What is the Process After a Report?

Some incidents reported to the Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO) do not lead to a formal process. A determination on next steps will initially be made by OEO based on multiple factors, including:

1. Whether the complaint falls in the policy scope.
2. The wishes of the complainant.
3. Whether the incident presents potential safety concerns for the campus.

If you decide to pursue a complaint with OEO regarding an incident of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, one of our trained Investigators will walk you through the process. OEO will similarly explain the process to the person accused (the respondent). We understand that the policy is lengthy, and we will help you understand each step along the way and answer any questions you may have.

In summary, each of the three formal processes provides for an investigation or an early/informal resolution as an alternative to investigation. Depending on which process your case falls under, there may be a live hearing once the investigation concludes. The Investigator will ask you questions about the incident and discuss with you any concerns or requests.

You may have heard about recent changes by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to the process for Universities handling these cases. For more information on these changes, please see the New Federal Title IX Regulations.

Please just remember that you do not have to go through this process alone. OEO will answer any procedural questions that come up along the way. You also have the right to have an advisor of your choice who can speak with you about the case and accompany you to meetings/hearings.