct policies or procedures used to address other alleged misconduct involving employees3. In addition, any sanctions or other corrective actions imposed against employees who violate the Policy shall be imposed pursuant to these Procedures, unless the College determines in its discretion that another policy governing employee conduct should be used to resolve a particular matter. In addition, the College may, upon finding of good cause, modify these Procedures in the interests of promoting full and fair resolution of suspected or alleged violations of the Policy in accordance with applicable law.

3 The College may, however, apply other applicable laws, policies and procedures to resolve alleged sex discrimination before applying these Procedures if the College deems it appropriate. In such a case, the resolution under the previously applied procedures may result in a dismissal of proceedings under the Policy and these Procedures.

Preliminary Assessment, Initial Response, Supportive Measures, and Investigation

PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

Upon receipt of a report the Title IX Coordinator will conduct a Preliminary Assessment to determine:

• Whether the College has jurisdiction over the parties involved;
• Whether the conduct, as reported, falls or could fall within the scope of the Policy Against Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment; and
• Whether the conduct, as reported, constitutes or could constitute Title IX Sexual Harassment.

If the Title IX Coordinator determines that the conduct reported could not fall within the scope of the Policy, and/or could not constitute Sexual Harassment, even if investigated, the Title IX Coordinator will close the matter and may notify the reporting party if doing so is consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”). The Title IX Coordinator may refer the report to other College offices, as appropriate.

If the Respondent is not a member of the College community or is no longer affiliated with the College at the time of the report or at the time of an investigation or resolution process is initiated (including if the Respondent has graduated or left the employment College), the College may be unable to take disciplinary action or conduct an investigation.

If the Title IX Coordinator determines that the conduct reported could constitute Title IX Sexual Harassment, if investigated, the Title IX Coordinator will proceed to contact the Complainant as specified below.

As part of the Preliminary Assessment, the Title IX Coordinator may take investigative steps to determine the identity of the Complainant, if such identity is not apparent from the report.

INITIAL RESPONSE

If a report is not closed as a result of the Preliminary Assessment specified above and the Complainant’s identity is known, the Title IX Coordinator will promptly contact the Complainant to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures specified in these Procedures; to discuss and consider the Complainant’s wishes with respect to such Supportive Measures; to inform the Complainant of the availability of such Supportive Measures with or without filing a Formal Complaint; and to explain the process for filing and pursuing a Formal Complaint. 

The Title IX Coordinator will also discuss with the Complainant with the following information:

• Options for filing complaints with the local police and information about resources that are available on campus and in the community
• Provide a written statement of their rights and options under the Policy and these Procedures
• The availability of a confidential advisor. Confidential advisors provide confidential emergency and on-going assistance to alleged victims of sexual assault upon request. Confidential advisors are employees of Family Resources- Survivor Services of the Quad Cities.
• The right to be accompanied during any College grievance proceeding and any related meeting by an advisor of choice whose participation will be limited as outlined in this Procedures
• The hearing process
• The prohibition against retaliation
• The need to preserve any relevant evidence or documentation.

Any time after this meeting, a Complainant may choose to file a Formal Complaint, which initiates the College’s disciplinary process.

Formal Complaint

A “Formal Complaint” is a document filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging Title IX Sexual Harassment against a Respondent and requesting that the College investigate the allegation of Title IX Sexual Harassment in accordance with these Procedures. A “document filed by a Complainant” means a document or electronic submission (such as an email) that contains the Complainant’s physical or electronic signature or otherwise indicates that the Complainant is the person filing the Complaint.

A Complainant may file a Formal Complaint with the Title IX Coordinator requesting that the College investigate and adjudicate a report of Title IX Sexual Harassment in accordance with these Procedures. Provided, however, that at the time the Complainant submits a Formal Complaint, the Complainant must be participating in, or attempting to participate in, one or more of the College’s education programs or activities. A Complainant may file a Formal Complaint with the Title IX Coordinator in person, by regular mail, or by email using the contact information specified above. No person may submit a Formal Complaint on the Complainant’s behalf. 

In any case, including a case where a Complainant elects not to file a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator may file a Formal Complaint on behalf of the College if doing so is not clearly unreasonable. Such action will normally be taken in limited circumstances involving serious or repeated conduct or where the alleged perpetrator may pose a continuing threat to the College Community. Factors the Title IX Coordinator may consider in determining whether to file a Formal Complaint on behalf of the College include (but are not limited to):

• Whether the alleged Respondent is likely to commit additional acts of sexual or other violence, such as:
    o Whether there have been other Title IX Sexual Harassment about the same alleged Responding Party;
    o Whether the alleged Respondent has a history of arrests or records from a prior school or employment indicating a history of violence;
    o Whether the alleged Respondent threatened further sexual misconduct or interpersonal violence or other violence against the Reporting Party or others;
• Whether the Title IX Sexual Harassment was committed by multiple perpetrators
• Whether the Title IX Sexual Harassment was perpetrated with a weapon
• Whether the Reporting Party is a minor
• Whether Augustana possesses other means to obtain relevant evidence of the Title IX Sexual Harassment (e.g., security cameras or personnel, physical evidence)
• Whether the Complainant’s report reveals a pattern of perpetration (e.g., via illicit use of drugs or alcohol) at a given location or by a particular group

If the Complainant or the Title IX Coordinator files a Formal Complaint, then the College will commence an investigation and proceed to adjudicate the matter as specified in these Procedures. In all cases where a Formal Complaint is filed, the Complainant will be treated as a party, irrespective of the party’s level of participation.

In a case where the Title IX Coordinator files a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will not act as a Complainant or otherwise as a party for purposes of the investigation and adjudication processes.

If neither the Complainant nor the Title IX Coordinator files a Formal Complaint, the investigation and adjudication provisions of these Procedures will not be applied, but the Title IX Coordinator may assess the matter under the College’s Sexual Misconduct Investigation Procedures or refer the matter to other College offices, as appropriate.

Consolidation of Formal Complaints

The College may consolidate Formal Complaints as to allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment against more than one Respondent, or by more than one Complainant against one or more Respondents, or by one party against the other party, where the allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment arise out of the same facts or circumstances. Where the investigation and adjudication process involve more than one Complainant or more than one Respondent, references in this Policy to the singular “party,” “Complainant,” or “Respondent” include the plural, as applicable. A Formal Complaint of Retaliation may be consolidated with a Formal Complaint of Title IX Sexual Harassment. 

