If you are looking for a Metropolitan State University Title IX lawyer, you probably just received a notice that names you in a sexual misconduct or sexual harassment complaint. This page explains, in general terms, how Metropolitan State University (Metro State) handles a complaint against a student under its posted documents. Your own notice, and the version of the rules that applies to your case, control the actual deadlines.
Which policy applies
Metro State is part of the Minnesota State system of public colleges and universities, governed by the Board of Trustees. For a student respondent, the steps and deadlines come from system-level procedures. The primary rules and procedures referenced in this guide are published in Minnesota State System Procedure 1B.1.1 Investigation and Resolution and Minnesota State System Procedure 1B.3.1 Response to Sexual Misconduct.
Metro State’s own pages use different labels for this area. The campus "Report an incident" page points to "MN State Procedures 1B.1.1 Subpart C" and describes appeal steps under a "Part 8. Appeal" heading. The current Procedure 1B.1.1 places appeal in Part 7, so that page quotes older procedure language. The Student Concerns and Complaints page routes sexual misconduct reports to "Minnesota State Board Policy 1.B.3." The Title IX overview page lists coordinator training under "Revised System Procedure 1B.3.1," dated August 27, 2020, which predates the current reviews. These pages are the campus front door. The system procedures supply the binding steps. Because the version that applies can depend on when the incident happened and when the complaint or notice came, ask the Title IX office in writing which procedure governs your case.
The Minnesota State system process
Metro State follows system-level documents, mainly System Procedure 1B.1.1 and System Procedure 1B.3.1, which implements Board Policy 1B.3. Metro State’s Title IX office applies them to a complaint against a student. A case generally moves from a report and a formal complaint to an investigation where you can review the evidence, then a hearing with an advisor if one is requested, a written decision, and a possible appeal. For the full steps, see the Minnesota State system Title IX process.
Report vs. formal complaint
Metro State offers an online option for anonymous reporting, but the procedure warns that with anonymous reports "there are limits to the Title IX Coordinator’s ability to investigate, respond, and provide remedies, depending on the information provided."
Metro State’s report page adds that "Federal law requires that formal reports to a mandatory reporter must be investigated."
Early steps after notice
Metro State’s report page adds: "If you are accused of sexual misconduct, do not contact the victim. Cooperate with the individual that is conducting the investigation."
For sexual harassment cases against students, Procedure 1B.1.1 adds that "The respondent shall be informed in writing of the allegations with sufficient details related to the allegations, including the alleged misconduct; the identity of the complainant; and to the extent possible, the date, time, and location of the alleged sexual harassment." Metro State’s report page states the same point directly: "Sexual misconduct is a serious offense and the respondent has the right to know the identity of the complainant/victim and respond to the allegations." If your notice lacks the who, what, when, or where, ask the Title IX office in writing to fill the gap, and line up help early: it also says "you may want to seek help from Counseling Services or a trusted advisor on campus."
A few more points that shape the start of a case:
- On timing, the current procedures set a flexible target, not a fixed number: "within a timely manner after a complaint is made, unless reasonable cause for delay exists." Metro State’s report page instead quotes older language: "The designated officer shall notify the complainant and respondent if the written response is not expected to be issued within the 60 day period." That 60-day sentence does not appear in the current procedure text. Treat both as school targets, not as your deadline, and confirm any date in your notice.
Informal resolution
Metro State’s training slides describe the option in plainer terms: the respondent is "given opportunity to voluntarily participate," and both sides "retain their rights to change to formal process." Possible outcomes in the slides include mutual no contact, referrals, training, and facilitated dialogue. Those slides are training material from 2021 and 2022, not the procedure text, so confirm the current terms before you agree to anything.
Supportive measures
The training slides confirm the respondent meeting covers "Discuss/offer supportive measures."
Summary suspension
Follow your notice and ask the Title IX office in writing how to challenge the suspension. Metro State’s code page adds: reports go to the Dean of Students or the Judicial Affairs office, and "The Dean of Students must first authorize any formal conduct code investigations before the Office of Judicial Affairs may proceed."
Appeals
Metro State’s concerns page says grievances about a Board Policy or the president’s actions may go to the Chancellor’s Office under Board Policy 3.8 and System Procedure 3.8.1.
FAQ
Does Metro State have to investigate every report?
Not every report becomes a full investigation. Only formal complaints are guaranteed the full procedure. Ask the Title IX office in writing which path your case is on.
How long does the investigation take?
The current procedures target "within a timely manner." Metro State’s report page quotes an older "60 day period" target. Neither is your deadline, so confirm any date in your notice.
More guides for Minnesota schools: Minnesota Title IX lawyer guides
Disclaimer
This page is general educational information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Metropolitan State University. Policies change, so confirm every deadline against your own notice and the currently posted documents, and with the Title IX office.
Sources
- Minnesota State System Procedure 1B.1.1 Investigation and Resolution
- Minnesota State System Procedure 1B.3.1 Response to Sexual Misconduct
- Minnesota State Board Policy 1B.3 Sexual Misconduct Policy
- Metro State Report an incident
- Metro State Student Concerns and Complaints
- Metro State Title IX overview
- Metro State Student Code of Conduct
