Sexual Misconduct & Title IX Reporting Process

Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I know about the new policy published on August 1, 2024?

  It is no longer in effect. If an alleged incident occurred on or after August 14, 2020, then it will be reviewed under the current policy. If a report is made regarding an alleged incident that occurred prior to August 14, 2020, then it will be reviewed under the policy published during that time frame.

  • 2025-26 Sex Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy
  • 2024-25 Sex Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy
  • 2023-24 Sex Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy
  • 2022-23 Sexual Misconduct Policy
  • 2021-22 Sexual Misconduct Policy
• What is the difference between a report and a formal complaint?
  ?

  Report: An individual who wishes to report an act of Prohibited Conduct (including, but not limited to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation) is encouraged to submit a report. A report can be made in-person or by video meeting, by telephone, in writing, or by email to the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, or by filling out the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Report Form. A report will generate outreach to the Reporting Party with support, resources, and important information regarding additional reporting options and the process for filing a formal complaint, along with other helpful information.

  Formal Complaint: A student who would like the College to pursue the formal investigation and resolution process must make an oral or written request to the Title IX Coordinator or a Title IX Deputy Coordinator, that can objectively be understood as a request to investigate and make a determination about alleged sex discrimination or other prohibited conduct. A formal complaint may be submitted prior to or at any point after an Intake Meeting.

• What support resources are offered in the initial meeting with the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator?

  After receiving a report, the Title IX Coordinator contacts the Reporting Party to schedule a meeting to gather more information about the incident(s). At this time, the Coordinator also provides information about support resources available and what the possible next steps are in the reporting process (filing a complaint, etc.) Examples of support include connecting the Reporting Party with the Counseling Center, Student Health Center, talking about necessary classroom and residence hall accommodations, how to file a restraining order, make a police report, and more.)

  Read more about what supportive measures are offered during the Intake Meeting in the Investigation Process section of the College’s Sex Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy.

• Who can make a formal complaint?

  The following people have the right to make a complaint of Sex Discrimination and/or Sexual Harassment:

  • Anyone who is participating or attempting to participate in an education program or activity of the College at the time of the complaint; or
  • Champlain’s Title IX Coordinator

  With respect to complaints of Sex Discrimination other than Sex-Based Harassment, in addition to the people listed above, the following persons have a right to make a Complaint:

  • Any student or employee of Champlain; or
  • Any person other than a student or employee who was participating or attempting to participate in Champlain’s education program or activity at the time of the alleged Sex Discrimination.

  For Prohibited Conduct other than Sex Discrimination or Title IX Retaliation, current employees and students have the right to make a Complaint.

• What is a Notice of Investigation and Allegation?

  If the College initiates an investigation of Prohibited Conduct it will provide to the parties a written notice (by electronic or other means) that includes:

  • Information about the College’s formal and informal resolution processes;
  • A statement of the allegations of behavior potentially constituting Prohibited Conduct, including sufficient details known at the time and with sufficient time to prepare a response before any initial post-intake interview. Sufficient details include the identities of the parties involved in the incident, if known, the conduct allegedly constituting Prohibited Conduct, and the date and location of the alleged incident, if known.
  • A determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the grievance process. A student is presumed not responsible for alleged conduct during an investigation process.
• What is the Informal Resolution Process?

  Informal Resolution: Allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment

  Informal resolution is a voluntary resolution option that does not involve formal hearing-based resolution procedures. Informal resolution may be used in Sex Discrimination or Title IX Retaliation matters in which a formal complaint has been filed by a complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator.

  At any time prior to reaching a determination regarding responsibility, the College may facilitate an informal resolution process (e.g., mediation or restorative justice) where requested by a party and agreed to by both parties. If a party requests the initiation of an informal resolution process and the Title IX Coordinator agrees that the matter is appropriate for informal resolution, the College will provide to each party a written notice that discloses:

  • The allegations;
  • The requirements of the Informal Resolution process;
  • Prior to agreeing to a resolution, a party has the right to withdraw from the Informal Resolution process and to initiate or resume the Formal Resolution process;
  • The parties’ agreement to a resolution at the conclusion of the informal resolution process would preclude the parties from initiating or resuming the Formal Resolution process arising from the same allegations; and
  • What information will be maintained and whether and how the information could be disclosed for use in a Formal Resolution process if it is initiated or resumed.

  The College generally permits parties to withdraw from the informal resolution process and initiate or re-initiate a formal investigation and hearing process at any time before the informal resolution process is completed and any informal resolution is agreed to in writing by the parties. The Title IX Coordinator may terminate an Informal Resolution process and initiate or re-initiate a Formal Resolution process, as they deem appropriate in their discretion.

  Informal Resolution: Prohibited Conduct other than Title IX Sexual Harassment

  Informal Resolution may also be used in Prohibited Conduct cases that do not involve allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment and/or other alleged policy violations, as deemed appropriate by the Title IX Coordinator, the Office of Community Standards, and/or the People Center, as appropriate. The procedures for such informal resolutions will be determined at the discretion of the Title IX Coordinator, the Office of Community Standards, and/or the People Center, with agreement of the parties, as appropriate.

  The College will not offer to facilitate, and will not utilize an informal resolution process in any case involving allegations that a College employee sexually harassed a student.

• What does it mean when a formal complaint is dismissed?

  When a Complainant files a Formal Complaint of Title IX Sexual Harassment or requests an investigation and a determination by the College of other Prohibited Conduct, the Title IX Coordinator or designee will determine whether the allegations, if substantiated, constitute Prohibited Conduct. This determination will occur within five (5) business days of receipt of the Complaint.

  A Formal Complaint of Title IX Sexual Harassment will be dismissed if the conduct alleged:

  1. Would not constitute Title IX Sexual Harassment as defined by this policy, even if proved;
  2. Did not occur in a College education program or activity; or
  3. Did not occur against a person in the United States.

  This mandatory dismissal does not preclude further action under this policy for other Prohibited Conduct or another policy or procedure of the College.

  A Formal Complaint may be dismissed for any of the following reasons:

  1. The Respondent is not participating in the College’s education program or activity and is not employed by the College;
  2. A Complainant notifies the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator in writing that the Complainant would like to withdraw the Formal Complaint or any allegations therein; or
  3. Specific circumstances prevent the College from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination regarding the Formal Complaint or allegations therein.

  Upon a dismissal required or permitted under this section, the College will promptly send written notice of the dismissal and reason(s) simultaneously to the parties. The notice will state that a dismissal may be appealed.

  The College reserves the right to transfer and respond to conduct that is not Prohibited Conduct under this Policy under another College policy or procedure in its proper discretion, such as under the Student Code of Conduct or People Center resolution processes. The College will make such decisions with its best judgment to promote efficiency, and in accordance with applicable law, regulation, and Department of Education guidance.

• At what point does a student face disciplinary action after a report is submitted against them?

  At the end of an investigation and hearing process, if the respondent is found responsible for one or more violations of this Policy and/or other College policies, including Title IX, Sexual Misconduct, and Student Conduct policies, the College will issue sanctions commensurate with the violation(s).