Resolution Options for Reports of Sexual or Gender Based Misconduct:
Involving Employee Respondents
Visit our Infographics page for a flowchart image of this process or download it here
Title IX Report (open in new window)
- Complainant is a member of the Northeastern community AND
- Conduct occurred on campus or or in the context of a University program or activity AND
- Conduct occurred in the US
- Conduct occurred at another time or in another place, but the complainant is looking for supports and resources Northeastern can offer
Sexual & Gender-Based Harassment (open in new window)
- Not a Title IX case
- Complainant is a member of the Northeastern community or a third party OR Conduct occurred outside of a University program/activity AND/OR outside the U.S.
- Conduct occurred at another time or in another place, but the complainant is looking for supports and resources Northeastern can offer
Formal Report
After filing a report or having a report filed on their behalf, the Complainant has the option to ask the OUEC to take action. This can be through a formal or informal process.
Informal Resolution
- Voluntary
- Remedy driven
- No formal findings of facts or sanctioning
Formal Resolution
- OUEC investigator interviews Complainant, Respondent, and any Witnesses
- OUEC investigator gathers other pertinent information
The OUEC investigator will then make a recommended finding as to whether or not the policy was violated.
Title IX Hearing
- Live cross examination by parties’ advisors
- Hearing administrator makes final decision
- OUEC notifies HR + Respondent’s next level supervisor of the determination
Sexual & Gender-Based Harassment Hearing
- AVP for OUEC makes final decision
- OUEC notifies HR + Respondent’s next level supervisor of the determination
Definition Review:
What is a Complainant?
Complainant means an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute a potential violation of the University’s Policy on Equal Opportunity, the Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Title IX, and/or the Policy on Non-Fraternization.
What is a Respondent?
Respondent means the individual who is alleged to have violated the University’s Policy on Equal Opportunity, the Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Title IX, and/or the Policy on Non-Fraternization.
Who constitutes as a Witness?
Anyone who saw or heard anything about a policy break would be considered a witness. Witnesses are not required to share information, but it is highly suggested that they speak with someone from the OUEC to share their story and gain access to supports if needed.
Policy on Sexual & Gender-Based Misconduct & Title IX
Prohibits sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, stalking, differential treatment or harassment based on sex/gender/gender identity/sexual orientation.