Understanding the Process
The University encourages individuals to report concerning behavior to the University Title IX Coordinator immediately. The applicable procedures followed to address sexual misconduct will depend on what occurred, your status in the Pepperdine community as a student, faculty, staff, volunteer, or third party, and the location of the incident. Sexual Misconduct is an umbrella term that includes all of the conduct prohibited below, except where noted in the Policy.
Please do not let legal complexities deter you from asking questions about the applicable definitions and procedures that will apply to you.
The University's Title IX Coordinator reviews all reports of sexual misconduct and is responsible for ensuring Title IX compliance on campus. Please see the complete Sexual Misconduct Policy to review the entire policy and procedures.
Your Rights and Options
"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." ~Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Individuals who experience gender-based harm have the right to seek help. Often, gender-based harm is perpetrated to gain control over another individual or disregard their autonomy. Our goal is to provide the Complainant with as much control over the process as possible while balancing Pepperdine's obligation to protect the Complainant and the community. This may take several forms:
- File a formal complaint
- Involved parties shall receive written notice of the allegation(s)
- The Respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct
- Involved parties may be assisted by an Advisor of their choice at pre-hearing meetings (e.g., meetings with the Title IX Coordinator or the investigator), hearing and appeal meetings, and informal resolution meetings
- Receive Supportive Measures
- Seek Confidential Support
- Request Informal Resolution