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Investigation and Hearing Grievance Procedures

Grievance Procedures (Investigation and Hearing)

Saint Vincent College is committed to providing a prompt and impartial investigation and adjudication of all formal complaints alleging violations of this policy. During the grievance process, both parties (complainant and respondent) have equal rights to participate.

Those involved in administering the grievance procedures must be free of any conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants (affected party) or respondents (accused party), generally and individually.

The respondent is presumed to be not responsible for the alleged conduct until and unless a determination has been made at the conclusion of this process.

Resolution Processes
Saint Vincent will take reasonable steps to protect the privacy of the parties and witnesses during the pendency of a recipient’s grievance procedures, provided that the steps do not restrict the ability of the parties to obtain and present evidence, including by speaking to witnesses; consult with their family members, confidential resources, or advisors; or otherwise prepare for or participate in the grievance procedures.

A hearing will be held where the parties will have an opportunity for cross-examination of the other party and any witnesses. The structure of the hearing depends on whether suspension, expulsion or termination could be a possible disciplinary sanction. Virtual participation may be available as well.

Once a finding of responsibility is made, a sanctions panel will determine the appropriate remedies and sanctions.

Any party may appeal a finding or sanction.


Thw following flow chart provides a timeline for the complaint resolution process, click here to download the PDF version.Formal Complaint Flow Chart

Timeline

The College aims to complete the investigation and hearing grievance procedures within 90-120 days after the investigator’s first interview of the complainant but recognizes this may not always be the case and the process may be impacted by outside factors. Any extensions will apply to both parties equally and the Title IX Coordinator will keep both parties informed of possible delays.

The flow chart below gives a sense of the anticipated timeline for a typical case. Click here to downlaod a PDF of this flow chart.

 

reporting timeline

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