Procedures

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

FORMAL RESOLUTION

An individual who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment may submit a written formal complaint setting forth all pertinent facts to the Title IX Coordinator who will assign a Title IX investigator to review the facts presented. The individual, if they are a faculty member, may also request that a copy of the complaint be sent to the Faculty Welfare Committee representative. No person shall be subject to restraints, interference, or reprisal for action taken in good faith to report or to seek advice in matters of sexual harassment.

INFORMAL RESOLUTION

An individual who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment should contact the Title IX Coordinator who will review the facts presented. The individual, if they are a faculty member, may additionally contact the Faculty Welfare Committee representative. No person shall be subject to restraints, interference, or reprisal for action taken in good faith to report or to seek advice in matters of sexual harassment.

Informal resolution may be appropriate when the conduct complained of is not of a serious or repetitive nature and disciplinary action is not required to remedy the situation. As there is no formal investigation involved in the informal resolution process, there is no imposition of discipline. University methods for resolving complaints informally include, but are not limited to:

  • Mediating between the victim and the individual who is engaging in the offensive conduct;
  • Aiding in the modification of the situation in which the offensive conduct occurred;
  • Assisting a department or division with the resolution of a real or perceived problem; or
  • Arranging for a documented meeting between the person allegedly engaged in the offensive conduct and a University official that involves, at a minimum, a discussion of the requirements of the Sexual Harassment policy.

The University will document any informal resolution. The documentation will be retained by the Title IX Coordinator and, if a faculty member is involved, and so requests, the Faculty Welfare Committee representative. The documentation will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. If a complaint is filed in a faculty or staff’s permanent record, the faculty or staff member must be notified. An informal resolution meeting is not a precondition for filing a formal written complaint.

INVESTIGATION 

A formal investigation will be initiated if the complaint articulates sufficient specific facts which, if determined to be true, would support a finding that the University’s policy was violated. The Title IX Coordinator, or designated Title IX investigator, will give the alleged offender a copy of the complaint. The alleged offender is also provided with an opportunity to respond to it within five (5) business days (ten business days if school is not in session) of receipt by the alleged offender. The letter will include a statement advising the alleged offender that retaliation against the individual who filed the complaint is prohibited and will subject the alleged offender to appropriate disciplinary action if retaliation occurs.

Both the individual submitting the complaint and the alleged offender will be individually interviewed as a part of the official investigation as will any witnesses or persons who have information related to the complaint. Documents relevant to the complaint will also be examined. Facts will be considered on the basis of what is reasonable to persons of ordinary sensitivity and not on the particular sensitivity or reaction of an individual. In the course of a complaint investigation, the University will attempt to maintain confidentiality for all parties involved. However, there can be no guarantee of confidentiality and anonymity based upon the course and scope of the complaint investigation.

Findings will be based on the totality of the circumstances surrounding the conduct complained of, including, but not limited to:

  • the context of the conduct;
  • the severity;
  • the frequency; or
  • whether the conduct was physically threatening, humiliating, or was simply offensive in nature.

REPRESENTATION

During the complaint process, the individual making the complaint and the alleged offender may designate and thereafter be accompanied by an advisor of his or her choosing at meetings and interviews at which he or she is present; however, no representative may examine witnesses or otherwise actively participate in a meeting or interview.

REPORT OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION – COMPLAINTS AGAINST NON-STUDENTS

The Title IX Coordinator, or designated Title IX investigator, will provide a proposed statement of findings, copies of relevant documents, and any physical evidence considered to the appropriate vice president within ten (10) business days (twenty business days if school is not in session) of receipt of the statement from the person whose conduct was complained about.

The appropriate vice president will promptly notify the individual bringing the complaint and the alleged offender that the investigation has been completed and attach a copy of the proposed statement of findings. A student’s identifiable information, if any, which is confidential by law, will be redacted. Within five (5) business days (ten business days if school is not in session) from the date of notification, the individual bringing the complaint and the alleged offender may each submit, for consideration by the appropriate vice president, such comments and corrections as they may have. Within ten (10) business days (twenty business days if school is not in session) from the date of notification, the vice president shall take one of the following actions:

  • Dismiss the complaint if the result of the completed investigation is inconclusive or there is insufficient reasonable, credible evidence to support the allegation(s); or
  • Find that the Sexual Harassment policy was violated.

