Informal Resolution Process
For parties who are interested in a non-investigative process, the College provides options for facilitated resolution, including mediation and restorative practices. Parties have the option to navigate a mediated/facilitated conversation, address the concerns on their own, or have the College address the concerns on their behalf, in non-investigative approaches. These informal options are conducted in collaboration with the AVP/Coordinator, or designee, among others, to provide process options when both parties agree to resolve the matter using a informal, non-investigative process.
Report filed with the AVP-Title VI/IX Coordinator
When a report is filed, the AVP-Title VI/IX Coordinator is put on notice that a concern or incident has occurred and will schedule a time to meet with the Complainant to discuss resources, support and process options. During this time, the Coordinator can answer any questions or concerns the Complainant has about next steps.
Formal Complaint filed with the AVP-Title VI/IX Coordinator
When a Formal Complaint is filed, the Complainant has indicated that they would like the College to support and respond, either informally or formally, to the concerns/allegations brought forward. The signed Formal Complaint will indicate the nature of the concern/incident the Complainant is bringing forth to the College. During this time, the Complainant would have also shared with the Coordinator their desire to navigate an informal resolution process.
Decision to Navigate an Informal Process
For an Informal Process, a Party has the option to request from three types, including a:
- Mediated/Facilitated Conversation between the parties, conducted by the AVP-Title VI/IX Coordinator, or designee, to establish an Alternative Resolution Agreement;
- AVP-Title VI/IX Coordinator, or designee, led conversation with parties to explore pathways to address the allegations of harm.
- Conversation between the parties directly, with support from the AVP-Title VI/IX Coordinator, or designee, to explore pathways to address the allegations of harm.
Once a Complainant has requested to navigate an informal process and identified the type of informal resolution process they are interested in pursuing, the AVP-Title VI/IX Coordinator presents that option, as well as the nature of the concerns to the Respondent party who has the option to participate in an informal process. If a Respondent opts not to participate in an informal process, the AVP-Title VI/IX Coordinator informs the Complainant party and explore possible next steps. If a Respondent opts to participate in an informal process, the AVP-Title VI/IX Coordinator informs both parties of next steps related to the informal process.
Completion of Informal Process:
At any time prior to the conclusion of an informal process, the College or either party may decide to withdraw from the process, this can also include the decision to navigate a formal process.
Once an Alternative Resolution Agreement is signed, the parties are not permitted to revoke or appeal an Agreement and any report that an agreement has been violated will be reviewed by the AVP-Title VI/IX Coordinator, who may refer to the report to the appropriate College official/office for further review.
