If you are looking for an Oakland University Title IX lawyer after receiving notice of a sexual misconduct complaint, this page explains the general process described in Oakland’s published materials. It does not replace case-specific advice or the requirements in your actual notice.
This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by Oakland University. It is general educational information, not legal advice.
Which Policy Applies to a Student Respondent
Oakland University’s Title IX resources page states that Title IX complaints involving a student respondent are handled under Policy 625, the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy. This policy currently appears on the university’s administrative policy index as well.
Policy 625 covers sexual misconduct reportedly committed by a student. It says reports of such misconduct will be investigated under the procedure linked from the Title IX resources page and adjudicated under the Student Code of Conduct hearing process. The linked procedure PDF calls itself proposed, so this page cannot establish the adopted procedure for a particular case. Which version and procedure apply to you depends on the date of the alleged conduct and the written notice you received. The questions to check are:
- the date of the alleged conduct,
- how the university classified the allegations,
- what the university’s written notice to you actually says, and
- which procedure Oakland confirms applies to your case.
Oakland’s Title IX resources page also links a Google Drive document titled "The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s Procedures for Responding to Reports of Title IX Sexual Harassment," marked as Proposed Policy No. 713, revised August 14, 2020 and updated July 20, 2024. Because that document identifies itself as a proposed procedure, this page does not treat it as Oakland’s current, adopted process, and it should not be relied on for calculating any deadline. If you have questions about whether this proposed document, Policy 625, or another procedure applies to your case, ask the Title IX office directly and get the answer in writing.
Oakland’s Title IX resources page points to Policy 710 and Policy 711 for cases involving employee respondents, while its current footnote points student-respondent Title IX complaints to Policy 625. Policy 711 itself says it does not apply to Title IX Sexual Harassment. These cross-references are another reason to ask the Title IX office to identify the operative policy and procedure in writing.
Report Versus Formal Complaint
Oakland’s published materials refer to both reports of student sexual misconduct and Title IX complaints. Ask the Title IX office how it has classified your matter and which written procedure applies. