Investigation Procedures and Student’s Rights & Responsibilities

U of M Crookston is committing to investigating any report of sexual misconduct (sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking and relationship violence) made to the Office of Student Conduct. After the investigation is completed, there are established processes for working through a finding or a charge of responsibility for violating the University's policies on sexual misconduct.

Rights & Responsibilities

The University will protect the rights of all parties involved to the best of its ability. The rights of parties involved include, but are not limited to, the following:

Shared Rights: All parties have the right to:

  • have the incident taken seriously and to be treated with dignity
  • have an advocate or support person with them in a non-participatory role during all meetings or hearings
  • receive referrals for confidential medical and counseling services and other support systems
  • have the report investigated and responded to in a timely manner, and
  • an opportunity to tell their side of the story (share your perspective)

Respondents (individuals accused of an alleged sexual assault policy violation) have the right to:

  • know the name of the complainant–but they do not have the right to confront their accuser by any method (e.g., in person, phone, text message, e-mail, etc.)
  • a hearing of the allegations against them
  • be informed that they may appeal a sanction imposed by the hearing party, and
  • have their case reviewed by the Appeals Panel.

Complainants (individuals who experienced an alleged sexual assault policy violation) have the right to:

  • make a choice about filing a formal police report (in other words, complainants will not be coerced or forced to file a formal police report)
  • a hearing after the initial investigation has been completed
  • be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary outcome of a sexual misconduct complaint
  • receive information on victim/survivor advocate support
  • be notified of options/accommodations for changing academic and living situations, and
  • appeal the decision of the hearing party (sex or gender situations only)