Procedure Name: UCM's Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, & Retaliation Grievance Process |
Date Approved: Revised and approved by the President on August 1, 2024. |
Procedure Category: Procedure |
Date Effective: August 1, 2024 |
Policy Authority: Board of Governors Policy 1.2.150 |
Date Last Revised: January 2025 |
Approval Authority: University President |
Review Cycle: 5 years |
Responsible Department: Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator |
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The following is the Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, & Retaliation Grievance Process required by Board of Governors Policy 1.2.150 Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Statement. These procedures apply to faculty, staff, students, and third parties.
The University treats all disclosures and reports of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation with great care and discretion. UCM provides support for members of the University community who have experienced discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation while also providing an equitable resolution process. A formal complaint does not need to be filed to seek assistance or supportive measures. Please contact the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator or designee with questions.
The University does not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment.
The University has adopted grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable
resolution of complaints made by students, employees, or other individuals who are
participating or attempting to participate in its education program or activity, or
by the Equity Administrator /Title IX Coordinator, alleging any action that would
be prohibited by the University’s Board of
Governors Policy 1.2.150 Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Statement.
Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator:
Name: Dr. Corey Bowman, Associate Vice President for Student Services
Office: Administration 214
Email: bowman@ucmo.edu
Phone: 660-543-4114
Deputy Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator:
Name: Heather Jennings
Office: Administration 213
Email: hjennings@ucmo.edu
Phone: 660-543-8030
ADA/504 Coordinator:
Name: Cathy Seeley, Director of Accessibility Services
Office: Accessibility Services, Union 224
Email: cseeley@ucmo.edu
Phone: 660-543-4983
Human Resources:
Name: Dr. Cory Wicker, Associate Vice President for Human Resources
Office: Human Resources, Administration 101
Email: cwicker@ucmo.edu
Phone: 660-543-4255
Office of Civil Rights, Kansas City Office:
Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education
One Petticoat Lane
1010 Walnut Street, 3rd floor, Suite 320
Kansas City, MO 64106
Telephone: 816-268-0550
FAX: 816-268-0599; TDD: 800-877-8339
Email: OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov
“Discrimination” is unfair treatment based on a legally protected demographic including:
age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,
sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, marital status, pregnancy or parental status,
national origin, veteran status, genetic information, disability, and all other legally
protected characteristics in matters of admissions, employment, education, or in the
programs or activities of the University.
Examples of discrimination can include refusing to hire or promote someone because of their race; denying someone a raise or employment benefit because of their gender; reducing someone’s job responsibilities because of their marital status; denying someone access to an educational program based on their gender identity; or denying someone access to a University facility based on their religion.
“Harassment” is verbal or physical conduct, or conduct using technology, directed toward someone because of their membership in a protected class (or a perception that someone is a member of a protected class) that is so severe or pervasive that it has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual’s access to education or work, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment or academic experience.
An individual’s subjective belief that behavior is intimidating, hostile, or offensive does not make that behavior harassment. The behavior must create a hostile environment from both a subjective and objective perspective such that it unreasonably interferes with, limits, or deprives a member of the University community of the ability to participate in or to receive benefits, services, or opportunities from the University’s education or employment programs and/or activities. Harassment not based on protected characteristics is not covered by these procedures and will be referred to the appropriate human resources, academic affairs, or student conduct processes.
“Retaliation” means intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any person by the university, a student, or an employee or other person authorized by the university to provide aid, benefit, or service under the university’s education program or activity, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing, including in an informal resolution process, in grievance procedures, and if applicable, in any other actions taken by the university. Nothing in this definition precludes the university from requiring an employee to participate as a witness in, or otherwise assist with, an investigation, proceeding, or hearing. Requiring employee participation is not retaliation.
“Sexual Misconduct” includes conduct that can be classified as sexual harassment,
sexual violence, and other conduct of a sexual nature, or based on sex as defined in this policy. Sexual
misconduct encompasses a range of conduct, from sexual assault (a criminal act that the U.S.
Department of Education defines as a form of sexual harassment) to conduct such as
unwanted touching or persistent unwelcome comments, e-mails, or pictures of an insulting
or degrading sexual nature, which may constitute unlawful harassment, depending upon
the specific circumstances and context in which the conduct occurs. For example, sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, or sexually-directed remarks or behavior constitute
sex-based harassment when (1) submission to or rejection of such conduct is made,
explicitly or implicitly, a basis for an academic or employment decision, or a term
or condition of either; or (2) such conduct directed against an individual persists
despite its rejection to thepoint it constitutes harassment as defined above.
In compliance with the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (“VAWA”) and the Clery Act, the University uses the State of Missouri’s Criminal Code’s definitions of sexual assault and sexual abuse. The University incorporates the State’s definitions of several other important terms, including domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, and recognizes thatsexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking can happen to anyone.
“Admission” means selection for part-time, full-time, special, associate, transfer, exchange, or any other enrollment, membership, or matriculation in or at an education program or activity operated by the university.
“Business Days” Business Days are those days on which university offices are officially open for business and classes are in session.
“Campus Security Authority (CSA)” The Clery Act (34 CFR 668.46) defines a CSA as:
Pastoral and professional counselors are not considered a Campus Security Authority when acting in their roles as a pastoral or professional counselor.
“Complainant” means:
“Complaint” means written request to the university that objectively can be understood as a request for the university to investigate and make a determination about alleged discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation.
“Confidential Employee” means an employee of a university whose communications are privileged or confidential under Federal or State law.
“Disciplinary Sanctions” means consequences imposed on a respondent following a formal determination under this policy that the respondent violated the university’s prohibition on unlawful discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct, or retaliation.
“Employee” means any individual hired directly by the University of Central Missouri to perform work at the direction of the University, whether hired part-time or full-time, at will or contractual, temporary or budgeted, and whether staff, faculty, or administrator.
“Equity Administrator(s)” The individual designated by the university to respond to allegations of discrimination or harassment based on a protected class(es) against members of the university community. In some circumstances, this can include the Equity Administrator’s designee. Members of the university community may contact the University or campus EquityAdministrator regarding the applicable policy and processes.
“Hostile Environment Harassment” is defined as unwelcome conduct that, based on the totality of circumstances, is subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from an institution’s education program or activity (i.e., creates a hostile environment). Whether a hostileenvironment has been created is a fact-specific inquiry.
“Informal Resolution” may include, but is not limited to, mediation, voluntary written
agreements, voluntary no contact orders, and other voluntary agreed upon boundaries
and expectations. Informal resolution may be pursued only after a complaint is received
and, after being informed of their options, both parties mutually and voluntarily
agree to an informal resolution. Agreement to engage in informal resolution may be
withdrawn any time prior to
agreeing to a resolution.
“Investigator” The person designated by the Title IX Coordinator and/or Equity Administrator responsible for gathering facts and data related to the case.
“Mandated Reporter” Any employee of the University, except as noted below*, who has actual knowledge of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation. A mandated reporter must provide information regardless of whether the behavior is by a student, employee, volunteer or visitor of the University.
A mandated reporter is one who either has authority to institute corrective measures on behalf of the university, or has responsibility for administrative leadership, teaching, or advising in theuniversity’s programs or activities.
*Does not apply to temporary employees or student employees. This policy does not apply to an employee who may be a complainant (i.e. not required to self-report), or Confidential Employees as defined by this policy.
“Party” means a complainant or respondent.
“Pregnancy or related conditions” means:
“Program or activity” means any operation of the university, including: (1) locations, events, or circumstances where the university exercised substantial control over both the Respondent and the context in which the unlawful harassment occurs; and (2) any building owned or controlled by the university or a student organization officially recognized by the university.
“Recipient” means the institution, or organization, or other entity, or any person, to whom Federal financial assistance is extended directly or through another university and which operates an education program or activity which receives such assistance, including any subunit, successor, assignee, or transferee thereof. For purposes of this policy, “recipient” means the University of Central Missouri.
“Relevant” means related to the allegations of discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct under investigation as part of the grievance procedures. Questions are relevant when they seek evidence that may aid in showing whether the allegations occurred, and evidence is relevant when it may aid a decisionmaker in determining whether the alleged unlawful discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct occurred.
“Remedies” means measures provided, as appropriate, to a complainant or any other person the university identifies as having had their equal access to the university’s education program or activity limited or denied by discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation, to restore or preserve that person’s access to the university’s education program or activity.
“Respondent” is an individual who has been reported to be a perpetrator of conduct that could be sexual misconduct or is alleged to have violated the university’s prohibition on discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
“Student” is a person who has gained admission to the University of Central Missouri.
“University” means the University of Central Missouri.
incapacitated cannot give consent, and consent does not exist when the respondent knew or should have known of the other individual’s incapacitation. Consent cannot be given by someone who has not met the legal age of consent or someone who does not have knowledge of the nature of the act or the ability to make a reasonable judgment concerning the nature of the act. Coercion, force, or intimidation, or the threat of any of these, invalidates consent.
“Dating violence” means violence committed by a person:
â—Ź Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with
the victim; and
â—Ź Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration
of the following factors:
1. The length of the relationship;
2. The type of relationship; and
3. The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
“Domestic violence” means felony or misdemeanor crimes committed :
â—Ź A current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim; A person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;
â—Ź Shares a child in common with the victim; or
â—Ź A person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occured: or
â—Ź Any other person who commits acts against a youth or adult victim who is protected
from those acts under
the family or domestic violence laws of the jurisdiction.
â—‹ Missouri defines "Domestic violence" as abuse or stalking committed by a family
or household member, as such terms are defined in this section
â—‹ Missouri defines "Family" or "household member" as spouses, former spouses, any
person related by blood or marriage, persons who are presently residing together or
have resided together in the past, any person who is or has been in a continuing social
relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim, and anyone who has
a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have resided together
at any time.
Note: Roommate conflicts will be addressed through University Housing unless they are matters of Domestic Violence and intimate partner or familial relationships.
"Incapacitation” is a state where someone cannot make rational, purposeful decisions because they lack the capacity to give knowing consent (e.g., they lack the ability to understand the "who, what, when, where, why, or how" of their sexual interaction). This definition also covers a person whose incapacity results from mental disability, sleep, illness, involuntary physical restraint, or from the effect of drugs. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, the following: lack of awareness of circumstances or surroundings, inability to communicate coherently, lack of control over physical movements. The use of alcohol and other drugs never makes someone at fault for being sexually assaulted. The use of alcohol or other drugs will not function as a defense to a violation of the sexual misconduct policy.
“Sex-based harassment” means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
1. Quid pro quo harassment. An employee of the university conditions the provision or denial of an aid, benefit, or service of the university on an individuals participation in sexual conduct;
2. Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would find to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively denies a person equal access to the university's education program or activity; or
3. Specific offenses (Clery Crimes).
“Sexual Assault” means an offense classified as a forcible or nonforcible sex offense under the Uniform Crime Reporting system (UCR) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sex offenses are defined as any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, Sexual Assault can include:
â—Ź Rape: Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part
or
object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, or by a sex-related
object
without the consent of the victim. This definition also includes instances in which
the
victim is incapable of giving consent because of temporary or permanent mental or
physical incapacity (including due to the influence of drugs or alcohol) or because
of
age. Physical resistance is not required on the part of the victim to demonstrate
lack of
consent.
â—‹ Sodomy: Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, without the
consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is unable to give
consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent
mental or physical incapacity.
â—‹ Sexual Assault With An Object: To use an object or instrument to unlawfully
penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another
person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is
unable to give consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or
permanent mental or physical incapacity.
○ An “object” or “instrument” is anything used by the offender other than the
offender’s genitalia, (e.g., a finger, bottle, weapon)
â—Ź Fondling (non-consensual sexual contact): The touching of the private body parts
of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of
the victim, including instances where the victim is unable to give consent because
of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
â—Ź Incest: Nonforcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other
within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
â—Ź Statutory Rape: Nonforcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory
age of consent. There is no force or coercion used in Statutory Rape; the act is not
an attack.
Sexual assault also includes, but not limited to:
â—Ź Knowingly causing another person to engage in a sexual act by using force against
that other person or by threatening or placing that other person in fear.
â—Ź Engaging in a sexual act with another person after knowingly rendering that person
unconscious.
â—Ź Administering to another person by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge
or permission of that person, a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance and thereby
substantially impairing the ability of that other person to appraise or control sexual
conduct.
â—Ź Knowingly engaging in a sexual act with another person if that other person is incapable
of appraising the nature of the conduct or is physically incapable of declining participation
in or communicating unwillingness to engage in that sexual act.
● Knowingly engaging in sexual contact with another person without the other person’s permission
(consent).
â—Ź The federal statute proscribes any attempts to commit any of these acts.
“Sexual exploitation” is the abuse of a person’s vulnerability, power, or trust for sexual purposes. Sexual exploitation occurs when one person takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another person for one’s own advantage or benefit or for the advantage or benefit of anyone other than the person being exploited, and this behavior does not constitute any other form of sexual misconduct. Examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to, the following activities done without the consent of all participants:
â—Ź Invasion of sexual privacy;
â—Ź Prostituting another person;
â—Ź Taping or recording of sexual activity;
â—Ź Going beyond the boundaries of consent to sexual activity (e.g., letting your friends hide to watch you engaging in sexual activity);Engaging in voyeurism;
â—Ź Knowingly transmitting an STI, STD, venereal disease, or HIV to another person;
â—Ź Inducing another to expose their genitals;
â—Ź Distribution of intimate images;
â—Ź Pornography;
â—Ź Use or distribution of drugs or alcohol with intent to facilitate sexual contact without consent (i.e., predatory drugs or alcohol);
â—Ź Extortion/Blackmail
“Stalking” means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:
● Fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or
â—Ź Suffer substantial emotional distress.
Missouri defines “Emotional Distress” as something markedly greater than the level of uneasiness, nervousness, unhappiness, or the like, which are commonly experienced in day-to-day living.
