Process and Procedures

The University offers resources for both students and employees, whether as Complainants or Respondents, to provide support and guidance throughout the investigation and resolution of a complaint under the Sexual Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy.  Holy Family University will act on any formal or informal notice/complaint of violation of the policy on Sexual Harassment and Nondiscrimination that is received by the Title IX Coordinator, their designee, or any other Official with Authority by applying outline procedures.

Making a Report

The Title IX Coordinator and their designees are responsible for the enforcement of the University’s policies and regulations. Any member of the University community may file a complaint against another member of the University community alleging violations of the Sexual Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy.

The Title IX Coordinator will speak directly to the Complainant, take any statements wishing to be made, and will provide access to wellness resources. All choices regarding rights and reporting options will be reviewed. Should the reporting party wish to move forward with a formal report, the Title IX Coordinator will review next steps in the process.

  • Complainant: Individual reporting incident and allegation
  • Respondent: Individual responding to incident and allegation

Notice or complaints of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation may be made using any of the following options:

  1. File a complaint with, or give verbal notice to, the Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, or Officials with Authority. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or email address, or by mail to the office address, listed for the Title IX Coordinator or any other official listed.
  2. Report online, using the reporting form posted at http://holyfamily-pa.safecollegesincident.com

Anonymous reports are accepted but can give rise to a need to investigate. The University tries to provide supportive measures to all Complainants, which is impossible with an anonymous report. Because reporting carries no obligation to initiate a formal response, and as the University respects Complainant requests to dismiss complaints unless there is a compelling threat to health and/or safety, the Complainant is largely in control and should not fear a loss of privacy by making a report that allows the University to discuss and/or provide supportive measures.

Formal Complaint

A Formal Complaint means a document submitted or signed by the Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging a policy violation by a Respondent and requesting that the University investigate the allegation(s).

If a Complainant does not wish to make a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator may determine a Formal Complaint is necessary. Holy Family University will inform the complainant of this decision in writing, and the complainant need not participate in the process further but will receive all notices issued under this Policy and Process.

Nothing in the Title IX Grievance Policy or Code of Conduct prevents a complainant from seeking the assistance of state or local law enforcement alongside the appropriate on-campus process.

Supportive Measures

Holy Family University will offer and implement appropriate and reasonable supportive measures to the parties upon notice of alleged harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation.

Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the parties to restore or preserve access to the University’s education program or activity, including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties or the University’s educational environment, and/or deter harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation.

The Title IX Coordinator promptly makes supportive measures available to the parties upon receiving notice or a complaint. At the time that supportive measures are offered, the University will inform the Complainant, in writing, that they may file a formal complaint with the University either at that time or in the future, if they have not done so already. The Title IX Coordinator works with the Complainant to ensure that their wishes are taken into account with respect to the supportive measures that are planned and implemented.

Initial Meeting

The Title IX Coordinator will meet with all parties involved, and make a determination regarding the allegations and whether to move forward to a formal investigation. Parties will be provided an opportunity to review all rights afforded to them. The Complainant and Respondent are entitled to the same opportunities to present relevant statements and witnesses during all procedures and may have an advisor of their choice present for any proceeding

Investigation

Investigations are completed expeditiously, normally within thirty (30) business days, though some investigations may take weeks or even months, depending on the nature, extent, and complexity of the allegations, availability of witnesses, police involvement, etc. All parties have a full and fair opportunity, through the investigation process, to suggest witnesses and questions, to provide evidence and expert witnesses, and to fully review and respond to all evidence on the record.

Live Hearing Process

Provided that the complaint is not resolved through Informal Resolution, once the final investigation report is shared with the parties, the Title IX Coordinator will refer the matter for a live hearing with a single Decision-maker. The Live Hearing includes live questioning of all parties and witnesses, and extends opportunity for cross-examination by an Advisor of choice.

Sanctions

When there is a finding of responsibility on one or more of the allegations, the Title IX Coordinator, or their designee, will determine appropriate sanction(s).