If the Vice President determines that this policy was violated, he or she shall determine a disciplinary action that is appropriate for the severity of the conduct. The Vice President shall inform the individual bringing the complaint, the accused individual, and the appropriate dean or department head of his or her decision, and shall attach a copy of the final statement of findings. Copies of the vice president’s letter, the attached statement of findings, and relevant documents shall also be sent to the Title IX Coordinator.

Disciplinary action may be appealed by the employee who is disciplined. Appeals for faculty shall be made, pursuant to the Faculty Handbook, to the Faculty Welfare Committee. Appeals for non-faculty shall be made, pursuant to the Classified Employee Handbook, in the form of a formal grievance hearing.

REPORT OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION – COMPLAINTS AGAINST STUDENTS

The Title IX Coordinator, or designated Title IX investigator, will provide a proposed statement of findings, copies of relevant documents, and any physical evidence considered to the Vice President for Student Affairs for a determination pursuant to Article III of the Arkansas Tech University Student Code of Conduct.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

FORMAL RESOLUTION

  1. Respondent’s Acknowledgement of Responsibility Prior to Hearing.
    At any time prior to the date of his or her designated hearing, the Respondent may elect to acknowledge his or her actions and take responsibility for the alleged Sexual Misconduct. In such a situation, the Title IX Coordinator will propose sanction(s). If the victim and the Respondent agree to such proposed sanction(s), then the Complaint will be resolved without a hearing and without any further rights of appeal by any party. If either the victim or the Respondent objects to such proposed sanction(s), then the Sexual Misconduct Hearing Board will convene for the exclusive purpose of determining a sanction, which determination may be subject to appeal pursuant to Section V(b)(v) of this Policy.
  2. The Formal Resolution Process.
    In the case of formal resolution, the Sexual Misconduct Hearing Board will conduct a hearing in which it will question the Complainant, the alleged victim (if not the Complainant), the Respondent, and any witnesses or other third parties whose testimony the hearing board deems relevant. The Sexual Misconduct Hearing Board will determine whether there has been a violation of the Sexual Misconduct Policy, and if there has been, will determine the sanction to be imposed on the Respondent.
    1. The Sexual Misconduct Hearing Board. The Sexual Misconduct Hearing Board shall have three members. The composition of the Hearing Board will be two faculty/staff members and will be chaired by the Deputy Title IX Coordinator. By August 15th of each year, the President of the University shall appoint faculty and staff members to serve as Sexual Misconduct Hearing Board members for a period of one year. Each member of the Hearing Board will receive training annually.
    2. Notice of Appointment. Upon receipt of the Investigative Report from the Title IX Coordinator, the Deputy Title IX Coordinator will appoint two faculty/staff members from the group of Sexual Misconduct Hearing Board members. Promptly after appointing the members of the Hearing Board, the Deputy Title IX Coordinator will provide concurrent written Notice of Appointment of the Hearing Board to the alleged victim and the Respondent, setting forth the names of the individuals selected to serve on and chair the Sexual Misconduct Hearing Board, as well as the alleged policy violation along with information related to the formal conduct hearing.

