Complaint Resolution Procedure for Harassment

(For ease in identifying individuals, the person making a complaint is referred to as the "Complainant," and the person about whom the complaint is being made is referred to as the "Respondent.")

The College will endeavor to respond to and resolve all complaints quickly and effectively. Individuals in the protected classifications who believe they have been harassed or discriminated against in violation of the Policy are encouraged to take action in any of the ways described in the Procedure.

Although none of the actions listed under the Options for Informal Resolution (below) are required before an individual may file a Formal Complaint, the College favors informal resolution of these claims whenever such resolution can be effected fairly. Except as expressly provided herein, the Procedure is the only grievance procedure available to staff, faculty, students, or other parties for violations of the Policy. No other grievance procedures otherwise available at the College are applicable.

Through the Procedure, the College will take necessary steps to prevent recurrence of any harassment and/or discrimination determined to have occurred, and will take necessary steps to correct the discriminatory effects of the conduct on the Complainant and others, if appropriate. During all stages of the Procedure, every effort will be made to insure fundamental fairness to all parties involved in the complaint process. The College will make good faith efforts to protect the confidentiality of those involved in the Procedure to the extent permitted by law and to the extent that continued protection does not interfere with the College's ability to investigate allegations or to take corrective action.

The College prohibits retaliation against any individual who files a complaint (informal or formal) in good faith or participates in a harassment or discrimination inquiry. Disciplinary action will be taken against any individual who retaliates against a Complainant or participant in a harassment or discrimination inquiry, or who files a discrimination or harassment complaint in bad faith, or who maliciously or knowingly files false charges.

Respondent and Complainant may each choose someone in the College community to serve in an advisory role throughout the Procedure.