Title IX FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While every situation is unique, please see below for frequently asked questions related to the RWU Title IX process and our resources.
Title IX Policy and Procedures
If I report, does the other individual automatically know I reported?
No, reporting the incident to the college and meeting with the Title IX Coordinator or Title IX Deputy (see "Contact" section) does NOT automatically mean the other individual will be notified. If you file a formal complaint through the Title IX office, that is when the other party involved will be notified.
Do I have to file a formal complaint to receive accommodations/modifications?
No! You will be able to work with the Title IX Coordinator or Title IX Deputy (see "Contact" section) to determine what adjustments would be appropriate for your particular case.
What if I don鈥檛 fully remember what happened?
That is completely okay! You only have to share what you are comfortable with others. It is completely your choice what you share and with whom.
If I report what happened, who knows about it?
This depends on who you report to. The Counseling Center and Health Services are confidential resources. This means what you share with them, stays with them. Other RWU employees are designated as Officials with Authority (see Appendix A) and must inform Title IX Coordinator of the incident. In the instance of a student reporting to a Resident Assistant (RA), the RA will call their supervisor, Area Coordinator, or Graduate Community Assistant on call, if after business hours, to aid in providing support resources to the student reporting the incident.
Why does this have to be reported?
Title IX incidents are required to be reported to the University according to federal law. Reporting also ensures that the student is supported and provided with resources in moving forward after a Title IX incident.
What if I don't want this to be reported anymore?
If you have already filed a report through the Title IX Office, you can withdraw it at any time.
What are my options as a Complainant?
You have many options! Please refer to the Title IX Policy for details. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Title IX Office. You do not have to file a formal complaint to talk about your options.
What will happen to the offender?
What will happen to the offender (from this point forward referred to as the Respondent) depends on if a formal complaint is filed. If the Respondent is found responsible, they could receive a disciplinary sanction (see Appendix B) ranging from warnings to University dismissal or termination, depending on the magnitude and specifics of the violation.
Will my parents find out?
No. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the University is not authorized to share private information concerning the student with other people, including parents unless they have a FERPA waiver on file for the student. This private information includes, but is not limited to, conduct history, educational status, housing location, etc.
Campus and Community Resources
Who should I go to if I want help, but don鈥檛 want to submit a formal complaint?
Whether or not you choose to submit a formal complaint, the Title IX Office can be a great resource for connecting you with on- and off-campus support and accommodations.
What are other campus resources I can use if I do not want to talk with the Title IX Office?
On campus, you can go to either the Counseling Center or Health Services if you would like to keep your report confidential. Other key offices that are trained in Title IX response include the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Public Safety, and Residence Life and Housing.
Off campus, you can contact hospitals, local crisis centers, national hot lines, and law offices. A list of off-campus resources can be found on the Title IX webpage.
Title IX Hearings
How will a hearing work?
During a hearing, Decision-Maker(s) will ask relevant questions, including those that challenge credibility. Once all questions have been asked, both the Complainant and Respondent will be provided time to state their closing remarks. The outcome, including appeal guidelines, will be sent to both the Complainant and the Respondent once determined.
Will I have to be in the same room as the Respondent?
You will not be in the same physical space as the Respondent, but the Respondent will be able to hear and see you through coordinated technology.
What is the level of proof that is used?
Preponderance of the evidence is the standard of proof used to determine whether a Respondent is responsible for the prohibited conduct alleged in the formal complaint. This standard is met if the greater weight of the evidence demonstrates that it is 鈥渕ore likely than not鈥 that a violation occurred.
Do I choose an Advisor or is one chosen for me?
You are entitled to have an Advisor of your choice accompany you to any related meetings or hearings. Additionally, this Advisor may, but is not required to be, an attorney. The University will not pay for any legal fees associated with hiring a lawyer as an Advisor. If you experience difficulty in finding an Advisor, one may be provided to you by the Title IX Office. The Title IX Coordinator can assist in identifying an Advisor from a trained pool of staff and faculty members.
What happens if my case is dismissed from Title IX?
Your case could be dismissed by the Title IX Office due to one of the following reasons:
- Allegation(s) do not meet or could not meet the definition of Title IX sexual harassment/sex discrimination as described in the Title IX Policy, or
- Allegation(s) did not occur within the jurisdiction and scope required by Title IX.
If this occurs, your case would be forwarded to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution to determine if it violates the University鈥檚 Student Code of Conduct. If it does, it will proceed through the Conduct Review Process.
For employee matters, case will be referred to Human Resources.
Rights of the Respondent
Am I automatically considered responsible when I am identified as a Respondent?
No. Once a formal complaint has been filed, either a grievance or alternate/informal resolution process will occur. The grievance process could result in a hearing as described above. Preponderance of the evidence as the evidentiary standard used when determining responsibility. Alternate/informal resolution does not involve a full investigation and adjudication like the grievance process. Rather, the informal resolution process uses restorative justice, mediation, educational conversation, shuttle diplomacy, or other forms of dispute resolution with the goal that the Parties will arrive at a mutually agreed-upon outcome. An alternate/informal resolution can only occur if both the Respondent and Complainant agree to it.
What supports are available during an investigation and hearing?
Respondents are offered the same supportive measures as the Complainant. For example, outreach to professors, a separate room from the Complainant, etc.
If found responsible, what are the possible sanctions?
The sanction(s) will depend on the level of severity of the incident and its impact on the community. Possible sanctions include, but are not limited to:
- fines and restitution;
- community service;
- suspension of privileges;
- educational intervention;
- educational / restorative sanctions;
- conduct warning;
- conduct probation;
- suspension from housing;
- dismissal from housing;
- university suspension;
- interim suspension;
- university dismissal; and
- transcript notation for sanctions of suspension (during the suspension period and dismissal).
*Any reasonable sanction(s) may be assigned that appropriately promotes the education and development of a student or employee, ensures safety, or otherwise furthers the mission of the University.
Can I have a lawyer as my Advisor?
Yes you can! The University will not pay for any legal fees associated with hiring a lawyer as an advisor.