Complaint Procedure and Investigations
It is the responsibility of each individual in the University community to assure that prohibited harassment, discrimination or retaliation does not occur. If anyone believes that he/she is being harassed, discriminated or retaliated against, that individual shall immediately make a complaint including the facts of the incident(s) and the name(s) of the party(s) involved to one of the following Zero Tolerance intake officers: Human Resources Director; Assistant Human Resources Director; Provost and Academic Vice President; Associate Provost; Vice President of Student Affairs; Associate/Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs; Dean of Student Life (Chalon & Doheny); Dean of the Baccalaureate Program; Dean of the Associate in Arts Program; Dean of the Graduate Division; Dean of the Weekend/Evening College; Director of Campus Security; or the University’s Title IX Coordinator. The complaining individual is strongly encouraged to put the report in writing and include relevant facts, dates and witnesses.
The complaining individual may be asked whether they want the University to attempt an informal resolution, or whether they want to initiate a formal complaint under the policy. All formal complaints of harassment, discrimination or retaliation made against any student, employee, or third party will immediately be investigated and investigations will be conducted in a discreet manner. Investigations will include interviews of the complaining party, the accused party, and others as appropriate. Such interviews will be aimed at providing both parties an opportunity to present evidence and explain his or her version of the events. Information obtained from the investigation will be disclosed only on a need‐to‐know basis. At the conclusion of the investigation, the University will determine whether, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, unlawful harassment, discrimination or retaliation has occurred and will communicate its findings in writing to the accused and the complainant. When appropriate and lawful, the University will communicate its findings to other persons who are directly concerned.
The University will complete each investigation as expeditiously as possible, but will take as much time as necessary to ensure a thorough investigation.
Any member of the University community who is determined to have violated this zero tolerance policy will be subject to appropriate discipline, up to and including immediate termination or dismissal. Steps will be taken as necessary to prevent any further harassment, discrimination or retaliation.
Students who make complaints under this policy will generally be directed to the University’s Title IX Coordinator so that all complaints can be quickly and fairly resolved. Affected students may also direct complaints to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (1‐415‐486‐5555). Affected employees also may direct complaints to federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) (1‐800‐669‐4000) and/or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (“DFEH”) (1‐800‐884‐1684).