Student Title IX Glossary
Glossary of Certain Terms and Policy-Related Concepts
The following terms and concepts apply to the interpretation and application of the Title IX & Related Misconduct Policy and Procedures for Students.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Active Alum: An active alumnus is an individual who graduated from a Columbia University undergraduate or graduate degree-granting program (i.e., non-certificate programs) within the past six months, or an alumnus who is regularly involved in one or more of Columbia University’s associations or activities, or an alumnus who represents Columbia University in an official capacity.
Advisor: An individual chosen by a Party who may be, but need not be, an attorney and who may accompany that Party to any meeting or interview.
Attorney-Advisor: An advisor who is an attorney. The University assigns attorney-advisors to students who are a Party in a formal investigation under this Policy upon request or as needed to conduct questioning in a Title IX hearing.
C
Complainant: An individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute Prohibited Conduct under this Policy.
Confidentiality: Confidentiality may be offered by an individual who is not required by law to report known incidents of Prohibited Conduct to University officials, in a manner consistent with state and federal law.
Cross-Complaint: A case in which a Complainant and a Respondent each makes allegations of Prohibited Conduct by the other presents a cross-complaint. In such cases, the Parties will be referred to as Party A and Party B instead of as “Complainant” and “Respondent.” Each Party will have all of the same rights and be subject to the same procedures that apply to Complainants and Respondents. Cross-complaint allegations will be investigated and resolved simultaneously, other than in exceptional circumstances or at the discretion of the Investigative Team when that approach will create an undue delay. Cross-complaints involving a Columbia University student and a Barnard student may be investigated pursuant to a joint investigation, in the discretion of the Columbia and Barnard Title IX Coordinators, during which information may be shared between the Office and Barnard’s Office of Nondiscrimination and Title IX as necessary.
D
Disciplinary Probation: The student is no longer in good disciplinary standing for a specific period of time. The student is permitted to continue academic progress at the University.
Disciplinary Suspension: The student is temporarily separated from the University for a specified period of time. During this period, the student is ineligible to participate in any Columbia University affiliated academic or extracurricular activities. Additionally, the student is not permitted to enroll in classes at any other institution for the purpose of transferring credit back to Columbia University.
E
Expulsion: The student is permanently separated from the University and will not be permitted to return at any time.
F
Formal Complaint: A document filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging Prohibited Conduct against a Respondent and requesting that the University investigate.
P
Party: A Complainant or Respondent. The Complainant(s) and Respondent(s) are referred to collectively as the “Parties.” In a case where the Title IX Coordinator signs and files a complaint, the Title IX Coordinator is not a “Party.”
Privacy: Privacy may be offered by an individual when such individual is unable to offer confidentiality under the law but shall still not disclose information learned from a Party or witness more than necessary to comply with applicable laws, including informing appropriate University officials. Even University offices and employees who cannot guarantee confidentiality will maintain privacy to the greatest extent possible.
R
Relevant: Helping to show that an allegation of Prohibited Conduct is more or less likely to be true.
Respondent: An individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute Prohibited Conduct under this Policy.
S
Sanction: A consequence imposed upon a Respondent who has been determined to be Responsible for Prohibited Conduct.
Student: A person who has gained admission to the University, including a person who is not officially enrolled for a particular semester. Students include, but are not limited to, persons registered in any program or division of the University, whether for courses or research, and whether or not they are candidates for a degree or certificate. They also include persons who are on leave or suspended or continuing matriculants for any degree or certificate, as well as persons registered during any preceding terms and who have not since that time earned the degree or certificate or withdrawn from the University.
U
University: Columbia University only, not including Barnard College or Teachers College.