Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy: Effect of Criminal Proceedings

Because sexual assault may constitute both a violation of University policy and criminal activity, the University encourages students to report alleged sexual assault promptly to local law enforcement agencies. Criminal investigations may be useful in the gathering of relevant evidence, particularly forensic evidence. Because the standards for finding a violation of criminal law are different from the standards for finding a violation of this policy, criminal investigations or reports are not determinative of whether sexual assault, for purposes of this policy, has occurred. The filing of a complaint of sexual assault under this policy is independent of any criminal investigation or proceeding, and (except that the University’s investigation may be delayed temporarily while the criminal investigators are gathering evidence) the University will not wait for the conclusion of any criminal investigation or proceedings to commence its own investigation and may take interim measures to protect the complainant and the University, if necessary.