Dismissal Prior to Commencement of Investigation

In a case where the Complainant files a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will evaluate the Formal Complaint and must dismiss it if the Title IX Coordinator determines:

• The conduct alleged in the Formal Complaint would not constitute Title IX Sexual Harassment, even if proved; or
• The conduct alleged in the Formal Complaint did not occur in the College’s Education Programs and Activities and/or the alleged conduct occurred outside the geographic boundaries of the United States.

In the event the Title IX Coordinator determines the Formal Complaint should be dismissed pursuant to this Section, the Title IX Coordinator will provide written notice of dismissal to the parties and advise them of their right to appeal as specified in these Procedures. The Title IX Coordinator may assess the matter under the College’s Sexual Misconduct Investigation Procedures or refer the matter to other College offices, as appropriate. A dismissal pursuant to this Section is presumptively a final determination for purposes of these Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures, unless otherwise specified in writing by the Title IX Coordinator in the written notice of dismissal.

Notice of Formal Complaint 

Within five (5) days of the Title IX Coordinator receiving a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will transmit a written notice to the Complainant and Respondent that includes:

• A physical copy of the Policy and these Title IX Sexual Harassment Investigation and Grievance Procedures or a hyperlink to the same;
• Sufficient details known at the time so that the parties may prepare for an initial interview with the investigator, to include the identities of the parties involved in the incident (if known), the conduct allegedly constituting Title IX Sexual Harassment, and the date and location of the alleged incident (if known);
• A statement that the Respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged Title IX Sexual Harassment and that a determination of responsibility will not be made until the conclusion of the adjudication and any appeal;
• Notification to the Complainant and Respondent of their right to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice, as specified in these Procedures.
• Notification to the Complainant and Respondent of their right to inspect and review evidence as specified in these Procedures.
• Notification to the Complainant and Respondent of the College’s prohibitions on retaliation and false statements specified in the Policy.
• Information about resources that are available on campus and in the community.

Should the College elect, at any point, to investigate allegations that are materially beyond the scope of the initial written notice, the College will provide a supplemental written notice describing the additional allegations to be investigated.

The Respondent may elect to accept responsibility for all or part of the conduct alleged by the Complainant. In that case, the Title IX Coordinator or designee may continue their investigation in order to provide additional information that may be relevant in determining any appropriate sanctions. If the Respondent does not accept responsibility, the investigation process, as described below, will begin.

SUPPORTIVE MEASURES

Supportive Measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered, as appropriate, and reasonably available, and without fee or charge, that are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the College’s Education Programs and Activities without unreasonably burdening another party, including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties implicated by a report or the College’s education environment, or to deter Title IX Sexual Harassment. Supportive measures may include: counseling, extensions of academic or other deadlines, course-related adjustments, modifications to work or class schedules, campus escort services, changes in work or housing locations, leaves of absence, increased security and monitoring of certain areas of campus, other changes to academic, living, dining, transportation, and working situations, honoring an order of protection or no contact order entered by a State civil or criminal court, and other similar measures. Supportive Measures may also include mutual restrictions on contact between the parties implicated by a report.

If a report is not closed as a result of the Preliminary Assessment specified in these Procedures, the College will offer and make available Supportive Measures to the Complainant regardless of whether the Complainant elects to file a Formal Complaint.

Contemporaneously with the Respondent being notified of a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will notify the Respondent of the availability of Supportive Measures for the Respondent, and the College will offer and make available Supportive Measures to the Respondent in the same manner in which it offers and makes them available to the Complainant. The College will also offer and make available Supportive Measures to the Respondent prior to the Respondent being notified of a Formal Complaint, if the Respondent requests such measures.

The Title IX Coordinator will provide the Complainant and Respondent with a written document (separate from this Policy) listing the available rights, options, and resources, including Supportive Measures, and describing the Title IX Procedures in plain, concise language. The College will maintain the confidentiality of Supportive Measures provided to either a Complainant or Respondent, to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality does not impair the College’s ability to provide the Supportive Measures in question.

INTERIM REMOVAL

At any time after receiving a report of Title IX Sexual Harassment, the Title IX Coordinator may remove a student Respondent from the College’s Education Programs and Activities on an temporary basis if an individualized safety and risk analysis determines that an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student or other individual arising from the allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment justifies removal. In the event the Title IX Coordinator imposes an interim removal, the Title IX Coordinator must offer to meet with the Respondent within twenty-four hours and provide the Respondent an opportunity to challenge the interim removal.

In the case of a Respondent who is a non-student employee (administrator, faculty, or staff), and in its discretion, the College may place the Respondent on administrative leave at any time after receiving a report of Title IX Sexual Harassment, including during the pendency of the applicable investigation and adjudication process.

For all other Respondents, including independent contractors and guests, the College retains broad discretion to prohibit such persons from entering onto its campus and other properties at any time, and for any reason, whether after receiving a report of Title IX Sexual Harassment or otherwise.

INVESTIGATION

After the written notice of Formal Complaint is transmitted to the parties, an investigator selected by the Title IX Coordinator will undertake an investigation to gather evidence relevant to the alleged misconduct, including inculpatory and exculpatory evidence. The burden of gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination in the adjudication lies with the College and not with the parties. The investigation will culminate in a written investigation report, specified in these Procedures, that will be submitted to the hearing officer during the hearing process. Although the length of each investigation may vary depending on the totality of the circumstances, the College strives to complete each investigation within 90 days of the transmittal of the written notice of Formal Complaint.

The nature and extent of the investigation will vary depending upon the circumstances, including whether the parties are amenable to pursuing an informal resolution. Both parties will have equal procedural rights during the investigation and resolution of a complaint. As part of the investigation, the investigator(s) will seek to interview both the Complainant and the Respondent, as well as any other witnesses who the investigator determines can provide relevant information. Each party will receive written notice in advance of any interview to allow for meaningful preparation. The College may audio-record interviews of any parties and witnesses, and any such recording will become part of the investigation record.

