North Carolina State University takes the safety of all of its students very seriously. The school has numerous policies in place to ensure that everyone feels safe on campus and encourages reporting practices if anyone should see any harmful or suspicious behavior.
As far as this atmosphere goes to protect students, it is helpful. However, if you are facing sexual misconduct charges due to a false accusation, you may find that North Carolina State University does not seem to have the same protection systems in place for your rights as it does for the victims of sexual misconduct. Whether or not you are guilty of the alleged misconduct, you need to take steps to ensure that the school observes due process and gives you a fair chance before considering you guilty.
Sexual misconduct traumatizes, wounds, scares, and harms. Everyone involved will have long-lasting effects stemming from the incident. As the alleged perpetrator of the event, your future is also at stake. North Carolina State University may saddle you with harsh punitive measures or other consequences. Even beyond college, however, you may feel the repercussions. With sexual misconduct on your permanent record, you may have a hard time getting a job in the future.
That's why it's crucial to take steps now. Hire a dedicated Title IX or sexual misconduct advisor today to help guide you through your school's adjudication process in the best way possible.
NC State University's Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policies
NC State University has a dual Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct policy that governs the school's response to any situation that harms a student or contributes to an unsafe atmosphere. First and foremost, the University states that it wishes to “ease the burden placed on those who report these types of behaviors.” To this end, the school has made the reporting process very simple.
According to NC State University's Title IX Sexual Harassment policy, the school considers the following actions punishable:
- Sexual Assault
- Rape
- Sodomy
- Sexual Assault With an Object
- Fondling
- Incest
- Statutory Rape
- Dating Violence
However, this is not a comprehensive list. The school may take adjudicative action in any scenario that an individual brings to its attention.
Once the school is aware of a potentially problematic event, that information will make its way to NC State's Title IX Coordinator. The Coordinator will reach out to the complainant - or the person standing accused of misconduct - and formally initiate the Title IX Complaint Resolution Process.
The Title IX Complaint Resolution Process at NC State
As the student misconduct investigation, adjudication, and resolution process can be complicated, the school has prepared a flowchart to help any affected students understand what is happening. The Title IX Complaint Resolution process is very similar to the Student Conduct Process that the University has outlined.
The school will begin by examining the formal complaint in order to determine whether to escalate the process to a formal hearing. Alternatively, the school may be able to dismiss the incident through informal resolution.
If the school can resolve the matter informally, you can expect a Notice of Dismissal of the Formal Complaint - an official document that dispenses with much of the University's due process. However, you may still receive some disciplinary action, depending on the nature of your alleged offense.
If the school decides to pursue formal adjudication, you will receive an invitation to a hearing as well as notice that you may invite an advisor - an option that you should take advantage of. In the meantime, in the weeks leading up to the hearing, the school will conduct an investigation into the alleged offense. This may include interviews with your peers, the collection of evidence, and required statements from you. Before you provide any of this information, you need to speak with an advisor who has your best interests in mind. If NC State offers to supply you with an advisor, indicate that you will provide your own. You need to make sure that your advisor will be loyal to you in all matters.
At the hearing, representatives from the University will hear your side of the story, the case against you, review all evidence, and ultimately make a determination of guilt. If the University decides that you are responsible for the alleged offense, you can expect harsh disciplinary measures. While you always have the option of filing for an appeal, the school strongly recommends that you only do so if new information comes to light.
Assuming this is not the case, you can expect the school to recommend punishments ranging from probation to suspension and even dismissal. It's not exaggerating to say that this could affect your entire future - which is why you need to work hard, now, to protect your rights during your investigation.
Joseph D. Lento: A Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Advisor With the Experience You Need
Are you a student at North Carolina State University who stands accused of sexual misconduct? Is this the first time you're experiencing your school's disciplinary system?
If so, you might be panicking. You might wonder about your future. Almost certainly, you're currently feeling overwhelmed - and with good reason. Suddenly, the systems you've trusted have turned against you. You're getting concerning emails and letters - and there may even be a hearing scheduled that you're dreading.
When you face accusations of sexual misconduct at your school, it's important that you realize just what's on the line. Your entire future may be at stake. As this is the case, it's crucial that you have expert legal assistance on your side.
Joseph D. Lento has spent years defending students who need a second chance. At schools across the nation, he has worked tirelessly to represent young people as they fight for their future. Trust the Lento Law Firm to help you work towards a successful outcome for your sexual misconduct case at North Carolina State University.
For more information, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686 or contact us through our online form.
