Stockton University oversees all sexual misconduct violations through its Sexual Misconduct Policy. The University takes special measures when a student faces allegations of sexual misconduct. The Sexual Misconduct Policy is upheld and enforced by the University's Office of Institutional Diversity and Equality. Instances of alleged sexual misconduct are resolved through a slightly different process than standard student misconduct violations. While the University's Code of Conduct procedures remain intact, special measures are taken for Sexual Misconduct cases.
Stockton University Sexual Misconduct Protocol
The process for resolving issues and allegations of sexual misconduct begins when a complaint is filed with a University Official. The University's Title IX Coordinator will select an investigator to gather facts regarding the case. Students who file the complaint will be known in the process as the "complainant," while the student facing allegations is known as the "accused." If the accused presents any signs of danger to the complainant or a risk of interference with the investigations, the University may impose an interim sanction on them. Interim sanctions may be appealed if a student believes it to be unnecessary. Once the investigation phase has concluded, the University will offer the respondent a chance to accept responsibility for the misconduct. If the respondent declines, then the case will be adjudicated by the Campus Hearing Board.
Hearings will be held to determine whether or not a student was responsible for sexual misconduct. The Campus Hearing Board will serve as the adjudicator in all instances of sexual misconduct, and will treat the matter with a higher degree of severity and seriousness than other types of hearing boards. Hearings will proceed in an order directed by members of the board and a moderator, however, both the complainant and the accused are in theory guaranteed certain rights. Both parties are able to bring forward their own supporting witnesses, and present their own arguments in support. Witnesses are subject to questioning from the opposing party. Questions must be posed to the moderator first, who will then question the witnesses. After all information has been heard, the board will deliberate. Decisions are made using the standard of "a preponderance of evidence."
At hearings, students may be assisted by an advisor of their own choosing. Sexual misconduct allegations are treated with a much higher degree of severity than standard code of conduct violations. The mere reporting of a sexual misconduct incident can have long lasting consequences on a student's professional and academic goals. For this reason, students should select an attorney to serve as their advisor throughout the hearing process. An attorney will be able to instruct students on methods of argument and cross-examination that can be incredibly effective in a University hearing. In addition, if any adverse consequences follow the initial reporting at Stockton University, an attorney will be able to guide and assist a student through these consequences.
Stockton University Appeals
In the event of an unfavorable outcome, students are given a chance to make an appeal. Appeals must be made within seven business days following the outcome. The only grounds for appeal are a procedural error or new evidence to be considered.
If you or your student is facing Title IX charge or allegations of sexual misconduct at Stockton University, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
