2. Questions from JE: Your answer says that, “In Feb. 2010, an identified student made a 
report and the college conducted an investigation.” 
  
As previously discussed, in the records I have, the only reference I can find to an 
investigation is Ms. Shealy stating that there was no formal disciplinary investigation. So 
I want to reiterate my request for any details about that investigation, even in general 
terms (e.g. “interviewing witnesses”).  
 
Answer: While the college cannot speak specifically to any case, general actions taken in 
the case of an informal investigation include the following. At all times, however, we 
stress that the reporter can elect to invoke the formal process. 
•

Reporter makes complaint to a member of campus community 

•

CARE team and Title IX officer are notified  

•

A record of the complaint is created  

•

Reporter is interviewed 

•

College’s policies and options for reporting are presented. Reporter given option 
of proceeding formally or informally 

•

Support services offered to reporter including:  
o medical  
o counseling  
o police notification with full support of CARE team at all stages 
o religious support 
o changes in campus settings, schedules or lodging,  
o 24-hour access to CARE coordinator  
o 24-hour access to college’s ombudsman  
o retaliation policy discussed 

•

CARE apprises Commandant’s Office, Title IX officer, and need-to-know 
administrators 
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 •

 

If reporting person agrees, school officials contact respondent and apprise of 
accusation; only if the reporter agrees, we reveal the reporter’s name 

•

Respondent is interviewed. A written statement may be requested from 
respondent  

•

If we can do so, without compromising reporter’s confidentiality, witnesses will 
be interviewed 

•

If, and only if, the reporter requests it, we arrange a meeting between reporter 
and the respondent with two school officials. This is not an option with 
allegations of rape 

•

School officials discuss expectations for behavior with respondent, including 
confidentiality, and reiterate prohibition against retaliation and related 
consequences; issue no contact order if required 

•

Services such as counselling, religious support and 24-hour access to CARE team 
continue for reporter as he/she requests 

•

Reporter and respondent are reminded that the reporter can invoke formal 
proceedings at any time and that records are maintained for use in any future 
proceedings  

 
3. Question from JE: According to the 2001 Title IX guidance: “Once a school has notice of 
possible sexual harassment of students –– whether carried out by employees, other 
students, or third parties –– it should take immediate and appropriate steps to 
investigate or otherwise determine what occurred and take prompt and effective steps 
reasonably calculated to end any harassment, eliminate a hostile environment if one has 
been created, and prevent harassment from occurring again.” 
  
Given that multiple incidents of harassment — in this case assault — did occur after the 
school received the Feb. 2010 report, can you offer any other details on what the school 
did to comply with that guidance? 
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