UAH Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Process

UAH's Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Process provides a structured pathway for responding to reports of sexual harassment. The process begins when UAH receives a report or notice and includes outreach, an intake meeting, an initial assessment, consideration of Supportive Measures, and determination of the appropriate resolution process.

Supportive Measures are available throughout the process, regardless of whether a Formal Complaint is filed.

Supportive Measures are intended to promote safety and continued access to education and University programs and activities. Their availability does not constitute a determination that a policy violation occurred.

Report or Notice Received

The process begins when UAH receives a report or notice through any available reporting channel.

Receiving a report or notice allows UAH to begin its response. It does not mean that a determination has been made regarding whether a policy violation occurred.

Outreach Letter Sent

After the report is received, the Office of Title IX & Equal Opportunity sends an outreach letter to the reporting party.

The outreach provides an opportunity for the reporting party to learn more about available resources, options, and the University's process.

Intake Meeting

During the intake meeting, the Office of Title IX & Equal Opportunity gathers information and provides information about the Title IX process.

The meeting may include:

  • Gathering information about the reported concern;
  • Explaining rights and available options;
  • Discussing Supportive Measures; and
  • Reviewing available resolution options and the process.

The intake meeting allows the reporting party to receive information about available options without requiring the individual to make an immediate decision about pursuing a particular resolution process.

Initial Assessment

The Title IX Coordinator reviews the available information and conducts an initial assessment to determine the appropriate path forward.

The initial assessment helps determine whether the reported conduct meets the criteria for the UAH Title IX process and what response options may be appropriate.

Determining the Appropriate Path

Following the initial assessment, the matter may proceed along one of two general paths.

Supportive Measures Only or No Further Action

If the report does not proceed through the Title IX grievance process, the matter may be managed with Supportive Measures as appropriate or no further action may be taken through this process.

Supportive Measures may still be available based on the circumstances.

Title IX Process Applies

If the report meets the criteria for the UAH Title IX process, the matter may proceed to the Formal Complaint stage.

Formal Complaint Filed

A Formal Complaint is filed by the Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator.

The filing of a Formal Complaint allows the matter to proceed through an applicable resolution process. The filing of a Formal Complaint does not itself constitute a determination that the Respondent violated University policy.

Consideration of Informal Resolution

When informal resolution is available and appropriate, the parties may be offered an opportunity to resolve the matter through an informal process.

Informal resolution requires the voluntary agreement of both parties.

If informal resolution is not available, is not appropriate, or is not voluntarily accepted by both parties, the matter proceeds through the formal investigation process.

Informal Resolution

When the parties voluntarily agree to participate in informal resolution, the process is facilitated by a trained facilitator.

If the parties reach an agreement, a Resolution Agreement is signed by both parties. The case is then closed, and records are maintained by the Office of Title IX & Equal Opportunity.

If an agreement is not reached, the matter returns to the formal process and proceeds with a formal investigation

Formal Investigation

When the matter proceeds through formal investigation, an Investigator is assigned and the investigation begins.

As part of the investigation, the Investigator may interview:

  • The Complainant;
  • The Respondent; and
  • Witnesses.

The Investigator also reviews relevant evidence.

Evidence Review

The parties may review the evidence and submit a written response within 10 days prior to the completion of the investigative report.

Final Investigation Report

Following the review process, a Final Investigation Report is prepared and provided to the parties and the Decision-Maker.

The investigation is a fact-gathering process and does not itself constitute a determination that the Respondent is responsible for violating University policy.

Decision-Maker Review

The Decision-Maker reviews the Final Investigation Report and the evidence developed through the investigation.

The Decision-Maker's role is separate from the Investigator's role.

Hearing and Determination

A hearing is conducted when applicable under the governing process, and a determination is made.

The applicable UAH procedures govern how the hearing and determination are conducted.

Outcome Issued

Following the determination, a written outcome is issued.

The written determination and rationale are provided to the parties simultaneously.

Appeal

Either party may appeal on the specific grounds permitted under the applicable UAH procedures and within the designated timeframe.

An appeal is not an automatic reconsideration of the entire matter. Appeals are limited to the specific grounds established in UAH's Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures.

Questions About the Process

The Office of Title IX & Equal Opportunity can provide information about reporting, Supportive Measures, available resolution options, and the process that may apply to a particular matter.

Because the appropriate path depends on the circumstances of each report, individuals should not assume that every matter will proceed through every step described above.