The informal procedure is the most commonly used procedure to resolve complaints of discrimination, discrimination-related and sexual harassment. Though referred to as informal, this procedure and its outcome are official.
During the initial phase of the informal complaint procedure, the Complainant may meet with the appropriate administrative University officials designated in section A.2, above, or the Compliance Officer in order to describe the complaint verbally. While no written outline of the complaint is required at this stage, such a written outline or any other written materials related to the complaint will be reviewed. The appropriate University officials designated in section A.2, above, or the Compliance Officer will investigate the complaint. This investigation may include, but is not limited to, meetings with the Complainant, the Respondent, and any other appropriate campus administrators, faculty members, members of the non-academic staff and/or students who may have knowledge of the situation. An attempt to resolve the complaint with the Complainant and the Respondent will follow. The appropriate University officials, in attempting a local resolution of the complaint, may consult with or if warranted refer the complaint to the Compliance Officer. Resolutions developed at the local level that involve disciplinary action against the Respondent must be reviewed by the Compliance Officer prior to implementation.