Improper Sexual or Romantic Relationship Procedures

In the event of an improper sexual or romantic relationship complaint, the following procedures will be followed:

  1. When the improper relationship is between two employees, the complainant may contact their supervisor and/or Human Resources to initiate the complaint and Human Resources will review and determine the appropriate steps for investigation and resolution.
  2. An Improper Sexual or Romantic Relationship Complaint Form (ISRR 1) will be completed in detail and signed by both the complainant and the Executive Director of Institutional Equity.
  3. When the improper relationship is regarding an employee and a student, the complainant may contact Human Resources and/or the Executive Director of Institutional Equity who will then determine the appropriate steps for investigation and resolution. When filed with the Office of Institutional Equity, the following procedure will apply:
    1. An Improper Sexual or Romantic Relationship Complaint Form (ISRR 1) will be completed in detail and signed by both the complainant and the Executive Director of Institutional Equity.
    2. Each improper sexual or romantic relationship complaint shall be investigated by the Executive Director of Institutional Equity and a determination of the facts shall be made. The complainant and the respondent may expect a response to a complaint within 30 working days following the filing of a formal Improper Sexual or Romantic Relationship Complaint. The President (or designee) may extend the response period if any investigation requires additional time to gather facts.
    3. The Executive Director of Institutional Equity shall investigate the complaint by separately interviewing the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed and potential witnesses. The appropriate Improper Sexual or Romantic Relationship Report Form (ISRR2 for the accused or ISRR3 for witnesses) will be completed during each interview. Copies of completed forms will be retained by the Executive Director of Institutional Equity. While an effective investigation cannot promise complete confidentiality of information provided by complainants or witnesses, the Executive Director of Institutional Equity will keep such information and identities confidential to the extent possible.
    4. Any employee involved in the investigation of an improper sexual or romantic relationship complaint must treat all information gained from the complainant(s) or witness(es) during the investigation as confidential and disclose such information only on a "need-to-know" basis.
  4. In appropriate circumstances, the College may at any time during or after an investigation of an improper sexual or romantic complaint place the employee against whom a complaint has been filed on administrative leave per Policy 1.28 Administrative Leave.
  5. Following the investigation of the complaint, the immediate supervisor of the accused, the Unit Vice President (or designee), the Chief Human Resources Officer (or designee), and the Executive Director of Institutional Equity (where applicable) will determine whether the allegations were substantiated and determine the appropriate corrective action(s).
  6. Any employee who fails to act promptly and in accordance with established procedures in response to an improper sexual or romantic relationship complaint is in violation of this policy and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Related Policies

The Latest at Central Piedmont