Effective August 18, 2025聽
This updated policy addresses misconduct based on protected class status, including race, sex, gender, disability, religion, age, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Key updates include:
- Revised guidance for mandated reporters聽
- More flexible and effective grievance procedures聽
- Improved alignment with other university processes
When Do These Procedures Apply?
The Discrimination Grievance Procedures apply when:聽
- The reported conduct occurred within a University Program or Activity; or聽
- The conduct聽has a negative impact on someone鈥檚 ability to participate in a University Program or Activity, the University Community, or its objectives.
A University Program or Activity includes events, locations, or circumstances where the University has control, such as:
- On University property or in connection with聽University聽employment (including remote work);聽
- During University-sponsored programs (study abroad, internships, online courses, research, etc.);聽
- At events hosted by聽University-affiliated student groups or organizations.聽
Not every report will lead to a formal grievance process, but聽Title IX Coordinator聽will assess the situation and determine the appropriate next steps.聽
What to Expect from the Process
When a report of Prohibited Conduct is received, the University of 91吃瓜网 will assess the situation carefully and consistently. While each case is unique, the University applies established procedures to ensure fairness and equity.
After receiving a report, the Title IX Coordinator will conduct a preliminary assessment. This may include:聽
- Meeting with the individual who submitted the report聽
- Reviewing available evidence聽
- Consulting with relevant University offices, as appropriate聽聽
Pathways After the Assessment
After the initial assessment, there are three main options for how the University may proceed:聽
- Referral or Case Closure: If the conduct reported doesn鈥檛 meet the definition of Prohibited Conduct under this policy but may violate another University policy, the聽Title IX Coordinator聽may refer the matter to the appropriate office for further review and resolution. Alternatively, if the case does not聽warrant聽further action, it may be closed.聽
- Non-Investigative Proceedings: In some cases, the聽Title IX Coordinator聽may decide that non-investigative steps are the best approach. These steps focus on stopping the conduct, preventing its escalation, and addressing its effects. This can include offering supportive measures, providing education or arranging training, or conducting an inquiry into聽University聽processes/practices.鈥�
- Investigative Proceedings: When an individual is accused of violating the policy and investigative steps are necessary, the聽Title IX Coordinator聽will initiate investigative proceedings. This includes an investigation to determine whether the individual accused violated the policy.聽
Depending on the circumstances, investigative proceedings may be conducted in coordination with or by the University of Montana鈥檚聽聽to ensure consistency and compliance across the University system.
Support Throughout the Process
Dealing with a report of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation can be stressful and challenging. You don鈥檛 have to go through this process alone.
The Title IX Coordinator is here to offer clear, compassionate, and confidential support throughout each stage of the process. Our goal is to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity, understand their rights and options, and have access to the resources they need for support.
Title IX Coordinator聽can assist by:聽
- Explaining the grievance procedures and what to expect聽
- Connecting you with appropriate supportive measures聽
- Referring you聽to both confidential and non-confidential resources on campus or in the community聽
- Providing timely updates and clear communication throughout the process, as appropriate聽
- Supporting your ability to continue your work or studies during and after the process聽