The College of Saint Elizabeth pursues acts of sexual misconduct with diligence. The College utilizes its Title IX Policy to outline what is considered sexual misconduct, along with how the College will enact disciplinary measures against students charged with applicable offenses. This policy is separate from what the College utilizes for administering discipline for standard instances of behavioral or academic misconduct. The process itself is overseen by the College's Title IX Coordinator.
College of Saint Elizabeth Title IX Process
The process will begin once the Title IX Coordinator receives information regarding a complaint of sexual misconduct. The Title IX Coordinator will then assign an investigator to review the complaint and gather information on the case. Throughout the process, the student who filed the initial complaint will be known as the "complainant," while the student facing the allegations will be known as the "respondent." If the College has any reason to believe that the respondent poses a threat to the complainant or the College community, certain interim measures may be taken to protect the complainant or community. This can include rescheduling of classes, changes in housing, temporary suspensions, or no contact orders. Complaints will be resolved through either a formal or informal process.
Informal Procedure
An informal process will be used when the complainant agrees to a resolution through these means. Informal resolutions vary in their methods, however, these resolutions will not be used for acts of sexual violence. The complainant may also change the process to the formal process at any time.
Formal Procedure
If the complaint is to be resolved through a formal process, a rigorous formal investigation will be conducted. The investigator will meet with both parties and hear out their respective sides to the story. The investigator will also meet with any individuals who are suggested by either party as relevant witnesses. Following the initial round of investigations, the investigator and Title IX Coordinator will meet to discuss the results of the investigation. The complainant and the respondent will be given an opportunity to make a response to the investigation before a decision is made. Decisions are made using the standard of "a preponderance of the evidence."
Throughout any meetings or disciplinary hearings, students may be accompanied by an advisor of their own choosing. Sexual misconduct allegations carry very serious consequences that can follow a student through their entire career, both academic and professional. For this reason, students should select an attorney to serve as their advisor throughout the process. An attorney can ensure that a student's rights remain protected during the investigation, and can also help students select helpful and supportive evidence and witnesses to suggest to the investigator. In addition, if any adverse consequences should follow the reporting of the allegations at the College of Saint Elizabeth, an attorney can serve as a guide to students through these circumstances.
Appeals at the College of Saint Elizabeth
If the investigation results in an unfavorable outcome, students may make an appeal. The process for appeals follows the same as the one utilized for standard misconduct violations. The grounds for appeal are new evidence, error in procedure, or a debate of the severity of sanction.
If you or your student is facing Title IX charges or sexual misconduct allegations at the College of Saint Elizabeth, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