To help ensure a prompt and thorough investigation, Complainants are asked to provide as much information as possible, including the following:

• The name, department, and position of the person or persons allegedly causing the prohibited discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
• A description of any relevant incident(s), including the date(s), location(s), and the presence of any witnesses.
• The alleged effect of the incident(s) on the Complainant's opportunity to participate in or benefit from the College's programs or activities.
• The names of other individuals who might have relevant information about the alleged actions and/or have been subject to the same or similar acts of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
• Although it is not required, any steps the Complainant has taken to try to stop the discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
• Any other information the Complainant believes to be relevant to the alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

The Respondent is also expected to provide as much information as possible in connection with the investigation.

Equal Opportunity

During the investigation, the investigator will provide an equal opportunity for the parties to be interviewed, to present witnesses (including fact and expert witnesses), and to present other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the investigator retains discretion to limit the number of witness interviews the investigator conducts if the investigator finds that testimony would be unreasonably cumulative, if the witnesses are offered solely as character references and do not have information relevant to the allegations at issue, or if the witnesses are offered to render testimony that is categorically inadmissible, such as testimony concerning sexual history of the Complainant, as specified in these Procedures. The investigator will not restrict the ability of the parties to gather and present relevant evidence on their own.

The investigation is a party’s opportunity to present testimonial and other evidence that the party believes is relevant to resolution of the allegations in the Formal Complaint. A party that is aware of and has a reasonable opportunity to present particular evidence and/or identify particular witnesses during the investigation, and elects not to, will be prohibited from introducing any such evidence during the adjudication absent a showing of mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect.

Access to the Evidence

At the conclusion of the evidence-gathering phase of the investigation, but prior to the completion of the investigation report, the investigator will transmit to each party and their advisor, in either electronic or hard copy form, all evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly related to the allegations raised in the Formal Complaint, including evidence the College may choose not to rely on at any hearing and inculpatory or exculpatory evidence whether obtained from a party or some other source. Thereafter, the parties will have ten (10) days in which to submit to the investigator a written response, which the investigator will consider prior to completing the investigation report.

The parties and their advisors are permitted to review the evidence solely for the purposes of this grievance process and may not duplicate or disseminate the evidence to the public. 

Investigation Report

After the period for the parties to provide any written response as specified in these Procedures has expired, the investigator will complete a written investigation report that fairly summarizes the various steps taken during the investigation, summarizes the relevant evidence collected, lists material facts on which the parties agree, and lists material facts on which the parties do not agree. When the investigation report is complete, the investigator will transmit a copy to the Title IX Coordinator. The investigator will also transmit the investigation report to each party and their advisor, in either electronic or hard copy form.

Upon conclusion of the investigation, the investigator(s) will produce a written report that summarizes and analyzes the relevant facts and any supporting documentation (which may include statements by the parties, third-party witnesses, or others with information and any physical, written, or electronic or other evidence) and shall provide such report to the Title IX Coordinator. This investigation report will be shared with the parties and will be used in either an informal or formal resolution procedure, as appropriate and as outlined below. Each party will have an opportunity to respond to the investigation report either in writing or before the Hearing Panel. Written responses must be received by the College within 10 calendar days after either party has received the investigation report. The investigation report is treated as a confidential document, and is intended to be shared only with individuals who have a “need to know” its contents. All individuals are expected to honor the confidential nature of the report. Disciplinary action may be taken in the event the confidential nature of the report is disregarded by a party or individual in the proceeding.

Documentation of Investigation

The investigator will take reasonable steps to ensure the investigation is documented. Interviews of the parties and witnesses may be documented by the investigator’s notes, audio recorded, video recorded, or transcribed. The particular method utilized to record the interviews of parties and witnesses will be determined by the investigator in the investigator’s sole discretion, although whatever method is chosen shall be used consistently throughout a particular investigation.

INFORMAL RESOLUTION PROCEDURE

At any time after the parties are provided written notice of the Formal Complaint as specified in and before the completion of any appeal specified in these Procedures, the parties may voluntarily consent, with the Title IX Coordinator’s approval, to engage in mediation, facilitated resolution, or other form of dispute resolution the goal of which is to enter into a final resolution resolving the allegations raised in the Formal Complaint by agreement of the parties.

The specific manner of any informal resolution process will be determined by the parties and the Title IX Coordinator, in consultation together. Prior to commencing the informal resolution process agreed upon, the Title IX Coordinator will transmit a written notice to the parties that:

• Describes the parameters and requirements of the informal resolution process to be utilized;
• Identifies the individual responsible for facilitating the informal resolution (who may be the Title IX Coordinator, another College official, or a suitable third-party);
• Explains the effect of participating in informal resolution and/or reaching a final resolution will have on a party’s ability to resume the investigation and adjudication of the allegations at issue in the Formal Complaint; and
• Explains any other consequence resulting from participation in the informal resolution process, including a description of records that will be generated, maintained, and/or shared.

After receiving the written notice specified in this paragraph, each party must voluntarily provide written consent to the Title IX Coordinator, before the informal resolution may commence.

During the pendency of the informal resolution process, the investigation and adjudication processes that would otherwise occur are stayed and all related deadlines are suspended.

If the parties reach a resolution through the informal resolution process, and the Title IX Coordinator agrees that the resolution is not clearly unreasonable, the Title IX Coordinator will outline the terms of the agreed resolution to writing and present the resolution to the parties for their written signature. Once both parties and the Title IX Coordinator sign the resolution, the resolution is final, and the allegations addressed by the resolution are considered resolved and will not be subject to further investigation, adjudication, remediation, or discipline by the College, except as otherwise provided in the resolution itself, absent a showing that a party induced the resolution by fraud, misrepresentation, or other misconduct or where required to avoid a manifest injustice to either party or to the College. Informal resolution pursuant to this Section is not subject to appeal.

A party may withdraw their consent to participate in informal resolution at any time before a resolution has been finalized.

Absent extension by the Title IX Coordinator, any informal resolution process must be completed within twenty-one (21) days from the date the informal resolution process started. If an informal resolution process does not result in a resolution within twenty-one (21) days, and absent an extension, abeyance, or other contrary ruling by the Title IX Coordinator, the informal resolution process will be deemed terminated, and the Formal Complaint will be resolved pursuant to the investigation and adjudication procedures. The Title IX Coordinator may adjust any time periods or deadlines in the investigation and/or adjudication process that were suspended due to the informal resolution.

