REPORTS AND REFERRALS convey Notice to the University (through the Office for Equity & Compliance) of a potential incident of prohibited conduct under the Comprehensive Policy. They bring attention to a concern, and call for outreach and support to be offered to the harmed person (the Affected Party). Referrals are made on behalf of another, whereas Reports are made on one's own behalf. Either may be made anonymously, and submitted by anyone, whether or not they are affiliated with Loyola. Reports/Referrals are not a prerequisite to filing a Complaint, but they can be helpful as a first step to ensure the Affected Party is aware of their rights and resources if they are considering filing a Complaint.

USE FOR bringing the University's attention to a concern; initiating outreach to an Affected Party who may benefit from resources or support; initiating a Preliminary Review by OEC staff to consider the possibility of safety concerns or patterns of misconduct; fulfilling a Responsible Campus Partner's obligations; informing the University of a concern anonymously. 

UPON RECEIPT OF A REFERRAL OR REPORT the Affected Party or third-party reporter is automatically directed to information concerning the rights and resources available to Affected Parties (when submitted using the online form linked below). Unless a Report is anonymous, a representative of the OEC (or the Dean of Students Office for students) will contact the Affected Party to communicate the availability of supportive measures (which are available regardless of whether or not they choose to eventually file a Complaint) and to explain the process of filing a Complaint, as applicable to the circumstances.

The Affected Party will be invited to meet with a representative of the OEC (and/or Dean of Students Office, for students) to consider the Affected Party’s wishes with respect to supportive measures and any potential Complaint, and to answer any questions concerning the University’s applicable policies or procedures. 

Important Notes

• For the purposes of the Comprehensive Policy, Reports and Referrals are distinct and different from Complaints. It is important to understand the differences before taking any action.
• A Report or Referral can be submitted anonymously.
• A Report or Referral will NOT automatically generate a notification to the reported individual (Respondent).
• A Report or Referral will NOT automatically initiate an investigation or discipline.

Contact any staff member in the Office for Equity & Compliance for more information.

Submit a Report or Referral

COMPLAINTS convey Notice to the University (through the Office for Equity & Compliance) of any allegation of discrimination, sexual misconduct, retaliation, or other related offenses by a specific Student or employee Respondent (accused individual) under the Comprehensive Policy. Complaints initiate the Complaint Resolution Procedure ("CRP"), which includes a thorough and impartial investigation by professional staff, a Finding (either "Responsible" or "Not Responsible") for the alleged violation, and Administrative Resolution (also known as sanctioning) when a violation is substantiated.

USE COMPLAINTS for initiating the University’s CRP to investigate and adjudicate an alleged violation, which may result in disciplinary sanctions for a Respondent (if found Responsible).

UPON RECEIPT OF A COMPLAINT a written Notice of Allegations ("NOA") is provided to both Parties, typically at the same time. NOAs include a summary of the allegations, including (if known) the identity of the Parties involved, the nature of the alleged misconduct, the date and location of the alleged incident(s) (if known), the specific policies implicated, a description of the applicable University procedures, a reminder that retaliation is prohibited, and other information important for an equitable and fair process. NOAs also identify the assigned Equity Investigator (OEC staff) and provide Parties the opportunity to raise any concerns regarding a conflict of interest before the Parties are contacted by the Investigator.

CRP investigations include the thorough and impartial collection, review, and analysis of all relevant evidence by the Investigator. CRP investigations conclude with the Investigator making a Finding of either “Responsible” or “Not Responsible” for each alleged violation, based on the application of the Comprehensive Policy to the evidenced facts.

Important Notes:

• A Complaint may only be filed by an Affected Party (who becomes a "Complainant" upon filing) or initiated by the Executive Director of the OEC when necessary to ensure the safety and inclusivity of the University community. Complainants must be current or former Loyola students, faculty, or staff, or applicants for admission or employment.
• A Complaint cannot be filed anonymously.
• Any Respondent named in a Complaint will be informed of the allegations made in the Complaint. At least one Respondent must be identified and must be a Loyola student, faculty, or staff member (or a Recognized Student Organization).
• A Complaint initiates a formal investigation, but may in some cases be resolved through Alternative Resolution.
• A Complaint may be filed for any alleged misconduct under the Comprehensive Policy.

Contact any staff member in the Office for Equity & Compliance for more information.

File a Complaint