What is the complaint process?
You have the right to file a formal complaint of a violation of SIUE’s Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Violence Policy (“Policy”). If you request a formal investigation, and/or if the university concludes an investigation is appropriate, or if you are alleged to have committed the violation (“Respondent”) in a formal complaint, the investigation will be conducted in a prompt, thorough, fair, and impartial manner. The following summary of the complaint resolution procedures of the student discipline process has been provided to help you better understand the process when investigating claims of sexual misconduct. During the investigative process, an investigator meets separately with both the person filing the complaint (“Complainant”) and the Respondent. The Respondent is informed of the allegations and provided an opportunity to respond in person. Each party can provide information and documentation and witnesses to corroborate their account. Throughout the process, each party is allowed an advisor or support person to accompany them at any interviews or hearings. Please note, the complainant and the respondent will not be required to be in the same room during the student disciplinary process. Additional meetings may be required as information is reviewed to inform the parties of information and seek their perspective.
The investigation consists of gathering relevant information, evaluating that information, and compiling a written investigative report. Each party is provided a copy of the investigative report. The investigator renders a decision based on the preponderance of the evidence after reviewing all the relevant information and makes a determination if the Policy was violated by the Respondent. If so, the investigator recommends a sanction to be implemented by the appropriate party. Any student found in violation of the Policy will be assigned a formal sanction, ranging from a university reprimand to dismissal from the university. Furthermore, most of these individuals will also be assigned one or more educational sanctions. The university may also restrict a respondent from contacting specific individuals, going to particular campus locations or participating in certain events or organizations.
Either party can appeal the results of the investigative report to the Sexual Harassment Panel comprised of 3 faculty or staff members. During the Panel hearing, each party can be accompanied by an advisor or support person. Each party is allowed to make an opening statement, which is followed by questions from the Panel. Each party may submit questions to the Panel to ask of the other party. The Panel determines if the question is appropriate to answer and will relay the question if it is. Each party can bring witnesses and submit additional information to the panel for consideration. Any new information is shared with the other party. After the conclusion of the panel hearing, the Panel will prepare a report outlining their determination, which will be shared with the parties. This decision can be appealed to the Chancellor.
For additional information about the formal complaint process or the appeal process, please see Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Violence Policy and Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures.
