The term Respondent refers to someone who is accused of sexual violence or harassment. If you have been accused of sexual misconduct, the investigation process can be stressful. Resources for responding to allegations of sexual misconduct can be found in the document below.
Title IX Responding to Allegations
Information regarding free and low cost medical care (including counseling) and legal resources available for all UWM students enrolled at any campus location can be found within the Get Help section of this website.
You also have rights within the investigative and disciplinary process. A selection of these rights are highlighted below. You can review UWM’s full investigatory and disciplinary processes in the following documents:
- Discriminatory Conduct And Consensual Relationships Policy (SAAP 5-1)
- Sexual Violence And Sexual Harassment Policy (SAAP 5-2)
- Policy on Investigation and Resolution of Formal Title IX Complaints (SAAP 5-4)
- UWM Policies and Procedures Chapter 5 (for Faculty)
- Chapter UWS 4 (for Faculty)
- Chapter UWS 6 (for Faculty)
- Chapter UWS 7 (for Faculty)
- Chapter UWS 11 (for Academic Staff)
- Emergency Rule Chapter UWS 17 effective for disciplinary proceedings initiated between August 15, 2020 and June 1, 2021
- Chapter UWS 17 (for Students) effective June 1, 2021
Student Affairs Officer
Respondents who would like assistance during the student disciplinary process may contact the Dean of Students Office, and a professional staff member, who is not otherwise a part of the formal investigative process, can serve as an advisor to the respondent. The Student Affairs Officer may answer questions and provide information about the investigation process, hearing procedures, Chapter UWS 17, or interim measures that have been taken. The Student Affairs Officer may also address safety issues on and off campus, and connect the respondent to counseling resources.
Respondent Support Person
If you so choose, you can be accompanied by a support person of your choice to investigative meetings and disciplinary proceedings. This can be a friend, family member, or attorney. This person should not be someone who was a witness to the alleged event. This person will not be allowed to speak on your behalf, but can be present to support you through what may feel like a stressful process.
Information About Interim Measures
Respondents who are accused of sexual harassment or sexual violence may be subject to interim measures. This could include changes to academic, living, transportation, and campus working situations. Any of these changes will be kept confidential to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality will not impair the University’s ability to implement, monitor, and enforce these measures.
- “No Contact” Orders: A respondent who is alleged to have engaged in policy violations may be prohibited from contacting members of the UWM community (including students, faculty, or staff) specified in the order. Violations of such orders may subject them to additional sanctions or charges.
- Restraining Orders: A restraining order is an official court order that prohibits the Respondent from contacting the individual who has secured the order. Violations of such orders may subject the violating party to additional charges within the courts, as well as additional sanctions or charges at UWM.
Information About Retaliation and Obstruction
Respondents who are accused of sexual harassment or sexual violence may not retaliate against the complainant or any witnesses, or obstruct the investigation. Acts of retaliation or obstruction may subject individuals to additional sanctions or charges.
- Retaliation: Retaliation is any adverse action made as a result of an individual’s complaint about prohibited conduct.
- Obstruction: Obstruction is any interference with an investigation or related proceedings. This includes any actions toward the complainant or witnesses that could influence their participation in this process. This also includes tampering with any evidence.