Title IX Title IX: Informal Resolution Process

Informal resolution is an alternative resolution process that does not include a full investigation and is typically a spectrum of facilitated, adaptable processes between the complainant and the respondent, that seeks to identify and meet the needs of the parties, acknowledge harm, and repair the harm experienced by the complainant and/or the College community. 

At any time after receiving a formal complaint of alleged prohibited conduct and prior to the completion of the formal grievance process, either party may request an informal resolution process. If either party seeks informal resolution, the party may submit a written request to the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator reserves the right to determine if the informal resolution process is appropriate, given the facts and circumstances of the matter. 

The College and both parties must agree, in writing, to the initiation of the informal resolution process. At any time prior to finalizing an informal resolution agreement, any party has the right to withdraw from the informal resolution process and resume formal grievance process with respect to the formal complaint. The Title IX Coordinator has the discretion to terminate an informal resolution process, at any time, if the Title IX Coordinator determines that informal resolution is not appropriate to resolve a complaint. 

The Title IX Coordinator will assign a trained internal or external facilitator to facilitate the informal resolution. The informal resolution facilitator will not be the same person as the investigator(s) or decision maker in the formal investigation process and will be free from conflict of interest or bias. 
At the conclusion of the informal resolution process, the parties will sign an informal resolution agreement, detailing the terms of the resolution agreement, that the Title IX Coordinator has accepted the terms, and that the parties are precluded from resuming or restarting the formal grievance process for the formal complaint. 

The College does not offer or facilitate an informal resolution process to resolve allegations that an employee sexually harassed a student.