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Grievance Process

The grievance process includes procedures for filing complaints and conducting investigations, hearings and appeals. The grievance process treats complainants and respondents equitably, requires an objective evaluation of all relevant evidence and requires that individuals involved in the process including the Title IX Coordinator, investigators, decision-maker(s) and appeal officer(s) do not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against any party.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct or Relationship Violence

  1. A complainant or other reporting party has the right to make a formal complaint to the NLU Title IX Coordinator, Danielle Laban in person, by email or by phone. NLU’s Title IX Coordinator, Danielle Laban, dlaban@nl.edu or at 312.261.3162.
  2. A complainant or other reporting party has the right to file a written formal complaint making the University aware of a sexual misconduct incident by submitting an incident report at nl.edu/letusknow.
  3. Complainants may pursue a formal resolution as well as a criminal complaint.

The University can most effectively investigate and respond to allegations of sexual misconduct or relationship violence if the complaint is made as promptly as possible after the alleged violence or misconduct occurs. The University does not, however, limit the time frame for reporting. If the respondent is not a member of the NLU community at the time of the report, the University will still seek to meet its legal obligations by providing reasonably available support for all parties, but its ability to investigate and/or take action may be limited. The University will, however, assist a complainant in identifying external reporting options. A formal complaint affords the University an opportunity to conduct an investigation and exercise other options set forth in this policy.

  • Disclosures to Responsible Employees — Most University officials are considered Responsible Employees, which means they are required to report to the Title IX Coordinator all details shared with them regarding incidents of sexual misconduct or relationship violence. To ensure a prompt response to a complaint, the University strongly encourages students to submit reports directly to the Title IX Coordinator through nl.edu/letusknow.

    If a student reports to a Responsible Employee, that employee is obligated to submit the student’s report to the Title IX Coordinator via nl.edu/letusknow.

  • Confidential Disclosures — A complainant or witness who wishes to keep the incident completely confidential can speak to someone at a local crisis and support center or contact the University Confidential Advisor. Any information shared with an advocate or counselor at these agencies will not be shared or discussed with NLU officials and will not constitute a complaint or formal report. For a complete list of fully confidential sources where NLU has established a formal partnership please see nl.edu/sexualrespectandTitleIX.

Reporting Incidents to Law Enforcement Agencies

Whether or not a complainant chooses to make an official report to the Title IX Coordinator or law enforcement, he or she is encouraged to seek appropriate help, which includes medical attention, obtaining information, support and counseling. The University cannot file a criminal complaint on behalf of the student. The complainant must make this decision and initiate this complaint with the local police department.

  • Criminal Complaints — In addition to violating University policy, sexual misconduct and relationship violence may also constitute criminal activity. Every victim of sexual misconduct maintains the personal right to file criminal charges with the appropriate local law enforcement agency in addition to or instead of filing an Incident Report with the Title IX Coordinator. The chances of a successful criminal investigation are greatly enhanced if evidence is collected and maintained immediately by law enforcement officers. Victims may discuss the matter with a law enforcement officer without making a formal criminal complaint or a formal University complaint. The Confidential Advisor is available to assist complainants in reporting a crime of sexual misconduct to law enforcement.
    Chicago  Chicago Police Department
    1718 South State St Chicago, IL 60616
    Non-emergency: 312.745.4290 
    Lisle Lisle Police Department
    5040 Lincoln Ave Lisle, IL 60532
    Non-emergency: 630.271.4200
    North Shore
    		 Skokie Police Department
    7300 Niles Center Rd Skokie, IL 60077
    Non-emergency: 847.982.5900
    Wheeling Wheeling Police Department
    1 Community Blvd Wheeling, IL 60090
    Non-emergency: 847.459.2632
    Florida Tampa Police Department
    411 N. Franklin St Tampa, FL 33602
    Non-emergency: 813.276.3200
  • No Contact Orders — Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking also have the right to obtain an Order of Protection or No Contact Order through the county court where either the complainant or respondent resides, or the county in which the allegations occurred.