FAQ
Respondents may want to retain legal counsel given the potential for criminal and/or
civil action. Santa Monica College does not provide legal counsel to students.
The college's primary relationship is to you, the student. College officials will
only speak with other individuals at your request or when there is a significant threat
to your health or safety.
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.
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).
You can visit Title IX Deputy Contacts or take a look at What Are My Options? to see who you should contact.