Discriminatory and Sexual Misconduct Investigation and Resolution Process

Carnegie Mellon University is committed to handling discriminatory conduct and sexual misconduct reports with care and thoroughness. Here’s an overview* of what you can expect if a complaint is filed with The Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX (IEX Office).

Filing a Report

A report can be filed through written or oral communication. A complainant may use a Report form or contact the IEX Office directly. When a report is filed with the IEX Office, the following steps are taken:

Intake Meeting

The IEX Office will conduct an Intake Meeting with the Complainant to:

• Gather additional information.
• Explain available Safety & Supportive Measures.
• Explain how a Formal Complaint can be filed and the steps of an Investigation Process or how to initiate an Alternative Resolution.

Options for the Complainant

After the Intake Meeting, the Complainant has three choices:

1. No Further Action
   • The Complainant can decide not to take any further action.
2. Alternative Resolution
   • The IEX Office can facilitate an Alternative Resolution that addresses the reported concerns in an educative and restorative manner.
   • If the Alternative Resolution is successful, the process concludes here. If not, the Complainant retains the option to proceed with a Formal Complaint.
3. Formal Complaint
   • Any person can file a Formal Complaint if they were participating in a Program or Activity at the time of the discriminatory or sexual misconduct.

If the Complainant chooses to file a Formal Complaint, the following steps are involved.

Formal Complaint Steps:

1. Complainant Statement

   • After filing the Formal Complaint, the complainant will meet with an Investigator to provide their information and any additional material. The complainant may also suggest witnesses who have direct knowledge of the misconduct. 
   • The IEX office will schedule an interview with the complainant within 7 days of receiving the Formal Complaint. 

2. Notice of Allegations

   •  A Notice of Allegations (NOA) detailing the allegations is delivered to the Responding Party. 
   • The NOA is sent within 5 days of obtaining the complainant’s statement.

3. Investigation

   • The IEX Office will investigate the matter, which includes interviewing the parties and any witnesses.
   • Collecting statements and evidence.
   • Providing support and safety measures as appropriate.
   • Connecting parties and witnesses to resources, as appropriate..
   • Helping identify a support person.
   • The investigation takes approximately 4-6 weeks. 

4. Review of Draft Investigative Report 

   • The parties receive the draft report and have the opportunity to respond. 
   • Each party has 7 days to respond to the report with any factual corrections and/or additional relevant information.

5. Finalization of Investigative Report 

   • After reviewing the responses, the investigator finalizes the report and provides the final Investigative Report to the appropriate office for resolution. 
   • The finalizing of the report takes approximately 1 week.

6. Hearing 

   • A hearing will be held to review the findings and determine the outcome. 
   • Hearings will be scheduled within 4 weeks of finalization of the Investigative Report. 

* All days mentioned in this policy are calendar days, which include weekends and holidays.