      The parties may challenge the participation of any member of the Hearing Board by submitting a written objection to the Title IX Coordinator within three (3) business days of receipt of the Notice of Appointment. Such objection must state the specific reason(s) for the objection. The Title IX Coordinator will evaluate the objection and determine whether to alter the composition of the Hearing Board. Failure to submit a timely and proper objection will constitute a waiver of any right of objection to the composition of the Hearing Board. Any changes in the composition of the Hearing Board will be provided in writing to both parties prior to the date of the hearing.
    3. Hearing Policies and Procedures.
      1. Submission of Written Material by the Parties. Within five (5) business days of receipt of the Notice of Appointment of the Hearing Board, the alleged victim and the Respondent may provide the Chair of the Hearing Board with (1) a list of witnesses, if any, that they propose that the Hearing Board call and a brief description of each proposed witness’s connection to and/or knowledge of the issues in dispute, (2) a written statement of position, and (3) copies of all documents to be presented at the hearing. Failure to provide this information in a timely manner may result in the loss of the ability to provide this information. The Title IX Investigator will present the Investigative Report at the hearing.
      2. Notice of Hearing. Not less than five (5) business days but not more than ten (10) business days after delivery of Notice of Appointment of the Hearing Board to the parties, the Hearing Board will provide a separate notice to the alleged victim, the Respondent, and any witnesses or other third parties whose testimony the Hearing Board deems relevant, requesting such individuals to appear before the Hearing Board. The notice should set forth, as applicable, the date, time, and location of the hearing. In this Notice of Hearing, the Hearing Board will provide the names of witnesses or other third parties that the Hearing Board plans to call.
      3. Failure to Appear. If the alleged victim or the Respondent fails to appear before the Hearing Board if requested to do so, and such party was provided with proper notice of the hearing as set forth above, then absent extenuating circumstances, the Hearing Board will proceed to determine the resolution of the Complaint.
      4. Support Persons. The alleged victim and the Respondent each have the right to be assisted by one advisor of their choice, and at their expense. The alleged victim and the Respondent are each responsible for presenting his or her own information. An Advisor may communicate with his or her advisee privately, but he or she may not address the Hearing Board, cross-examine witnesses, or have any other speaking role. The alleged victim and the Respondent must notify the Chair of the Hearing Board who they are bringing at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the loss of the ability to have the advisor present. The alleged victim and Respondent should select an advisor whose schedule allows attendance at the schedule date and time of the hearing; delays will not normally be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of an advisor. The advisor must maintain confidentiality regarding any and all communications exchanged pursuant to this Policy.
      5. Other Advisors. Absent accommodation for disability and except as set forth in this Section V(b)(iii)(4), the parties may not be accompanied by any other individual during the hearing process.
      6. Evidentiary Matters. The alleged victim and the Respondent will have an equal opportunity to present evidence during their respective hearings. Formal rules of evidence will not be observed during the hearings.

        Evidence of past sexual histories of the alleged victim or the Respondent will not be permitted at the hearing, with the following exception:
        a.      The alleged victim’s prior sexual conduct with the Respondent.

        The Hearing Board shall clarify that evidence of a prior consensual dating or sexual relationship between the parties does not imply consent or preclude a finding of sexual misconduct in the instant case.
  3. Conduct of the Hearings.
    a)  Generally. The hearings will be conducted in an inquisitorial manner, which means that the Hearing Board will be responsible for asking questions of the parties and the witnesses and developing evidence through testimony. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator, as Chair of the Hearing Board, will resolve any questions concerning procedure or the admission of evidence or testimony (including the relevancy and reliability of the evidence and testimony). Members of the University community are expected to provide truthful testimony. Any falsification of information or false testimony by any party or witness may subject that party or witness to disciplinary action.
    b)  Testimony of the Respondent. The Respondent may choose not to testify or appear before the Hearing Board; however, his or her exercise of that option will not preclude the Hearing Board from making a determination regarding the Complaint filed against the Respondent.
    c)  Private. Hearing shall normally be conducted in private. In order to comply with FERPA and Title IX and to provide an orderly process for the presentation and consideration of relevant information without undue intimidation or pressure, the hearing process is not open to the general public. Accordingly, documents prepared in anticipation of the hearings (including the Complaint, the Investigative Report, the notices of hearing, and the pre-hearing submissions referenced above) and documents, testimony, or other information introduced at the hearings may not be disclosed outside the hearing proceedings, except as may be required or authorized by law. 
    d)  Separate Hearings. In hearings involving more than one respondent, the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, as Chair of the Hearing Board, may at his or her discretion, permit the hearings concerning each Respondent to be conducted separately or jointly.
    e)  Cross Examination. The alleged victim and Respondent will not be allowed to directly cross-examine each other or witnesses. 
    f)  Witnesses. Witnesses other than the alleged victim and Respondent will be excluded from the hearing except during their specific witness testimony.
    g)  Record. There shall be a single verbatim record, such as a digital recording, of all hearings before the Hearing Board, not including deliberations. The recording shall be the property of the University.
    h) Separation of Parties. The Hearing Board may accommodate concerns for the personal safety, wellbeing, retaliation, and/or fears of the confrontation of the alleged victim, Respondent, and/or other witnesses during the hearing by providing a visual screen, or permitting participation by telephone, video conferencing, or by other means.

(iv.) Outcome.
The Decision of the Hearing Board. 
Following the conclusion of the hearing, the Hearing Board will confer and by majority vote determine whether the evidence (including the information provided in and by the Investigative Report, the parties written statements, if any, the evidence presented at the hearings, and the testimony of the parties and witnesses) establishes that it is more likely than not that the Respondent violated the Sexual Misconduct Policy. The deliberation portion of the hearing is closed to all but the Hearing Board members.

