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Key Terms and Definitions

Key Terms:

  1. Complainant: The individual reported to have experienced conduct prohibited by the Policy on Sexual Harassment.
  2. Respondent: The individual reported to have committed conduct prohibited by the Policy on Sexual Harassment.
  3. Party or Parties: When the Complainant and the Respondent are discussed individually or collectively.
  4. Reporter: An individual who reports prohibited conduct, but who did not personally experience prohibited conduct.
  5. Confidential Employees: Employees designated by the College who have a duty to report information to the Office of Title IX but may do so without disclosing personally identifying information of the persons involved. See Section VI.2.A.i. on page 14 of the Policy on Sexual Harassment for more information.
  6. Privileged Employees: Employees designated by law or licensure whose disclosures are protected and are not required to be reported to the Office of Title IX unless there is a threat of harm to self or others. See Section VI.2.A. ii. on page 15 of the Policy on Sexual Harassment for more information.
  7. Responsible Employees: All other College employees that are required to report all known details of incidents under this Policy. See Section VI.2.A.iii. on page 15 of the Policy on Sexual Harassment for more information.
  8. Supportive Measures: Non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered without fee or charge to preserve access to the College’s education programs and activities, such as counseling, schedule changes, and no contact orders. See Section VIII on page 18 of the Policy on Sexual Harassment for more information.
  9. Informal Resolution: A voluntary, informal framework that includes informal or restorative options for resolving reports that may, but typically do not, involve disciplinary action against a Respondent. See Section IX on page 28 of the Policy on Sexual Harassment for more information.
  10. Formal Resolution: A structured process with formal procedures that involve an investigation, adjudication at a live hearing and, if appropriate, the imposition of sanctions. See Section X on page 29 of the Policy on Sexual Harassment for more information.
  11. Sanctions: Outcomes, including disciplinary action, rendered when a Respondent is determined to have violated the Policy on Sexual Harassment. See Section XIII on page 42 of the Policy on Sexual Harassment for more information on the range of sanctions for students and employees.
  12. Appeal: A request by a Party to review and change the outcome of a Formal Resolution which must be based on specific grounds. See Section XIV on page 44 of the Policy on Sexual Harassment for more information.