How GRCC responds to sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, sexual harassment, and other violations of our Code of Conduct and Sexual Misconduct Policy.
The process was created to support and protect students in the event that an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic or dating violence, stalking, or sexual exploitation occurs.
When students are involved in an activity or behavior that could be a violation of GRCC’s Code of Conduct or the Sexual Misconduct Policy, we intervene to educate our community on what is and what is not appropriate, and how the actions of everyone reflect our values. We want to be responsive to issues that arise on campus, whether they are related to academic dishonesty, mental health, or general conduct issues.
Where can I report an incident?
If you are a student or employee who has experienced some form of sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic or dating violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, or you know someone who has, the following areas of campus are where you can report an incident:
- GRCC’s Title IX Coordinator or any of the Deputy Title IX Coordinators on campus.
- Any of these people can talk to you about your options and explain our process. You are also welcome to report to your faculty members or staff.
- GRCC’s on campus counselors are confidential resources, which means they don't have to report what you tell them, unless you want them to do so. They can also refer you to off-campus counselors and support groups if you need other support.
- GRCC Police Officers are able to answer questions about whether something is a crime and can provide insight into the criminal process, including how to obtain personal protective orders.
The Title IX Coordinator or any of the Deputy Title IX Coordinators will provide resources to both the person who brought the complaint forward (Complainant) and to the person accused of conducting the offense (Respondent).
What will happen when I file a report?
Once an incident is reported to the College, the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator will reach out to the Complainant and to the Respondent to make sure they are safe, and to provide resources.
The Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator will ask questions so they can learn about the incident and will provide the parties with options which include, but are not limited to:
- reporting to the police
- seeking a personal protective order through the court system
- having the College open an investigation
The Complainant can choose all, some, or none of the options. However, the College may have a responsibility to start an investigation if they believe the College at whole is at risk.
If an investigation is opened, the Title IX Coordinator will talk to all of the people involved, including the person accused of conducting the offense (Respondent) and individuals identified as witnesses.
The College will make finding of whether the Respondent violated the Code of Conduct or the Sexual Misconduct Policy.
If the preponderance of the evidence (more likely that something DID happen than it did not happen) results in a finding that the Respondent violated the Code of Conduct or the Sexual Misconduct Policy, the College will issue some type of sanction ranging from a warning to expulsion from the College, depending on the severity of the allegation and the circumstances.
Either party can appeal the sanction if they feel it is inappropriate, or if they believe there was something wrong with the way the process was followed, or if new information is revealed that could change the outcome.
With an appeal, a panel will hear the relevant facts and will determine whether the appeal has merit and should be granted.
At any point from the initial meeting to the appeal, both the Complainant and the Respondent can have a support person, like a parent or friend, present with them during interviews, hearings and appeals.
Questions?
Please contact the Title IX Coordinator at TitleIX@grcc.edu if you have any questions.