Sanctions.
a)  Generally. Sanctions for a finding of responsibility depend upon the nature and gravity of the misconduct. Sanctions may include, without limitation, withholding a promotion or pay increase, reassigning employment, terminating employment, temporary suspension without pay, compensation adjustments, expulsion or suspension from the University, disciplinary probation, expulsion from campus housing, mandated counseling, and/or educational sanctions deemed appropriate by the Hearing Board. A full list of possible sanctions for students is attached as “Appendix E.”

The Hearing Board will determine sanctions, giving consideration to whether a given sanction will (a) bring an end to the violation in question, (b) reasonably prevent a recurrence of a similar violation, and (c) remedy the discriminatory effects of the violation of the Complainant, and if applicable, the University community at large.

b)  Implementation of Sanctions. Sanctions imposed are not effective until the resolution of any timely appeal pursuant to Article V(B)(v), below. However, if it is advisable that in order to protect the welfare of the victim or the University Community, the Hearing Board may recommend that any sanctions be effective immediately and continue in effect until such time as the appeal process is exhausted.

3)  Final Outcome Letter. Within seven (7) business days following the conclusion of the hearing, the Hearing Board will issue a written decision letter (the “Final Outcome Letter”) concurrently to the Respondent, the Complainant and the alleged victim (if not the Complainant), the Title IX Coordinator, the Vice President for Student Affairs if the Respondent is a student, and the appropriate Vice President or Athletic Director if the Respondent is an employee. The Final Outcome Letter will set forth (1) the name of the Respondent, (2) the violation(s) of this Policy for which the Respondent was found responsible, if any; (3) rationale for decision, (4) sanctions imposed on the Respondent, if any; and (5) the option to appeal by either party. The University will not require either party to abide by a nondisclosure agreement, in writing or otherwise, that would prevent the re-disclosure of information related to the outcome of the proceeding.

(v.) Appeals

1)  Respondent is a student or non-faculty employee. The alleged victim or the Respondent may appeal, in writing, the decision of the Hearing Board and/or the sanction imposed on the Respondent within seven (7) business days from the date of the Final Outcome Letter. The decision of the Hearing Board and the sanction imposed on the Respondent may, if desired, be appealed simultaneously. The only basis for appeal shall be:

  1. Alleged failure of the Hearing Board to follow the procedures set forth in the Sexual Misconduct Policy; or
  2. Consideration of new evidence that was not reasonably available at the time of the hearing before the Hearing Board.

Students should appeal to Dr. Keegan Nichols, Vice President for Student Affairs, located in the Student Affairs, Doc Bryan Student Services Center, Suite 202, (479) 968-0238, knichols@atu.edu. Employees should appeal to the appropriate Vice President or Athletic Director. Typically a decision on the appeal will be issued within seven (7) business days of receipt of the appeal.

2)  Respondent is a faculty member. The alleged victim may appeal following the process set forth in Section 1 above. If the Respondent is a faculty member with tenure or with a special or probationary appointment and the sanction issued by the Hearing Board is dismissal before the end of a specified term, the procedures set forth Chapter II, Section E of the Faculty Handbook shall govern the Respondent’s appeal. If the Hearing Board issues a sanction which imposes a penalty other than dismissal, the procedures set forth in Chapter II, Section G of the Faculty Handbook shall govern the Respondent’s appeal.

Informal Resolution
Informal resolution is only appropriate if (1) the alleged victim requests it, (2) the Respondent agrees to such resolution, (3) the alleged victim and the Respondent are both students or are both employees of the University, (4) the Title IX Coordinator determines that informal resolution is an appropriate mechanism for resolving the Complaint, and (5) the Complaint does not involve sexual assault. Informal Resolution is not a prerequisite to pursuit of a formal resolution.

Informal resolution may not be selected for less than all of the misconduct alleged in the Complaint (for example the parties may not choose to resolve a claim of Sexual Assault according to the formal resolution process but mediate all other claims). If the parties agree to informal resolution (and informal resolution is appropriate for all of the claims at issue), then all of the claims must be resolved according to the informal resolution process

The alleged victim has the right to terminate the informal resolution process at any time and proceed with formal resolution. Furthermore, the Title IX Coordinator may, where appropriate, terminate or decline to initiate informal resolution, and proceed with formal resolution instead. In such cases, statements or disclosure made by the parties in the course of the informal resolution process may be considered in the subsequent formal resolution proceeding.

