FAQS | RESPONDENTS

You will be sent a Notice of Investigation via email with information regarding your incident by the Title IX Office.

Someone accused of sexual misconduct is considered “Not Responsible” for violating University policy, unless and until the evidence proves a violation has occurred. The burden is on Auburn University to gather evidence and investigate the allegations. In some instances, however, in which the alleged conduct is so egregious, the Title IX Coordinator may determine that a student should be interimly removed or an employee placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation takes place.

You will be provided the name of the Complainant, the date of the incident, what the allegations are, the specific charges, and information regarding the incident. You will also be able to review and comment on all evidence that is collected before any hearing occurs.

Student Counseling and Psychological Services is a free resource on campus for students. Their office is located in the Auburn University Medical Clinic. You can contact them directly by phone number is 334-844-5123 or visit their website at http://wp.auburn.edu/scs/. In addition, another confidential resource is the University Ombudsperson, Kevin Coonrod, who can answer questions regarding University policies and procedures and help you explore options. He can be reached during regular business hours at (334) 844-7170 or via email at ombuds@auburn.edu.

The university does not contact the parents of students involved in sexual misconduct incidents. However, the university will be able to share the details of your case with your permission and if you complete a FERPA release for your parent or guardian. We encourage students to tell their parents or guardians about these types of incidents.

Retaliation is strictly prohibited, and we take allegations of retaliation against anyone seriously. Please document and share any instances of retaliation with the Title IX investigators so the appropriate measures can take place.

There will likely be two Title IX investigators gathering information about the incident. The Complainant, Respondent, and necessary witnesses will also participate in the investigation.

You are allowed to have someone accompany you to any meeting with the investigating officers and to the hearing. We refer to those individuals as advisors. If you plan on bringing your own advisor, you should let the Title IX investigators know. You should also bring any evidence that will be beneficial for the investigators to see. This includes text messages, pictures, videos, social media messages, and any other information that you deem important. Bring a list of witnesses if you have any.

If you withdraw or resign from the University, the investigation may be suspended, but not always. There may be a hold placed on any future registration and your transcript. Employees who resign during an investigation may be ineligible for rehire.

A Title IX investigation takes time. Many schedules have to be weaved together. It is the responsibility of the Title IX investigators to ensure a prompt, thorough, and fair process. However, the investigators try to move through the process at a reasonable pace.

Yes. If you disagree with the determination made by the decision-maker, you will have seven (7) days to appeal the decision.. An appeal panel of three people will review the decision and the appeal.

You should be careful about immediately contacting the Complainant. If there is a No Contact Directive in place and you contact the Complainant, you may be in violation of that directive. Even if there is not a No Contact Directive in place, your contact may be viewed as Retaliation against the Complainant for filing the complaint. The best course of action is to contact the Title IX office with questions.