Frequently Asked Questions for Alleged Accused (Respondent)

In an Emergency 24/7

From any campus phone,
call 4300 or 911

From a mobile phone,
call SMC dispatch
310-434-4300

If off-campus, call 911

If you have been accused of sexual misconduct, do not contact the victim/survivor (Complainant). You may want to speak with someone in the campus community who can act as an advisor. The Compliance Administrator/Title IX Coordinator, Lisa Winter, at 310-434-4225, winter_lisa@smc.edu, can explain the college’s grievance procedures for addressing sexual misconduct complaints. You may also want to seek confidential counseling through the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing or through the EASE program for employees or seek support through off-campus services in the community.

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What about legal advice?

Will anyone be told?

Can a student be charged with something on-campus and off-campus?

Yes, complainants have the right to pursue both campus resolution of a complaint as well as civil and/or criminal resolution. It is up to the complainant to decide how they want to proceed. The colleges' processes will move forward regardless if there is criminal or civil legal action taken regarding the same incident.

Respondent's Rights

Throughout this process, both the complainant and respondent have the following rights:

To be treated with respect by District officials.
To take advantage of campus support resources, such as Psychological Services, Student Health Services, etc.
To experience a safe education and work environment.
To have an advisor during an adjudication process.
To be free of retaliation.
To have complaints heard in accordance with policy and procedures.
To fully participate in any process whether the injured party is serving as the complainant, or where the institution is serving as the complainant.
To be informed in writing of the progress of the investigation.
To be notified concurrently, and in writing, of the outcome/resolution of the complaint, of any sanctions imposed, and the basis for the determination, and the right of appeal (when applicable).