“Title IX” means Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Pub. L. 92-318; 20 U.S.C. 1681, 1682, 1683, 1685, 1686, 1687, 1688, 1689), as amended.
“Title IX Coordinator(s)”: The individual designated by the university to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct involving members of the university community. This also includes DeputyTitle IX Coordinators, and in some circumstances, this can include a designee. Members of the University community may contact the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator(s) regarding the applicable policy and processes.
The University of Central Missouri (UCM) will offer and coordinate supportive measures as appropriate for students and employees utilizing the University’s grievance procedures while providing an equitable resolution process.
A complaint does not need to be filed to seek assistance or supportive measures. Supportive measures are individualized, offered as appropriate and reasonably available, without unreasonably burdening a complainant or respondent, not for punitive or disciplinary reasons, and without fee or charge to:
If a student or a University employee experiences sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or any form of sex discrimination, including discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity, they are urged to seek immediate assistance from any of the following resources and to submit a complaint to the University's Title IX Coordinator.
These measures are available before or after filing a formal complaint or where no formal complaint has been filed.
Supportive measures will not automatically be implemented upon filing or receipt of a complaint, but on an individualized basis, may include counseling, extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, campus escort services, restrictions on contact between the parties, changes in work or housing locations, leaves of absence, increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus, and other similar measures.
An appeal regarding supportive measures is a formal request made by an individual (either the complainant or the respondent) involved in a complaint of Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct or Retaliation. This appeal can be made when an individual believes that the supportive measures provided are insufficient, inappropriate, or have been unfairly denied, modified, or terminated. This process ensures that all individuals involved in a grievance process have the opportunity to have their concerns addressed and to seek a fair and equitable resolution.
Appeal link:
Possible Outcomes:
Any person may make a report of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation. Individuals may make a complaint of discrimination, harrassment, sexual misconduct, or retalliation to the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator.
Reports can be made in person, by mail, telephone, or by email using the contact information listed below. Additionally, reports can be made using a complaint or reporter form.
Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator:
Name: Dr. Corey Bowman, Associate Vice President for Student Services
Office: Administration 214
Email: bowman@ucmo.edu
Phone: 660-543-4114
Although UCM encourages complainants to talk to someone, we have also developed an online tool for reporting discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation.
A Mandated Reporter is required to promptly report the information to the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator. The Mandated Report must be made regardless of whether the person reporting the information to the Mandated Reporter requests confidentiality and regardless of how the Mandated Reporter becomes aware of the offensive behavior (personal observation, direct information from the subject of the behavior, indirect information from a third party, etc.).
If the Complainant requests confidentiality or that the report not be pursued, the Mandated Reporter should advise the Complainant that, at this stage in the process, the Mandated Reporter must report all known information to the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator. Mandated Reporters must report all details that they possess. This includes names of the parties, if known, and all other information in the Mandated Reporter’s possession.
Complainants and non-mandated reporters are not required to share personally identifying information on the form below, but if a reporter chooses to provide those details, this may serve as notice to the University for the purpose of triggering an investigation.
The University is limited in its ability to act on anonymous complaints. The investigation of anonymous complaints or reports by confidential sources may be restricted to documenting when, where, and under what circumstances the reported discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation occurred for inclusion in the University's Annual Safety Report.
Upon receipt of a report, the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator (or designee) will respond to the complaint of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation promptly in a non-deliberately indifferent manner. Upon receipt of a report, the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator or designee will:
The University is committed to the safety and welfare of our University community members and seeks to facilitate access and remove barriers to those reporting and to those participating in the discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation grievance process. Sometimes persons are reluctant to report instances of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation or may be reluctant to participate in a process because they fear being charged with policy violations, such as underage alcohol consumption or drug usage.
To encourage reporting and facilitate access to supportive measures, individuals with an incident of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation investigations will not be charged with alcohol, drug and most other policy violations under the student code of conduct related to their efforts to seek medical assistance or provide information about the alleged conduct. They may, however, be asked to discuss these choices in an educational context and supportive measures can be offered. This may not apply to university employees.
All members of the University community are expected to be honest and straightforward in their dealings with University processes, policies, activities, and personnel. Dishonesty or being disruptive to this grievance process (whether by a complainant, respondent, witness, advisor, or other participant) is grounds for disciplinary action. Choosing to not provide a statement or answer questions is not considered dishonesty or disruptive behavior under this procedure, but parties, witnesses, and other participants are asked to keep the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator, investigator, and/or hearing officer informed of their willingness to participate in the various aspects of this process. However, UCM Employees may be compelled to participate as a witness in, or otherwise assist with, an investigation, proceeding, or hearing.