(a)  Respondent’s Acknowledgement of Responsibility.

At any time prior to the imposition of sanctions, the Respondent may elect to acknowledge his or her actions and take responsibility for the alleged Sexual Misconduct. In such a situation, the Title IX Coordinator will propose sanction(s) for the Respondent. If both the alleged victim and the Respondent agree to such proposed sanction(s), then the Complaint will be resolved without any further rights of appeal by either party.

If either the alleged victim or the Respondent objects to the proposed sanction(s), then the Hearing Board will convene for the exclusive purpose of determining sanctions, which determination may be subject to appeal by either party pursuant to Section V(b)(v) of this Policy. For purposes of this sanction hearing, all of the other provisions of this Policy relating to the imposition of a sanction for Sexual Misconduct shall apply.

(b)  The Informal Resolution Process.

                (i)  The Mediation; The Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer. When the Complaint is to be resolved according to the informal resolution process, there will be a mediation overseen by the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

                (ii)  Notice of the Mediation. The Title IX Coordinator, or Deputy Title IX Coordinator, will provide concurrent written notice to the alleged victim and the Respondent, setting forth the date, time, and location of the mediation.

                (iii)  No Contact Prior to Mediation. The parties may not contact each other outside of the mediation, even to discuss the mediation.

                (iv)  Attendance. Both the alleged victim and the Respondent are expected to attend the mediation. If either party fails to appear at the mediation, and such party was provided proper notice of the mediation as set forth above, then absent extenuating circumstances, the Title IX Coordinator, or Deputy Title IX Coordinator, may either direct that resolution of the Complaint be determined according to the formal resolution process set forth above, or if the alleged victim fails to appear without good cause, dismiss the Complaint.

                (v)  The Mediation.

                                1)  The Alleged Victim’s Rights. During the mediation, the alleged victim may:

  1. Confront the Respondent in the presence of, and facilitated by, the Presiding Officer.
  2. Communicate his or her feelings and perceptions regarding the incident and the impact of the incident (either by communicating directly with the Respondent or by communicating indirectly with the Respondent through the Presiding Officer), and/or;
  3. Relay his or her wishes and expectations regarding protection in the future.

                                2)  Resolution. During the mediation, the Presiding Officer will attempt to facilitate the parties’ resolution of the Complaint. If the mediation results in a resolution between the parties and the Title IX Coordinator finds the resolution to be appropriate under the circumstances (giving consideration to the extent to which the resolution will protect the safety of the alleged victim and the entire University community), the informal disciplinary procedure will be concluded and the Complaint will be closed. If the parties are unable to reach a resolution, the formal resolution process outlined in Article V of this Policy will promptly commence.

                (vi)  Privacy and Disclosure. In order to comply with FERPA and Title IX and to provide an orderly process for the presentation and consideration of relevant information without undue intimidation or pressure, the informal resolution process is not open to the general public. Accordingly, documents prepared in anticipation of the mediation (including the Investigative Report and the Notice of Mediation) and other information introduced at the mediation may not be disclosed outside of the mediation, except as may be required or authorized by law.

DISCRIMINATION

Resolution Options

The University provides two options for reporting and resolving matters involving discrimination: an informal resolution process and a formal complaint process. An individual who believes that he or she has been subjected discrimination and seeks to take action may use the informal resolution process, the formal complaint process, or both. First use of the informal resolution process will, in most cases, be consistent with fairness and correcting an undesired circumstance with a minimum of emotional and professional damage. The informal resolution process and formal complaint resolution process are not mutually exclusive and neither is required as a pre-condition for choosing the other; however, they cannot both be used at the same time.

Formal Resolution

An individual who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination may submit a written formal complaint setting forth all pertinent facts to the Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer who will review and investigate the facts presented.The individual, if they are a faculty member, may also request that a copy of the complaint be sent to the Faculty Welfare Committee representative. No person shall be subject to restraints, interference or reprisal for action taken in good faith to report or to seek advice in matters of discrimination.

Informal Resolution

An individual who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination should contact the Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer who will review the facts presented. The individual, if they are a faculty member, may additionally contact the Faculty Welfare Committee representative. No person shall be subject to restraints, interference or reprisal for action taken in good faith to report or to seek advice in matters of discrimination.