Other language in this Section notwithstanding, informal resolution will not be permitted if the Respondent is a non-student employee accused of committing Title IX Sexual Harassment against a student.

Formal Resolution Procedure

NOTICE OF HEARING

A. Hearing Officer

The College will promptly appoint a hearing officer who will oversee the hearing process and render a determination of responsibility for the allegations in the Formal Complaint, at the conclusion of the hearing process. The hearing officer will be provided a copy of the investigation report and a copy of all evidence transmitted to the parties by the investigator as specified in these Procedures.

B. Hearing Notice and Response to the Investigation Report

The hearing officer will promptly transmit written notice to the parties notifying the parties of the hearing officer’s appointment; setting a deadline for the parties to submit any written response to the investigation report; setting a date for the pre-hearing conference; setting a date and time for the hearing; and providing a copy of the College’s Hearing Procedures. Neither the pre-hearing conference, nor the hearing itself, may be held any earlier than ten (10) days from the date of transmittal of the written notice specified in this these Procedures.

A party’s written response to the investigation report must include: 

• To the extent the party disagrees with the investigation report, any argument or commentary regarding such disagreement;
• Any argument that evidence should be categorically excluded from consideration at the hearing based on privilege, relevancy, the prohibition on the use of sexual history specified in these Procedures, or for any other reason;
• A list of any witnesses that the party contends should be requested to attend the hearing pursuant to an attendance notice issued by the hearing officer;
• A list of any witnesses that the party intends to bring to the hearing without an attendance notice issued by the hearing officer;
• Any objection that the party has to the College’s Hearing Procedures;
• Any request that the parties be separated physically during the pre-hearing conference and/or hearing;
• Any other accommodations that the party seeks with respect to the pre-hearing conference and/or hearing;
• The name and contact information of the advisor who will accompany the party at the pre-hearing conference and hearing;
• If the party does not have an advisor who will accompany the party at the hearing, a request that the College provide an advisor for purposes of conducting questioning as specified in these Procedures.

A party’s written response to the investigation report may also include:

• Argument regarding whether any of the allegations in the Formal Complaint are supported by a preponderance of the evidence; and
• Argument regarding whether any of the allegations in the Formal Complaint constitute Title IX Sexual Harassment.

PRIOR TO THE HEARING

Pre-Hearing Conference

Prior to the hearing, the hearing officer will conduct a pre-hearing conference with the parties and their advisors. The pre-hearing conference will be conducted live, with simultaneous and contemporaneous participation by the parties and their advisors. By default, the pre-hearing conference will be conducted with the hearing officer, the parties, the advisors, and other necessary College personnel together in the same physical location. However, upon request of either party, the parties will be separated into different rooms with technology enabling the parties to participate simultaneously and contemporaneously by video and audio.

In the hearing officer’s discretion, the pre-hearing conference may be conducted virtually, by use of video and audio technology, where all participants participate simultaneously and contemporaneously by use of such technology.

During the pre-hearing conference, the hearing officer will discuss the hearing procedures with the parties; address matters raised in the parties’ written responses to the investigation report, as the hearing officer deems appropriate; discuss whether any stipulations may be made to expedite the hearing; discuss the witnesses the parties have requested be served with notices of attendance and/or witnesses the parties plan to bring to the hearing without a notice of attendance; and resolve any other matters that the hearing officer determines, in the hearing officer’s discretion, should be resolved before the hearing.

Issuance of Notices of Attendance

After the pre-hearing conference, the hearing officer will transmit notices of attendance to any College employee (including administrator, faculty, or staff) or student whose attendance is requested at the hearing as a witness. The notice will advise the subject of the specified date and time of the hearing and advise the subject to contact the hearing officer immediately if there is a material and unavoidable conflict.

The subject of an attendance notice should notify any manager, faculty member, coach, or other supervisor, as necessary, if attendance at the hearing will conflict with job duties, classes, or other obligations. All such managers, faculty members, coaches, and other supervisors are required to excuse the subject of the obligation, or provide some other accommodation, so that the subject may attend the hearing as specified in the notice.

The College will not issue a notice of attendance to any witness who is not an employee or a student.

GRIEVANCE HEARING

Attendance

After the pre-hearing conference, the hearing officer will convene and conduct a hearing pursuant to the College’s Hearing Procedures. The hearing will be audio recorded. The audio recording will be made available to the parties for inspection and review on reasonable notice, including for use in preparing any subsequent appeal.

The hearing will be conducted live, with simultaneous and contemporaneous participation by the parties and their advisors. By default, the hearing will be conducted with the hearing officer, the parties, the advisors, witnesses, and other necessary College personnel together in the same physical location. However, upon request of either party, the parties will be separated into different rooms with technology enabling the parties to participate simultaneously and contemporaneously by video and audio. Neither party will be compelled to testify in the physical presence of the other party.

In the hearing officer’s discretion, the hearing may be conducted virtually, by use of video and audio technology, where all participants participate simultaneously and contemporaneously by use of such technology.

While the Hearing Procedures and rulings from the hearing officer will govern the particulars of the hearing, each hearing will include, at a minimum:

• Opportunity for each party to address the hearing officer directly and to respond to questions posed by the hearing officer;
• Opportunity for each party’s advisor to ask directly, orally, and in real time, relevant questions, and follow up questions, of the other party and any witnesses, including questions that support or challenge credibility;
• Opportunity for each party to raise contemporaneous objections to testimonial or non-testimonial evidence and to have such objections ruled on by the hearing officer and a reason for the ruling provided;
• Opportunity for each party to submit evidence that the party did not present during the investigation due to mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect;
• Opportunity for each party to make a brief closing argument.

Except as otherwise permitted by the hearing officer, the hearing will be closed to all persons except the parties, their advisors, the investigator, the hearing officer, the Title IX Coordinator, and other necessary College personnel. With the exception of the investigator and the parties, witnesses will be sequestered until such time as their testimony is complete. The parties will not be permitted to question the other party or any witness directly.

During the hearing, the parties and their advisors will have access to the investigation report and evidence that was transmitted to them.

While a party has the right to attend and participate in the hearing with an advisor, a party and/or advisor who materially and repeatedly violates the rules of the hearing in such a way as to be materially disruptive, may be barred from further participation and/or have their participation limited, as the case may be, in the discretion of the hearing officer.

