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Policies

Sex Discrimination Informal Resolution Procedures

The following procedures describe the university’s informal resolution process for reports or Complaints of Sex Discrimination. The goal of informal resolution is to resolve a matter to the satisfaction of the Parties quickly and confidentially and to protect the safety of all Parties and the university’s educational environment. Key terms in these procedures are defined in the Sex Discrimination policy.

1. Initiating an Informal Resolution Process

Either Party may ask the Title IX coordinator to facilitate an informal resolution process at any time before a Respondent is determined to be responsible for Sex Discrimination; however, the university will not offer or facilitate an informal resolution process until all Parties have provided their voluntary, written consent to the informal resolution process and have received a written notice that explains:

  • the allegations;  
  • the requirements of the informal resolution process;  
  • that, prior to agreeing to a resolution, any Party has the right to withdraw from the informal resolution process and to initiate or resume the grievance procedures;   
  • that the Parties’ agreement to a resolution at the conclusion of the informal resolution process precludes the Parties from initiating or resuming grievance procedures arising from the same allegations;  
  • the potential terms that may be requested or offered in an informal resolution agreement, including notice that an informal resolution agreement is binding only on the Parties; and  
  • what information the university will maintain and whether and how the university could disclose such information for use in grievance procedures that are initiated or resumed.  

The Title IX coordinator retains discretion to determine whether it is appropriate to offer an informal resolution process and may decline to offer informal resolution despite one or more of the Parties’ wishes. Circumstances when the university may decline to allow informal resolution include, but are not limited to, when the Title IX coordinator determines that the alleged Sex Discrimination would present a future risk of harm to others.

2. Types of Informal Resolution

Informal resolution may encompass a broad range of conflict resolution strategies, including but not limited to arbitration, mediation, restorative justice, educational conversations, or any other process acceptable to the Parties and the university.

3. Informal Resolution Agreement

Parties who reach an informal resolution must sign a written agreement documenting the terms and conditions for dismissing the Complainant’s Complaint and releasing the Parties’ claims against each other and against the university based on the allegations in the Complaint and notice of allegations. The written agreement of informal resolution must also be approved and signed by the Title IX coordinator or by her or his designee.

4. Impartiality

The Title IX coordinator will ensure that any person who facilitates an informal resolution process (i) does not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against Complainants or Respondents generally or individually; and (ii) is trained as required by the Sex Discrimination policy. The facilitator for the informal resolution process must not be the same person as the investigator in the university’s grievance procedures.

Last Update: 08/01/2024