Revised July 25, 2025
Purdue University is committed to maintaining an environment that recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding and mutual respect; and encourages individuals to strive to reach their potential. Harassment in the workplace or the educational environment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Any employee, student, campus visitor or person participating in a University activity, whether on or off campus, who has experienced or witnessed discrimination and/or harassment is encouraged to report the incident(s) promptly. Prompt reporting of complaints is vital to the University’s ability to resolve the matter. Once the University has received a report of harassment and/or discrimination, the University will take any and all necessary and immediate steps to protect the Complainant. Such actions may include taking interim steps before the determination of the final outcome of an investigation. There are both informal and formal processes for resolving complaints of discrimination and harassment. A Complainant may elect to invoke either the Informal or Formal Resolution Process. If the Complainant finds that initial informal efforts are unsatisfactory, the Complainant may then seek formal resolution. A Complainant is not required to proceed with informal resolution before seeking formal resolution. The University has an obligation to respond to information of which it becomes aware, whether received directly or indirectly. That is, the University’s obligation may be triggered by a direct disclosure by those who have experienced potential discrimination or harassment or by gaining indirect knowledge of such information. For this reason, the University may initiate an investigation of circumstances that involve potential discrimination and/or harassment even where no complaint, formal or informal, has been filed. In those circumstances, the University may elect to investigate and, if warranted, impose disciplinary sanctions pursuant to these or other established University procedures. In matters involving alleged criminal conduct, the Complainant may notify, or decline to notify, local law enforcement at any time. The University may also make an independent determination to notify law enforcement and/or other authorities based on the nature of the complaint.
These Procedures outline the resolution processes that will be used to investigate and/or resolve a report of harassment and/or discrimination committed against a student, employee, consultant, independent contractor, or a person participating in or attempting to participate in a program or activity of Purdue University under the University’s Policies on Anti-Harassment (III.C.1) and Equal Opportunity and Equal Access (III.C.2) (the “Policies”). These Procedures apply to sexual misconduct matters, including Relationship Violence, Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence and Stalking, in addition to all other forms of prohibited discrimination and harassment. Title IX Harassment matters are addressed under the policy on Title IX Harassment (III.C.4) and the Procedures for Resolving Complaints of Title IX Harassment. These Procedures apply to all complaints of discrimination and/or harassment, whether the parties are students, recognized student organizations, employees, volunteers, campus visitors or persons participating in or attempting to participate in a University activity. Employees who are students involved in activities subject to these Procedures may be treated as students, employees or both at the sole option of the University. These Procedures govern conduct that occurs on and/or off campus or that impacts the educational or work experience of a member of the Purdue community. In particular, off-campus conduct is subject to these Procedures if 1) the conduct occurred in the context of an education program or activity of the University, or 2) the conduct has or had continuing adverse effects on campus or in an off-campus education program or activity.
University community members may bring inquiries and complaints about discrimination and/or harassment to the Campus Civil Rights Office, Office of the Dean of Students or the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance. The management of all complaints of discrimination and/or harassment, regardless of where they are initially received, and the implementation of these Procedures is the responsibility of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance. Any question of interpretation regarding these Procedures shall be referred to the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance for final determination. In addition, University community members may bring inquiries and complaints about Sexual Violence, Relationship Violence, Sexual Exploitation or Stalking to the Title IX Coordinator. Information regarding the Title IX Coordinator for each campus is available in the Anti-Harassment policy.
