The Lowdown 23-24

support person of their choice. The support person’s role is to provide
support and private counsel to the party. The support person is expected to
be discreet with the information they receive during the process, and they
will not be permitted to attend, present information, argue, or actively
participate in the proceedings unless the support person has also been
designated as a party’s advisor. The University reserves the right to dismiss
a support person who fails to follow this policy and applicable provisions of
the Complaint Resolution Procedures, in which case the party will be
allowed to select a different support person.
The University’s Advocate Program offers trained Support Advocates who
are available to serve as support persons for complainants. The Advocates
have received in-depth training regarding this policy and the Conflict
Resolution Procedure and can provide support and assistance in
understanding and navigating the process. Any complainant wishing to
utilize a Support Advocate should request the Title IX Coordinator or their
designee.
Similarly, the University has a pool of trained support persons, referred to as
Respondent Resources, who are available to serve as support persons for
respondents. These Respondent Resources have received in-depth training
regarding this policy and the Complaint Resolution Procedures and can
assist a respondent in understanding and navigating this policy and the
Complaint Resolution Procedures. A respondent wishing to utilize a
Respondent Resource should request the Title IX Coordinator or their
designee.
Each party is also entitled to an advisor of their choice to conduct a crossexamination
for the party during the hearing. An advisor does not have to be
but maybe, an attorney. If a party does not have an advisor, the University
will provide one free of charge. A support person may also serve as an
advisor, either by choice of the party or by designation of the University.
4.4.3 General Principles Applicable to the Investigation and
Resolution Process
In conducting its investigation and resolution under the Complaint
Resolution Procedures, the University will:
● Make reasonable and appropriate efforts to preserve the privacy of
the parties involved while recognizing that absolute confidentiality is
not possible;
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