What to Expect When a Title IX Report is Filed

When a report is received, the Title IX Coordinator has the primary responsibility for coordinating the institution’s efforts as outlined in the University policy

When the Title IX office receives a report, the complainant (the person who allegedly experienced sexual harassment) will be contacted through Michigan Tech email, if available, with a letter that includes the following: role of the Title IX Coordinator, reported information, University policy and procedures, confidential resources, and an invitation to meet with the coordinator to discuss supportive measures and other resources. 

The complainant can choose how and when to respond to the Title IX Coordinator, but it is valuable to connect in order to receive all relevant information to make a decision that best fits the needs of the complainant. Supportive measures will be offered to the complainant, at no cost, which includes but is not limited to academic assistance, changes in housing, workplace adjustments, a No Contact Directive, immigration and visa assistance, campus escorts, counseling, a victim’s advocate, and other reasonable measures that help to ensure the complainant can continue at Michigan Tech. To make these arrangements, the complainant will need to communicate with the coordinator. Meeting with the coordinator does not mean that any additional action will be taken, but there are multiple options available and the complainant should be aware of all of those options. The complainant has the opportunity to file a Formal Complaint, if applicable. Notifying law enforcement may be another choice, and the coordinator can assist in connecting the complainant with the proper agency. 

If a complainant chooses to file a Formal Complaint, or if the Title IX Coordinator files a Formal Complaint, the grievance process will begin. This process includes a Notice of Allegations to the parties identified, an investigation, a live-hearing, and the opportunity to appeal. After a Formal Complaint has been filed, there are also options for informal resolution. Once a Formal Complaint has been filed and the respondent has been identified, the respondent will also be offered supportive measures. 

The Sexual Misconduct Allegation Review Team (SMART) reviews all reports of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. Members include representatives from Public Safety and Police Services, the Office of Academic and Community Conduct, and Title IX. This panel will conduct an initial safety assessment, review the incident details, if available, and discuss the applicable university policy, if applicable. This panel will continue to monitor the case, as appropriate.

No party is required to use these services and resources, but Michigan Tech provides them in the hopes of offering help and support without condition or qualification.

University Policies 

Federal Reporting Requirements

University officials must issue timely warnings for incidents reported to them that continue to pose a substantial threat of bodily harm or danger to members of the campus community. The University will make every effort to ensure that a victim’s name and other identifying information is not disclosed, while still providing enough information for community members to make safety decisions in light of the danger. 

When incidents are reported to law enforcement officials, federal law requires that the police note incidents in a police log, which is made public within two business days of the report of an incident. No names or other information that could reveal the identity of the student who may be a victim of sexual and/or relationship misconduct will be made public.

The Department of Public Safety and Police Services must fulfill federal crime reporting requirements. All personally identifiable information is kept confidential, but statistical information must be passed along to Public Safety and Police Services regarding the type of incident and its general location (on- or off-campus, in the surrounding area, but no addresses are given) for publication in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.