(1) Only a complainant or the university's Title IX coordinator may file a formal complaint. At the time of filing a formal complaint, a complainant must be participating in or attempting to participate in a university education program or activity. The authority to initiate conduct proceedings provisions outlined in WAC
478-121-215 (1) and (2) do not apply to Part VII of this code.
(2) A complainant may file a formal complaint with the Title IX coordinator or designee in person, by mail, or by electronic mail at the address provided on the Title IX coordinator's website.
(3) Upon receipt of a formal complaint, the university will, at a minimum, provide the following written notice to the known parties:
(a) The allegations potentially constituting EDFR prohibited conduct, including the identities of the parties involved in the incident, if known, the conduct allegedly constituting EDFR prohibited conduct, and the date and location of the alleged incident, if known;
(b) Information regarding the university's grievance process for formal complaints, including the parties' right to be accompanied by a hearing advisor and support advisor and to inspect and review evidence; and
(c) An explanation regarding presumptions regarding nonresponsibility and good-faith filing.
(4) The university may consolidate formal complaints where allegations of EDFR prohibited conduct arise out of the same facts or circumstances. The university may also join or consolidate any complaint alleging prohibited conduct under Part II of this code with a formal complaint if the allegations arise out of or relate to the same facts or circumstances. Should the university consolidate a formal complaint under Part VII with allegations of prohibited conduct under Part II, the university may elect to hold one hearing to consider all allegations. During such a hearing, the university may adhere to the process described in Parts II through V to the extent feasible for allegations of prohibited conduct outlined in Part II and to the process described in Part VII for allegations of EDFR prohibited conduct. Where these processes conflict, Part VII will be followed.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
28B.20.130 and 34 C.F.R. Part 106. WSR 21-07-047, § 478-121-625, filed 3/11/21, effective 4/11/21.]