Process Overview

What to Expect When Seeking Support

The University encourages individuals to seek help. We recognize that the decision to report is not easy, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone understands the options available to them and the various ways the University can address harm while offering support and care.

As you consider your options, keep in mind:

  1. Support is available throughout the reporting process.
  2. You can report an incident to the University anonymously.
  3. Filing an incident report is not the same as filing a formal complaint.
  4. You can request your complaint to be withdrawn at any time.
  5. We can answer any questions to help you make an informed decision about which process is right for you.

1. Incident Report

Submit a report directly to the EOO by filling out an Incident Report Form. Or speak to one of BU’s Deputy Title IX Coordinators, who can be found throughout the University. Please note: they will share any report made with the EOO.

The Title IX Coordinator or a Title IX team member will review the provided information to determine any possible violation of University policy, and will respond to any immediate health or safety concerns raised by the report. If the information appears to indicate a potential policy violation, the Title IX Coordinator or team member will request to meet with the individual who experienced harm.

2. Initial Outreach

A member of the Title IX team will reach out by email to the individual who filed an incident report. The email will contain information about the individual’s rights, available resources, and supportive measures, as well as an invitation to meet with a Title IX team member.

3. Process Meeting

Meeting with an EOO or Title IX Team member is encouraged, but is completely voluntary. You are welcome to bring an Advisor or other support person to every meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to review your rights, available resources, supportive measures, and resolution options.

If an individual declines to meet, the University may dismiss and then close the complaint. At any time, an individual can change their mind and file a formal complaint to move forward.

In extraordinary circumstances, BU may proceed without the impacted individual if there is enough evidence and information available. This is because BU has a duty to end prohibited conduct to keep community members safe.

A pdf of the Intake Flowchart is available here.

4. Supportive Measures

Supportive measures are available to mitigate the effects of the alleged prohibited conduct, maintain access to the University, and prevent any reocurrence.

You DO NOT have to file a formal complaint to request supportive measures.

Examples of supportive measures include:

  1. Referrals to on/off campus counseling services
  2. Requests for academic flexibility and housing or schedule changes
  3. No Contact Directives (a stay-away order directing parties not to contact each other)

5. Resolution Options

The impacted individual can decide which resolution option is best for them. They can pursue any of the following options.

  1. University Resolution Process, which is available if the respondent or the party accused was associated with BU at the time the alleged incident occurred. Two choices are offered:
  2. Criminal Process with the Police
  3. Both
  4. None of the above

You are NOT required to participate in a resolution process. You can choose what reporting option works best for you.

 

Important Reminders

The EOO and Title IX Team are private, but not confidential.

If you would like to discuss your options confidentially first, you have the option to talk to a Confidential Resource. These resources are available both on and off campus.

In certain exceptional situations, the University may proceed with investigating a case without the complainant’s cooperation.