Subject to the minimum requirements specified in this Section, the hearing officer will have sole discretion to determine the manner and particulars of any given hearing, including with respect to the length of the hearing, the order of the hearing, and questions of admissibility. The hearing officer will independently and contemporaneously screen questions for relevance in addition to resolving any contemporaneous objections raised by the parties and will explain the rational for any evidentiary rulings.

The hearing is not a formal judicial proceeding and strict rules of evidence do not apply. The hearing officer will have discretion to modify the Hearing Procedures, when good cause exists to do so, and provided the minimal requirements specified in this Section are met. The Complainant and Respondent will have equal access to information before and during the hearing, including access to the Investigation Record as noted above. The College will arrange for audio-recording the entire Hearing; this recording will become part of the Investigation Record.

Subjection to Questioning

In the event that any party or witness refuses to attend the hearing, or attends but refuses to submit to questioning by the parties’ advisors, the statements of that party or witness, as the case may be, whether given during the investigation or during the hearing, will not be considered by the hearing officer in reaching a determination of responsibility. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the hearing officer may consider the testimony of any party or witness, whether given during the investigation or during the hearing, if the parties jointly stipulate that the testimony may be considered or in the case where neither party requested attendance of the witness at the hearing.

In applying this Section, the hearing officer will not draw an inference about the determination regarding responsibility based solely on a party or a witness’s absence from the live hearing and/or refusal to submit to questioning by the parties’ advisors.

Notwithstanding any provisions of this Policy, if a matter subject to a hearing is referred for consideration under the College’s Sexual Misconduct Procedures, any information collected from a party or witness who refuses to attend a hearing under this Policy or attends but refuses to submit to questioning by the parties’ advisors, including testimony collected during the investigation under this Policy, may be evaluated and considered under the Sexual Misconduct Procedures.

Deliberation and Determination

After the hearing is complete, the hearing officer will objectively evaluate all relevant evidence collected during the investigation, including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence, together with testimony and non-testimony evidence received at the hearing, and ensure that any credibility determinations made are not based on a person’s status as a Complainant, Respondent, or witness. The hearing officer will take care to exclude from consideration any evidence that was ruled inadmissible at the pre-hearing conference or during the hearing. The hearing officer will resolve disputed facts using a preponderance of the evidence (i.e., “more likely than not”) standard and reach a determination regarding whether the facts that are supported by a preponderance of the evidence constitute one or more violations of the Policy as alleged in the Formal Complaint.

Discipline and Remedies

In the event the hearing officer determines that the Respondent is responsible for violating this Policy, the hearing officer will, prior to issuing a written decision, consult with an appropriate College official with disciplinary authority over the Respondent and such official will determine any discipline to be imposed. The hearing officer will also, prior to issuing a written decision, consult with the Title IX Coordinator who will determine whether and to what extent ongoing Supportive Measures or other remedies will be provided to the Complainant.

Written Decision

After reaching a determination and consulting with the appropriate College official and Title IX Coordinator, the hearing officer will prepare a written decision that will include:

• Identification of the allegations potentially constituting Title IX Sexual Harassment made in the Formal Complaint;
• A description of the procedural steps taken by the College upon receipt of the Formal Complaint, through issuance of the written decision, including notification to the parties, interviews with the parties and witnesses, site visits, methods used to gather non-testimonial evidence, and the date, location, and people who were present at or presented testimony at the hearing.
• Articulate findings of fact, made under a preponderance of the evidence standard, that support the determination;
• A statement of, and rationale for, each allegation that constitutes a separate potential incident of Title IX Sexual Harassment, including a determination regarding responsibility for each separate potential incident;
• The discipline determined by the appropriate College official;
• Whether the Complainant will receive any ongoing Supportive Measures or other remedies as determined by the Title IX Coordinator; and
• A description of the College’s process and grounds for appeal.

The hearing officer’s written determination will be transmitted to the parties. Transmittal of the written determination to the parties concludes the hearing process, subject to any right of appeal as specified in these Procedures.

Although the length of each adjudication by hearing will vary depending on the totality of the circumstances, the College strives to issue the hearing officer’s written determination within seven (7) days of the decision.

Dismissal During Investigation or Adjudication

The College may dismiss a Formal Complaint at any point during the investigation or hearing process if the Title IX Coordinator determines that any one or more of the following is true:

• The Complainant provides the Title IX Coordinator written notice that the Complainant wishes to withdraw the Formal Complaint or any discrete allegations therein (in which case those discrete allegations may be dismissed);
• The Respondent is no longer enrolled or employed by the College, as the case may be; or
• Specific circumstances prevent the College from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination as to the Formal Complaint, or any discrete allegations therein (in which case those discrete allegations may be dismissed).

In the event the Title IX Coordinator determines that a Formal Complaint should be dismissed the Title IX Coordinator will provide written notice of dismissal to the parties and advise them of their right to appeal. The Title IX Coordinator may assess the subject matter of the Formal Complaint under the College’s Sexual Misconduct Procedures or refer the subject matter of the Formal Complaint to other College offices, as appropriate. A dismissal pursuant to this Section is presumptively a final determination as it pertains to the Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures, unless otherwise specified in writing by the Title IX Coordinator in the written notice of dismissal.

Sanctions & Corrective Action/Remedies

When a determination is made that an individual is responsible for an act or acts of Title IX Sexual Harassment, the appropriate sanctions are determined based on several factors, including the severity of the conduct and any prior policy violations. The potential disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed along with other corrective actions for a finding of a Policy violation are set forth below. One or more of these sanctions may be imposed at the discretion of the College. Any sanctions imposed will be proportionate with the violation. 

The College will take reasonable steps to prevent the recurrence of any violations of the Policy and to correct the discriminatory effects on the Complainant (and others, if appropriate). The range of potential sanctions and corrective actions that may be imposed for any violation of this Policy includes but is not limited to the following: 

• Verbal warning
• Written warning
• Mandatory discrimination or harassment training or education
• Mandatory counseling
• Disciplinary hold on academic and/or financial records
• College campus access restrictions
• Housing restrictions on campus, class enrollment restrictions, other campus restrictions such as dining hours, library hours, etc.
• Ineligibility to participate in extra-curricular activities such as athletics
• Probation, suspension, and dismissal from the College 
• Termination of employment with the College

Corrective actions taken by the College might also include, but are not limited to: providing and/or requiring appropriate forms of counseling and training, developing educational materials and programming, implementation of revised policies and procedures, undertaking climate surveys and other mechanisms to identify and address patterns of violations. Additional corrective actions for a Complainant may include, but are not limited to, support services and accommodations such as escorts, counseling and medical services, academic or residential accommodations and support.

