This addendum modifies catalog content as indicated and supersedes all previous addenda. Page 33 / 35 2024-2025 ADDENDUM to the Rasmussen University Catalog and Student Handbook June 26, 2025 13. A victim/survivor may have a support person of their choice, who is not a fact witness, accompany them to any meeting or proceeding related to an alleged violation of this policy. a. The support person must comply with all rules and Rasmussen policies regarding their role. b. Involvement of a support person shall not be permitted if it results in undue delay of the meeting or proceeding. c. The support person may not participate or contribute to a meeting or proceeding unless invited to participate or contribute by the Rasmussen employee leading the meeting or proceeding. d. The support person may not engage in behavior or advocacy that harasses, abuses, or intimidates either party, a witness, or an individual resolving the alleged incident. e. Rasmussen may prohibit a support person from being involved in meetings or procedures for violations of this policy. 14. The victim/survivor is entitled to simultaneous, written notification of the outcome of the investigation, including information regarding appeal rights, within seven (7) days of a decision or sooner if required by state or federal law. 15. A victim/survivor who subsequently chooses to transfer to another postsecondary institution may request that Rasmussen provide them with information about resources for victims/survivors at the institution to which the victim/survivor is transferring. 16. Consistent with laws governing access to student records, a victim/survivor will be provided access to their description of the incident as it was reported to Rasmussen, including if the victim/survivor transfers to another institution. Investigation Procedures and Protocols Rasmussen shall process all reports to determine whether the conduct involved a Rasmussen education program or activity, or the provision of aid, benefits, or services to Rasmussen students. Rasmussen also refers to this process as an “Inquiry.” Upon initiating an investigation, Rasmussen shall notify all individuals who are believed to have documentary, electronic, or tangible evidence to preserve such evidence. Rasmussen may, in its sole discretion, conduct remotely any Title IX investigation, in whole or in part, using electronic and other remote means. Rasmussen shall coordinate its Title IX investigation with any other ongoing Rasmussen or criminal investigation of the incident. If the fact-finding portion of Rasmussen’s investigation is suspended due to the 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 or 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.
