Rights of Complainants and Respondents

A complainant can anticipate that:

• The will be treated with sensitivity, dignity, and respect in an unbiased manner by all involved; administrators, investigators, and adjudicators.
• They will be informed in writing that their complaint of sexual misconduct is being investigated and of any other suspected related policy violations being explored through this investigation.
• They will be advised of Southern's Sexual Misconduct Polity and procedures
• They will be afforded similar rights and opportunities as the Respondent throughout the investigation and adjudication process.
• As the investigation proceeds, they will be given the opportunity to present verbal and written documentation to the investigator, as well as provide information on witnesses if the incident(s).
• The investigation will be a fact-finding inquiry that may be handled through personal interviews, telephone interviews, written documentation, or in whatever method the investigator believes is most appropriate.
• They will be given reasonable status updated throughout the investigation and adjudication process.
• They may access Southern and/or external resources for medical and counseling services at any time.
• They may choose to pursue a formal complaint with external law enforcement authorities or other federal or state agencies at any time. Southern will assist in making contact with the authorities if the Complainant chooses to do so. Notifying the authorities is at the Complainant's discretion and can occur whether or not the Complainant pursues a complaint of a violation of this policy with Southern. 
• They may invite on Southern student, faculty, staff member, friend, or relative to accompany them as an Advisor to meetings with investigators or the Hearing Panel.
• In the event of finding of responsibility against the Respondent, they may submit an Impact Statement.
• They will be informed in writing, concurrently with the Respondent, of the finding issued by the Hearing Panel, as well as any applicable sanctions.
• They may retain legal counsel at any time, and legal counsel may play the role of Advisor as noted above.

Individuals responding to complaints of sexual misconduct can anticipate that:

• They will be treated with sensitivity, dignity, and respect and in an unbiased manner by all involved; administrators, investigators, and adjudicators.
• They will be informed in writing that their complaint of sexual misconduct is being investigated and of other suspected related policy violations being explored through this investigation.
• They will be advised of Southern's Sexual Misconduct Policy and procedures.
• They will be afforded similar rights and opportunities at the Complainant throughout the investigation and adjudication process.
• As the investigation proceeds, they will be given the opportunity to present verbal and written documentation to the investigator, as well as provide information on witnesses of the incident(s).
• The investigation will be a fact-finding inquiry that may be handled through personal interviews, telephone interviews, written documentation, or in whatever method the investigator believes most appropriate.
• They will be given reasonable status updates throughout the investigation and adjudication process. 
• They may access Southern and/or external resources for medical and counseling services at any time.
• They may invite one Southern student, faculty, staff member, friend, or relative to accompany them as an Advisor to meetings with investigators or the Hearing Panel.
• In the event of finding of responsibility, they may submit an Impact Statement.
• They will be informed in writing, concurrently with the Complainant, of the finding issued by the Hearing Panel, as well as any applicable sanctions.
• They will have the right to appeal the outcome based on the grounds designated in this policy, provided they have participated in the investigation process.
• They may retain legal counsel at any time, and legal counsel may play the role of Advisor as noted above.