After a report is filed, a complainant may wish to proceed to a complaint against a respondent or the university may independently choose to proceed with a complaint against the respondent. Filing a complaint of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation is a formal process. To initiate this grievance process, a complainant must prepare and sign a formal complaint submitted to the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator or designee.
So that the University has sufficient information, the complainant should complete a formal complaint form which will require disclosure of: (1) the date(s) and time(s) of the alleged conduct; (2) the names of all person(s) involved in the alleged conduct, including possible witnesses; (3) all details outlining what happened; and (4) contact information for the complainant so that the University may follow up appropriately.
In cases where the complainant is unwilling or unavailable to file a complaint, is not participating or attempting to participate in a program or activity, or otherwise does not meet the legal requirements of filing a complaint, the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator may sign a complaint on behalf of the complainant.
The Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator or designee will consider a range of factors, including any potential risk that the respondent will commit additional acts of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation, such as:
When weighing the decision to initiate a complaint without permission from the complainant, the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator may consult with UCM's Threat Assessment Team or other confidential advisors. This does not constitute a violation of confidentiality for any involved parties.
The University will initiate a grievance process upon receipt of a written complaint, or an Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator or designee initiates a grievance process. The only University official who is authorized to initiate a grievance process against a respondent is the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator or their designee by signing a complaint.
In the absence of a complaint by either the complainant(s) or the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator or designee, the University will not pursue disciplinary action or informal resolution under the discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation policy, but may proceed under other policies, if appropriate.
The University will take reasonable steps to keep confidential the identity of any individual who has made a report or complaint of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation, including any individual who has made a report or filed a complaint, any complainant, any individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation, any respondent, and any witness, except as may be permitted by, or as required by, law, including the provision of supportive measures and the conduct of any investigation or hearing.
The University may consolidate complaints as to allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation, against more than one respondent, or by more than one complainant against one or more respondents, or by one party against the other party, where the allegations of discrimination, harassment or retaliation, arise out of the same facts or circumstances.
Where a grievance process involves more than one complainant or more than one respondent, references in this policy to the singular “party”, “complainant”, or “respondent” include the plural, as applicable.
The University has adopted grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints made by students, employees, or other individuals who are participating or attempting to participate in its education program or activity, or by the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator, alleging any action that would be prohibited by this policy.
Respondents are presumed not responsible for the behavior unless responsibility is established through the grievance process.
UCM’s discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation grievance process can include an investigative process. An informal resolution process is also available for most complaints on a case by case basis in consideration of the circumstances. In circumstances where an employee of the institution has been acoused of sexual misconduct against a student, informal resolutions are prohibited.
UCM will respond promptly to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation under this policy in a manner that is not deliberately indifferent, which means that UCM’s response is not clearly unreasonable in light of the known circumstances. The University cannot guarantee that discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, retaliation or other conduct prohibited by this policy will never occur in education programs or activities, but the University will respond to alleged misconduct in ways designed to ensure complainants and respondents equal access to education programs and activities without depriving any party of educational access without due process or fundamental fairness.
In implementing this policy, UCM will not restrict rights protected under the U.S. Constitution, including the First Amendment, Fifth Amendment, and Fourteenth Amendment.
In all cases, the grievance process begins with the filing of a complaint. The University will provide a written notice to the parties. The notice will inform the parties of the University’s grievance process and informal resolution process. Notice may be delayed due to safety concerns or law enforcement activity.
Emergency Removal. An emergency removal may be necessary if the university determines that an imminent and serious threat to the health or safety of a complainant or any students, employees, or other persons arising from the allegations of sex discrimination justifies removal. If a removal is determined necessary on an emergency basis, the university will have determined so through an individualized safety and risk analysis. The university will provide the respondent with notice of the emergency removal and an opportunity to appeal the decision immediately following the removal.
Administrative Leave. An employee respondent may be placed on administrative leave from employment responsibilities during the pendency of the recipient’s grievance procedures.
The notice will include the allegations potentially constituting discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation including sufficient details known at the time, and will provide the parties sufficient time to prepare a response before any initial interview. Sufficient details include the identities of the parties alleged to be involved in the incident, if known, the conduct allegedly constituting discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliantion and the date and location of the alleged incident, if known.
The written notice will also include:
Involved parties may pursue the voluntary use of an informal resolution process at any time prior to a final determination regarding responsibility. Informal resolutions are not available in incidents where an employee is alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct against a student. An informal resolution process does not involve a full investigation and adjudication. If an informal resolution process is pursued, the Investigator will make no attempt to determine whether discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation has occurred. Informal resolution will not be facilitated by the Investigator assigned to the complaint, and the investigation is put on hold pending attempts at informal resolution. Informal resolutions will be assigned to a Community Standards and Support team member.
