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University of Michigan Policy & Procedures on Student Sexual & Gender-Based Misconduct & Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence

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The University of Michigan (University) supports its educational mission by fostering a community based on civility, dignity, diversity, inclusivity, education, equality, freedom, honesty, and safety. Consistent with these values, the University is committed to providing a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment for all members of the University community. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in any of its education or employment programs and activities.

The University prohibits sexual assault, sexual and gender-based harassment, intimate partner violence, stalking, retaliation, and violation of interim measures (collectively Prohibited Conduct). Prohibited Conduct is expressly forbidden and will not be tolerated at the University. It may also violate federal and state law.

The University adopts this Policy and Procedures on Student Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence (Policy or Policy and Procedures) with a commitment to: (1) eliminating, preventing, and addressing the effects of Prohibited Conduct; (2) fostering an environment where all individuals are well-informed and supported in reporting Prohibited Conduct; (3) providing a fair and impartial process for all parties; and (4) identifying the standards by which violations of this Policy will be evaluated and disciplinary action may be imposed. University students who violate this Policy may face disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

The Policy and Procedures sets forth how the University will proceed once it is made aware of possible Prohibited Conduct in keeping with our institutional values and to meet our legal obligations under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX); the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), as amended by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA); and other applicable law.

Summary of the University of Michigan Policy on Sexual Misconduct by Students

What you need to know about the U-M Policy on Sexual Misconduct by Students:

Respect

This policy applies to all students and all students engaging this policy can expect to be treated with respect as the University seeks to provide an appropriate, private, timely and fair response to reports of sexual misconduct by students. Retaliation will not be tolerated.

Report

The University strongly encourages the reporting of sexual misconduct. The University will respond to reports of sexual misconduct made to a non-confidential University employee. All reports will be reported to the U-M Title IX Coordinator in the Office for Institutional Equity. To access confidential assistance, students may contact a confidential reporting location. The University strongly encourages anyone who believes they experienced a sexual assault (or any other crime) to make a report to the University of Michigan Police Department.

Respond

The University will respond to reports of student sexual misconduct with support and resources and proceed in a way that seeks to honor the rights of the students affected by the report. To this end, if a Complainant requests confidentiality and/or decides not to participate in any response process, the University will consider this request and proceed in a way that takes into account the safety and wellness of the community (including that of the Complainant). For more information, go to the Decision to Proceed with Investigation section of this policy.

Review

Every report of sexual misconduct will be reviewed. Under the policy, Claimants will have the option to meet jointly with an OSCR Case Manager and OIE Investigator to explore and understand resolution options available. The investigatory/hearing process may be initiated when requested by a Claimant and deemed the appropriate path for resolution under the policy by the Title IX coordinator or designee. In addition to the Investigative pathway, the claimant may request to explore a range of options under the voluntary adaptable resolution process facilitated by staff in the Office of Student Conflict Resolution.

In matters where an investigatory process is initiated, a decision on responsibility will be made by a Hearing Officer through the hearing process described in the policy. If the evidence supports (based on “a more likely than not” standard) a finding of responsibility, the matter will proceed to the sanctioning process. Parties may provide input by way of written statement to the Office of Student Conflict Resolution who will coordinate the application and monitoring of applied sanctions, interventions and restorative measures. Either party may appeal the outcome of the matter based on the specific grounds outlined in this policy. For more information, go to the Appeals of Findings or Sanctions section of this policy.

Important Information
New policy changes took effect January 9, 2019

View the New Sexual Misconduct Policy
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Sexual Misconduct Umbrella Policy

On Oct. 15, 2019, U-M released its draft umbrella policy for addressing sexual and gender-based misconduct that would apply to students, faculty, staff and third parties on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses.

Annual Reports

"The Title IX Coordinator will issue an annual report to the U-M community about actions taken by the University in response to reports of sexual misconduct by students. The report will inform the community of response efforts and engage the community in education and prevention initiatives. Reports of past actions will provide an overview of information, with removal of confidential details to the extent necessary to respect the privacy of affected parties."

Claimant Support Services & Information

Supportive measures are measures typically implemented for Claimants and are designed to address a Claimant’s safety, well-being, and continued access to educational opportunities. This includes offering support services and information to the complainant involved in a case through SAPAC.  Visit SAPAC’s website for more information on SAPAC’s services for complainants and any U-M community member who experiences sexual or intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, or stalking.

Respondent Support Services and Information

The Dean of Students Office (DOS) provides direct support to Claimants, Respondents, or other students who are involved in reports of Prohibited Conduct. This support includes navigating academic, personal, and community impact; advising on policy and procedures; and connecting to other available support and resources. The Respondent Support Program is housed in the DOS and has dedicated trained staff who provide direct support to Respondents who are involved in reports of Prohibited Conduct.