Chapter UWS 17

UWS 17.152(2) (2) Title IX misconduct. Either a complainant or the Title IX Coordinator may file the formal Title IX complaint as defined in s. UWS 17.02 (8m). Unless a formal Title IX complaint is dismissed under par. (a) or (b), sexual misconduct under this section shall also be considered “Title IX misconduct” and require associated process. Dismissals will be handled as follows:

UWS 17.152(2)(a) (a) The university shall dismiss a formal Title IX complaint that does not meet all of the following requirements:

UWS 17.152(2)(a)1. 1. The alleged conduct is on the basis of sex and meets the definitions of sexual harassment, as defined in s. UWS 17.151 (1) (a), or sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, as defined in s. UWS 17.151 (2) to (5).

UWS 17.152(2)(a)2. 2. The alleged conduct occurred within a university “education program or activity,” as defined in s. UWS 17.02 (7m).

UWS 17.152(2)(a)3. 3. The alleged conduct occurred against the complainant while in the United States.

UWS 17.152(2)(a)4. 4. The complainant is participating in or attempting to participate in the university’s education program or activity at the time the complaint is filed.

UWS 17.152(2)(b) (b) The university may dismiss a formal Title IX complaint if any of the following conditions are met at any time during the disciplinary procedure or hearing:

UWS 17.152(2)(b)1. 1. The complainant notifies the Title IX Coordinator in writing that the complainant would like to withdraw the formal Title IX complaint or any allegations therein.

UWS 17.152(2)(b)2. 2. The respondent is no longer enrolled in the university.

UWS 17.152(2)(b)3. 3. Specific circumstances prevent the university from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination as to the formal Title IX complaint or allegations therein.

UWS 17.152(2)(c) (c) Upon dismissal of a formal Title IX complaint, the university shall promptly send written notice of the dismissal and reason therefore simultaneously to the complainant and respondent. The complainant and respondent have the right to appeal the dismissal of a formal Title IX complaint under s. UWS 17.154 (1).

UWS 17.152(2)(d) (d) Dismissal of a formal Title IX complaint does not preclude other university action under this chapter.

UWS 17.152(3) (3) Notice of investigation. When the investigating officer concludes that proceedings under this section are warranted, the investigating officer shall promptly distribute a written notice of investigation in person, by telephone or by electronic mail, to the complainant and respondent. The notice of investigation shall include all of the following:

UWS 17.152(3)(a) (a) The details known at the time of issuing notice, including:

UWS 17.152(3)(a)1. 1. The identities of the complainant and respondent involved in the incident, if known.

UWS 17.152(3)(a)2. 2. The conduct allegedly constituting sexual misconduct.

UWS 17.152(3)(a)3. 3. The date and location of alleged incident, if known.

UWS 17.152(3)(b) (b) Notice to the complainant and respondent that they may have an advisor of their choice, who may be an attorney.

UWS 17.152(3)(c) (c) Notice to the complainant and respondent that they may inspect and review evidence collected during the investigation.

UWS 17.152(3)(d) (d) Notice that making a knowingly false statement or refusing to comply regarding a university matter may violate s. UWS 17.09 (11) and could result in additional sanctions.

UWS 17.152(3)(e) (e) Notice that the respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged sexual misconduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the disciplinary procedure.

UWS 17.152(3)(f) (f) Notice if the sexual misconduct disciplinary procedure also involves Title IX misconduct.

UWS 17.152(3)(g) (g) Information about the nonacademic misconduct process available under this chapter and about any available informal resolution process.

UWS 17.152(3)(h) (h) If, during the course of an investigation, the university decides to investigate allegations that are not included in the notice of investigation, the university shall send an amended notice of investigation with additional allegations.

UWS 17.152(4) (4) Investigation. During the investigation, the investigating officer shall do all of the following:

UWS 17.152(4)(a) (a) Provide an equal opportunity for the parties to present witnesses, including fact and expert witnesses, and other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence.

UWS 17.152(4)(b) (b) Not restrict the ability of either party to discuss the allegations under investigation or to gather and present relevant evidence.

