Title IX at Lewis
A Title IX investigation begins when the Title IX Coordinator and/or Title IX Deputy Coordinator receives a report that may violate Title IX law.
WHAT DOES A TITLE IX INVESTIGATION LOOK LIKE AT LEWIS UNIVERSITY?
Lewis takes immediate steps to investigate all reported allegations of sexual misconduct and ensure the safety of complainants. Once ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥ Officials are aware of any violation of Title IX, an investigation into the incident is required. The designated Title IX investigator will begin contacting all individuals and gathering information about the incident. Throughout the process, the Title IX investigator will be in contact with and have meetings with all persons involved, including possible witnesses. During the investigation, Lewis may seek to take interim measures that may include but are not limited to on-campus housing relocation and No Contact orders. Once the information has been collected, there will be a judicial board hearing to determine one of the following
- The case will be closed as there was not efficient evidence to find the alleged respondent in violation of the sexual misconduct policy
- Or, there was enough evidence to find the alleged respondent in violation of the sexual misconduct policy
The Title IX Process
YOUR RIGHTS AS THE ALLEGED COMPLAINANT INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
- You have the right to an investigation and appropriate resolution of all credible complaints of sexual misconduct made in good faith to Lewis
- You have the right to be treated with respect by Lewis officials
- You have the right both, accuser and accused to have the same opportunity to have others present (in support or advocacy roles) during the hearing
- You have the right not to be discouraged by Lewis from reporting an assault to both on-campus and off-campus authorities
- The right to be informed of the outcome and sanction of any disciplinary hearing involving the sexual misconduct
- You have the right to change academic and living situations after an alleged sexual assault incident
- You have the right to a campus no-contact against another student who has engaged in any improper behavior that presents a danger to the welfare of the complaining student
- You have the right to appeal the findings of the judicial board
- You have the right to be informed of the judicial board procedures as well as the extent and maturity of the alleged violation
In a sexual misconduct case, the University must balance privacy for the complainant and the “public’s right to know.” In this balance, maintaining the complainant’s privacy is paramount. Any release of information about an alleged violation of the sexual misconduct policy will not include personally identifying information about the complainant without permission.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
An investigation at ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥ may look different depending on the location (on-campus vs. off-campus) of the sexual misconduct and the enrollment status of the student and/or alleged respondent.
While prompt reporting is helpful, delays in reporting are common, and ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥ has no explicit time limit on reporting as long as the accused student is still enrolled. Below are some things to note:
- If an assault is committed on campus by a non-student, local police and the Dean of Student Services should be notified.
- If an assault occurs off campus, the local police in that jurisdiction should be notified. However, an on-campus complaint may also be filed for off-campus conduct between current Lewis students.
Should a sexual offense occur on campus, and another Lewis student assault the student, disciplinary action may follow should the complainant file a University complaint. The University may also decide to take action even if the complainant does not file a complaint with the university or press criminal charges.
This is a brief summary of the Lewis University Title IX investigation and judicial process.
ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥ Title IX Coordinators
TITLE IX COORDINATOR
TITLE IX DEPUTY COORDINATORS
Thomas Burgess
Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct
Learning Resource Center LR G-23A
One University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 836-5125
burgesto@lewisu.edu
Liseth Chavez
Student Success Coordinator
One University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 836-5525
chavezli@lewisu.edu
Jennifer Janczak
Head Athletic Trainer
One University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 836-5614
janczaje@lewisu.edu
Timothy McBride
Assistant Professor and Sport Management Program Director
St. Charles Borromeo 150-N
(815) 836-5217
tmcbride1@lewisu.edu
Lori Misheck
Director of Human Resources
St. Charles Borromeo SB-104B
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 836-5272
misheclo@lewisu.edu
Title IX protects all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, immigration status, or whether they have disability. Students who report sexual violence have a right to expect their school to take steps to protect and support them. ~ First Report of the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault.
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