20 LEHIGH UNIVERSITY Informal Resolution Where appropriate—and if both parties voluntarily agree in writing—matters may be resolved through informal options (such as mediation, restorative conferences, or negotiated agreements) at any time prior to reaching a final determination. Informal resolution is not permitted in cases involving allegations of employee-on-student misconduct. Adjudication & Standard of Proof • Standard of Evidence: Institutional determinations are evaluated using the preponderance of the evidence standard (i.e., whether it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred). • Timeframe: Resolution processes generally conclude within 60 to 90 days from complaint filing, subject to necessary extensions for complex investigations, academic breaks, or witness availability. • Notice of Outcome: Both parties simultaneously receive a written Notice of Outcome detailing the panel’s findings, factual rationale, and any imposed sanctions. Sanctioning Ranges Faculty & Staff Sanctions: Verbal/written warnings, corrective action, performance management plans, required counseling or education, work restrictions, probation, loss of annual pay increases, removal of supervisory duties, pay reduction, demotion, suspension with or without pay, or employment termination (tenured faculty dismissal follows specific Board of Trustees procedures). Student Sanction Ranges: Expulsion, suspension, deferred suspension, disciplinary probation, disciplinary warning, loss of campus housing, no-contact orders, or mandatory educational/restorative programming. Appeals Process Either party may submit a written appeal to the Title IX Coordinator within three (3) business days of receiving the Notice of Outcome. Appeals must be grounded in one or more of the following criteria: 1. Procedural Irregularity: A procedural error that significantly affected the outcome. 2. New Evidence: New, relevant evidence that was not reasonably available at the time of determination and could affect the outcome. 3. Conflict of Interest / Bias: The Title IX Coordinator, investigator(s), or decision-maker(s) demonstrated bias or conflict of interest affecting the outcome. 4. Inappropriate Sanction: The imposed sanction is unduly harsh or unduly lenient. Appeal decisions are conducted under a deferential standard of review. Both parties simultaneously receive written notification of the appeal decision. Disclosure of Disciplinary Results Upon written request, Lehigh University will disclose the final results of any institutional disciplinary proceeding involving an alleged crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense to the alleged victim or, if the victim is deceased, to their next of kin. Confidential Campus & Community Resources Community members seeking completely confidential guidance—without triggering an institutional investigation or police notification—may contact the following confidential services: On-Campus Confidential Resources (Students) • Counseling & Psychological Services: Johnson Hall, 4th Floor | 610-758-3880 • Health & Wellness Center: Johnson Hall, 3rd Floor | 610-758-3870 • Chaplain’s Office: The Dialogue Center, 661 Taylor Street | 610-758-3877 • TELUS Health (Virtual Student Support): 1-844-886-8536 On-Campus Confidential Resources (Faculty & Staff) • Employee Assistance Program (HealthAdvocate): 1-866-799-2728 | answers@HealthAdvocate.com
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