Reporting Frequently Asked Questions

The following frequently asked questions and answers are intended to provide general information related to investigations of sexual misconduct. Please review the full Sexual Misconduct Policy for complete information.

What happens after a formal complaint is filed?

The Ramapo College Title IX Coordinator will launch a fair, prompt, and impartial investigation.  The investigation will determine whether a violation of the Sexual Misconduct Policy did, or did not, take place.

At least one Title IX Investigator will be assigned and will fully interview the parties and witnesses, and collect any and all available evidence. The preponderance of the evidence standard (more likely than not to have occurred) will be used to determine if the Respondent (the accused party) is responsible. No matter the outcome, both parties will receive notice, in writing and simultaneously, of any result and as such results become final.

Additionally, reports will be assessed to determine whether the College should send a Timely Warning Notice (TWN) in order to protect the community. A TWN will not identify the parties involved, but may include information such as the location of the incident and a succinct description of the incident.

If I am a victim of sex discrimination under Title IX, can the College require my participation in an informal dispute resolution meeting (such as a mediation) with the accused party?

The parties may choose to voluntarily agree to participate in informal resolution, but the College may not require this.

If I am the victim of sexual harassment or sexual violence, can my identity be kept confidential while my complaint is investigated?

When possible, the Title IX Coordinator will keep the identity of an unwilling victim or witness confidential. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed as the Title IX Coordinator must balance a request for confidentiality against the safety of other members in our community. If the Title IX Coordinator determines that there is the threat of imminent or ongoing harm to an individual or to the community, information may need to be shared and then only with appropriate individuals. If a student reports to the College and requests confidentiality or asks that the report not be pursued, the College will take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the report consistent with the request for confidentiality or request not to pursue an investigation. If a Complainant insists that their name or other identifiable information not be disclosed to the Respondent, the College’s ability to respond may be limited. If a student continues to ask that their name not be revealed, the College will take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the report consistent with the request as long as doing so does not prevent the College from responding effectively to the harassment and preventing harassment of other members of the College community.