Repeat offenders can expect to be assigned more severe sanctions than if they did not have prior offenses. Offenders who commit multiple offenses in a single episode can expect to be assigned more severe sanctions than they would have been assigned had they committed fewer offenses. The presence of aggravating factors such as the use of force, the use of a weapon, the involvement of multiple perpetrators, intimidation or intentional incapacitation will also lead to more severe sanctions. 

In instances where the College is unable to take disciplinary or other corrective action in response to a reported violation, the College will consider other steps available to limit the effects of the conduct at issue and prevent its recurrence, such as training and education.

Remedies

When a determination is made that an individual is responsible for an act or acts of Title IX Sexual Harassment, the College may also offer additional measures, and/or take other action, to eliminate any hostile environment caused by the Title IX Sexual Harassment, prevent the recurrence of any Title IX Sexual Harassment, and remedy the effects of the Title IX Sexual Harassment on the Complainant and the College community. Remedies that may be offered or provided to a Complainant may include the same individualized services described as Supportive Measures; however, remedies need not be non-disciplinary or non-punitive and need not avoid burdening the Respondent.

Additional corrective actions may include but are not limited to support services and accommodations such as escorts, counseling and medical services, academic or residential accommodations and support for one or both parties. Corrective actions and remedies at the level of the institution may include but are not limited to providing and/or requiring appropriate forms of counseling and training, developing educational materials and programming, implementation of revised policies and procedures, undertaking climate surveys and other mechanisms to identify and address patterns of violations.

In no event will a party in matters involving an alleged violation of the Policy be required to abide by a nondisclosure agreement that would prevent disclosure of the outcome.

APPEAL PROCESS

Either party may appeal the determination of a hearing or a dismissal of a Formal Complaint, on one or more of the following grounds:

• A procedural irregularity affected the outcome;
• There is new evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination or dismissal was made, that could have affected the outcome;
• The Title IX Coordinator, investigator, hearing officer, or administrative officer, as the case may be, had a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally, or against the individual Complainant or Respondent, that affected the outcome.
• The sanction is disproportionate with the violation. 

No other grounds for appeal are permitted.

A party must file an appeal within ten (10) days of the date they receive notice of dismissal or the determination appealed from. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Title IX Coordinator. The appeal must specifically identify the determination and/or dismissal appealed from, articulate which one or more of the grounds for appeal are being asserted, explain in detail why the appealing party believes the appeal should be granted, and articulate what specific relief the appealing party seeks.

The Title IX Coordinator will conduct an initial evaluation to confirm that the appeal is timely filed and that it invokes at least one of the permitted grounds for appeal. If the Title IX Coordinator determines that the appeal is not timely, or that it fails to invoke a permitted ground for appeal, the appeal will be dismissed and written notice of the dismissal will be provided to the parties.

If the Title IX Coordinator confirms that the appeal is timely and invokes at least one permitted ground for appeal, they will provide written notice to the other party that an appeal has been filed and that the other party may submit a written opposition to the appeal within seven (7) days. Upon receipt of any opposition, or after the time period for submission of an opposition has passed without one being filed, the Title IX Coordinator will forward the appeal to the Appeal Officer. The Appeal Officer shall also receive any records from the investigation and adjudication necessary to resolve the grounds raised in the appeal. The Appeal Officer will review the matter and transmit a written decision to the parties that explains the outcome of the appeal and the rationale. The Appeal Officer will be appointed by the College. Although the length of each appeal will vary depending on the totality of the circumstances, the College strives to issue the Appeal Officer’s written decision within (21) days of an appeal being filed. The determination of a Formal Complaint, including any discipline, becomes final when the time for appeal has passed with no party filing an appeal or, if any appeal is filed, at the point when the Appeal Officer has resolved all appeals, either by dismissal or by transmittal of a written decision.

No further review beyond the appeal is permitted.

OTHER PROVISIONS

Advisors of Choice

From the point a Formal Complaint is made, and until an investigation, hearing, and appeal are complete, both parties are entitled to bring an advisor of their choice to any meetings, interviews, and hearings that are part of the investigation, resolution, and appeal process, provided that the involvement of the advisor does not result in undue delay of the meeting or interview. The advisor may be, but is not required to be, an attorney.

Except for the questioning of witnesses during the hearing specified in these Procedures, the role of the advisor of choice is limited to consulting privately with the party they accompany. The advisor will play a passive role and is not permitted to communicate on behalf of a party, insist that communication flow through the advisor, or communicate with the College about the matter without the party being included in the communication. In the event a party’s advisor of choice engages in material violation of the parameters specified in writing by the Hearing Office, or as outlined in these Procedures, including engaging in behavior or advocacy that harasses, abuses, or intimidates either party, a witness, or an individual investigating or resolving the complaint, the College may preclude the advisor from further participation, in which case the party may select a new advisor of their choice.

In the event a party is not able to secure an advisor to attend the hearing specified in these Procedures, the College will provide the party an advisor, without fee or charge, who will conduct questioning on behalf of the party at the hearing. The College will have sole discretion to select the advisor it provides. The advisor the College provides may be, but is not required to be, an attorney or any individual with specialized legal training.

The College is not required to provide a party with an advisor in any circumstance except where the party does not have an advisor present at the hearing specified in these Procedures.

Treatment Records and Other Privileged Information

During the investigation and hearing processes, the investigator and adjudicator, as the case may be, are not permitted to access, consider, disclose, permit questioning concerning, or otherwise use:

• A party’s records that are made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting in the professional or paraprofessional’s capacity, or assisting in that capacity, and which are made and maintained in connection with the provision of treatment to the party; or
• Information or records protected from disclosure by any other legally-recognized privilege, such as the attorney client privilege; unless the College has obtained the party’s voluntary, written consent to do so for the purposes of the investigation and adjudication process.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the investigator and/or adjudicator, as the case may be, may consider any such records or information otherwise covered by this Section if the party holding the privilege affirmatively discloses the records or information to support their allegation or defense, as the case may be.

