Stanford’s Title IX Processes

In February 2016, Stanford adopted on a pilot basis the Stanford Student Title IX Process (effective February 2016) for matters involving a student as a respondent.

The process that Stanford uses to investigate and redress allegations in which the accused is a student.

Key features of the process include:

• A unified process extending from investigation through adjudication of a case
• Beginning with an investigation by the Title IX Office of a reported incident
• Followed by a hearing by a panel of highly trained faculty, staff and graduate student reviewers to determine responsibility and discipline
• An independent review of the evidence to be used in the hearing process, if requested by either party
• Legal assistance for students in the process who wish to have it
• Expulsion as the expected sanction for incidents of sexual or relationship violence
• And an appeal process for both parties involved.

The IX Steps of a Student Title IX Process

1. Title IX Office Receives Report of a Concern
   1. Title IX Office contacts complainant, with options and resources
   2. Complainant requests investigation
2. Title IX Office Investigates
   1. Parties are sent a Notice of Concern
   2. Interim measures are implemented on a case-by-case basis
   3. Title IX investigator investigates by interviewing parties and witnesses and by collecting relevant documentary evidence
3. Title IX Coordinator makes a charging decision and notifies students
   1. No Charge and Outcome Letter Issued (dissatisfied parties may appeal, see 8)
   2. Non-Hearing Resolution and non-appealable Outcome Letter Issued
      1. Requires agreement by both parties
   3. Charge
4. For Charged Cases, Hearing Schedule Set
   1. Hearing File Released to Parties
5. Evidentiary Review
   1. Evidentiary Specialist (outside of Stanford) reviews any objections relating to contents of Hearing File
   2. Parties submit statements in response to the Hearing File
6. Hearing & Deliberation
   1. Three trained panelists review Hearing File, meet with parties and witnesses
   2. Deliberate and determine responsibility using preponderance of the evidence standard
   3. Parties notified of outcome
7. For Findings of Responsibility, Sanctioning and Remedies
   1. Both parties may submit sanction statement to the panelists
   2. Hearing panel determines disciplinary outcome and Title IX Coordinator sets ongoing remedies for protection of complainant and campus
   3. Outcome Letter issued to parties
8. Appeal
   1. Either party may appeal Outcome Letter after hearing or no charge
   2. Automatic appeal to Provost if expulsion upheld
9. Ongoing Management
   1. Title IX Coordinator monitors sanctions and remedies and adjusts administrative remedies for parties.

Title IX FAQs

For frequently asked questions regarding Title IX and related policies, click here. 

The Stanford Administrative Title IX Process (for matters not covered by Student Title IX Process)

The process that Stanford uses to investigate and redress allegations in which the complainant is a student and the accused is faculty, staff, a post-doc or third party.