14.4. Definition of Roles

14.4.1 Advisor

An individual who serves in support of a Party to the Title IX process. The Advisor’s essential role is to conduct cross-examination at a live hearing. A Party may select an Advisor of their choosing, who may, or may not be an attorney. A Party may also request that the University provide an Advisor for them. Parties may have their Advisor present at any meeting or hearing throughout the process. A Party must notify the Title IX Coordinator to include their Advisor on correspondence and prior to any attendance. Advisors will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement covering certain private or confidential information learned or accessed in their participation in the process. University Advisors are only guaranteed for preparation and attendance at a hearing to conduct cross-examination. 

14.4.2 Complainant

An individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment and violation of this policy. A complainant must be participating in, or attempting to participate in, the University’s educational programs or activity at the time of filing a formal complaint. A Complainant may be referred to in this policy as a “Party” or collectively with the Respondent as “Parties” to the case.

14.4.3 Confidential Resources

Students age 18 or older seeking confidential resources may consult with the University Counseling Center. In the State of Georgia licensed counselors and clergy are the only Parties that may be allowed to maintain confidentiality.

14.4.4 Hearing Officer

The Hearing Officer administers the hearing and appeals processes and ensures that the proper policy is followed throughout. While the Hearing Officer is present during Hearing Panel and Appeals Committee deliberations, the Hearing Offices does not have a vote in either.

14.4.6 Investigator

The Investigator is a trained individual, typically a University employee, who is responsible for interviewing the Complainant, Respondent and any Witnesses. The Investigator gathers all evidence and assembles an investigative report that is provided to the Hearing Panel. A given case may be assigned an additional assistant Investigator to support the principal Investigator.

14.4.7 Respondent

An individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment. A Respondent may be referred to in this policy as a “Party” or collectively with the Complainant as “Parties” to the case.

14.4.8 Title IX Coordinator

The Title IX Coordinator is the University official who is designated to coordinate efforts to comply with and carry out the University’s responsibilities under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which prohibits sex discrimination in education programs and activities. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the University’s policies and responses to all reports and complaints involving possible sex discrimination. This includes monitoring outcomes, identifying and addressing any patterns, and assessing effects on the campus climate. The Title IX Coordinator will be involved in managing proper policy and procedure throughout any grievance process and appeal.

14.4.9 Witness(es)

Witnesses are individuals who have knowledge relevant to a determination of responsibility of a policy violation in a given complaint. A Complainant and Respondent may submit the names of Witnesses to the Investigator to be interviewed for the investigative report.

At the hearing, Witnesses previously submitted by the Parties may be called to sit before the Panel. If called, Witnesses are in the hearing room only during the time they are testifying. Witnesses answer questions from the Hearing Panel, and the Parties’ Advisors.