A Complainant may seek Alternative Resolution instead of an investigation and Formal Resolution. The Title IX Coordinator, however, has the discretion to determine whether the nature of the reported conduct is appropriate for Alternative Resolution, to determine the type of Alternative Resolution that may be appropriate in a specific case, and, pursuant to Section V of these Procedures, to refer a report for Formal Resolution at any time. Forms of Alternative Resolution that involve face-to-face meetings between the Complainant and the Respondent, such as mediation (even if voluntary), are not available in cases involving Sexual Assault.
Participation in Alternative Resolution (including any specific form of Alternative Resolution) is voluntary. The College will not compel a Complainant or Respondent to engage in Alternative Resolution, will not compel a Complainant to directly confront the Respondent, and will allow a Complainant or Respondent to withdraw from Alternative Resolution at any time. The College may decline the request for Alternative Resolution in any particular case and may stop an ongoing Alternative Resolution process at any time. Pursuing Alternative Resolution does not preclude later use of Formal Resolution if the Alternative Resolution fails to achieve a resolution acceptable to the parties and the College. Where the Complainant or the Respondent withdraws from Alternative Resolution or Alternative Resolution is otherwise terminated for any reason, any statements or disclosures made by the parties during the course of the Alternative Resolution may be considered in a subsequent investigation and Formal Resolution.
With any form of Alternative Resolution, each party has the right to choose and consult with a supporter. The supporter may be any person, including an attorney, who is not otherwise a party or witness to the reported incident(s). The parties may be accompanied by their respective supporters at any meeting or proceeding held as part of Alternative Resolution. While the supporters may provide support and advice to the parties at any meeting and/or proceeding, they may not speak on behalf of the parties, or in any manner disrupt, such meetings and/or proceedings.
Alternative Resolution may include:
Resolution with the Assistance of a Third Party: A Complainant may seek assistance in informally resolving a reported Sexual Misconduct Violation from the Title IX Coordinator, who can arrange to have a trained representative facilitate a meeting or meetings between the parties. The availability of this form of Alternative Resolution, and any resolution reached through such form of Alternative Resolution, is subject to the agreement of the Title IX Coordinator, the Complainant and the Respondent. This form of Alternative Resolution may not be used where the allegation involves Sexual Assault.
Interventions and Remedies: Alternative Resolution agreements may involve a host of interventions, remedial measures and remedies, such as actions designed to maximize the Complainant’s access to educational, extracurricular, and/or College employment activities; increased monitoring, supervision, and/or security at locations or activities where the Sexual Misconduct Violation occurred or is likely to reoccur; targeted or broad-based educational programming or training for relevant individuals or groups; academic and/or College housing modifications for Student Complainants; workplace modifications for Employee Complainants; one or more of the restorative remedies or other sanctions described in these Procedures; and/or any other remedial or protective measures that can be tailored to the involved individuals to achieve the goals of the Policy.
Any form of Alternative Resolution and any combination of interventions and remedies may be utilized. If an agreement acceptable to the College, the Complainant, and the Respondent is reached through Alternative Resolution, the terms of the agreement are implemented and the matter is resolved and closed. If an agreement is not reached, and the Title IX Coordinator determines that further action is necessary, or if a Respondent fails to comply with the terms of the Alternative Resolution, the matter may be referred for an investigation and Formal Resolution under these Procedures.
The Title IX Coordinator will maintain records of all reports and conduct referred for Alternative Resolution, which typically will be completed within forty-five (45) calendar days.
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