Sexual History

During the investigation and hearing processes, questioning regarding a Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant, unless such questions and evidence about the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior are offered to prove that someone other than the Respondent committed the conduct alleged, or if the questions and evidence concern specific incidents of the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the Respondent and are offered to prove consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Complainant who affirmatively uses information otherwise considered irrelevant by this Section for the purpose of supporting the Complainant’s allegations, may be deemed to have waived the protections of this Section.

Presumption of Non-Responsibility

From the time a report or Formal Complaint is made, a Respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged misconduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made final.

Conflicts of Interest, Bias, and Procedural Complaints

The Title IX Coordinator, investigator, hearing officer, administrative officer, appeals officer, and informal resolution facilitator will be free of any material conflicts of interest or material bias. The parties will be notified of the identities of the decision maker and appeal reviewer for their proceeding before those individual(s) initiate contact with either party. Any party who believes one or more of these individuals has a material conflict of interest or material bias must raise the concern promptly so that the College may evaluate the concern and find a substitute, if appropriate. If a party believes that the investigator, hearing officer, administrative officer, appeals officer, or informal resolution facilitator has a conflict of interest, the party should raise the concern to the Title IX Coordinator. If a party believes a Title IX Coordinator has a conflict of interest, the party should raise the concern to the Dean of Students (when requesting party is a student) or the Vice President of the College (when requesting party is an employee). The failure of a party to timely raise a concern of a conflict of interest or bias may result in a waiver of the issue for purposes of any appeal specified in these Procedures or otherwise.

Objections Generally

Parties are expected to raise any objections, concerns, or complaints about the investigation, adjudication, and appeals process in a prompt and timely manner so that the College may evaluate the matter and address it, if appropriate.

Recordings

Wherever this Policy specifies that an audio or video recording will be made, the recording will be made only by the College and is considered property of the College, subject to any right of access that a party may have under this Policy, FERPA, and other applicable federal, state, or local laws. Only the College is permitted to make audio or video recordings under this Policy. The surreptitious recording of any meeting, interview, hearing, or other interaction contemplated under this Policy is strictly prohibited. Any party who wishes to transcribe a hearing by use of a transcriptionist must seek pre-approval from the hearing officer.

Vendors, Contractors and Third Parties

The College does business with various vendors, contractors, and other third-parties who are not students or employees of the College. Notwithstanding any rights that a given vendor, contractor, or third-party Respondent may have under the Policy or these Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures, the College retains its right to limit any vendor, contractor, or third-party’s access to campus for any reason. And the College retains all rights it enjoys by contract or law to terminate its relationship with any vendor, contractor, or third-party irrespective of any process or outcome under these Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures.

Confidentiality

The College will keep confidential the identity of any individual who has made a report or Formal Complaint of Title IX Sexual Harassment or Retaliation, including any Complainant, the identity of any individual who has been reported to be a perpetrator of Title IX Sexual Harassment or Retaliation, including any Respondent, and the identity of any witness. The College will also maintain the confidentiality of its various records generated in response to reports and Formal Complaints, including, but not limited to, information concerning Supportive Measures, notices, investigation materials, adjudication records, and appeal records.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the College may reveal the identity of any person or the contents of any record if permitted by FERPA, if necessary to carry out the College’s obligations under Title IX and its implementing regulations including the conduct of any investigation, adjudication, or appeal under this Policy or any subsequent judicial proceeding, or as otherwise required by law. Further, notwithstanding the College’s general obligation to maintain confidentiality as specified herein, the parties to a report or Formal Complaint will be given access to investigation and adjudication materials in the circumstances specified in this Policy. In all interviews and meetings held in connection with these Title IX Sexual Harassment procedures, the College will protect the privacy of the participating parties and witnesses as required by FERPA and other applicable law.

While the College will maintain confidentiality specified in this these Procedures, the College will not limit the ability of the parties to discuss the allegations at issue in a particular case. Parties are advised, however, that the manner in which they communicate about, or discuss a particular case, may constitute Title IX Sexual Harassment or Retaliation in certain circumstances and be subject to discipline pursuant to the processes specified in this Policy. 

Note that certain types of Title IX Sexual Harassment are considered crimes for which the College must disclose crime statistics in its Annual Security Report that is provided to the campus community and available to the public. These disclosures will be made without including personally identifying information.

Other Violations of this Policy

Alleged violations of the Policy, other than violations of the prohibitions on Title IX Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation, such failing to abide by a supportive measure or emergency removal, will be subject to review under the Student Code of Conduct for students, the Faculty Handbook for faculty, or other College policies and standards for employees.

Signatures and Form of Consent

For purposes of this Policy, either a physical signature or digital signature will be sufficient to satisfy any obligation that a document be signed. Where these Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures provide that written consent must be provided, consent in either physical or electronic form, containing a physical or digital signature, as the case may be, will suffice.

Deadlines, Time, Notices, and Method of Transmittal

Where these Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures specify a period of days by which some act must be performed, the following method of calculation applies:

• Exclude the day of the event that triggers the period;
• Count every day, including intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays recognized by the federal government;
• Include the last day of the period until 5:00 p.m. central time, but if the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday recognized by the federal government, the period continues to run until 5:00 p.m. central time on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday recognized by the federal government. 

All deadlines and other time periods specified in this Policy are subject to modification by the College where, in the College’s sole discretion, good cause exists. Good cause may include, but is not limited to, the unavailability of parties or witnesses; the complexities of a given case; extended holidays or closures; sickness of the investigator, adjudicator, or the parties; the need to consult with the College’s legal counsel; unforeseen weather events; and the like.

Any party who wishes to seek an extension of any deadline or other time period may do so by filing a request with the investigator, hearing officer, administrative officer, appeal officer, or Title IX Coordinator, as the case may be, depending on the phase of the process. Such requests must state the extension sought and explain what good cause exists for the requested extension. The College officer resolving the request for extension may, but is not required to, give the other party an opportunity to object. Whether to grant such a requested extension will be in the sole discretion of the College.

The parties will be provided written notice of the modification of any deadline or time period specified in this Policy, along with the reasons for the modification.

