SEXUAL HARASSMENT RESOLUTION

The objective of sexual harassment resolution is to secure a settlement that is consistent with the spirit of this policy and its fundamental principles. Resolution may be pursued through three progressive levels, "informal Resolution without a Written Complaint", "informal Resolution with a Written Complaint" and "Formal Resolution with a Written Complaint".



The Harassment Monitoring Officer will normally encourage all complainants to seek resolution through informal means instead of, or prior to, proceeding to the process of formal complaint resolution. This does not preclude a complainant's requesting to bypass informal procedures and move directly to formal resolution. 

INFORMAL RESOLUTION WITHOUT A WRITTEN COMPLAINT 

The primary objective of most people who seek the assistance of the Harassment Monitoring Officer is to stop the offending behavror. To this end, it is important to provide for the option of Informal Resolution facilitated by the Harassment Monitoring Officer. Each situation is unique and creativity may be necessary in devising options for Informal Resolution. No third party will be informed of the identity of the respondent unless and until the respondent is informed of the complaint and given an opportunity to respond, The Officer will keep confidential records of all Informal Resolutions After consulting with the Harassment Monitoring Officer or after attempting Informal Resolution without a Written Complaint, the complainant may decide: • To take no further action; or • To proceed with the formulation of a written complaint • Higher Education Commission Page 12 Policy Guidelines against Sexual Harassment in Institutions of Higher Learning 

FORMAL WRITTEN COMPLAINTS 

A complainant may file a signed, written complaint of breach of this policy to be dealt with informally. The written complaint should be filed with the Harassment Monitoring Officer or, at the event that the complainant chooses to contact another HEI officer with that other officer. A written complaint shall be submitted promptly, preferably within 3 months but no later than 12 months from the last date of the alleged harassment. An extension of up to 3 months may be granted by the Officer or other HEI officer where appropriate, upon written request. Any further extension may be granted at the discretion of the Officer or other HEI official only after hearing submissions from both the person seeking an extension in order to make a complaint, and from the potential respondent. 

INFORMAL RESOLUTION WITH A WRITTEN COMPLAINT 

lf the complainant elects to proceed by revs of Informal Resolution with a Written Complaint, the Harassment Monitoring Officer shall discuss the written complaint and any response with the complainant and with the respondent with a view to reaching a resolution acceptable to all parties. lt is expected that Informal Procedures shall be conducted at a reasonable pace, but shall not normally extend past 30 days from submission of the written complaint.