UWS 17.152(4)(c) (c) Provide the parties with the same opportunities to have others present during any grievance proceeding, including the opportunity to be accompanied to any related meeting or proceeding by the advisor of their choice, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney, and not limit the choice or presence of advisor for either the complainant or respondent in any meeting or grievance proceeding; the university may, however, establish restrictions regarding the extent to which the advisor may participate in the proceedings, as long as the restrictions apply equally to both parties.

UWS 17.152(4)(d) (d) Provide, to a party whose participation is invited or expected, written notice of the date, time, location, participants, and purpose of all hearings, investigative interviews, or other meetings, with sufficient time for the party to prepare to participate.

UWS 17.152(4)(e) (e) Not access, consider, disclose, or otherwise use a party’s records that are made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting in the professional’s or paraprofessional’s capacity, or assisting in that capacity, and which are made and maintained in connection with the provision of treatment to the party, unless the university obtains that party’s voluntary, written consent to do so for a grievance process under this section.

UWS 17.152(5) (5) Review of evidence. Prior to completion of the final investigative report, as described in sub. (6), the university shall provide the complainant and respondent and their advisors, if any:

UWS 17.152(5)(a) (a) The evidence gathered during the university’s investigation that is directly related to the allegations of sexual misconduct, in an electronic format or hard copy, regardless of whether obtained from a party or other source, so that each party can meaningfully respond to the evidence prior to conclusion of the investigation. This shall include information upon which the university does not intend to rely in reaching a determination regarding responsibility as well as any inculpatory or exculpatory evidence.

UWS 17.152(5)(b) (b) At least 10 days to submit a written response to the evidence, which the investigator shall consider prior to completion of the final investigative report.

UWS 17.152(6) (6) Final investigative report. The investigator shall create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence. The final investigative report may contain recommended determinations as to whether sexual misconduct occurred and specification of any sanction recommended. The final investigative report shall be delivered simultaneously to the respondent and complainant and their advisors, if any, for their review and response at least 10 days prior to a hearing. Upon distribution of the final investigative report to the complainant and respondent, the following conditions shall apply:

UWS 17.152(6)(a) (a) The complainant and respondent have the right to a hearing under s. UWS 17.153 for a formal determination as to whether sexual misconduct occurred, potential disciplinary sanctions, or both.

UWS 17.152(6)(b) (b) The university shall proceed under s. UWS 17.153 to schedule a hearing on the matter. A hearing shall be conducted unless the complainant and respondent waive, in writing, the right to such a hearing or otherwise voluntarily choose to proceed with a settlement agreement or informal resolution under s. UWS 17.156.

UWS 17.152 History History: CR 20-062: cr. Register May 2021 No. 785, eff. 6-1-21; correction in (2) (intro.) made under s. 35.17, Stats., and correction in (1) (intro.), (2) (c), (6) (a), (b) made under s. 13.92, (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register May 2021 No. 785; correction in (2) (a) 1. made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register July 2021 No. 787.

UWS 17.153 UWS 17.153 Sexual misconduct hearing.

UWS 17.153(1) (1) The university shall have the right to decide whether a hearing examiner or hearing committee shall hear the matter.

UWS 17.153(2) (2) The university shall take the necessary steps to convene the hearing and shall schedule it within 15 days of the distribution of the final investigative report. The hearing shall be conducted within 45 days of the distribution of the final investigative report, unless a different time period is mutually agreed upon by the complainant, respondent and university or is ordered or permitted by the hearing examiner or committee.

UWS 17.153(3) (3) No less than 10 days in advance of the hearing, the hearing examiner or committee shall obtain from the investigating officer, in writing, the final investigative report and any additional available information of the type described in s. UWS 17.152 (4).

UWS 17.153(4) (4) The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with all of the following guidance and requirements:

UWS 17.153(4)(a) (a) The hearing process shall further the educational purposes and reflect the university context of nonacademic misconduct proceedings. The process need not conform to state or federal rules of criminal or civil procedure, except as expressly provided in this chapter.

