The Title IX resolution processes are initiated when the Title IX coordinator's office receives a written complaint alleging that a respondent(s) sexually harassed a complainant and requesting that the college initiate an investigation (a formal complaint). A formal complaint must be either submitted by the complainant or signed by the Title IX coordinator on behalf of the complainant. Formal complaints submitted to the Title IX coordinator may be resolved through either informal or formal resolution processes. The college will not proceed with either resolution process without a formal complaint.

For purposes of this Title IX grievance procedure, the complainant must be participating in or attempting to participate in a Bates Technical College educational program or activity at the time the formal complaint is filed.

(1) Informal resolution. Under appropriate circumstances and if the impacted and responding parties agree, they may voluntarily pursue informal resolution during the investigation of a concern. Informal resolution is not appropriate when the allegations involve a mandatory reporting situation; an immediate threat to the health, safety or welfare of a member of the college community; or in cases where an employee is alleged to have sexually harassed a student.

If an informal resolution is appropriate, the impacted party and the responding party may explore remedies or resolution through:

(a) Guided conversations or communications conducted by the Title IX coordinator, designee, or a mutually agreed upon third party;

(b) Structured resolution process conducted by a trained mediator; or

(c) Voluntarily agreed on alterations to either or both of the parties' work or class schedules.

If the parties agree to an informal resolution process, the college will commence the process within ten workdays after the parties agree to this option and conclude within thirty workdays of beginning that process; subject to reasonable delays and extensions for good cause shown. The informal process is voluntary. Either the impacted or responding party may withdraw from the informal resolution process at any time, at which point the formal investigation process will resume.

If the impacted and responding party voluntarily resolve a report, the college will record the terms of the resolution in a written agreement signed by both parties and provide written notice to both parties that the report has been closed.

(2) Formal resolution. Formal resolution means that the complainant's allegations of sexual harassment will be subjected to a formal investigation by an impartial and unbiased investigator. The investigator will issue a report of the investigation findings. Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator will submit the final investigation report to the appropriate disciplinary authority to determine whether disciplinary proceedings are warranted.