Title IX Forms and Documents

Role of an Advisor in the Title IX Investigation Process

Any student who is involved in the investigation of an alleged violation of University Policy has the right to have an individual accompany them to meetings with the Title IX Office. This person serves as an Advisor.

It is important that students electing to have an advisor present at meetings understand the role that the advisor has in the process. The following are important things to know:

• An advisor is as a single individual that the student chooses to accompany them to meetings with Title IX. This individual can be a friend, parent, family member, attorney, or any other person the student chooses.
• The student will need to sign an Authorization and Release form for the advisor to be present at any meeting. The form allows staff to speak freely about the student's case when the advisor is present. The student can revoke the release form in writing if they choose to no longer have the individual serve as their advisor or have access to their disciplinary matter.
• The advisor serves as a support person for the student, but cannot advocate for the student at a meeting. The student is solely responsible for presenting their case and speaking with Title IX directly regarding their case.
• Although the advisor cannot speak for the student, the advisor can ask questions they may have about the investigation process. Title IX staff working with the student will attempt to answer any questions the advisor may have as appropriate.
• If the advisor is directly related to the case or if their presence poses a conflict of interest, Title IX staff may dismiss the advisor from a meeting. The advisor cannot be another student involved in the same referral either as an accused student, witness, or other person involved.
• Advisors may be dismissed from any proceedings if they disrupt the process. A goal of Title IX is to be educational in all aspects of the investigation process. When an advisor impedes the process by being disruptive, it takes this away from the student's experience.
• The student can choose to change their advisor. Because the advisor serves to assist the student through the process, the student can choose to change their advisor, or choose to proceed without an advisor in the process.
• If the student's advisor is an attorney, then Title IX may also be accompanied by an attorney.