An informal resolution process allows Dartmouth to take remedial action through individual or community-based remedies. Informal resolution processes focus on restoring access to educational, extracurricular, and employment activities at Dartmouth and remedying the impacts of conduct on members of the Dartmouth community. The goal is for the respondent to address harm caused by implementing agreed-upon remedies.

Within the informal resolution process, individuals have two options:

1. Shuttle Agreement: Shuttle agreements are facilitated by the Title IX Coordinator and do not require the parties to have contact with one another.
2. Restorative Process: Restorative processes involve facilitated conversations between the two parties.

Both the complainant and respondent can choose to end the informal resolution process at any time before its completion. A formal resolution process may be requested if a matter is not resolved through an informal resolution. If an informal resolution process ends before resolution, any information obtained may be used in a subsequent formal resolution process.

A matter is considered closed once a formal complaint has been resolved through an informal resolution process.

A formal resolution process is an investigation into a Title IX incident and begins when:

1.  An individual submits the Title IX Formal Complaint Form, or
2. The Title IX Coordinator files a formal complaint after determining that a formal resolution is necessary. When this happens, the complainant will be notified in advance.

The formal resolution process begins with a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation conducted by one or more investigators appointed by the Title IX Coordinator. The investigator, or investigators, gather information through interviews, prepare a report, and provide the report to the complainant, respondent, and Hearing Panel. 

Both the complainant and respondent have equal rights during the formal resolution process, including the opportunity to:

• Receive a written notice of investigation;
• Participate in the investigation;
• Review and present information and evidence;
• Be accompanied by an advisor of their choice to any meeting;
• Access all information gathered that is directly related to the allegations in the formal complaint as well as information contained in the investigation report that will be used in disciplinary proceedings;
• Receive timely written notice of meetings at which their presence will be requested or required, including the purpose of the meeting and participants, with sufficient time to prepare;
• Receive notice of the hearing;
• Question the other party during the hearing, either through the party's advisor or through the Hearing Coordinator/Chair;
• Receive simultaneous written notice of the outcome, sanction, and rationale; and
• Appeal the outcome.

Hearings for formal resolutions of Title IX prohibited conduct allow for cross-examination. If either party does not have an advisor for a Title IX hearing, one will be assigned before the hearing at no cost so that they may conduct questioning on behalf of their party at the hearing.

Any Dartmouth faculty, staff member, or student found responsible for violating the Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy will face disciplinary action. Potential sanctions include:

• Permanent separation from Dartmouth;
• Suspension for a specified number of terms;
• Probation for a specified period;
• Leave of absence for a specified period;
• Written reprimand;
• Educational requirements appropriate to the circumstances of the case;
• Imposed limitations related to campus presence or activities; or
• A combination of these options.

If the report involves members of the Dartmouth community:

Individuals have the right to request a 'No-Contact Order' which prohibits contact between the complainant and respondent. The Title IX Coordinator will assess this request and issue a 'No-Contact Order' if appropriate.

If the report involves an alumnus/alumna, visitor, or vendor:

Dartmouth has the ability to issue a 'No-Trespass Letter' in certain circumstances, which prohibits an individual from returning to campus or being on College property.

Other options:

Regardless of an individual's relationship with Dartmouth, all have the right to request a restraining order or similar lawful order issued by a criminal, civil, or Tribal court. Dartmouth is not able to obtain these orders on an individual's behalf, but both EOATIX staff and the WISE Campus Advocate can assist throughout the process.

Supportive measures are non-disciplinary and personalized measures offered to individuals involved in or impacted by sexual misconduct on an as-needed, as-available basis. Supportive measures are free-of-charge and are intended to ensure that the individuals involved can continue to participate in their education or employment.

Examples of supportive measures include:

• Facilitating access to counseling or medical services;
• Providing guidance in obtaining a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE);
• Coordinating academic support, such as rescheduling exams/assignments and extending deadlines;
• Coordinating changes in class schedules, work schedules, or job assignments, including teaching, research, and service responsibilities;
• Coordinating changes in campus housing; and
• Issuing a 'No-Contact Order' when appropriate.

The list above is not comprehensive. The Title IX Coordinator will work with each individual to determine and implement the appropriate supportive measures.