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  • Investigating Title IX Complaints

    A complaint that a student, staff or faculty member has committed sexual harassment or engaged in non-consensual sexual activity may be made to the Title IX Compliance Officer, or a staff or faculty member.  The University will conduct an investigation, as appropriate under the circumstances.

    The investigatory process involves interviewing the parties involved and any witnesses while gathering documentary or other evidence. In cases involving alleged criminal conduct, the complainant may file a criminal complaint with the local police department.  A complainant need not pursue a criminal complaint in order to seek or to hold the accused responsible through the University's Student Code of Conduct.  As soon as possible, the complainant and the accused will be offered appropriate assistance, and our Academic Affairs department will be contacted if course adjustments are required.  

    Based on the outcome of the investigation, the Title IX Officer or their designee will determine if there is sufficient cause to proceed with the complaint.  If so, the Title IX Officer or their designee will arrange for an informal resolution conference with the accused. (Complainants do not attend informal resolution meetings but are apprised of the meeting's outcome.) If the accused does not accept responsibility for the allegations and/or the proposed sanction, the Title IX Officer or their designee will determine if the evidence warrants a formal hearing before the Grievance Committee.    

    The exact nature of the responsive action depends on the circumstances, but may include discipline up to and including suspension or dismissal from the University for a student, staff or faculty who is found to have violated University policies.  

    Inquiries

    Inquiries, regarding the application of Title IX and other laws, regulations and policies prohibiting discrimination may be directed to:

    Richard C. Barnes, JD
    Director of Human Resources / Title IX Coordinator 
    richard.barnes@shawu.edu | 919-719-1897
    118 E. South Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601

    Inquiries may also be directed to:

    United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights
    District of Columbia Office U.S. Department of Education
    400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. | Washington, DC 20202-1475. 
    Phone: 202-453-6020 | Fax: 202-453-6021 | Email: OCR.DC@ed.gov