Informal Resolution Process for Title IX Matters

1. At any time after being notified of a Formal Complaint, and before receipt of the Determination of Responsibility, any Party may contact the Title IX Coordinator to invite discussion of a voluntary informal resolution of the matter, or the Title IX Coordinator or designee may invite the Parties to voluntarily participate in this Informal Resolution Process. 

2. Informal resolution is a voluntary alternative to the investigation and Live Hearing described in the Title IX Grievance Procedure. 

3. If a Party or the Title IX Coordinator or designee invites the Parties to participate in an informal resolution process, the Title IX Coordinator or designee will provide the Parties with a Notice of Informal Resolution which contains: 

a. The allegations of Covered Sexual Harassment in the Formal Complaint; 

b. The requirements of the Informal Resolution Process, including that once the Parties agree in writing by signature or other indication of the intent to resolve a Formal Complaint through an informal resolution agreement, the Party or Parties will be precluded from seeking resolution of the Formal Complaint through the Investigation and Live Hearing described in the Title IX Grievance Procedure; 

c. That at any time prior to signing an informal resolution agreement, any Party has the right to withdraw from the Informal Resolution Process and resume the investigation and Live Hearing process with respect to the Formal Complaint; 

d. That the Parties may be accompanied by an Advisor of Choice at meetings relating to the Informal Resolution Process; 

e. Any consequences that will or may result to a Party as a result of their participation in the Informal Resolution Process; 

f. That the Title IX Coordinator or designee will maintain the following records: the Formal Complaint; related correspondence; the Parties’ voluntary written consent to participate in the Informal Resolution Process; and documentation regarding any informal resolution reached to resolve the Formal Compliant; and 

g. That the University may be required by the Ohio Public Records Act or otherwise by law, to share the records of the Parties’ participation in the Informal Resolution Process. 

h. To initiate or participate in an Informal Resolution Process, the Parties must provide the Title IX Coordinator with written acknowledgment that their participation is entirely voluntary. 

i. The Informal Resolution Process is not available to resolve a Formal Complaint which alleges that a University employee subjected a student to Covered Sexual Harassment. 

j. Informal resolution may involve mediation, shuttle diplomacy or restorative justice, or any other method to which the Parties voluntarily consent. 

k. An informal resolution may include no contact provisions, sanctions for a Respondent, restorative measures, restitution, as well as other remedies agreed to by the Parties and approved by the Title IX Coordinator. 

August 10, 2020