undergraduate bulletin - LaGrange College

ehaviors may be experienced as intimidating or offensive, particularly when they recur or when
one person has authority over another. Such behaviors may include but are not limited to
unwelcome hugs or touching, inappropriate staring, veiled suggestions of sexual activity,
requests for meetings in non-academic settings, and risqué jokes, stories, or images.
Accusations of harassment that are made without good cause shall not be condoned. Such
accusations are indeed grievous and can have damaging and far-reaching effects upon the careers
and lives of individuals.
Any member of the College community having a complaint of harassment may raise the matter
informally or file a formal complaint. The informal process is an attempt to mediate between the
parties in order to effect a mutually agreeable solution without entering into the formal hearing
process.
A. Informal Procedures
The following informal procedures may be followed:
Clearly say "no" to the person whose behavior is unwelcome.
Communicate either orally or in writing with the person whose behavior is unwelcome.
The most effective communication will have three elements:
a factual description of the incident(s), including the time, place, date, and specific
behavior,
a description of the complainant's feelings, including any consequences of the incident,
and
a request that the conduct cease.
Speak with a department chair, dean, director, counselor, or chaplain, who may speak to
the person whose behavior is unwelcome. The name of the complainant need not be
disclosed. The purpose of such conversation is the cessation of the unwelcome behavior.
In the case of harassment of a student, it may be appropriate first to seek the advice of his
or her advisor.
B. Formal Procedures
To initiate a formal grievance procedure, the complainant shall submit a written statement to the
President of the College. The President, after such consultation as is deemed appropriate, will
appoint a three-member Review Committee from among the membership of the Institutional
Planning Council, the Provost‘s Council, or other College committees as the President deems
appropriate. Members of the Review Committee will then meet to discuss the complaint. Unless
the Committee concludes that the complaint is without merit, the parties to the dispute will be
invited to appear before the Committee and to confront any adverse witnesses. The Committee
may conduct its own inquiry, call witnesses, and gather whatever information it deems necessary
to assist in reaching a determination as to the merits of the accusation. Once a determination has
been reached, the Committee shall report its findings to the President of the College.
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