Informal resolution may include, but is not limited to:
Prior to the initiation of an informal resolution process, the University will provide the parties with a written notice of the allegations and also describe the parameters of the informal resolution process. Initiation of this process requires the parties’ voluntary consent to commence and participate in the informal resolution process.
If both parties request an informal resolution, the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator determines if an informal resolution is appropriate and may deny the request if warranted.
If an informal resolution is pursued the parties will receive a written notice disclosing:
Involved parties may not re-initiate the investigation process after parties have voluntarily agreed to the outcome of the informal resolution. However, if prior to a final outcome the informal process fails or the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator determines it inappropriate to continue, the formal grievance process will resume.
The Title IX Coordinator may seek the assistance of a third party to facilitate an informal resolution, where appropriate.
Once a complaint is received, the Investigator will commence an investigation as soon as practicable. The purpose of the investigation is to gather and review all directly related evidence from involved parties, determine if the objectionable behavior potentially constitutes a violation of policy and provide all evidence relevant to that determination in an investigative report.
The investigator may receive counsel from University administrators, the University’s attorneys, or other parties as needed.
In general, the University does not investigate matters that do not take place on property not owned or controlled by the University or matters outside the context of the University’s academic programs and activities.
In regards to matters of sexual misconduct, the University's obligations are triggered if the misconduct occured during an institution's program or activity in the United States. The education program or activity includes locations, events, or circumstances over which UCM excercises substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which the sexual misconduct occurs, and also includes any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by UCM.
In matters of discrimination and harrassment, the University will address those incidents that occur during an institutions program or activity described above, and also, those incidents that occure outside the University's program and activity or outside the United States.
If the investigation determines that the charges may constitute discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation under the policy, then the investigative report will be forwarded to a hearing officer for a hearing.
If the investigation determines that the charges do not rise to the level of implicate discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation under the policy, but may constitute other forms of misconduct or policy violation, then the investigative report may be forwarded to a hearing officer or other department for appropriate action under grievance, employee conduct, or student conduct processes.
The University may dismiss the complaint when the conduct alleged in the complaint would not constitute discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation as defined in this policy, did not occur in the University’s education program or activity, or did not occur against a person in the United States.
The University may dismiss the complaint or any allegations therein, if at any time during the investigation or hearing:
Upon dismissal of a complaint, the University will send written notice of the dismissal and reason(s) for the dismissal simultaneously to both parties. Such a dismissal does not preclude action under another provision of the University’s code of conduct, including employee discipline for matters found to have violated Title VII as described above.
If no violation of this policy is found, it does not necessarily mean that the complainant’s allegations were false or unfounded, or that no other policy was violated.
In cases that do not meet the criteria for discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation under relevant law or University policy, the University may dismiss the complaint or use other University processes to address the behavior as appropriate.
In cases that may meet criteria for discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation under relevant law or University policy, the University will conduct a hearing where a formal complaint remains pending.
The University will provide a fair and equitable hearing process adhering to the principles of due process and fundamental fairness.
The University exists first and foremost to provide educational services to students; it is not a court of law and is not vested with subpoena powers.
The hearing process will include objective evaluation of all relevant evidence including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence. The standard of evidence to be used to determine responsibility is the preponderance of the evidence standard.
The University will provide a process that enables the hearing officer to question parties and witnesses to adequately assess a party’s or witness’s credibility to the extent credibility is both in dispute and relevant to evaluating one or more allegations of, discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation.
The role of the hearing officer is to review the content of the investigation and determine whether it is more likely than not that the alleged behavior occurred and, if so, whether it constitutes discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation under the policy.
Before, during and after the hearing, the Hearing Officer may consult with the Equity Administrator and/or Title IX Coordinator, University administrators, the University's attorneys, or other parties as needed.
Discrimination, Harrassment, and Retaliation Hearing Process
Sexual Misconduct Hearing Process
Following an investigation and evaluation of all relevant and not otherwise impermissible evidence, the University will:
After the conclusion of the hearing, (generally within 10 business days), the Hearing Officer will prepare and issue a written determination regarding responsibility including:
If a policy violation is found, the hearing officer will outline reasonable steps to correct the effects of such conduct on the complainant and others and to prevent the recurrence of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation. Sanctions, remediation, and other appropriate actions are discussed further below.
Complaints involving University employees may involve coordination with complainant and respondent supervisors; this is not a violation of confidentiality.
The written determination becomes final upon the earlier of when: (i) the parties are notified of the determination on appeal; or (ii) the time to file an appeal has passed with neither party appealing.
The University will carefully review each incident on an individual basis. The specifics of the incident will determine the severity of the sanctions imposed. The University may impose various sanctions or remedies, ranging from verbal warning to expulsion or termination of employment, depending on the severity of the offense. Sanctions or remedies will be determined by the hearing officer after a hearing described is conducted, as specified in the University’s grievance procedures.