Informal resolution may be appropriate when the conduct complained of is not of a serious or repetitive nature and disciplinary action is not required to remedy the situation. As there is no formal investigation involved in the informal resolution process, there is no imposition of discipline. University methods for resolving complaint informally include, but are not limited to:

  • Mediating between the victim and the individual who is engaging in the offensive conduct;
  • Aiding in the modification of the situation in which the offensive conduct occurred;
  • Assisting a department or division with the resolution of a real or perceived problem; or
  • Arranging for a documented meeting between the person(s) allegedly engaged in the offensive conduct and a University official that involves, at a minimum, a discussion of the requirements of the Non-Discrimination policy.

The University will document any informal resolution. The documentation will be retained by the Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer and, if a faculty member is involved, and so requests, the Faculty Welfare Committee representative. The documentation will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. If a complaint is filed in a faculty or staff’s permanent record, the faculty or staff member must be notified. An informal resolution meeting is not a precondition for filing a formal written complaint.

Investigation

A formal investigation will be initiated if the complaint articulates sufficient specific facts which, if determined to be true, would support a finding that the University’s policy was violated. The Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer will give the alleged offender a copy of the complaint. The alleged offender is also provided with an opportunity to respond to it within five (5) working days (ten working days if school is not in session) of receipt by the alleged offender. The letter will include a statement advising the alleged offender that retaliation against the individual who filed the complaint is prohibited and will subject the alleged offender to appropriate disciplinary action if retaliation occurs.

Both the individual submitting the complaint and the alleged offender will be individually interviewed as a part of the official investigation as will any witnesses or persons who have information related to the complaint. Documents relevant to the complaint will also be examined. Facts will be considered on the basis of what is reasonable to persons of ordinary sensitivity and not on the particular sensitivity or reaction of an individual. In the course of a complaint investigation, the University will attempt to maintain confidentiality for all parties involved. However, there can be no guarantee of confidentiality and anonymity based upon the course and scope of the complaint investigation.

Findings will be based on the totality of the circumstances surrounding the conduct complained of, including, but not limited to:

  • The context of the conduct;
  • The severity;
  • The frequency; or
  • Whether the conduct was physically threatening, humiliating, or was simply offensive in nature.

Representation

During the complaint process, the individual making the complaint and the alleged offender may designate and thereafter be accompanied by an advisor of his or her choosing at meetings and interviews at which he or she is present; however, no representative may examine witnesses or otherwise actively participate in a meeting or interview.

Report of Findings and Recommendation – Complaints Against Non-Students

The Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer will provide a proposed statement of findings, copies of relevant documents, and any physical evidence considered to the appropriate vice president within ten (10) working days (twenty working days if school is not in session) of receipt of the statement from the person whose conduct was complained about.

The appropriate vice president will promptly notify the individual bringing the complaint and the alleged offender that the investigation has been completed and attach a copy of the proposed statement of findings. A student’s identifiable information, if any, which is confidential by law, will be redacted. Within five (5) working days (ten working days if school is not in session) from the date of notification, the individual bringing the complaint and the alleged offender may each submit, for consideration by the appropriate vice president, such comments and corrections as they may have. Within ten (10) working days (twenty working days if school is not in session) from the date of notification, the Vice President shall take one of the following actions:

  • Dismiss the complaint if the result of the completed investigation is inconclusive or there is insufficient reasonable, credible evidence to support the allegation(s); or
  • Find that the Non-Discrimination policy was violated.

If the Vice President determines that this policy was violated, he or she shall determine a disciplinary action that is appropriate for the severity of the conduct. The Vice President shall inform the individual bringing the complaint, accused individual and the appropriate dean or department head of his or her decision, and shall attach a copy of the final statement of final statement of findings. Copies of the Vice President’s letter, the attached statement of findings, and relevant documents shall also be sent to the Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer.

Disciplinary action may be appealed by the employee who is disciplined. Appeals for faculty shall be made, pursuant to the Faculty Handbook, to the Faculty Welfare Committee. Appeals for non-faculty shall be made, pursuant to Classified Employee Handbook, in the form of a formal grievance hearing.

Report of Findings and Recommendation – Complaints Against Students

The Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer will provide a proposed statement of findings, copies of relevant documents, and any physical evidence considered to the Vice President for Student Affairs for a determination pursuant to Article IV of the Arkansas Tech University Student Code of Conduct.

Filing of a False Complaint - Individuals whose complaint is found to be both false and have been made with malicious intent will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, demotion, transfer, suspension, expulsion, or termination of employment.