Definitions
Complainant: an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and/or relationship violence.
Reporting Party: A reporting party is an individual other than the complainant who files a report of sexual harassment, relationship violence or other sexual misconduct on behalf of or about events involving a complainant.
Respondent: The respondent is an individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and/or relationship violence.
Standard of Evidence and Burden of Proof: The standard of evidence for determining whether an individual has violated this policy is the preponderance of evidence standard. The burden of proof and the burden of gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination regarding responsibility rests on the University, not the parties. A respondent will be presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the grievance process.