Procedures for Informal Resolutions for Harassment

(The Informal Resolution process often provides an effective means of resolving most disputes. However, the Complainant may terminate the Informal Resolution process at any time and initiate a Formal Complaint without prejudice.)

1. Informal Discussion with Respondent: Prior to the involvement of other parties or College officers, the Complainant may choose to discuss the concerns directly with the Respondent. The Respondent may not realize that his or her conduct is offensive or unwelcome. Many disputes can be resolved quickly and effectively with such direct communication. A complaint brought to the attention of the Respondent shortly after the allegedly offensive behavior occurs (i.e., immediately or in a few days) will usually result in more effective resolution.

2. Informal Discussion with College Officials: A Complainant may, of course, discuss concerns with a friend, confidant, advisor, or counselor. To initiate an informal discussion with College officials, however, a Complainant should contact one of the following individuals in a timely manner, ordinarily within fifteen days of the offending conduct ("days" as used herein shall mean "days when the College administrative offices are open"):

• Students should contact the Dean of Students;
• Faculty (or librarians with special faculty status) should contact the Dean of the Faculty;
• Staff should contact the Vice President for Business Affairs & Treasurer.

(If the complaint is against one of the designated College officials, the Complainant should contact the Director of Human Resources, who will designate a representative of the College to handle the matter. In cases where the Complainant deems it necessary or desirable to avoid any possible conflict of interest, a more readily available supervisor or an officer in a different administrative branch of the College may be contacted.)

3. The Informal Discussion can help with any or all of the following options:

a. Assisting the Complainant to determine whether the behavior violates the Policy or to learn more about the Policy generally.

b. Meeting with the individual whose behavior is alleged to be offensive or unwelcome and discussing the situation to make it clear that the behavior is offensive or unwelcome and should cease.

c. Conducting an informal investigation with the effect and goal of ending the alleged behavior in an effective and expeditious manner.

d. Contacting the supervisor of the person whose behavior is alleged to be offensive or unwelcome and requesting assistance to stop the behavior.

Based on the Informal Discussion, the College official designated in paragraph 2 above will determine what additional action, if any, is necessary.

4. The Informal Discussion process will last as long as the Complainant deems it desirable to continue to meet with the College official designated above, but usually the College will try to resolve the problem at this early stage within ten days. Most complaints can be resolved at this stage. If not satisfied with the resolution from the Informal Discussion, the Complainant may proceed to the Formal Complaint process.