{"id":1486,"date":"2025-01-17T17:00:36","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T22:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/sexualmisconduct\/?page_id=1486"},"modified":"2026-09-02T17:12:23","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T21:12:23","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/sexualmisconduct\/title-ix-explained\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":0,"parent":836,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"class_list":["post-1486","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"lead_in":"","display_title":"","subtitle":"

FAQs about the Title IX Process.<\/h3>","call_to_action":"","hero_image_placement":"no_image","hero_media":"images","hero_pattern_option":"","hero_video":"","hero_image_landing":"","hero_image_landing_two":"","hero_image_landing_three":"","content_modules":[{"acf_fc_layout":"card_grid","anchor":"","css_class":"","title":"

Connect directly with what you're looking for.<\/h3>","description":"","background_color":"#00205b","width":"width-large","columns":"4","cards":[{"card_title":"Reporting Options<\/strong>","card_text":"","card_background_color":"#ffc70a","card_hover_color":"#283faf","card_link":{"title":"Reporting Options","url":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/sexualmisconduct\/reporting-options\/","target":""},"card_hover_arrow":"hover_arrow","card_image":"","card_image_size":"","card_image_placement":"","card_image_hover_state":"hover_fade","card_image_link":""},{"card_title":"Supportive Measures<\/strong>","card_text":"","card_background_color":"#ffc70a","card_hover_color":"#283faf","card_link":{"title":"Supportive Measures","url":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/sexualmisconduct\/title-ix-explained\/supportive-measures\/","target":""},"card_hover_arrow":"hover_arrow","card_image":"","card_image_size":"","card_image_placement":"","card_image_hover_state":"hover_fade","card_image_link":""},{"card_title":"On-campus and off-campus Resources<\/strong>","card_text":"","card_background_color":"#ffc70a","card_hover_color":"#283faf","card_link":{"title":"Resources","url":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/sexualmisconduct\/resources\/","target":""},"card_hover_arrow":"hover_arrow","card_image":"","card_image_size":"","card_image_placement":"","card_image_hover_state":"hover_fade","card_image_link":""},{"card_title":"Review Policies<\/strong>","card_text":"","card_background_color":"#ffc70a","card_hover_color":"#283faf","card_link":{"title":"Policies","url":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/sexualmisconduct\/policies\/","target":""},"card_hover_arrow":"hover_arrow","card_image":"","card_image_size":"","card_image_placement":"","card_image_hover_state":"hover_fade","card_image_link":""}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","anchor":"","css_class":"","title":"

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>","content":"Here you will find common questions about the Title IX Process, definitions of terms related to the University's Title IX Policy, brief explanations of the resolution processes, Complainant directed FAQs, and Respondent directed FAQs.","background_color":"#ffffff","width":"width-medium"},{"acf_fc_layout":"table_of_contents","anchor_id":"","css_classes":"","title":"","content":"","bg_color":"#ffffff","layout":"standard_width","image":"","call_to_action":"","aceppted_headings":["h2","h3","h4","h5","h6"],"ignored_headings":"connect|employee sanctions|student sanctions|frequently asked questions"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion_new","anchor_id":"","classes":"","title":"

