Sexual Misconduct and Title IX

Witness FAQs

I know a friend who is involved in an investigation. Does this mean I’ll need to meet with the investigator(s) too?

You may be asked to attend a meeting with the investigator(s) if it is determined that you may have relevant information to share. However, you are not compelled to participate in any investigation or hearing, and you are not required to answer all questions posed by the investigator(s). When a witness chooses not to participate in an investigation, ArtCenter will proceed with its process, and the investigator(s) will gather all available relevant information. If you do choose to share information during the investigation, you likely will be invited to a hearing, if one takes place, to also speak to the hearing officer(s) at that stage. Please note that if you share information in an investigation but then do not attend the hearing when invited to do so, any statements you provided prior to the hearing will not be considered by the hearing officers in their decision-making.

What resources are available to me?

There are both on-campus and off-campus resources available to you. You may also download a printable resource that offers an overview of ArtCenter’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, the formal grievance process, and other information.

I am concerned about possible retaliation. Whom can I talk to about my concerns?

ArtCenter has a strong policy prohibiting retaliation, and you are protected from retaliation. This means that it is prohibited for anyone to take adverse action against you, such as intimidating, threatening, coercing, harassing, or discriminating against you because you have participated in a process or chosen not to participate. ArtCenter takes steps to prevent retaliation, including educating all involved parties about the College’s policy. If you have concerns about potential retaliation or believe you have been retaliated against, you are encouraged to contact the Title IX Coordinator:

Brittany Raygoza
Director of Title IX Compliance and Programs
Brittany.raygoza@artcenter.edu
626 396-2340

I am worried about getting in trouble for something that occurred around the same time as the alleged incident, such as being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. What should I do?

ArtCenter offers amnesty for lower-level potential policy violations for witnesses and complainants, as deemed appropriate. Specifically, student complainants and witnesses are offered amnesty for minor violations of Student Handbook, such as the use of alcohol or other drugs, related to the alleged incident unless the violation is deemed egregious. At its discretion, ArtCenter may also offer employee complainants amnesty for certain minor violations of Employee Handbook policies occurring at or near the time of the alleged incident or as a result of the incident in question. Egregious violations that do not qualify for amnesty regardless of the student or employee status of an individual include physical abuse, illicit drug distribution, academic dishonesty, ethical or financial misconduct, or conduct that places the health or safety of another person at risk.

Do I need to bring anything with me to meet with the Title IX Coordinator or Investigator(s)?

You do not need to bring anything with you to meet with the Title IX Coordinator or investigators unless you have information that you would like to share with them, such as text messages, photos, or other digital or physical documentation.

Can I find out the outcome of the investigation and hearing?

As a witness, you will not receive information about the investigation report or the final determination of the matter. ArtCenter follows relevant privacy laws and best practices, and therefore the outcome is only shared with the complainant and respondent, as the people who are directly involved in the allegations.

However, if you share information during an investigation, you will be invited to review the investigator(s)’s notes from your respective meeting(s) with the investigator(s) to ensure that the College has accurately captured your account of the alleged incident.

What does the investigation process look like? How long will it take?

You can learn more about the formal grievance process on the Process and Procedures page.