Advisory CommitteeThe committee composed of faculty and staff appointed by the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance upon the nomination of the Provost, a Chancellor, the University Senate, the Management and Professional Staff Advisory Committee, the Campus Support Staff Advisory Committee, a Vice President or Vice Chancellor, and a Dean to advise the Chancellors, Associate Vice President for Civil Rights, and Dean of Students pursuant to Section I of these Procedures.Complainant(s)A person or persons (1) employed by, consulting with or contracting with the University or (2) participating in or attempting to participate in a Purdue University program or activity who is making a complaint under the Informal Resolution Process or the Formal Resolution Process.Campus Civil Rights OfficeThe following University offices: (1) on the West Lafayette campus, the Office for Civil Rights or the Office of the Dean of Students; (2) on the Fort Wayne campus, the Office for Civil Rights Compliance or the Office of Student Conduct and Care; and (3) on the Purdue Northwest Hammond and Westville campuses, the Office for Civil Rights or the Office of the Dean of Students.DaysCalendar days.Eligible DesigneeAn individual to whom the Chancellor, Associate Vice President for Civil Rights, or Dean of Students delegates their authority under these Procedures. All Eligible Designees must receive appropriate annual training and be approved to serve in this role by the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance.Formal ComplaintA complaint filed pursuant to Section I of these Procedures.Formal Resolution ProcessThe process for resolving complaints of discrimination and/or harassment set forth in Section I of these Procedures. The Formal Resolution Process involves the filing of a Formal Complaint, an investigation, a determination as to whether one or both of the University Policies has been violated and, as appropriate, the imposition of sanctions and remedial measures.Informal ComplaintA complaint made pursuant to Section H of these Procedures.Informal Resolution ProcessThe process for resolving complaints of discrimination and/or harassment set forth in Section H of these Procedures. The Informal Resolution Process is designed to empower the parties to an Informal Complaint to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.PoliciesThe University’s policies on Anti-Harassment (III.C.1) and on Equal Opportunity and Equal Access (III.C.2).ProceduresThe procedures set forth in this document.Regulations Governing Student ConductThe rules and procedures that govern student conduct and disciplinary action as set forth by each campus.Respondent(s)The person or persons whose conduct is the subject of concern under these Procedures.UniversityAny campus, unit, program, association or entity of Purdue University, including but not limited to Purdue University Fort Wayne, Purdue University Northwest, Purdue University West Lafayette, Purdue Cooperative Extension Service and Purdue Polytechnic Institute Statewide.University-Initiated InvestigationAn investigation initiated by the University in the absence of a Formal Complaint submitted by a Complainant. In a University-Initiated Investigation, a Respondent will be provided with written notice of the allegations forming the basis of the University-Initiated Investigation, and Section I of these Procedures will govern such investigations to the greatest extent practicable.University InvestigatorA person appointed by the Associate Vice President for Civil Rights, Chancellor or Dean of Students to investigate a Formal Complaint pursuant to Section I of these Procedures. Any individual designated to conduct an investigation must receive appropriate annual training and be approved to serve in this role by the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance. A University Investigator may be a University employee or an external professional.
The University is committed to treating all members of the community with dignity, care and respect. Any individual affected by Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence, Sexual Exploitation, Stalking or Relationship Violence, whether as a Complainant, a Respondent or a third party, will have equal access to support consistent with their needs and available University resources.A first step for any Complainant or third-party witness may be choosing how to proceed following an incident of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence, Sexual Exploitation, Stalking and/or Relationship Violence. The University recognizes that deciding whether to make a report and choosing how to proceed can be difficult decisions. The University encourages any individual who has questions or concerns to seek the support of campus and community resources. These professionals can provide information about available resources and procedural options and assist either party in the event that a report and/or resolution under the Policies or the Procedures are pursued. Individuals are encouraged to use all available resources, regardless of when or where the incident occurred.
The University is committed to providing a number of support services to University community members who experience Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence, Sexual Exploitation, Stalking or Relationship Violence incidents. Resources available to University community members include a variety of campus and community-based service providers and professionals.Additionally, Purdue provides its students with professional staff who can assist students who have been subjected to Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence, Sexual Exploitation, Stalking or Relationship Violence with academic and advocacy/support services. The Title IX Coordinator and professional staff within the Office of the Dean of Students are available to assist students with the imposition of interim remedial and protective measures set forth in Section E, including the following:
A list of counseling, advocacy and other support services for each campus is listed in Appendix A.
To file an Informal Complaint, a Complainant must submit the Informal Complaint Form online, in person or via electronic mail. The Complaint Information Form must be submitted to the Campus Civil Rights Office within 120 days of the incident of discrimination or harassment or, where the discrimination or harassment is of an ongoing nature, within 120 days from the most recent incident. The Campus Civil Rights Office can provide assistance in completing the Informal Complaint Form. Participation in the Informal Resolution Process is voluntary, and a Complainant may ask to conclude the process at any time. The Campus Civil Rights Office will take steps to ensure the privacy of the Complainant and Respondent during the Informal Resolution Process to the extent maintenance of privacy does not interfere with the University’s obligation to address allegations of discrimination and/or harassment.The initial assessment of Informal Complaints, as described in section H.2 below, will be completed as follows:
Within five days following receipt of the Informal Complaint, the Chancellor, Dean of Students, or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights shall make a determination as to (a) whether or not the status of the Complainant or Respondent(s) places the matters complained of outside of the scope of one or both of the Policies; (b) whether or not the allegations set forth in the Informal Complaint, if substantiated, would constitute a violation of one or both of the Policies; and (c) whether or not there is reasonable cause to believe that the Respondent(s) has violated one or both of the Policies. If (a) the status of the Complainant or Respondent(s) places the matters complained of outside of the scope of one or both of the Policies; (b) such allegations, if substantiated, would not constitute a violation of one or both of the Policies; or (c) there is not reasonable cause to believe that the Respondent(s) has violated one or both of the Policies, the Chancellor, Dean of Students, or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights shall dismiss the Informal Complaint, and that decision shall be final. The Chancellor, Dean of Students, or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights shall provide the Complainant and Respondent(s) with written notice of such dismissal.