Following a determination that a respondent violated the University's discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation policy, the University may impose disciplinary sanctions.
Sanctions and remedies for students may include, but are not limited to:
Sanctions and remedies for employees may include, but are not limited to:
The complainant or respondent may appeal the determination of a complaint or dismissal of a complaint or allegations therein only on the following grounds:
Dissatisfaction with the University’s decision from the resolution procedures is not grounds for an appeal.
Appeals must be filed with the Title IX Coordinator and/or Equity Administrator within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the hearing officer’s written report determining the outcome of the complaint. The appeal must be in writing and contain the following:
An Appellate Officer will be assigned by the Title IX Coordinator and/or Equity Administrator. The appellant may request a meeting with the Appellate Officer, but the decision to grant a meeting is within the Appellate Officer's discretion. However, if a meeting is granted, the other party will be granted a similar opportunity. The non-appealing party will be notified of the appeal and will be allowed to submit a written statement in response.
Those who wish to appeal a decision can submit the appeal through the Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, or Retalaition Appeal Form,
The Appellate Officer will resolve the appeal generally within ten (10) days of receiving it and may take any actions that he/she determines to be in the interest of a fair and just decision. The Appellate Officer shall issue a short and plain written statement of the resolution of the appeal, including whether the appeal states sufficient grounds for appeal as set forth above and any changes made to the Hearing Officer's previous written determination. The written statement shall be provided to the complainant, respondent, and the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator simultaneously, via email or hard copy. The decision of the Appellate Officer is final and not subject to further review within the University.
Impartiality is integral to the Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, or Retaliation formal grievance process.
Neither Complainants reporting discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation, nor Respondents defending against allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation, shall be met with prejudgment throughout the formal process.
For the purpose of this procedure, a conflict of interest is defined as a situation in which personal or private interests may reasonably compromise one's judgment, decisions, or actions. The subjective appearance of conflict will be reviewed by the Title IX Coordinator, Equity Administrator, or their designee and a determination of actual conflict will be made. Reasonable steps will be taken to prevent actual conflicts of interest from impacting the formal grievance process.
Under this policy, bias is defined as a tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward/against someone based on a protected characteristic. Stereotypes based on protected status will not be allowed to influence the formal grievance process. Evidence of bias impacting the formal grievance process will serve as a potential basis for appeal following a formal hearing.
Title IX Coordinator, Equity Administrator, investigators, hearing officers, appellate officers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process will receive training on the definition of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation, the scope of the University’s education program or activity, how to conduct an investigation and grievance process including hearings, appeals, and informal resolution processes, as applicable to their individual role, and how to serve impartially, including by avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue, conflicts of interest, and bias.
While the University encourages all good faith complaints of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation, the University has the responsibility to balance the rights of all parties. Lack of evidence sufficient to conclude responsibility does not necessarily imply that the allegations were unfounded, false, or made in bad faith. An allegation may be true and lack sufficient evidence to meet a standard of evidence proving responsibility, or an allegation may be inaccurate but not intentionally falsified.
If the University's investigation reveals that a party made a bad faith false complaint, the complaint was intentionally malicious to gain personal benefit, or to intentionally misuse the policy to address matters not related to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation, the complaint will be dismissed, and the person who filed or otherwise participated in the knowingly false complaint may be subject to discipline.
The University strictly prohibits retaliation against any person for making any good faith report under this policy. Involved parties may not interfere with any right or privilege secured by this policy or retaliate against an individual who has engaged in protected conduct, to include that they made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this part.
Engaging in retaliation is a separate violation of policy and can result in disciplinary action regardless of the outcome of the investigation and resolution of the initial complaint. The University will respond to conduct that reasonably may constitute retaliation using the same procedures it uses for other forms of harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, or retaliation.
Examples of retaliation include, but are not limited to, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination if based on the underlying protected conduct. Any person who engages in such retaliation shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment.
The exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment does not constitute retaliation. Charging an individual with a code of conduct violation for making a materially false statement in bad faith in the course of a grievance proceeding under this part does not constitute retaliation.
Any person who believes they have been subjected to retaliation is encouraged to promptly notify the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator. The University will promptly investigate all claims of retaliation.
When an informal resolution to a concern is requested, the University will generally complete informal resolutions within 30 business days. Some complaints may not require the 30 business day time frame and can be resolved in less time, whereas other complaints may require more time based upon mutual participation in the process, holidays, and other University breaks or closures.
