Understanding the Institute’s Title IX Policies and Procedures
When to engage with the Institute’s Title IX process
Any member of the Institute community who believes that he or she is the victim of sexual misconduct by another member of the Institute community is encouraged, but not obligated, to discuss the matter with the Title IX Coordinator. Any discussion between an individual bringing a complaint and the Title IX Coordinator will be treated with the maximum possible degree of confidentiality, although the Institute reserves the right to disclose or act upon information it receives when, in its judgment, it is necessary to do so to protect the safety or well-being of an individual or the Institute, or as required by law.
How to File a Complaint
A Complainant may file a complaint by first contacting the Title IX Coordinator for an appointment to discuss the complaint. During this meeting, the Complainant should be prepared to discuss all factual circumstances and information upon which the complaint is based.
Alternatively, a complaint may be filed in writing by submitting said document to the Title IX Coordinator. (e.g., police report, e-mails) Reports of discrimination by the Title IX Coordinator should be reported to either the Institute’s Director or its Chief Operating Officer/Associate Director for Finance and Administration.
Investigations and Disciplinary Proceedings - Choice of Procedures
After a complaint is filed, the choice as to the manner in which to proceed under this Title IX Policy is at the discretion of the Complainant. The options for how to proceed offer different remedies and pathways to relief. Because the circumstances of every claim are unique, the Institute believes that the Complainant is in the best position to decide what procedure works best for her or him.
Should a Complainant seek the assistance of the Title IX Coordinator to resolve a complaint, the Coordinator will offer the Complainant the choice of two levels of assistance:
Option #1 - Provide advice to the parties in such a way that the identity of the Complainant is not made known to the Respondent (the individual against whom the complaint has been made), and try to craft a solution that will resolve the claim anonymously; or
Option #2 - Provide mediation between the parties, who shall be identified to each other.
The Complainant, in consultation with the Title IX Coordinator, will determine which level of assistance the Coordinator will offer. Once the course of action is determined, the Coordinator will take the steps that he or she deems necessary to resolve the complaint. When a complaint is resolved by way of mediation, or when other efforts at a resolution are concluded, the Coordinator will prepare a brief written report of the resolution, in which both the Complainant and the Respondent will be identified. The written report will then be filed by the Title IX Coordinator, who shall maintain the report as part of the permanent records of the Institute.
Misconduct Panel Resolution/Hearing Committee Grievance Procedure
An individual, preferably after consultation with the Title IX Coordinator, may file a formal complaint pursuant to the Hearing Committee Grievance Procedure, outlined in the following slides, against a member of the Institute community alleging a violation of this Title IX Policy. A Complainant may proceed directly with filing this type of complaint regardless of whether she/he utilizes the mediation resolution procedure.
Hearing Committee Grievance Procedure
Under the Hearing Committee Grievance Procedure, the Complainant must deliver to the Title IX Coordinator a written complaint outlining the alleged incident(s) of sexual misconduct. The written complaint should set forth with specificity the circumstances and nature of the alleged sexual misconduct. It is important that the complaint be as specific and detailed as possible under the circumstances, as it will constitute the grounds upon which a subsequent investigation and hearing will be conducted.
Hearing Committee Grievance Procedure – Misconduct Panel Title IX Misconduct Panel – The Title IX Misconduct Panel ("Panel"), from which hearing committees are drawn to handle complaints filed under this Policy and which performs related functions described below, is appointed by the Institute’s Chief Operating Officer/Associate Director for Finance and Administration, in consultation with the Title IX Coordinator and Director of Academic Affairs. Members of the Panel are appointed for three year terms, and current members of the Panel can be found on the IAS website.
Hearing Committee Grievance Procedure – Misconduct Panel
Panel members are trained in all aspects of the grievance process, and can serve in any of the following roles, at the direction and delegation of the Title IX Coordinator: To serve as a mediator in conflict resolution To act as an advisor to those involved in grievances As a member of hearing committees for grievances For a full detailed listing of the Hearing Committee Grievance Procedure steps, please see the "Title IX Procedures" under the Policies section.