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California State University, Chico

For Respondents

We, in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Dispute Resolution, understand that as a respondent (someone who has been accused of protected status discrimination or harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, a prohibited consensual relationship, or related retaliation), you may have questions about our office, your rights, supportive measures, and available options. We are here to help.

  • Policy And Procedures

    The Title IX process typically involves filing a complaint, investigating the allegations, holding a hearing if needed, and reaching a determination based on the evidence.

  • Supportive Measures and Resources

    You don’t have to bear the burden alone. EODR offers resources connections to on- and off-campus resources for those who may have been impacted by Title IX/DHR.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Respondent means a person who is alleged to have violated the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy. A Respondent may include the CSU, an Employee, Student, or Third Party. The term “Respondent” is derived from the fact that a Respondent in an investigation is “responding” to the allegations from a Complainant.

EODR makes every effort to safeguard the privacy of information contained in new reports, as well as information received during any formal or informal resolution process. Information received by the EODR is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), a federal statute that protects information contained in a student’s educational record.

Absent limited exceptions, FERPA forbids the University from disclosing information in your educational record to anyone else, including your parents, without your express and informed consent. This includes information contained in investigation reports or outcome letters issued during an investigation. In addition, information received by the EODR will be handled discreetly; however, the information may be shared with a limited circle of need-to-know individuals, including other Chico State administrators who assist EODR with the assessment of reports, resolution processes, the provision of supportive measures, and other related issues.

EODR issued a Notice of Investigation (“NOI”) to you because either the Complainant or the University formally requested an investigation into an allegation(s) that you violated the university’s Nondiscrimination Policy.

The NOI was provided to you because EODR wants to ensure that you are aware that an investigation is commencing, and that you understand exactly what is being investigated. Therefore, the NOI contains important information about the nature of the allegation(s), the potential violations of the Nondiscrimination Policy, your rights, and the disciplinary process.

If other potential violations of the Nondiscrimination Policy are raised during the investigation, you will receive an Amended NOI with a full and fair opportunity to respond. Please know that the fact that you received a NOI does not mean that the University has reached any conclusions about whether the alleged conduct has occurred.

You are presumed not responsible for the allegations and that presumption can only be overcome if there is a finding of responsibility at the end of the investigative process.

You have the following rights under the process:

  • To be treated fairly, equitably, and with respect throughout the investigative process.
  • To information about the applicable policies and procedures.
  • To receive a NOI that contains a summary of all known details and sufficient time to prepare a response before any initial interview. Sufficient details include the identity of the Complainant; the conduct that is alleged to constitute a violation of the Nondiscrimination Policy; and the date and location of the alleged incident.
  • To choose one individual to serve as your Advisor. Your Advisor may accompany you to any interview, proceeding, or process-related meeting.
  • To be free from retaliation.
  • To be interviewed by the assigned Investigator. To identify relevant witnesses for the Investigator who may be interviewed at the Investigator’s discretion.
  • To respond to contradictory or conflicting information or evidence that is provided by any witnesses, or by the Complainant.
  • To decide not to participate in the investigative process or an interview with the Investigator, and the decision to not participate may not be held against you.
  • To be informed about the outcome of the investigative process.
  • To appeal the finding(s) on any of the grounds enumerated in the Policy.
  • To receive reasonably available supportive measures such as counseling, academic and work accommodations, mutual no-contact orders, campus escorts, and other support services offered at Chico State and in the community.

The CSU prohibits protected status discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, or related retaliation. If you have been impacted and are unsure what options you have, EODR is here to help you.