When a student or employee file a formal complaint, members of the sexual misconduct response team (“SMRT”) carry out specific roles in the process.
Members of the SMRT are trained annually to serve in the following roles:
- To act as an advisor to the parties
- To investigate formal complaints as part of a formal grievance process
- To serve as a hearing panel member
All SMRT members have this assignment in addition to other duties on campus and serve with a commitment to independence and impartiality. Before being assigned to a specific role in a case, the Title IX coordinator ensures that they are not biased for or against any party in a specific case.
Advisors
In both informal and formal resolution processes, both parties may have an advisor to accompany them to meetings and help them navigate the process. Each party choose their own advisor or select one from the SMRT advisor pool.
Hearing Officers
Three SMRT members have additional training to serve as hearing officers for the formal grievance process. During a hearing, the hearing panel conducts an impartial hearing with objective analysis of relevant evidence and fair determination of responsibility and sanctions.
For more information about selecting an advisor, contact the Title IX Coordinator.