Issue link: http://howardcc.uberflip.com/i/858454
88 IV. INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE AND PROTOCOL The college's Title IX coordinator is responsible for receiving, investigating, and coordinating the response to reports of sexual misconduct policy violations at HCC. Once the college knows or reasonably should know of possible sexual misconduct, it must take immediate and appropriate action, in accordance with its internal procedures, to investigate or otherwise determine what occurred. This obligation applies to sexual misconduct covered by this policy regardless of where the sexual misconduct allegedly occurred, regardless of whether a concurrent law enforcement investigation or action is pending, and regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed. The college aims to complete investigations in a timely manner. Investigations can typically take between 30 and 50 days. The length of the investigation may be influenced by the complexity, severity and extent of the alleged conduct, whether there is a parallel criminal process, the academic calendar such as school closings, and the availability and responsiveness of participants in the process. A number of college employees will be trained in conducting a formal investigation and may be designated by the Title IX coordinator to assist as appropriate and if needed. As part of the investigation, the investigator(s) will meet with the reporting party to gather as much information as available about the alleged violation. The investigator(s) should additionally interview anyone involved with the alleged violation in order to collect evidence and information. The investigator(s) will make a determination about how to address the alleged behavior. Alleged policy violations may be adjudicated under the procedures outlined by the HCC student code of conduct or resolved by an informal resolution. Both the complainant and the respondent in an investigation have equitable rights to review evidence and participate in meetings specific to the investigation. A request for confidentiality by the individual reporting alleged sexual misconduct may limit, but not prohibit, the college's ability to limit the effects or prevent recurrence of alleged sexual misconduct. The college reserves the right to proceed with any aspect of the sexual misconduct process, including but not limited to an investigation, interim measures, or student conduct hearing, when the complainant does not choose to proceed. When making this decision, the college will consider whether there is a risk to the greater college community, the risk that the respondent will commit additional acts of sexual misconduct, whether there has been other sexual misconduct complaints against the respondent, whether the respondent threatened further sexual misconduct against the complainant or others, and whether the sexual misconduct was committed by multiple perpetrators. The college also reserves the right to delay conferring of degree, certification, or letter of recognition and access to official transcripts until completion of the sexual misconduct process. V. RESOLUTION PROCEDURES A. Informal Resolution Procedures An informal resolution is a process whereby remedies and interventions may