Respondent Information

A "Respondent" is someone alleged to have been involved in an incident of prohibited conduct under Title IX and related CSU policies. Respondents investigated under Title IX may have been accused of alleged prohibited conduct including, but not limited to:

  • Sexual assault
  • Interpersonal violence (including dating and domestic violence)
  • Stalking
  • Sexual harassment (including harassment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy status)
  • Sex discrimination
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Unprofessional or inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature
  • Retaliation

Resources

If you've been accused of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, you have a number of options and resources available to you. You can request a meeting with the Title IX Coordinator/DHR Prevention Administrator, David Hickcox, to discuss the process or ask questions:

Students: you can reach out to CAPS at (707) 826-3236 for confidential support.

Employees: you can access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support. Visit the EAP website for more information on what is offered and how to access services.

Questions You Might Have

Click on the questions below for more information.

I received a message from the Title IX/DHR office that an investigation is occurring - what do I do?

I received a message from the Title IX/DHR office that an investigation is occurring - what do I do?

  • Consider contacting resources such as CAPS or the Dean of Students Office. CAPS is a confidential resource for you which means they do not have to share information you discuss with our office. The Dean of Students Office is also available as a resource to you, though not as a confidential resource.
  • Read the email you received from our office in its entirety and follow any directions outlined. Be sure to respond to the Title IX investigator.
  • If you would like to have a Support Advisor present during any part of the investigation or hearing processes, you can select someone of your choosing, or contact our office and we will provide one for you.
  • If you would like interim supportive measures, contact our office.

What are my rights?

What are my rights?

The list below is not intended to be exhaustive and you should review the relevant Executive Order for further information.

  • You may have an advisor of your choice accompany you to any meeting of proceeding, including interviews with investigators and disciplinary hearing. If you are an employee, that advisor may be your union representative.
  • You may provide documentary evidence to be reviewed in the course of the investigation.
  • You may provide witnesses to be interviewed in the course of the investigation, though the investigator retains the right to determine which witnesses are relevant. 
  • Your identifying information will be kept private and only disclosed to those with a need-to-know.
  • You have the right to review the evidence upon which a decision is being made prior to the investigator's report being finalized.
  • You will be provided the outcome of any proceedings in writing.
  • You will be provided with instructions and the opportunity to appeal the results of an investigation or disciplinary proceeding prior to the time such results become final. 

Any member of the University community who is reported to have committed act(s) of sexual misconduct may be subject to disciplinary action and/or criminal charges. University disciplinary action may occur whether or not criminal charges are filed. You may wish to consult with an attorney to discuss any questions or concerns related to the allegations.

Do I need a lawyer?

Do I need a lawyer?

You have a right to be accompanied by a Support Advisor to any meeting or interview regarding the Complaint. The Support Advisor may be anyone you choose.  Employees can select a union representative from their collective bargaining unit, or the Support Advisor may be an attorney.  The Support Advisor may not be a person with information relevant to the allegations who may be interviewed by the Investigator during the investigation. 

What does a university Title IX or DHR investigation process involve?

What does a university Title IX or DHR investigation process involve?

There are many steps in an investigation process; someone in our office can provide clarification on the policy and procedures that are applicable for your situation. For full details, please consult the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy.

What is an informal resolution?

What is an informal resolution?

The Title IX Coordinator may seek to resolve certain cases through an informal process involving both the Complainant and Respondent. For example, a Complainant and Respondent may agree with the Title IX Coordinator that education and training for the Respondent are an appropriate and sufficient response in a particular case, or that a No Contact Directive between the parties provides remediation for the Complainant.

However, the University will not use mediation to resolve cases involving allegation of sexual assault.

Informal resolutions can take place during the preliminary investigation, the formal investigation, or after its conclusion. If, based on the information known about the incident, the Title IX Coordinator believes such a resolution is possible, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant. If the Complainant agrees, the Title IX Coordinator will then contact the Respondent.

If both Complainant and Respondent are satisfied with the proposed resolution and the Title IX Coordinator believes the resolution satisfies the University’s obligation to provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment for all students, the resolution will be implemented, the disciplinary process will be concluded, the matter will be closed and both parties will be provided with written notice of the resolution.

If these efforts are unsuccessful, the investigation and/or disciplinary process will continue. Before starting these discussions, the Title IX Coordinator will notify the Complainant and Respondent in writing that each has the right to end the informal process at any time.

Some informal resolutions include:

  • No Contact Directive
  • Mediation
  • Housing Relocation
  • Class Change

Who do I contact if I need an accommodation during an investigation and/or hearing process?

Who do I contact if I need an accommodation during an investigation and/or hearing process?

Please contact the Title IX and DHR Prevention Office:

What happens if I'm found responsible?

What happens if I'm found responsible?

Discipline for Employees includes, but is not limited to, formal reprimand, suspension, demotion and termination of employment. Discipline for Students includes, but is not limited to, probation, suspension and expulsion and other Sanctions as defined in Article V, California State University Executive Order 1098.

I want to learn more about the policy

I want to learn more about the policy

  • You can view the policy in its entirety at this link.

Will the University share information about this report?

Will the University share information about this report?

All student records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA is the federal law that governs the rights of students and institutional responsibilities with respect to student records. If you have any questions regarding any of the information contained herein, please contact the Office of the Registrar at (707) 826-4101 or records@humboldt.edu. More information on FERPA is available on their website.

How do I contact the Title IX and DHR Prevention Office?

How do I contact the Title IX and DHR Prevention Office?

Our phone is (707) 826-5177. Our email is titleix@humboldt.edu. You can also reach out to a specific person in our office.

Retaliation

Please note: It is a violation of University policy to retaliate in any way against students or employees because they raised allegations of sexual misconduct or other discriminatory harassment or behavior. This prohibition includes not retaliating against anyone involved in an investigation, including as a witness.