Judicial Proceedings for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault

The Student Conduct Board may accommodate concerns regarding the personal safety, well-being and/or peace of mind of the Complainant, Respondent, and/or any witness(es) during the Hearing by providing separate facilities, by using a visual screen, and/or by permitting participation via telephone, videophone, video conferencing, videotape, audio tape, written statement, or other means, where and as determined by the sole judgment of the Student Conduct Administrator.

Both the Respondent and Claimant/Witness will be informed of the College's findings and judgments, including the determinations of any violations of the College’s policy on sexual harassment and sexual assault.

The Respondent will be subject to sanctions based on the findings and severity of the incident as deemed appropriate by the Conduct Officer, Hearing Officer, or Student Conduct Panel. In cases where it is determined that a violation of the sexual harassment and assault policy has occurred, student disciplinary action may range from the reprimand of a warning, counseling, probation, to school suspension or expulsion. All decisions concerning sanctions are made on a case-by-case basis based upon the specific findings in a particular investigation.

In the case of a formal charge from a law enforcement agency, and where deemed appropriate based on the evidence, the College reserves the right to deliver a finding of guilt to a lesser charge. Moreover, after any report of an alleged sexual assault, W&J College reserves the right to change the housing assignment of the accused student, limit/restrict access to campus events, limit/restrict access to campus facilities, and/or execute an interim suspension to ensure the safety of all students involved until the issue is resolved.

While the Claimant/Witness and the Respondent have the right to seek a review of the decision imposed by the Conduct Officer, Hearing Officer or the Student Conduct Panel, the original decision remains in place until the judicial process is completed.

As with any judicial hearing for policy violation, W&J College affirms that the Claimant/Witness and the Respondent are entitled to the same opportunities to have equal unbiased support to ensure all parties are given equal opportunity to present their side of the incident.

*Detailed information about procedures for the Student Conduct Board may be found in the Washington & Jefferson College Student Handbook  or may be obtained from the Office of Student Life.