The Complaint/Resolution Process and Time Limits
The formal complaint must be made within six months of the events complained about. In situations where the complainant is a student of the respondent or works for the respondent, the Officer may agree to extend this time limit up to a total of 12 months.
The Sexual Harassment Officer informs the respondent immediately, and provides a copy of the complaint.
Stage 1: Informal Resolution commences within 10 working days of the respondent's being notified.
Stage 1: Informal Resolution must be completed within 10 working days. If the complainant and the respondent reach an agreement, the process is then concluded.
If Stage 1 does not result in an agreement, the complainant must initiate Stage 2: Mediation within 20 working days.
Stage 2: Mediation must be completed within 10 working days. If the complainant and the respondent reach an agreement, the process is then concluded.
If Stage 2 does not result in a resolution, the complainant may request that the complaint be forwarded to Stage 3: a Formal Hearing. The complainant has 20 working days within which to make this request.
The request for a Formal Hearing is forwarded to the Vice-President, who will decide how to proceed, and will communicate this decision within 30 working days.
The Vice-President may decide: to take appropriate executive action to resolve the complaint; to dismiss the complaint; or to initiate a Formal Hearing.
Time limits may be extended at any time with the agreement of the complainant and the respondent.