What to Expect From the University Process

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If you have decided to pursue resolution of a situation involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or sexual misconduct through the University process, both the complainant (the individual coming forward with the allegations of inappropriate conduct) and the respondent (the individual identified as engaging in the inappropriate conduct) will separately meet with the Equal Opportunity Compliance Coordinator to discuss the situation and the University's policies and procedures.  Interim or remedial measures, if appropriate, will also be discussed.

Following this initial assessment process, a decision will be made regarding whether the formal or informal resolution process, if requested, will be used.  If the informal resolution process is requested and used, the matter will be assigned to an individual trained to facilitate an informal resolution.

If it is determined that the formal resolution process will be used, or has been requested, the Equal Opportunity Compliance Coordinator, along with a co-investigator, will conduct an investigation.  Investigations will be prompt, fair, reliable, and impartial and will include an equal opportunity for all parties to identify witnesses and other evidence.  The parties will receive similar, timely notices and access to information.  At the conclusion of the investigation, the investigators will prepare a report containing findings of facts and recommendations concerning violations of University policies.  The report will then be provided to the proper individual/panel to determine whether a violation of University policy occurred.

For Students:

The co-investigator assigned to conduct a formal investigation with the Equal Opportunity Compliance Coordinator will typically be a trained member of the Dean of Students staff.  Upon the conclusion of the investigation and completion of the report, the report will be provided to a three-member panel comprised of trained University faculty and staff members to determine whether it is more likely than not that a violation of University policy has occurred.

For more details regarding the University process and procedures, please see the Student Code of Conduct, available at http://studentaffairs.lehigh.edu/content/student-handbook-section-3-lehi....

For Staff:

The co-investigator assigned to conduct a formal investigation with the Equal Opportunity Compliance Coordinator will typically be a trained human resources investigator.  Upon the conclusion of the investigation and completion of the report, the report will be provided to the appropriate Senior Officer within the respondent's reporting line to determine whether it is more likely than not that a violation of University policy has occurred.

For more details regarding the University process and procedures, please see the Policy on Harassment and Non-Discrimination, available at go.lehigh.edu/harassmentpolicy.

For Faculty:

The co-investigator assigned to conduct a formal investigation with the Equal Opportunity Compliance Coordinator will typically be a trained faculty investigator selected by the Provost.  Upon the conclusion of the investigation and completion of the report, the report will be provided to the Provost to determine whether it is more likely than not that a violation of University policy has occurred.

For more details regarding the University process and procedures, please see the Policy on Harassment and Non-Discrimination, available at go.lehigh.edu/harassmentpolicy.