Howard Community College

POLICIES 89 serve to address the alleged conduct without proceeding to an investigation and adjudication. An informal resolution, including mediation, is not appropriate in sexual violence cases and will not be used at the college. Sexual violence includes sexual assault, dating violence, and domestic violence. Neither party is required to accept responsibility for the alleged conduct in order to proceed with an informal resolution. Either party may decide not to proceed with informal resolution and may request an investigation and adjudication at any time. The Title IX co-coordinator or deputy has the discretion to determine whether a complaint is appropriate for an informal resolution and retains discretion to terminate an ongoing informal resolution process at any time. The purpose of an informal resolution is to take appropriate action by imposing individual and community interventions and remedies designed to maximize the complainant's access to educational, extra-curricular, and/or employment activities at the college; and/or to address the effects of the conduct on the larger college community. Any combination of interventions and remedies may be utilized, including but not limited to: • Increased monitoring, supervision, and/or security at locations or activities where the alleged conduct occurred or is likely to reoccur; • Targeted or broad-based educational programming or training for relevant individuals or groups; • Academic modifications for complainants; • Workplace modifications for complainants; • Completion of projects, programs, or requirements designed to help the respondent manage behavior, refrain from engaging in prohibited conduct, and understand why the prohibited conduct is prohibited; and • Compliance with orders of no contact that limit access to specific college buildings or areas or forms of contact with particular persons. The imposition of remedies or interventions obtained through an informal resolution may be achieved by an agreement acceptable to the parties and college. The Title IX co-coordinator or deputy will facilitate the development of this agreement. In such cases where an agreement is reached, the terms of the agreement are implemented and the matter is resolved and closed. In cases where an agreement is not reached and the Title IX co-coordinator determines that further action is necessary, or if a respondent fails to comply with the terms of the informal resolution, the matter may be referred for investigation and adjudication. Where the complainant, respondent, and the college have reached an informal resolution agreement, the parties will be provided with a written copy of the agreement. Accepting an informal resolution does not mean that the respondent admits responsibility; nor does it mean that there has been a finding of a policy violation. The Title IX co-coordinator or deputy will maintain all records of matters referred for informal resolution. B. Grievance and Adjudication Procedures Any alleged violation of this sexual misconduct policy may be adjudicated under the procedures outlined by the HCC student code of conduct in the case of an alleged violation by a student enrolled at HCC and by procedures otherwise applicable to adjudication of

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