Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about the complaint investigation process please Complaint Investigative Process page.

Yes. Individuals may choose whether and to what extent they participate in an investigation. 

Yes. Complainants and Respondents may have a support person or advisor of their choice present throughout the complaint-investigation process. Parties may choose their own advisor, who may be an attorney the party has retained, or parties may select an advisor from the list provided by the AVP-Title IX Officer of trained faculty and staff who volunteer to serve in this role. Learn more on the Support Advisors page.

Generally, an Investigative Officer in the Office of the AVP for Equity and Title IX Officer will lead a thorough and fair investigation assisted by one or more co-investigators. Co-Investigators may be University faculty or professional staff members who are trained to investigate matters under the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

No. Investigative interviews are not recorded by the Investigative Team, and we do not permit interviews to be recorded by others. The Investigative Team will take contemporaneous notes during interviews and individuals are free to take their own notes as well.

The University expressly prohibits retaliation against faculty, staff, or students who, in good faith, make reports of violation of this policy. Members of the Penn community who take adverse action against, intimidate, threaten, or otherwise engage in other forms of retaliation against a person because they filed a complaint of sexual misconduct or served as a witness during an investigation are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of their employment or expulsion.
 

The University processes and the legal system work independently of one another and the University has its own responsibility for ensuring the enforcement of its Sexual Misconduct Policy. The University will consider reasonable requests by law enforcement to temporarily suspend its fact finding so as not to impede the law enforcement process.

An Informal Resolution is an option for resolving a formal complaint filed with the AVP-Title IX Officer without an investigation. Informal Resolutions are voluntary and may include, but are not limited to, dispute resolution processes such as those offered by Restorative Practices at Penn (RP@P) and the Office of the Ombuds, mediation, facilitated conversations, and continued no contact between the parties.

Yes. Both parties must agree to the informal resolution process. 

No. Parties are not required to see or speak to each other directly to engage in an Informal Resolution. Every situation is unique, and it will be up to the parties as to how their Informal Resolution is structured. The AVP-Title IX Officer can discuss options to meet the needs of the parties.

When determining whether an Informal Resolution is appropriate, the AVP-Title IX Officer considers factors such as allegations of physical violence, use of a weapon, a pattern of conduct, or other community safety concerns. 

Yes. Currently, a written formal complaint needs to be filed with the AVP-Title IX Officer and the AVP-Title IX Officer needs to send a Notice of Charge to the Respondent accurately memorializing the allegations before the parties can begin an Informal Resolution process. 
 

Either party can stop the Informal Resolution process at any time before a Resolution Agreement is signed. If either party decides to end the Informal Resolution process, the AVP-Title IX Officer will discuss available options with each party, including the option of the investigative process.
 

A violation of a signed Resolution Agreement can result in disciplinary proceedings through, as appropriate, the Center for Community Standards and Accountability (CSA), Human Resources, or the appropriate Dean.