Non-Disciplinary Problem Solving Options

Victim/survivors who may not want to take formal action against perpetrators of violence have a few informal, non-disciplinary options that may help them meet their needs.

Options through EOT

1. Notice and Resource Letter

The Office for Equal Opportunity and Title IX (EOT) can send a Notice & Resources letter to the respondent that communicates some or all of the following:

the complainant’s report that the respondent engaged in unwelcome or nonconsensual sexual conduct;
the negative impact of this conduct on the complainant;
that EOT is not initiating an investigation at this time because the complainant does not want one or for another identified reason;
information about the University’s policies prohibiting sexual misconduct and retaliation;
information about resources for education and personal support, potentially including an invitation for the respondent to meet with a resource to discuss the reported conduct; and
at the complainant’s request, a statement that the complainant does not want any further contact with the respondent.

Complainants can meet with an Aurora advocate or contact EOT directly to learn more about this option.

2. Report without initiating a formal grievance process

In many cases where the Respondent is a student, EOT can take a report without initiating any formal grievance process, if desired by the Complainant. They can keep the report in their records without taking any action, including notifying the Respondent. This option is typically not available if the Respondent engaged in the misconduct in their role of an employee; if the Respondent has been reported to EOT in the past; or if there is a larger campus safety concern regarding the Respondent or incident (i.e. if weapons were involved). Individuals interested in this option should contact EOT to see if it will be available in their specific circumstances. You may want to withhold identifying information about the Respondent until you are assured that this option is available to you.

Options through Aurora and SAS

Voluntary Agreement

In cases where both parties are students at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, The Aurora Center can work with complainants (victim/survivors) and Student Advocate Services can work with respondents (individuals accused) to help both parties come up with a Voluntary Agreement instead of pursuing an investigation which may lead to disciplinary outcomes. The voluntary agreement process is initiated by a complainant and moves forward if the respondent agrees to participate.

The voluntary agreement process provides complainants and respondents with a structured process in which they can reach a voluntary written agreement aimed at addressing concerns of sexual misconduct. This process is intended to 1) inform the respondent that the complainant believes that the respondent engaged in sexual misconduct; 2) help the respondent to avoid engaging in behavior that has a further negative impact on the complainant or has a similar impact on others in the future; and/or 3) address the harm caused to the complainant and possibly to the community by the respondent’s conduct. The complainant and the respondent are not required to meet face-to-face during the voluntary agreement process.

Participation in a voluntary agreement process does not impact either party’s rights to initiate a University or law enforcement investigation into the behavior at issue. However, the voluntary agreement process is not available if a University or law enforcement investigation of the reported sexual misconduct is in process or has been pursued to conclusion.

Victim/survivors must contact The Aurora Center to discuss if their situation is eligible to pursue a voluntary agreement. Some agreements could result in No Contact Orders, STI testing, or asking the Respondent to participate in STARRSA or other prevention/consent education.