Rosemont College strives to maintain an academic environment free of any instances of sexual misconduct. The College sets forth what behaviors constitute sexual misconduct within its Title IX / Sexual Misconduct Policy. The policy also establishes procedures for what actions will be taken by the College when a student is alleged to have committed acts of sexual misconduct. These policies are similar to those the College will use to resolve incidents pertaining to standard misconduct.
Rosemont College Sexual Misconduct Process
Once a report for a sexual misconduct violation is received by a College official, the College will begin a review of the alleged sexual misconduct to see if the allegations have merit. Throughout the investigation and resolution process, the party that initiates the complaint will be known as the "referring party," while the student facing the accusations will be known as the "referred party." If the allegations are deemed to have merit, the College will take investigative action. Investigations will consist of meeting with the parties or gathering information from them in writing. After facts have been gathered, the referred party will be given an opportunity to accept responsibility for the charges.
Committee on Student Conduct Hearings
If the referred party does not accept responsibility, the matter will move forward to a hearing. The College will assemble the Committee on Student Conduct comprised of members selected for handling sexual misconduct cases. The committee will decide on how the hearing will proceed, however, both parties will, in theory, be granted certain rights throughout the process. Both parties may support their case with evidence and witnesses. Both parties also have the opportunity to question one another's witnesses to an extent deemed appropriate by the committee. Both parties will also be able to make opening and closing statements and are subject to questioning from the committee.
At any sexual misconduct meetings and hearings, students also have the right to be accompanied by an advisor of their own choosing. Sexual misconduct allegations are very serious and can have long-term consequences on a student's academic and professional career. For this reason, students should select an attorney to serve as their advisor. An attorney can help students compose strong arguments and statements to present to the hearing, and can also guide a student's method of questioning to help secure a favorable outcome. An attorney can also protect a student's rights and interests throughout the process and can make sure the integrity of the Title IX investigation and disciplinary proceedings is maintained. In addition to this, if a student faces any repercussions from the reporting of the allegations at Rosemont, an attorney can serve as a legal guide.
Appeals at Rosemont College
If the hearing results in an unfavorable outcome, students are given a right to make an appeal. Appeals must be submitted within seven (7) calendar days after receiving the decision. Appeals are to be made on the grounds of procedural error, new evidence, or sanction severity.
If you or your student is facing sexual misconduct allegations or Title IX charges at Rosemont College, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
