Anyone can make a Report of Prohibited Conduct but only a Complainant can file a Formal Complaint. The University does not limit the time frame for making a report.

The Title IX Office investigates incidents of Prohibited Conduct that includes, but is not limited to, sex discrimination, sexual harassment, false allegations or statements relating to the Title IX process, and/or retaliation.

The specific set of grievance procedures used to respond to allegations of Prohibited Conduct is determined by the nature of the alleged Prohibited Conduct.

• Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment will be addressed pursuant to the Title IX Procedures for the Resolution of Sexual Harassment Complaints.
• Sex Discrimination complaints (non-harassment) will be addressed pursuant to the Title IX Procedures for the Resolution of Sex Discrimination Complaints (non-harassment).
• Formal Complaints that include allegations of both sexual harassment and sex discrimination (non-harassment) will be addressed pursuant to the Title IX Procedures for the Resolution of Sexual Harassment Complaints.

A Formal Complaint is an official document filed with the Title IX Coordinator alleging Prohibited Conduct against a Respondent and requesting that the University investigate and resolve the alleged Prohibited Conduct.

To file a Formal Complaint, a Complainant must be participating in or attempting to participate in UAB’s education programs or activities, including UAB’s academic, research, athletic, and clinical operations, or is employed by UAB. Formal Complaints cannot be made anonymously except for Formal Complaints filed by the Title IX Coordinator when the Title IX Coordinator believes that with or without the Complainant’s willingness to participate in a grievance process, it would be clearly unreasonable in light of known circumstances not to address the Formal Complaint.

A Formal Complaint may be filed by contacting the Title IX Coordinator.

The Complainant or Respondent may choose at their own discretion an English interpreter to assist them with the process. Individuals have often sought assistance from professors, advisors and friends or family when language has been a barrier to full participation. The interpreter may accompany the individual to official meetings along with the advisor, but their role at official meetings will be limited to language translation.

During the initial inquiry and investigation, Respondents and Complainants do not have to meet or speak to each other as part of an investigation or informal resolution. All communication will be facilitated through the Title IX Office. During the formal hearing process parties will not be in the same room, either virtual or otherwise.

Yes. Both parties will have the opportunity to present witnesses and the investigator will make every effort to speak with every witness. The investigator may also identify additional witnesses. Both parties may also provide any relevant evidence. Evidence is often comprised of text messages, emails, photos, videos, or other documents. Evidence can be any information that corroborates or contradicts the complaint, and both parties will have equal opportunity to present evidence and witnesses.

Submit a Report

When a Report of Prohibited Conduct is made, the Title IX Office will attempt to contact the Complainant in a reasonable amount of time for an initial assessment and preliminary discussion of the alleged Prohibited Conduct, including options for Resolution.

Initial Assessment

The Title IX Coordinator will assess the report to determine if it violates the Title IX Policy and if further action is needed.

The Title IX Coordinator will determine whether to move the Formal Complaint to investigation or whether the Formal Complaint must be or may be dismissed.

Resolution

The resolution process can be informal or formal, depending on the incident and the wishes of the parties involved. Informal resolution is when the parties resolve the issue through some form of mediation. Formal resolution involves an investigation and hearing.

Investigation

The investigation process includes notifying the parties, assigning advisors, gathering facts, reviewing information, determining if a violation occurred, and writing a report.

Hearing

At the hearing, both parties can present questions and cross-examine witnesses and adversaries.

Outcome

The Title IX Coordinator or another decision maker reviews the facts and notifies the parties of the outcome.