The Title IX Coordinator will make a determination to begin a formal investigation of sex discrimination or a sexual harassment incident which will lead to an institutional action. The coordinator will be available to explain to both parties the process and to notify in writing of the receipt of a complaint and the actions SKC will take. The burden of gathering evidence and burden of proof must remain on SKC, not on the parties.  

An investigation will be conducted by a SKC Title IX official. This investigation will include:

• Meeting personally with the complainant, (unless extraordinary circumstances prevent a personal meeting),
• Meeting personally with the respondent, (unless extraordinary circumstances prevent a personal meeting),
• Presumption that the respondent is not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made,
• Collecting any physical evidence,
• Meeting personally with any witnesses, (unless extraordinary circumstances prevent a personal meeting with one or more witnesses), and

● Reviewing any documentary evidence.

The investigation of complaints will be adequate, reliable and impartial. The investigation process can take up to 60 days. When investigating a complaint and throughout the complaint  process, SKC must:  (1) ensure that the burden of proof and of gathering evidence rests on SKC rather than the parties; (2) provide an equal opportunity for the parties to present witnesses and evidence (3) not restrict either party’s ability to discuss the allegations or gather and present evidence; (4) provide the parties with the same opportunities to have others present during interviews or related proceedings, including an advisor; (5) provide, to a party who is invited or expected to attend, written notice of the date, time, participants, purpose, and location of any investigative interview, hearing or other meeting with enough time to allow the party to prepare and participate; (6) provide both parties and their advisors an equal opportunity to review all evidence directly related to the allegations in the formal complaint (both exculpatory and inculpatory) at least 10 days prior to the completion of the final investigation; and (7 prepare a written investigation report that fairly summarizes the relevant evidence and provide the report to both parties and their advisors for review and written response at least 10 days before a hearing or determination of responsibility. SKC will determine if a Title IX hearing is necessary. If it is determined that SKC will proceed with a hearing, the complainant and the respondent will be notified in writing of the hearing date.