The following is an example of a reasonably prompt timeline of how an informal resolution might be conducted within the general 30 business day timeframe:
Report received |
Day 1 |
Initial interview and fact-gathering from the Complainant |
Day 2-7 |
Notice sent to Respondent(s) |
Day 8 |
Respondent reviews and responds to request for informal resolution Parties meet or mutually agree to an informal resolution plan Resolution summary sent to involved parties; case closed |
Day 9-16 Day 16-26 Day 27-30 |
Upon receiving a written complaint, absent informal resolution, the University will determine if the complaint, if proven accurate, would constitute a policy violation. If the behavior might reasonably constitute a policy violation, the University will conduct a prompt and equitable investigation in a timely manner.
The University will generally resolve complaints within 99 business days, from the initial receipt of a written complaint through the appeal process. Some complaints may not require the 99 business day time frame and can be resolved in less time, whereas other complaints may require more time, based on the complexity of a complaint, additional allegations presented, University closures, or other delays.
If either the complainant or respondent needs additional time to prepare or to gather their witnesses or information beyond the timeframe, they shall notify the Investigator in writing, explaining how much additional time is needed and why it is needed. The Investigator shall respond to any such request generally within five (5) business days, and keep the other parties informed of any extensions granted.
The following is an example reasonably prompt timeline of how a complaint may be processed within the general 99 business day time frame:
Report received |
Day 1 |
Initial interview and fact gathering from the Complainant |
Day 2-7 |
Notice sent to Respondent(s) |
Day 8 |
Respondent reviews and responds to complaint (10 days) |
Day 9-18 |
Interviews with witnesses or other involved parties (average 4 weeks) |
Day 19-46 |
Preparation of investigative report (average 2 weeks) |
Day 47-60 |
Parties review and may respond to preliminary report (10 days) |
Day 61-70 |
Finalize and distribute investigative report |
Day 71-72 |
Involved parties review investigative report (10 days) |
Day 73-82 |
Hearing |
Day 83 |
Hearing officer reviews facts and issues finding (15 days) |
Day 84-99 |
Temporary delays of the grievance process or the limited extension of time frames for good cause are permitted with written notice to the complainant and the respondent of the delay or extension and the reasons for the action. Good cause may include considerations such as the absence of a party, a party’s advisor, or a witness; concurrent law enforcement activity; or the need for language assistance or accommodation of disabilities.
To facilitate these timelines, the University may require employees to participate in the process at specified times during the workday. Supervisors may be notified and required to comply with this requirement but may not be otherwise informed of its nature unless warranted.
Timelines are provided within this document as guidelines. If the Investigator and/or Title IX Coordinator/Equity Administrator need more time to complete necessary tasks at any stage in the procedure, they will communicate to both parties as appropriate.
The training materials used to train Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator, investigators, hearing officers, appellate officers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process must not rely on stereotypes and will promote impartial investigations and adjudications of complaints of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation. Investigators will receive training on issues of relevance to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence.
In compliance with training requirements, the University ensures that all employees receive training that addresses Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Retaliation, upon hire, and then annually thereafter. Employees must be trained on the following topics:
All members of the Title IX team must be trained once they transition into a new Title IX role, and annually thereafter.
Investigators, decision-makers, any employee who is responsible for implementing grievance procedures, and any employee who has the authority to modify or terminate supportive measures must complete the all-employee training and training on:
Informal resolution facilitators must complete the all-employee training and training on:
Title IX coordinators and their designees must be trained on all of the above trainings and training on:
Title IX regulations do not require role-specific training for confidential emplyees or advisors.
Training materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, sexual misconduct investigators, sexual misconduct hearing officers, appellate officers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process for sexual misconduct, must not rely on sex stereotypes and will promote impartial investigations and adjudications of formal complaints of sexual harrassment. Investigators will recieve training on issues of relevence to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence. The University will post materials used to train Title IX personnel on its websites or provide links to material as appropriate.
The University will maintain for a period of seven (7) years from the time of item noted below or seven years from the date of exit from the University as student or employee, whichever is later, records of:
The University will protect students, employees, and applicants from discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, or recovery, including by providing reasonable modifications for students, reasonable break time for employees for lactation, and a clean, private lactation space for both students and employees.
The University does not treat parents differently on the basis of sex and defines parental status as biological parents, adoptive parents, stepparents, or legal guardians.
The University encourages all employees who are notified of a student’s pregnancy or related conditions, to refer that student to the Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator who can coordinate specific actions to prevent sex discrimination and ensure the student’s equal access to the education program or activity.
The Equity Administrator / Title IX Coordinator, can:
The University will not require supporting documentation from a student unless doing so is necessary and reasonable, such as when a certified level of physical ability or health is necessary, or such documentation is required of all students participating in the class.
Reasonable accommodations or modifications are based on individualized needs, determined after consultation with the student. Fundamental alteration is not a reasonable accommodation. The Title IX Coordinator may coordinate these actions in conjunction with the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS), as appropriate.