File a Sexual Misconduct Formal Complaint
A complainant may file a formal complaint of alleged Policy 1100 sexual misconduct to initiate the investigation and hearing process or informal resolution process by completing the formal complaint form and submitting it to the Office of Institutional Compliance/Title IX (IC/TIX) in any of the following ways:
- Email to titleixic@cnu.edu
- Mail to CNU Office of Institutional Compliance/Title IX, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606
- Deliver to Christopher Newport Hall 105, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. during regular university business hours.
At any time prior to or after filing a sexual misconduct formal complaint, complainants are welcomed and encouraged to contact IC/TIX to inquire about supportive measures, learn more about the sexual misconduct formal complaint investigation and hearing process and the informal resolution process.
A complainant is not required to use the formal complaint form and instead may file a sexual misconduct formal complaint in an alternative written format such as a letter or email. The formal complaint must include the complainant’s own name and contact information, the complainant’s own digital or physical signature, and the following information about the incident:
- The name(s) of the respondent(s) if known,
- The approximate date, time, and location of the incident(s),
- a detailed description of the incident(s),
- a statement that the complainant is requesting either the investigation and hearing process or the informal resolution process, and
- a statement that the complainant is filing the complaint for themselves and not on behalf of someone else.
Refer to Policy 1100 for information on the circumstances under which the university may direct the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator to sign a sexual misconduct formal complaint.
Alternatively, a complainant who is unsure if they would like to initiate the formal complaint process or anyone who has witnessed or has information about an incident of alleged sexual misconduct may instead report (hyperlink to reporting page) the alleged incident to IC/TIX using one of the reporting options listed on the IC/TIX website.
A complainant who may not be able, for any reason, to file a sexual misconduct formal complaint in the format recommended is welcome to contact IC/TIX for assistance. Such assistance is not to be construed as pressure to file a formal complaint or a presumption on the part of IC/TIX that a violation of policy has occurred.
Individuals who need reasonable accommodations to access and participate in the programs and services of IC/TIX are encouraged to contact the office directly as soon as practicable. CNU students may instead contact the Office of Accessibility and Care Team Support (ACTS) for assistance with communicating the need for reasonable accommodations to IC/TIX. CNU employees may instead contact the Office of Human Resources for assistance.
Once a complainant submits a formal complaint to IC/TIX, the office reviews the complaint to determine the applicability of Policy 1100 and contacts the complainant to:
- confirm receipt of the formal complaint and verify that the complainant is the one who signed and submitted the formal complaint
- confirm the complainant's initial choice of procedures (either the formal complaint investigation and hearing process, or, if available, an informal resolution process),
- request any additional information that may be necessary for processing the complaint, and
- provide the opportunity to review the formal complaint process and discuss reasonably available supportive measures and resources.
After receiving confirmation from the complainant and any requested information, IC/TIX will issue a written notice of allegation of the formal complaint to the respondent and the complainant prior to the start of investigation activity.
A sexual misconduct formal complaint may be dismissed based on the circumstances and grounds set forth in Policy 1100.
Appealing the Dismissal of a Sexual Mi¬sconduct Formal Complaint
An individual may appeal the decision of the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator to dismiss a sexual misconduct formal complaint, by submitting an appeal in writing, to the Vice President of People and Strategy/Deputy Chief of Staff, who serves as the appeal dismissal officer, no later than five (5) days after receipt of the notice of dismissal.
An appeal of the decision to dismiss is available on any of the following grounds:
- A procedural error on the part of IC/TIX.
- New information about the incident that was not reasonably available at the time the formal complaint was filed.
- The Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator had a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or the individual complainant or respondent that affected the dismissal decision.
The deadline by which to submit a written appeal will be included in the notice of dismissal. The appeal dismissal officer will have ten (10) business days to make a determination regarding the dismissal. The appeal dismissal officer will be responsible for notifying the parties and IC/TIX in writing of the decision regarding the appeal. The decision of the appeal dismissal officer is final. If the appeal dismissal officer overturns the dismissal, IC/TIX will proceed with the formal complaint process.
The complainant(s) may request to withdraw a sexual misconduct formal complaint at any time prior to an outcome being reached in the investigation and hearing process or the signing of a formal written agreement by both parties in the informal resolution process by notifying the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator in writing. Withdrawal of a complaint generally results in dismissal of the complaint. Once a complaint is dismissed, it is closed and cannot be reopened for the investigation and hearing process or informal resolution.