In consultation with the Chancellor, Associate Vice President for Civil Rights or Dean of Students, as the case may be, the Campus Civil Rights Office may take appropriate steps to resolve the Informal Complaint. Possible resolutions by agreement of the parties may include, but are not limited to: an apology to the Complainant; assisting the Respondent to better understand the effects of their conduct and ways in which this behavior could be changed; participation in educational programs about equal opportunity or harassment; verbal or written reprimands; or other interventions or actions aimed at ending the discrimination or harassment, preventing its recurrence, and addressing its effects.Prior to completing the Informal Resolution Process, and/or upon the Complainant’s request in writing, a Chancellor, the Dean of Students or the Associate Vice President for Civil Rights may determine that no purpose is served by pursuing the Informal Resolution Process and may refer the Complaint to the Formal Resolution Process.The Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights shall provide the Complainant and Respondent(s) with written notice of such dismissal from the Informal Resolution Process, and that decision shall be final. Subject to the provisions in Section E (Time Frames) above, the Complainant may elect to file a Formal Complaint within 10 days following the conclusion of the Informal Resolution Process.
The Informal Resolution Process is designed to empower the parties to an Informal Complaint to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. The Informal Resolution Process will be concluded by one of the following: (1) a decision to stop further action on the Informal Complaint, (2) a resolution of the Informal Complaint by agreement of the parties or (3) initiation of the Formal Resolution Process.The Campus Civil Rights Office will attempt to conclude the Informal Resolution Process within 30 days. Within 10 days following conclusion of the Informal Resolution Process, the Campus Civil Rights Office must complete and submit a Status Report Form. A copy of the Status Report Form is to be submitted to the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance or Chancellor.
Subject to the time frames identified in Section E above, a Formal Complaint may be filed as the first course of action or following an Informal Complaint if there is no mutually acceptable resolution during the Informal Resolution Process. The University also may initiate an investigation in the absence of a Formal Complaint by a Complainant.To file a Formal Complaint, a Complainant must complete the Formal Complaint Form online, in person or via electronic mail. The complaint must be dated by the Complainant and describe the alleged incident(s) with the relevant date(s), name(s) of the Respondent(s) and name(s) of witness(es). The Campus Civil Rights Office can provide assistance in completing the Formal Complaint Form.The initial assessment of Formal Complaints, as described in section I.4 below, will be completed as follows:
Where initiated to a full investigation, Formal Complaints or University-Initiated Investigations in which a student or recognized student organization is named as a Respondent will be adjudicated by the Dean of Students for each campus in accordance with Sections I and J of these Procedures.Where initiated to a full investigation, Formal Complaints or University-Initiated Investigations against employees, including faculty and staff, will be adjudicated by the appropriate Chancellor (or designee) or the Associate Vice President for Civil Rights pursuant to Sections I and J of these Procedures
Generally within five days of receipt of a Formal Complaint, the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights will assign a University Investigator to investigate the Formal Complaint. Persons eligible to serve as University Investigators shall be designated by the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance. The University Investigator must have sufficient training and/or experience to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. In the event the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights made a determination pursuant to section I.4 of these Procedures to dismiss the Formal Complaint, no University Investigator will be assigned and the notification as outlined below will not be sent.The Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights will provide prompt notification, including a copy of the Formal Complaint or notice of allegations, to the Complainant, the Respondent(s), to the department head or supervisor and to the appropriate Vice President, Dean or head of other major unit. The Formal Complaint or notice of allegations will be delivered through certified or express mail, electronic mail or hand delivery. In the event the Respondent is a student or recognized student organization, the Dean of Students is the appropriate Dean. The notification to the Respondent(s) will include a copy of the Formal Complaint, or, in University-Initiated Investigations, a statement of allegations, and a copy of or link to the relevant University Policy and these Procedures.The Respondent(s) will be requested to respond in writing to the Formal Complaint within a reasonable time, not to exceed 10 days from the date of certified or express mailing, electronic mailing or hand delivery of the notification of the Formal Complaint. Any extension of time must be approved by the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights. In the event that an investigation is undertaken in accordance with Section I.5 of these Procedures, a copy of the Respondent(s)’s response will be provided to the Complainant.
