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Initial Review

Initial Review and Initiation of Investigation

Upon receipt of a report of sexual misconduct, or upon other formal notice that a violation of the Sexual Misconduct Policy may have occurred, the Title IX coordinator or designee will conduct a timely initial review, usually within one–two business days, to determine things such as whether an investigation is warranted, whether interim remedies may be warranted, the relationship to NSU of the individual reported to have engaged in the sexual misconduct, and whether the reported behavior(s) are subject to Title IX and/or the Sexual Misconduct Policy. Based on this assessment, the Title IX coordinator will ensure that appropriate action(s) occur. These actions may include

  • a meeting with the reporting party to discuss interim measures and ensure the victim has received information about rights and options
  • coordination of any supportive, protective, or other interim measures provided by the university
  • initiation of an investigation of whether the campus Sexual Misconduct Policy was violated
  • discussion with the reporting party of how and when the party reported to have engaged in misconduct will be informed of the complaint and any investigation process
  • referral of the information to another university office when the reported behavior warrants review and/or response outside of the Title IX procedures

Depending on the circumstances of the situation and the relation of the reporting party to the university, the Title IX coordinator, an investigator, or another university official may conduct one or more of the above actions. The above actions can happen as soon as within one business day, or they may take several days or longer to occur.

Resolution Pathways

There are several pathways that can be utilized to investigate and resolve incidents of reported sexual misconduct, depending on the relationship that the individual or individuals reported to have engaged in misconduct have with the university. These relationships to the university include:

  • NSU students (undergraduate and graduate)
  • NSU employees or individuals/vendors with a contractual relationship to the university
  • NSU University School students
  • visitors, alumni, or other individuals who are not direct members of the NSU community

For reports of misconduct by individuals who may be student-employees, prospective students, employees enrolled in graduate courses, or who may otherwise have multiple relationships to the university, the Title IX coordinator, in consultation with appropriate university officials, will determine which pathway is most appropriate based on the context of the incident and relationship of the involved parties. For reports involving climate concerns or incidents where a responsible party cannot be identified, the Title IX coordinator may initiate education or climate investigations rather than a formal disciplinary process. As the Title IX coordinator also reviews trends and patterns of all reports, including anonymous ones, educational initiatives may be initiated to target student organizations/athletic teams, academic departments or colleges, campus offices or residence halls, NSU University School classes, or other communities within NSU.

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