2025-2026 CATALOG AND STUDENT HANDBOOK ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES 147 ALL CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY ADDENDUM 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. 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 informal resolution process where Rasmussen determines that the alleged conduct would present a future risk of harm to others. The trauma-informed facilitator for the informal resolution process will not be the same person as the Investigator or the Decisionmaker, will not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against Complainants or Respondents generally or an individual Complainant or Respondent; and will receive appropriate training. Formal Title IX Grievance Conduct that constitutes or may be construed as a Title IX violation is strictly prohibited. Any incident that meets the criteria of a Title IX Offense and for which the Complainant elects to file a formal grievance will be addressed through the Title IX Grievance Procedures, ensuring a prompt, fair, and impartial process in compliance with federal and state regulations. The formal grievance process will include a live hearing with cross-examination. Prohibition Against Retaliation Title IX prohibits retaliation, including peer retaliation, against an individual because the individual participated or refused to participate, in any manner, in Rasmussen’s investigation. Rasmussen shall take steps to prevent retaliation and shall promptly investigate any alleged retaliation, including threats, intimidation, coercion, or discrimination. Rasmussen shall take appropriate steps to address any alleged retaliation. Amnesty for Good Faith Reporters To encourage reporting, Rasmussen may grant amnesty from disciplinary action for other policy violations, such as alcohol or drug use, disclosed in connection with a good faith report of sexual misconduct. Prevention, Education, and Training Rasmussen shall provide prevention and awareness educational programs to new and existing students and employees, including without limitation those employees who change positions in a manner altering their duties under Title IX. Training on this policy and Rasmussen’s Title IX obligations will be provided to students and employees. The training will include but is not limited to primary prevention and risk reduction strategies, consent education, and bystander intervention. Weapons Policy Rasmussen University prohibits the possession of weapons of any kind inside campus buildings. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, firearms, BB/pellet guns, slingshots, paint guns, arrows, swords and knives other than cooking utensils and utility/pocket knives with a blade length of 3 inches or less. Prohibited items include weapons that are loaded or unloaded, functioning or non-functioning, and anything that could be perceived as a weapon, including toys and weapons used for decorative, display, and/or simulation purposes. This policy applies to all staff, faculty, students, and visitors with the exception of licensed peace officers and law enforcement/security agents as allowed by applicable statute. The approved storage and use of weapons for training purposes as part of a School of Justice Studies program is permitted. This policy includes both campus buildings and off-site events sponsored and controlled by the University including graduation ceremonies, internships, and clinical sites. This policy does not include Rasmussen University parking lots, where weapons are allowed to be stored in private vehicles unless prohibited by a separate parking facility owner or operator. Rasmussen policy defers to agency/site-specific rules regarding School of Justice Studies training facilities.
