Title IX Sanctions and Remedies

Student Sanctions 

The following are the usual sanctions that may be imposed upon students or organizations singly or in combination1:  

  • Reprimand: A formal statement that the conduct was unacceptable and a warning that further violation of any College Handbook, procedure, or directive will result in more severe sanctions/responsive actions 
  • Required Training or Counseling: A mandate to meet with and engage in either College-sponsored or external counseling to better comprehend the misconduct and its effects. 
  • Restrictions: A student may be restricted in their activities, including, but not limited to, being restricted from locations, programs, participation in certain activities or extracurriculars, study abroad, or holding leadership roles in student organizations 
  • Probation: An official sanction, providing for more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found in violation of any policy, procedure, or directive within a specified period of time. Terms of the probation will be articulated and may include denial of specified social privileges, exclusion from co-curricular activities, exclusion from designated areas of campus, no-contact orders, and/or other measures deemed appropriate.  
  • Suspension: Separation from the College, or one or more of its facilities, for a defined period of time, typically not to exceed two (2) years, after which the student is eligible to return. Eligibility may be contingent upon satisfaction of specific conditions noted at the time of suspension, on successfully applying for readmission, or upon a general condition that the student is eligible to return if the College determines it is appropriate to re-enroll/readmit the student. The student is typically required to vacate College property within 24 hours of notification of the action, though this deadline may be extended at the discretion of the OWA or other appropriate official. During a College-wide suspension, the student is banned from College property, functions, events, and activities unless they receive prior written approval from an appropriate College official. This sanction may be enforced with a trespass action, as necessary.  
  • Permanent Dismissal: Permanent separation from the College. The student is banned from Western Iowa Tech property, and the student’s presence at any College-sponsored activity or event is prohibited. This action may be enforced with a trespass action, as necessary.  
  • Other Actions: In addition to, or in place of, the above sanctions, the College may assign any other sanctions as deemed appropriate 

Employee Sanctions

For faculty and staff, sanctions could range from warning, reprimand, suspension with or without pay, demotion, or termination of employment, and may include such other forms of disciplinary action as appropriate under applicable College procedures, handbooks/manuals, or contracts. If a final decision imposes disciplinary action which constitutes termination of college personnel entitled to the hearing/judicial review procedures of Iowa Code chapter 279, such procedures shall be followed as required by law.  

Long-term Remedies/Sanctions

Sanctions may also include supportive measures regarding the complainant. The College will also consider providing remedies for the broader campus community, as may be necessary to remedy the effects of sexual harassment.