UWS 17.153(4)(b) (b) Both the complainant and respondent shall have the right to question adverse witnesses, the right to present information and witnesses, the right to be heard on their own behalf, and the right to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice. The advisor may be a lawyer. In accordance with the educational purposes of the hearing, the complainant and respondent are expected to respond on their own behalf to questions asked of them during the hearing.

UWS 17.153(4)(c) (c) The hearing examiner or committee:

UWS 17.153(4)(c)1. 1. Shall admit information that has reasonable value in proving the facts, but may exclude immaterial, irrelevant, or unduly repetitious testimony.

UWS 17.153(4)(c)2. 2. May not permit questions and evidence about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior unless:

UWS 17.153(4)(c)2.a. a. Such questions and evidence about the complainant’s prior sexual behavior are offered to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the conduct alleged by the complainant, or

UWS 17.153(4)(c)2.b. b. The questions and evidence concern specific incidents of the complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the respondent and are offered to prove consent.

UWS 17.153(4)(c)3. 3. Shall observe recognized legal privileges including those described in s. UWS 17.152 (4) (e).

UWS 17.153(4)(c)4. 4. May take reasonable steps to maintain order and adopt procedures for the questioning of parties or witnesses appropriate to the circumstances of the testimony, provided the advisors for the complainant and respondent are allowed to effectively cross-examine any party or witness.

UWS 17.153(5) (5) The party’s advisors shall conduct cross examination directly, orally, and in real time by the party’s advisor. A party may not personally conduct cross examination. The following conditions shall apply:

UWS 17.153(5)(a) (a) If a party does not have an advisor at the hearing to conduct cross-examination, the university shall provide someone, without fee or charge, who may or may not be an attorney, to conduct cross-examination.

UWS 17.153(5)(b) (b) Before a party or witness answers a cross-examination or other question, the hearing examiner or committee shall first determine whether a question is relevant or not and explain any decision to exclude those questions as not relevant.

UWS 17.153(5)(c) (c) The hearing examiner or committee may not draw an inference regarding responsibility based solely on a party’s or a witness’s absence from the hearing or refusal to answer cross-examination questions.

UWS 17.153(5)(d) (d) At hearings involving Title IX misconduct, if a party or a witness does not submit to cross-examination at the hearing, then the hearing examiner or committee may not rely on any statement of that party or witness made prior to or during the hearing in reaching a determination regarding responsibility.

UWS 17.153(6) (6) If a party fails to appear at a scheduled hearing and to proceed, the hearing examiner or committee may issue a decision based upon the information provided except as described in sub. (5) (d).

UWS 17.153(7) (7) The hearing examiner or committee shall make a record of the hearing. The record shall include a verbatim record of the testimony, which may be a sound recording, and a file of all evidence presented at the hearing. The respondent and the complainant may access the record, except as may be precluded by applicable state or federal law.

UWS 17.153(8) (8) The hearing examiner or committee shall prepare written findings of fact and a written statement of its decision based upon the record of the hearing, using the preponderance of the evidence standard. The written report shall include all of the following:

UWS 17.153(8)(a) (a) Identification of the allegations potentially constituting sexual misconduct.

UWS 17.153(8)(b) (b) A description of the procedural steps taken from the receipt of the initial complaint through the determination, including any notifications to the complainant and respondent, interviews with the complainant and respondent and witnesses, site visits, methods used to gather other evidence, and hearings held.

UWS 17.153(8)(c) (c) Findings of fact supporting the determination.

UWS 17.153(8)(d) (d) Conclusions regarding the application of this chapter to the facts.

UWS 17.153(8)(e) (e) A statement of, and rationale for, the result as to each allegation, including a determination regarding responsibility under this subchapter, including any Title IX misconduct, any disciplinary sanctions the university imposes on the respondent, and whether remedies designed to restore or preserve equal access to the university’s education program or activity shall be provided by the university to the complainant.

UWS 17.153(8)(f) (f) One or more of the disciplinary sanctions listed in s. UWS 17.085 (1), if imposed by the hearing examiner or committee.

UWS 17.153(8)(g) (g) Procedures and permissible bases for the complainant and respondent to appeal.

