​The Investigative Process

Step 1: An allegation of discrimination or harassment is reported to the Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) 

Step 2: The complainant/alleged victim is interviewed by the ODH.

Step 3: The discrimination and harassment officer or investigator determines whether a full investigation should be conducted. Some situations can be resolved through an informal resolution process.

Step 4: If a full investigation is conducted, a Notice of Investigation (NOI) is sent to the Respondent (alleged harasser or discriminator) informing him/her of the allegations. The Respondent is required to contact the ODH and meet with the investigator. 

Step 5: The investigator meets with the parties, relevant witnesses and collects all supporting evidence.

Step 6: The investigator drafts a report.

Step 7: The report is submitted to the standing review committee for review.

Step 8: After the standing review committee approves the report, it is sent to the Complainant, Respondent, Respondent's supervisors and the Chancellor.

There are three possible outcomes to an investigation  

(1) A violation of the policy.

(2) There is no violation of the policy, but the behavior was unprofessional. 

(3) The policy was not violated.

1 The report contains the investigator's findings of fact and conclusions; it does not contain any recommendations for discipline. The ODH does not have the authority to recommend disciplinary action.

2 It is also a violation of the policies for an individual to make an intentionally false complaint of discrimination, harassment or related retaliation or to provide intentionally false information regarding a complaint.  ​