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Terminology

Advisor

A person chosen by a party or appointed by the institution to advise, accompany, and support through the resolution process, to advise the party on that process, and to conduct questioning for the party at the hearing, if any.

Appeal

Either party has the right to appeal and challenge the outcome after a decision has been made as to a finding of responsibility.

Complainant

An individual who is alleged to be the victim of sexual misconduct or discrimination based on a protected class or retaliation for engaging in a protected activity.

Complaint

(Formal) Means a document submitted and signed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging harassment or discrimination based on a protected class or retaliation for engaging in a protected activity against a Respondent and requesting that the College investigate the allegation.

Cross-Examination

The part of the hearing where questions are asked of the other party or witnesses. The questions are often proposed ahead of time.

Decision-Maker(s)

The person, panel, and/or Chair who hears evidence, determines relevance, and makes the Final Determination of whether this Policy has been violated and/or assigns sanctions.

Discrimination on the Basis of Sex

Being treated differently on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Informal Resolution
The process by which a complaint is resolved informally without going through an investigation and hearing.

Mediation

An attempt to resolve the matter without a formal process or investigation. This includes discussions between the parties facilitated by a mediator. (Betsy Frankel is a certified mediator.)

No-Contact Order

Order that prohibits contact and communication between two people. It can be mutual or unilateral. If violated the school will take disciplinary action.

PNG (Persona Non Grata)

No contact/no trespass order issued to non-students banning them from contact with a student or the campus in general.

Preponderance of Evidence

Standard used by Decision-Makers to determine whether it is more likely than not that the Respondent is responsible for the allegations in the complaint.

Respondent

An individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual misconduct or discrimination on the basis of sex on a protected class or retaliation for engaging in a protected activity.

Retaliation

Punishment based on asserting your rights. It is illegal under Title IX for your school to retaliate against you for reporting a Title IX issue or being accused of a Title IX violation. It is a violation to retaliate against someone for making a claim against you.

Sanctions

A consequence imposed by the College on a Respondent who is found to have violated this policy.

Sexual Misconduct

A broad term that encompasses a range of behavior defined under Title IX to include, sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, sexual exploitation, and stalking.

Supportive Measures

Accommodations provided by the school to a student, to help during the process. For a full list of these, please review the Policy.

Title IX Coordinator/Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Designated by the College to ensure compliance with Title IX and the College’s Title IX program.