In a University-Initiated Investigation, a Respondent will be provided with written notice of the allegations forming the basis of the University-Initiated Investigation, and Section I of these Procedures will govern such investigation to the greatest extent practicable.A Complainant or impacted party who may have been subject to discrimination or harassment that forms the basis of a University-Initiated Investigation shall (1) be provided with written notice that the University has commenced a University-Initiated Investigation; (2) receive a copy of any written response submitted by the Respondent(s); (3) be afforded an opportunity to review the investigation report; (4) upon request, be afforded an opportunity to meet with the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights and the panel in connection with the University-Initiated Investigation; (5) be provided with written notice of the determination of whether a violation of one or both of the Policies occurred and any sanction or remedial measures imposed in connection with the violation; and (6) be afforded the right to appeal such determination, sanctions or remedial measures in accordance with Section L.4.
Within five days following receipt of the Formal Complaint, the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights shall make a determination as to (a) whether or not the status of the Complainant or Respondent(s) places the matters complained of outside of the scope of one or both of the Policies; (b) whether or not the allegations set forth in the Formal Complaint, if substantiated, would constitute a violation of one or both of the Policies; and (c) whether or not there is reasonable cause to believe that the Respondent(s) has violated one or both of the Policies. If (a) the status of the Complainant or Respondent(s) places the matters complained of outside of the scope of one or both of the Policies; (b) such allegations, if substantiated, would not constitute a violation of one or both of the Policies; or (c) there is not reasonable cause to believe that the Respondent(s) has violated one or both of the Policies, the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights shall dismiss the Formal Complaint, and that decision shall be final. The Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights shall provide the Complainant and Respondent(s) with written notice of such dismissal.The Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights may dismiss a Formal Complaint or any allegations contained in the Formal Complaint if, at any time during the Formal Resolution Process:
The Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights shall provide the Complainant and Respondent(s) with written notice of such dismissal, and that decision shall be final.
In the event that the Formal Complaint is not dismissed, a copy of the Respondent(s)’ response, if any, will be provided to the Complainant. The University Investigator will conduct a thorough fact-finding investigation and will meet separately with both the Complainant and the Respondent(s), interview pertinent witnesses and review relevant documents regarding the Formal Complaint. The University Investigator may consider all relevant information, including evidence of pattern or prior misconduct by the Respondent, credibility of the parties and witnesses, and in very limited circumstances, any prior sexual history of the Complainant with the Respondent. Both parties will be provided the opportunity to provide information and names of witnesses to the University Investigator.The investigation shall be completed within 45 days following the assignment of the Formal Complaint to the University Investigator, unless an extension of time for good cause is approved by the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights.
Within 10 days following the conclusion of the investigation, the University Investigator will submit an investigation report to the Complainant (or impacted party in the case of a University-Initiated Investigation); the Respondent(s); and the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights. The report will include findings based upon a preponderance of the evidence that (a) the allegations cannot be substantiated or some or all of the allegations are substantiated, (b) a statement as to whether the Formal Complaint was knowingly false or malicious, and (c) if material to the determination as to whether or not a violation of one or both of the Policies has occurred, an assessment of the credibility of the Complainant and the Respondent(s). No violation of University policy will be presumed unless a preponderance of the evidence standard supports the finding of a violation. This preponderance of the evidence standard requires that the facts and information supporting each finding are more convincing than the facts and information offered in opposition to such finding. The report will include the basis upon which the University Investigator reached their conclusions. The report also will include the University Investigator’s determination of whether a violation of one or both of the Policies has occurred. The University Investigator also will make available to the Complainant (or impacted party in the case of a University-Initiated Investigation) and the Respondent(s) an opportunity to review the evidence furnished in the matter.
No earlier than 10 days and no more than 15 days from receipt of the University Investigator’s report, the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights will convene a meeting with and seek advice from a three-member panel selected by the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights from the Advisory Committee consisting of at least one participant who is a member of the faculty and one participant who is not a member of the faculty. At least two members of the panel shall be representatives of the campus from which the Formal Complaint or University-Initiated Investigation originated. Prior to the meeting, members of the panel shall be furnished with a copy of the University Investigator’s report and copies of any complaint or response of the parties. At the meeting, the panel will be afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the University Investigator. Upon request, the Complainant and the Respondent will be afforded an opportunity to meet with the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights and the panel to make a brief statement and to answer any questions that they may have.Within 10 days following the meeting with the panel from the Advisory Committee, the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights shall make a written determination whether a violation of one or both of the Policies has occurred and whether the Formal Complaint was knowingly false or malicious.In the event the charge of discrimination and/or harassment is not substantiated following the written determination of the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights, reasonable efforts may be taken to restore the Respondent(s) to their prior status.
