This addendum modifies catalog content as indicated and supersedes all previous addenda. Page 28 / 29 2024-2025 ADDENDUM to the Rasmussen University Catalog and Student Handbook February 27, 2025 existence of a criminal investigation, it shall resume promptly once law enforcement officials have completed their evidence-gathering and have authorized Rasmussen to proceed with its investigation. At the direction of law enforcement authorities, Rasmussen may assist with obtaining, securing, and maintaining evidence in connection with a sexual assault incident. Dismissal of an Allegation/Grievance Rasmussen may dismiss a Title IX allegation of misconduct or grievance, if at any time during an inquiry or investigation: • The alleged conduct does not meet the Title IX definition of sexual harassment; • Rasmussen is unable to identify the Respondent after taking reasonable steps to do so; • The Respondent is no longer participating in Rasmussen’s education program or activity and is not employed by Rasmussen; • The alleged conduct did not occur within Rasmussen’s educational program or activity or outside of the United States; • A complainant notifies the Title IX Coordinator in writing of their decision to withdraw the formal grievance. However, withdrawing the formal grievance does not necessarily mean that the complainant is retracting their allegations. The Title IX Coordinator will assess whether the alleged conduct presents an ongoing risk to the campus community and may determine that the grievance process should proceed despite the withdrawal. Factors such as the severity of the allegations, potential threats to others, and the institution’s obligations under Title IX will be considered in making this determination; or • Rasmussen determines, after reasonable efforts to clarify the allegation in the report, that the conduct alleged in the report, even if proven, would not constitute sex-based harassment. Where Rasmussen has determined to dismiss a Title IX allegation/grievance, it will promptly notify the Complainant, provide the basis for the dismissal, and notify the Complainant that a dismissal may be appealed (as described below). If the dismissal occurs after the Respondent has been notified of the allegations, then Rasmussen will notify the Respondent of the dismissal and the basis for the dismissal promptly following notification to the Complainant, or simultaneously if notification is in writing. Upon dismissal, Rasmussen will offer supportive measures to the parties as appropriate. Informal Resolution Process After a formal grievance is filed, an informal resolution process may be offered. With mutual agreement from both parties, Rasmussen may facilitate an informal resolution process, except in cases involving sexual violence. The Title IX Coordinator may informally discuss possible remedies and sanctions with the Complainant and the Respondent separately to ascertain if a satisfactory informal resolution can be reached, only after the parties receive a full disclosure of the allegations and options for formal resolution. Rasmussen shall refrain from asking a Complainant to resolve problems directly with the Respondent. During the informal resolution process supportive measures may be made available. Rasmussen may facilitate an informal resolution process that does not involve a full investigation and adjudication after providing written notice to the parties that discloses: the allegations; the requirements of the informal resolution process, including the circumstances under which it precludes the parties from resuming grievance procedures arising from the same allegations (provided, however, that at any time prior to agreeing to a resolution, any party has the right to withdraw from the informal resolution process and resume the grievance process with respect to the allegations); and any consequences resulting from participating in the informal resolution process, including notice that an informal resolution agreement is binding on only the parties, and the records that will be maintained or could be shared. Parties must provide voluntary, written consent to participate in the informal resolution process and at any time may end the informal resolution process and begin the formal investigative process. If an informal resolution can be reached, the remedies and sanctions to which the parties agree shall be imposed. If a resolution cannot be reached, the Title IX Coordinator shall proceed with the investigation process. Rasmussen will not offer or facilitate an informal resolution process to resolve allegations that an employee engaged in sex-based harassment against a student. Rasmussen also may decline to offer or facilitate an