Where these Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures refer to notice being given to parties “simultaneously,” notice will be deemed simultaneous if it is provided in relative proximity on the same day. It is not necessary that notice be provided at exactly the same hour and minute.

Unless otherwise specified in these Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures, the default method of transmission for all notices, reports, responses, and other forms of communication specified in this Policy will be email using College email addresses.

A party is deemed to have received notice upon transmittal of an email to their College email address. In the event notice is provided by mail, a party will be deemed to have received notice three (3) days after the notice in question is postmarked.

Any notice inviting or requiring a party or witness to attend a meeting, interview, or hearing will be provided with sufficient time for the party to prepare for the meeting, interview, or hearing as the case may be, and will include relevant details such as the date, time, location, purpose, and participants. Unless a specific number of days is specified elsewhere in the Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures, the sufficient time to be provided will be determined in the sole discretion of the College, considering all the facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, the nature of the meeting, interview, or hearing; the nature and complexity of the allegations at issue; the schedules of relevant College officials; approaching holidays or closures; and the number and length of extensions already granted.

Other Forms of Discrimination

These Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures apply only to (1) complaints of Title IX Sexual Harassment or (2) complaints that include acts of both Title IX Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct, where the allegations involve the same parties or are otherwise materially related. Complaints of Sexual Misconduct, as defined in the Policy, are governed by the College’s Sexual Misconduct Procedures.

Outside Appointments, Dual Appointments, and Delegations

The College retains discretion to retain and appoint suitably qualified persons who are not College employees to fulfill any function of the College under the Policy and these Procedures, including, but not limited to, the investigator, hearing officer, administrative officer, informal resolution officer, and/or appeals officer.

The College also retains discretion to appoint two or more persons to jointly fulfill the role of investigator, hearing officer, administrative officer, informal resolution officer, and/or appeals officer.

The functions assigned to a given College official under this Policy, including but not limited to the functions assigned to the Title IX Coordinator, investigator, hearing officer, administrative officer, informal resolution officer, and appeals officer, may, in the College’s discretion, be delegated by such College official to any suitably qualified individual and such delegation may be recalled by the College at any time.

RECORDS MAINTENANCE

The College will retain those records specified in 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(10) for a period of seven years after which point in time they may be destroyed, or continue to be retained, in the College’s sole discretion. The records specified in 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(10) will be made available for inspection, and/or published, to the extent required by 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(10) and consistent with any other applicable federal or state law, including FERPA.

For a period of 7 years, the College will maintain documentation and records regarding alleged violations of the Policy and their resolution in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties involved, complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and to the extent possible excludes personally identifiable information of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

If a student has been found responsible for violating the Policy, this finding remains a part of that student's conduct record. The finding is not referenced on a student's transcript. If an employee is found responsible for violating the Policy, the finding will be retained in the employee’s employment file and subject to retention rules pertaining to personnel records.

Discretion in Application

The College retains discretion to interpret and apply this Policy in a manner that is not clearly unreasonable, even if the College’s interpretation or application differs from the interpretation of the parties.

Despite the College’s reasonable efforts to anticipate all eventualities in drafting this Policy, it is possible unanticipated or extraordinary circumstances may not be specifically or reasonably addressed by the express policy language, in which case the College retains discretion to respond to the unanticipated or extraordinary circumstance in a way that is not clearly unreasonable. 

The provisions of this Policy and the Hearing Procedures referenced in these Procedures are not contractual in nature, whether in their own right, or as part of any other express or implied contract. Accordingly, the College retains discretion to revise this Policy and the Hearing Procedures at any time, and for any reason. The College may apply policy revisions to an active case provided that doing so is not clearly unreasonable.

Training and Educational Programming

The College will ensure that College officials acting under this Policy, including but not limited to the Title IX Coordinator, investigators, hearing officers, informal resolution facilitators, College provided advisors, and appeals officers, receive training in compliance with 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(1)(iii), and any other applicable federal or state law.

The College will also provide education to students and employees on issues relating to Title IX Sexual Harassment and the College’s policies and procedures that complies with the Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act and any other applicable federal or state law. 

The College will provide the following education programming designed to promote the awareness of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

Employees with Responsibility for Receiving Reports of Violations of this Policy; Providing or Referring Services to Victims; and/or Adjudicating Alleged Violations of this Policy

• Training on at least an annual basis on the issues related to sexual assault, sexual violence, dating violence and stalking; and
• Training on at least an annual basis on how to conduct an investigation and hearing process that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability.

PRIMARY PREVENTION AND AWARENESS PROGRAMS

The College will provide primary prevention and awareness programs for all incoming students and new employees that includes the following:

• a statement that the College prohibits the offenses of discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, and a description of the College's policies that prohibit this conduct;
• the definition of consent and inability to consent, in reference to sexual activity, as defined in this Policy and under Illinois law;
• the definition of discrimination, harassment, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking (or similar offenses) in this Policy and under Illinois law;
• safe and positive options for bystander intervention that may be carried out by an individual to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking against a person other than such individual;
• information on risk reduction to recognize warning signs of abusive behavior and how to avoid potential attacks;
• the procedures that a Complainant/victim should follow if discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking has occurred, as described in this Policy, including options for a Complainant/victim to report such incidents to a confidential advisor or other confidential resource;
• the possible sanctions and protective measures that the College may impose following a final determination of a violation of College policy regarding discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking;
• the procedures for College disciplinary action in cases of alleged discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, as described in this Policy, including the standard of proof that is used;
• information about how the College will protect the confidentiality of Reporting Parties, including how publicly-available recordkeeping will be accomplished without the inclusion of identifying information about the Reporting Party, to the extent permissible by law;
• information about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, and other services available for student and employee accusers and victims both on-campus and in the community; and
• information about options for, and available assistance in, changing academic, living, transportation, and working situations, if requested by a Complainant and if such accommodations are reasonably available, regardless of whether the Complainant chooses to report the crime to campus security or local law enforcement.

ONGOING PREVENTION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS

The College will also provide ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns for students and employees that include the information covered in the primary prevention and awareness programs.

CHANGES IN THIS POLICY

The College reserves the right to make adjustments and changes in this policy at any time. 

Office of Human Resources
639 38th St.
Rock Island, Ill., 61201

humanresources@augustana.edu

Phone: 309-794-7352

Fax: 309-794-8962