Chamberlain will investigate Sexual Harassment allegations in a Formal Complaint filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will respect the Complainant’s wishes as to whether Chamberlain investigates an allegation of Sexual Harassment unless the Title IX Coordinator determines that not investigating would be deliberately indifferent or harmful to the Chamberlain community. A Complainant is not required to participate in an investigation and grievance process for Formal Complaints signed by the Title IX Coordinator. However, the ability to investigate, respond and provide Remedies may be limited or impossible without participation of the Parties. Chamberlain may consolidate Formal Complaints where the allegations arise out of the same facts.

Upon receipt of a Formal Complaint, written notice will be sent to the parties. The Notice of Investigation will include: details of the allegations (including identities of the parties involved, specific section of the policy alleged to have been violated, the conduct that would be considered Sexual Harassment, the date of the incident(s) and the location of the incident(s)); a statement that the Respondent is presumed to be not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination is made according to Chamberlain’s grievance process; a statement that the parties may have an advisor of their choice and a reminder of the expectation of truthfulness including consequences for submitting false information. The parties will also be provided with separate written notice of any investigative interview, meeting or hearing. Interview/meeting notices will include the date, time, location, participants and purpose of the investigative interview or meeting.

Formal Complaints involving Colleagues may also be referred to Human Resources and simultaneously evaluated under Colleague conduct policies and procedures.

During the investigation, the Office of Equity and Access will select an Investigator to conduct interviews and gather evidence. The parties will be provided an equal opportunity to present fact and expert witnesses or other evidence. The parties (and their advisors) will be provided with evidence directly related to the allegations, in electronic format or hardcopy, with at least 10 days for the parties to inspect, review and respond to the evidence. The Investigator will consider the responses received from the parties before issuing the investigative report.

Once the investigation has concluded, the Investigator will draft an investigative report (hardcopy or electronic) that fairly summarizes relevant evidence. The investigative report will be sent to the parties (and their advisors) at least ten days prior to a live hearing. The parties may provide a written response to the investigative report.