/Institutions/Coker-University/json/2025-2026/Student-Handbook-local.json

/Institutions/Coker-University/json/2025-2026/Student-Handbook.json

XII Ensuring Impartiality

No individual materially involved in the administration of the Formal Grievance Process, including the Senior Director of Student Experience and Title IX Coordinator, Investigator(s), and Decision-maker(s), may have or demonstrate a conflict of interest or bias for a party generally, or for a specific Complainant or Respondent.

 

The Senior Director of Student Experience and Title IX Coordinator will vet the assigned Investigator(s), Decision-maker(s), and Appeal Decision-maker(s) for impartiality by ensuring there are no actual or apparent conflicts of interest or disqualifying biases. The Parties may raise a concern regarding bias or conflict of interest at any time during the Formal Grievance Process, and the Senior Director of Student Experience and Title IX Coordinator will determine whether the concern is reasonable and supportable. If so, another Resolution Process Pool member, or other trained individual, will be assigned, and the impact of the bias or conflict, if any, will be remedied. If the source of the conflict of interest or bias is the Senior Director of Student Experience and Title IX Coordinator, concerns should be raised with the Director of Human Resources.

 

The Formal Grievance Process involves an objective evaluation of all Relevant Evidence obtained, including evidence that supports that the Respondent violated the Policy and evidence that supports that the Respondent did not violate the Policy. Credibility determinations may not be based solely on an individual’s status or participation as a Complainant, Respondent, or witness. All Parties have a full and fair opportunity, through the investigation process, to suggest witnesses and questions, to provide evidence, and to receive a written Investigation Report that accurately summarizes this evidence.