Title IX Overview

Contact the Title IX Coordinator to report sexual harassment, sex-based discrimination, sexual misconduct or a related concern by:

• Filing a complaint through the Maxient reporting system by clicking the button below.
• Reports can be made in-person, by mail, phone, or email to the Title IX Coordiantor. 
• You also have the option to give verbal notice to any college employee regarding the incident. The employee will inform the Title IX Coordinator.

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Once a report is received, the Title IX Coordinator will conduct an initial assessment to determine whether the reported conduct may reasonably constitute a violation of college Title IX policy and if the college has jurisdiction to proceed with a formal investigation by:

• Meeting separetly with each party:
  • You, the person who made the report
  • The individual(s) whose actions are the subject of your report
• During this initial meeting, the Title IX Coordinator will: 
  • Inform each party that they have the right to have an adviser present at any stage, and that one can be provided if needed. 
  • Explain the investigation process
  • Ask each party to share their account of the situation
  • Request any relevant documents and anmes of potential witnesses
  • Offer and help coordinate supportive measures for each party, as appropriate
  • Explain the available resolution options:
    • Supportive and remedial response
    • Informal resolution
    • Formal resolution

If you choose to begin a formal process, file a complaint through the Maxient reporing system by clicking the button below.

• Formal complaints can be submitted at any time, including outside business hours.
• There is no time limit for filing, but delays or if the respondent is no longer affiliated with the college may limit our ability to investigate or respond.
• Anonymous reports are accepted but may delay our ability to provide supportive measures.

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After you submit a formal complaint and request an investigation, the college will send written notice to both you (the complainant) and the person(s) named in the complaint (the respondent). This notice will include:

• The specific allegations
• The names of all parties involved
• The dates and times of the alleged incidents
• A statement clarifying that no determination of responsibility has been made, and that a decision will be reached at the end of the process based on a preponderance of the evidence

The Title IX Coordinator will meet separately with both the complainant and the respondent. During these meetings, the Title IX Coordinator will:

• Inform each party of their right to have an adviser present or provided at any stage
• Explain the investigation process
• Gather each party’s account, relevant documents, and witness names
• Offer supportive measures, as appropriate
• Review available resolution options: supportive response, informal resolution, or formal resolution
• Assess whether the case meets the criteria to move forward

After the formal investigation, the Title IX Coordinator or assigned investigator will prepare a report summarizing the evidence.

• Before the report is finalized, both parties will have 10 days to review it and submit a written response, which will be considered in the final version.
• The final report may lead to sanctions, a formal hearing, or other outcomes. It will be shared with both parties and their advisers at least 10 days before any hearing, or, if no hearing is held, 10 days before a final resolution is determined.

Throughout the process, the college will provide supportive measures to both parties. The college will also:

• Set a reasonably prompt timeline for completing the process and resolving any appeals
• Provide written notice of any delays or extensions, including the reasons for them

If the Title IX Coordinator determines a hearing is necessary, it will be conducted by the Student Development Division.

Before the Hearing:

• Each party will receive a Pre-Hearing Notice from the Office of Student and Judicial Affairs at least 20 business days before the hearing.
• The notice will include the date, time, location, purpose, and names of the hearing panelists.
• The hearing coordinator will meet separately with each party to review the process.
• Each party may submit written objections to any hearing officer within five business days of receiving the hearing notice. Objections must be based on a conflict of interest.
• Each party must submit:
  • A witness list at least 10 business days before the hearing.
  • A list of proposed questions at least five business days before the hearing.
• Advisers:
  • Each party may choose an adviser, who doesn’t need to be an attorney. If a party doesn’t have one, the college will provide one at no cost.
  • The hearing file will be shared with both parties and their advisers 10 business days before the hearing. It will include:
    • The investigation report and related documents
    • A hearing outline and list of participants
    • Any additional supporting materials

During the Hearing:

• Hearings may be held virtually so parties aren’t in the same room.
• Hearings are recorded by the college; no other recordings are allowed. Parties may request access to the recording.
• Advisers may ask relevant questions and follow-ups to the other party and witnesses. All questions must be approved by the hearing officer or panel before being asked.
• Advisers may not speak on behalf of the parties.
• The hearing officer or panel will use the preponderance of the evidence standard—meaning it must be more likely than not that a policy violation occurred.

After the Hearing

• The hearing officerwill provide written findings of facts and conclusions about whether the respondent violated any Title IX Policies.
• The Title IX coordinator will reviewthe hearing officer’s report to ensure compliance with the hearing and with nondiscrimination policy.
• The hearing coordinator will forward the hearing officer’s report promptly to  both parties, the Title IX coordinator, and the dean of Student Development within 10 business daysafter the hearing.  

Hearing Outcomes

• No Violation Found: If no violation is found, the hearing coordinator will notify the parties of their appeal rights.
• Violation Found:The hearing officer will submit their report to the college president (or designee) within five business days after the hearing outcome, including recommended sanctions or disciplinary actions, as defined in the Student Conduct Procedures.

Either party may appeal the decision made by the hearing panel or the decision-maker. 

• Appeals related to removal from campus should be submitted to Michele LeBleu-Burns, dean of Student Development and EOPS.
• Appeals for all other outcomes should be submitted to Rob Mieso, vice president of Student Services.

If an appeal is filed, both parties will be notified in writing and provided details about the appeal process. A new decision-maker or panel, separate from the original one, will review the appeal.

Federal law prohibits retaliation against anyone involved in a Title IX investigation, complaint or proceedings. All parties are protected from retaliation.