UWS 17.153(9) (9) The decision of the hearing examiner or committee shall be prepared within 14 days of the hearing, and delivered simultaneously to the respondent and the complainant, excluding information that may be precluded by state or federal law. If an appeal is filed, the decision regarding responsibility becomes final on the date the university provides the complainant and respondent with the written determination of the result of the appeal. If no appeal is filed, the decision regarding responsibility becomes final once the last date to appeal passes.

UWS 17.153(10) (10) Disciplinary hearings are subject to s. 19.85, Stats., Wisconsin Open Meetings of Governmental Bodies, and may be closed if the respondent or complainant requests a closed hearing or if the hearing examiner or committee determines it is necessary to hold a closed hearing. Deliberations of the committee shall be held in closed session, in accordance with s. 19.85, Stats. As such, proper notice and other applicable rules shall be followed.

UWS 17.153 History History: CR 20-062: cr. Register May 2021 No. 785, eff. 6-1-21; correction in (4) (a) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register May 2021 No. 785.

UWS 17.154 UWS 17.154 Appeal to the chancellor for sexual misconduct.

UWS 17.154(1) (1) The respondent or complainant may appeal in writing to the chief administrative officer within 14 days of the date of the written decision for a review, based on the record, of the following:

UWS 17.154(1)(a) (a) A dismissal of a formal Title IX complaint.

UWS 17.154(1)(b) (b) The written decision of the hearing examiner or committee.

UWS 17.154(2) (2) The chief administrative officer has 30 days from receipt of an appeal to respond in writing simultaneously to both the complainant and respondent and shall sustain the decision unless the chief administrative officer finds any of the following:

UWS 17.154(2)(a) (a) The information in the record does not support the findings or decision.

UWS 17.154(2)(b) (b) A procedural irregularity affected the outcome of the matter.

UWS 17.154(2)(c) (c) The decision was based on factors proscribed by state or federal law.

UWS 17.154(2)(d) (d) New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination regarding responsibility or dismissal was made that could affect the outcome of the matter.

UWS 17.154(2)(e) (e) The Title IX Coordinator, investigator, hearing examiner, or a member of the hearing committee had a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or the individual complainant or respondent that affected the outcome of the matter.

UWS 17.154(3) (3) If the chief administrative officer makes a finding under sub. (2), the chief administrative officer may return the matter for consideration, or may invoke an appropriate remedy of their own. The chief administrative officer’s written decision describing the result of the appeal and the rationale for the result shall be communicated simultaneously to the respondent and complainant.

UWS 17.154(4) (4) When an appeal is filed, the chief administrative officer shall notify the other party in writing and give both the complainant and respondent a reasonable, equal opportunity to submit a written statement supporting or challenging the outcome.

UWS 17.154 History History: CR 20-062: cr. Register May 2021 No. 785, eff. 6-1-21.

UWS 17.155 UWS 17.155 Discretionary appeal to the Board of Regents for sexual misconduct. University decisions under ss. UWS 17.152 to 17.154 shall be final, except that the board of regents may, at its discretion, grant a review upon the record, upon written request submitted by any party within 14 days of the final university decision. If the board of regents grants a review upon the record, it shall:

UWS 17.155(1) (1) Notify the other party in writing and give both the complainant and respondent a reasonable, equal opportunity to submit a written statement supporting or challenging the outcome.

UWS 17.155(2) (2) Issue a written decision describing the result of the appeal and the rationale for the result and provide the written decision simultaneously to both the complainant and respondent.

UWS 17.155 History History: CR 20-062: cr. Register May 2021 No. 785, eff. 6-1-21; correction in (intro.) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register May 2021 No. 785.

UWS 17.156 UWS 17.156 Settlement for sexual misconduct.

UWS 17.156(1) (1) The procedures set forth in this chapter allow the university, the respondent, and the complainant to voluntarily enter into a settlement agreement or informal resolution regarding the alleged misconduct, any time after the notice of investigation has been distributed to the complainant and respondent and prior to any final determination regarding responsibility. Any such agreement and its terms shall be in writing and signed by the complainant, respondent, and the Title IX Coordinator or designee except in any of the following circumstances:

UWS 17.156(1)(a) (a) There is no identified complainant.