Civil Rights Investigative Resolution Process

NOTE: Throughout this process, 1). an Advisor of Choice may accompany, support, and advise each party; 2). a report to law enforcement may be made at any point; and 3). resources and support are available.

Investigative Process	To commence the investigative process: Notice of Investigation will be sent to the Complainant and Respondent by the AVP for Equity or designee. Investigator(s) will conduct a prompt, thorough, fair, and impartial investigation.Both parties will have an equal opportunity to be heard, to submit evidence and to identify witnesses. At the conclusion of the investigative process: Investigator will prepare a Preliminary Investigative Report summarizing the information gathered for review and response by each party.
Determination	Investigator will consider responses to the Preliminary Investigative Report and will write a Final Investigative Report with a determination on responsibility.The Final Report will be shared with the Respondent.
Appeals	A Respondent may contest the finding(s): The grounds for appeal are: (a) that the finding was arbitrary or capricious; (b) that there was a material procedural error that substantially impacted the outcome , or (c) there is new evidence that was not reasonably available and that could substantially impact the outcome.
Final Outcome	Next steps for contested finding(s) and/or sanction: An Appeal Officer can affirm, nullify or modify the finding, or take other action as deemed appropriate at his/her discretion. The decision of the Appellate Officer constitutes the University’s final decision on the matter.