At the West Lafayette campus, sanctions will be determined by the appropriate Vice President or Dean and the Associate Vice President for Civil Rights. In the event of a disagreement between the Associate Vice President for Civil Rights and the designated Vice President or Dean, the Associate Vice President for Civil Rights will refer the disagreement to the Provost for resolution. In the case of a student or recognized student organization, sanctions will be determined and imposed by the Dean of Students.At the Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses, sanctions will be determined and imposed by the Chancellor (or designee), except that sanctions for students and recognized student organizations will be determined and imposed by the Dean of Students.The Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights will send the Complainant (or impacted party in the case of a University-Initiated Investigation) and the Respondent the written determination and final outcome of the matter, including sanctions, if any, by certified or express mail, electronic mail or hand delivery. The determination will include the rationale, a description of the parties’ appeal rights and any changes in the outcome before it becomes final. The appropriate Vice President, Vice Chancellor, Vice Provost or Dean is responsible for imposing the sanction.Sanctions will be decided on a case-by-case basis and will be in accordance with University policy. Possible sanctions for employees include, but are not limited to, the following: a letter of reprimand, suspension or leave of absence without pay, reassignment of teaching or other responsibilities, removal of graduate faculty certification, denial of a merit pay increase, demotion, probation or termination. Sanctions for students are listed in the Regulations Governing Student Conduct and may include, without limitation, verbal or written warnings, restrictions, probation, probated suspension, suspension or expulsion.Except as provided herein, sanctions imposed pursuant to these Procedures may not be appealed or made the subject of a grievance under any other University policy.Failure to abide by the sanctions imposed by the date specified, whether by refusal, neglect, or any other reason, may result in additional sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination from the University.If the accused is a faculty member and the sanction is to recommend termination of employment, the procedures for termination of a faculty member (as outlined in Executive Memorandum No. B-48 or its successor) will be followed; provided, however, that the report of the University Investigator and the written determination of the Chancellor or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights shall be accepted into evidence at the faculty member’s termination hearing without the necessity of the Complainant (or impacted party in the case of a University-Initiated Investigation) testifying as a witness.Remedial measures for students, faculty and staff will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Such measures may include providing an escort to ensure safe movement on campus; ensuring that the Complainant and Respondent do not share classes or extracurricular activities; reassignment of residence halls; tutoring or other academic support; arranging for extra time to complete or re-take a class or withdraw from a class without academic or financial penalty; job reassignment; targeted training for a group of students, faculty or staff; and other remedies that can be tailored to the needs of the parties.
Retaliation against any person for reporting or complaining of discrimination and/or harassment, assisting or participating in the investigation of a complaint of discrimination and/or harassment, or enforcing University Policies with respect to discrimination and/or harassment is strictly prohibited. Overt or covert acts of reprisal, interference, restraint, penalty, discrimination, intimidation or harassment against an individual or group for exercising rights or performing duties under these Procedures will be subject to appropriate and prompt disciplinary or remedial action.
The Complainant (or impacted party in the case of a University-Initiated Investigation) and the Respondent each have the right to appeal the decision of the Chancellor, Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Civil Rights and imposition of any sanction to the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance. The appeal must be in writing with all supporting materials attached and filed in person, via courier, or via postal or electronic mail within seven days of the issuance of notification of the decision. Decisions not appealed within such time are deemed final. A copy of any appeal will be furnished to the Complainant (or impacted party in the case of a University-Initiated Investigation) or the Respondent(s), as the case may be. Each party may provide a response to the appeal. The response to the appeal must be in writing with all supporting materials attached and received in person, via courier, or via postal or electronic mail within seven days of the issuance of notification of the appeal.The appeal shall consist of a concise and complete written statement outlining the grounds for appeal and all relevant information to substantiate the basis for the appeal. Appeals are not intended to open a new investigation of the complaint. In most cases, appeals are confined to a review of the written documentation and pertinent documentation regarding the grounds for appeal. The appeal will be conducted in an impartial manner.The Vice President for Ethics and Compliance will issue a decision on the appeal to all parties involved. Normally this decision will be made within 20 days from the date the appeal was received. The Vice President for Ethics and Compliance may (1) uphold or reverse the finding, (2) decrease or increase the sanction(s), and/or (3) take other action as deemed appropriate by the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance. The written decision of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance on the appeal shall constitute the University’s final action.
Any person may file a complaint with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Information regarding filing charges with any of these agencies may be obtained from the Office for Civil Rights on the West Lafayette campus.
Equal Opportunity and Equal Access Policy (III.C.2)Anti-Harassment Policy (III.C.1)
Revisions to these procedures took effect on the following dates: