2 Resolution Options

1. Informal Resolution
2. Formal Grievance Process
   • Initial Report
   • Investigative Process
   • Live Hearing

The Formal Grievance Process is the College’s primary resolution approach unless all Parties and the College agree to an Informal Resolution. The process considers the Parties’ preferences but is ultimately determined at the Title IX Coordinator’s discretion.

Resolution proceedings are private. All persons present at any time during a resolution process are expected to maintain the privacy of the proceedings in accordance with the Policy.

There is an expectation of privacy around what Investigators share with Parties during interviews and for any materials the institution shares with the Parties during the resolution process. The Parties have discretion to share their own knowledge and evidence with others if they choose, except for information the Parties agree not to disclose as part of an Informal Resolution. CCA encourages Parties to discuss any sharing of information with their Advisors before doing so.

Resolution Process Pool

CCA relies on a pool of individuals (“the Pool”) to carry out the resolution options.

Pool Member Roles

Resolution Process Pool members are trained annually and can serve in any of the following roles at the Title IX Coordinator’s discretion:

• Appropriate intake of and initial guidance on Formal Complaints
• Perform or assist with initial assessment
• Advisor to Parties
• Informal Resolution Facilitator
• Investigator
• Hearing Facilitator
• Decision-maker
• Appeal of Dismissal Decision-maker
• Appeal Decision-maker

Pool Member Appointment

The Title IX Coordinator, in consultation with senior administrators as necessary, appoints the Resolution Process Pool, which acts with independence and impartiality. Although members of the Resolution Process Pool are typically trained in a variety of skill sets and can rotate amongst the different roles listed above in different Formal Complaints, CCA can also designate permanent roles for individuals in the Resolution Process Pool.

The Decision-maker’s Determination

• The Title IX Coordinator will provide the Decision-maker with the Final Investigation Report and investigation file, including the evidence and information obtained through the Investigator-led Questioning meetings.
• The Decision-maker will review the final investigative report, all appendices, and the investigation file.
• If the record is incomplete, the Decision-maker may direct a re-opening of the investigation, or may direct or conduct any additional inquiry necessary, including informally meeting with the Parties or any witnesses, if needed.
• Upon reviewing the relevant evidence, the Decision-maker may also choose to pose additional questions:
• To the extent credibility is in dispute and relevant to one or more of the allegations, the Decision-maker may meet individually with the Parties and witnesses to question them in order to assess their credibility. These meetings will be recorded and shared with the Parties.
• At their discretion, the Decision-maker may also meet with any party or witness to ask additional relevant questions that will aid the Decision-maker in making their findings. These meetings will be recorded and shared with the Parties.
• The Decision-maker will then apply the preponderance of the evidence standard to make a determination on each of the allegations and, if applicable, any attendant sanctions. Deputy Title IX Coordinators may be consulted if needed.
• Timeline. The Decision-maker’s determination process typically takes approximately ten (10) business days, but this timeframe can vary based on a number of factors and variables, The Parties will be notified of any delays.
• Impact Statements. Prior to a determination, the Title IX Coordinator will also provide the Parties an opportunity to submit a written impact and/or mitigation statement. The Title IX Coordinator will review these statements upon receipt to determine whether there are any immediate needs, issues, or concerns, but will otherwise hold them until after the Decision-maker has made determinations on the allegations. If there are any findings of a Policy violation, the Decision-maker will request the Impact Statements from the Title IX Coordinator and review them prior to determining sanctions. They will also be exchanged between the Parties at that time. If it is later determined that a party or witness intentionally provided false or misleading information, the College will determine whether any additional action is necessary and appropriate, including but not limited to referring that information to another process for resolution.
• If it is later determined that a party or witness intentionally provided false or misleading information, that action could be grounds for re-opening a Resolution Process at any time, and/or referring that information to another process for resolution.

Disability Accommodations

The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and support to qualified students, employees, or others with disabilities to ensure equal access to the College’s Resolution Process.

Anyone needing such accommodations or support should contact the Title IX Coordinator, who will work with disability support colleagues as appropriate to review the request and, in consultation with the person requesting the accommodation, determine which accommodations are appropriate and necessary for full process participation.

Other Support

The College will also address reasonable requests for support for the Parties and witnesses, including:

• Language services/Interpreters
• Access and training regarding use of technology throughout the Resolution Process
• Other support as deemed reasonable and necessary to facilitate participation in the Resolution Process

Continue to Investigative Process.