General FAQ's about the Title IX\u00a0Process<\/h3>","description":"","background":"plain","background_color":"#ffffff","style":"row_blank","expand":"yes","accordions":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"What is the difference between making a report and filing a formal complaint?","icon":"","row_content":"There is an important distinction between making a report to the Title IX Office and filing a formal complaint.\r\n\r\nReports are the initial communication and information the Title IX Office receives about potential prohibited conduct<\/a>. The Title IX Office receives reports from a variety of sources, including but not limited to a Complainant<\/a>, friends of the parties<\/a>, members of student organizations, and Mandatory Reporters<\/a> (employees). A report to the Title IX Office will result in the Title IX Office conducting outreach to the Complainant to offer support or referral.\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, a formal complaint<\/a> is a document signed by a Complainant or the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment and requesting to initiate either an Informal Resolution or Formal Grievance process against a Respondent<\/a>.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"What happens after a report is made to the Title IX Office?","icon":"","row_content":"When the Title IX Office receives a report, Staff review it for follow-up or referral based on the information shared and applicable University policies. After these steps, Staff in the<\/span> Title IX Office will send an outreach email to the Complainant<\/a> to offer support and schedule an intake meeting or provide a referral connection. Complainants are not required to respond to the outreach email or schedule an intake meeting. The Title IX Office sends outreach so the Complainant knows that the Title IX Office is a resource available to them if and when they decide they would like to learn more about their options. If the Complainant would like to learn more, they can respond to the outreach email to schedule an intake meeting.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"What does a Title IX intake meeting look like?","icon":"","row_content":"During the intake meeting, some basic information about the situation is gathered, which indicates the procedural options that are and are not available to resolve the concern reported. There are a variety of options available to resolve concerns, as well as supportive measures<\/a> and other remedies that can mitigate harmful impacts. Depending on what resolution option the Complainant<\/a> requests (if any), the nature of the reported prohibited conduct<\/a>, the amount of information available, and the relationship of the parties<\/a> to the university, Title IX Staff will take appropriate action to address the matter while considering your wishes with respect to how you want to move forward.<\/span>","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Does making a report to Title IX automatically result in an investigation process?","icon":"","row_content":"No. Making a report to the Title IX Office typically results in an outreach email being sent to the Complainant<\/a>, if their identity is included in the report, or referral based on the information shared and applicable University policies<\/span>. However, it is up to the Complainant to decide if they want to respond to the outreach email and schedule an intake with the Title IX Office. In the vast majority of cases, the Title IX Office defers to the wishes of the Complainant in terms of what support they need and what processes, if any, they want to engage in.\r\n\r\nOccasionally, due to aggravating factors, the Title IX Office may need to proceed with certain actions, even when the Complainant does not want to participate in a resolution process, in order to ensure the Complainant's safety or the safety of the University of Rochester community.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Is the Title IX Office a confidential resource?","icon":"","row_content":"No, however, the Title IX Office is a private resource. Information related to a report of sexual harassment, including sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, or stalking, will be handled discreetly and shared with a limited circle of university employees or designees who need to know in order to assist in the assessment, investigation, resolution of the report, and related issues. In all such proceedings, the university will maintain the privacy of the parties<\/a> to the extent reasonably possible.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Can I submit an anonymous report to Title IX?","icon":"","row_content":"You are welcome and encouraged to share information about prohibited behavior or conduct<\/a> even if you would like to remain anonymous.\r\n\r\nIf you choose to remain anonymous, please be aware that the Title IX Office will not be able to follow up with you regarding available resources and support options and the university may be limited in its ability to address the conduct.\r\n\r\nProviding information may help the university maintain accurate records regarding the number of complaints involving students, employees, and third parties; determine if there is a pattern of conduct with regard to a particular location or Respondent<\/a>; and alert the campus community to potential dangers when appropriate. Depending on the amount of information available in the anonymous report, however, the university\u2019s ability to respond with an investigation or resolution process may be limited.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Can I submit a report if I am not the one who experienced the conduct?","icon":"","row_content":"You are welcome and encouraged to share information about prohibited conduct<\/a> even if you were not directly involved in the situation. Please share whatever information you are comfortable sharing.\r\n\r\nKeep in mind that if not enough relevant information is provided or the Complainant<\/a> does not respond to outreach from the Title IX Office, the university may be limited in its ability to address the conduct.\r\n\r\nPlease note that if you are reporting as a third party you are unlikely to receive follow-up from the Title IX Office. This is so that we can prioritize the needs, wishes, and privacy of the Complainant.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"What if I don't know whether I prefer to speak with a private or confidential resource?","icon":"","row_content":"That is okay. You can always connect with a confidential resource<\/a> first and have a discussion with them about whether or not you would also like to report to the Title IX Office or pursue another reporting option. The Title IX Office works closely with the other support offices across campus and confidential resources can help you get connected to the Title IX Office if you decide that is a path you would like to pursue.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"What if I share information with someone who is not a confidential resource?","icon":"","row_content":"Mandatory Reporters<\/a> include all employees, staff, and faculty of the University who do not serve<\/u> in a Confidential Employee role, and they must notify the Title IX Office or Title IX Coordinator directly when they receive information about conduct that reasonably may constitute prohibited conduc<\/a>t as defined in the Title IX Policy, including retaliation. This includes student employees in Residential Life and any student employees with responsibility for teaching or advising.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Will parents or legal guardians be notified of a Title IX Complaint?","icon":"","row_content":"No. The Title IX Coordinator will not contact the parents or guardians of any involved parties in a Title IX investigation. The University is prohibited from doing so by the Family Educational and Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA). Under FERPA, parents cannot access their child\u2019s educational records if the child is enrolled in post-secondary education, regardless of age, unless the child gives written permission to allow access to the parents\/guardians through a FERPA waiver.","accordion_anchor":""}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion_new","anchor_id":"","classes":"","title":"

Definitions<\/h3>","description":"","background":"plain","background_color":"#ffffff","style":"row_blank","expand":"yes","accordions":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Complainant","icon":"","row_content":"An individual who is alleged to have been subjected to conduct that could constitute Sexual Harassment or Sex Discrimination.\u00a0 At the time of filing a Formal Complaint, a Complainant must be participating in or attempting to participate in the University\u2019s Education Program or Activity.","accordion_anchor":"complainant"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Respondent","icon":"","row_content":"A person who is alleged to have engaged in Sexual Harassment.","accordion_anchor":"respondent"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Party or Parties","icon":"","row_content":"A Complainant or Respondent or both, collectively.","accordion_anchor":"partyorparties"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Witness","icon":"","row_content":"A person who has seen, heard, or otherwise has knowledge or information relevant to an alleged violation of the University's Title IX Policy.\r\n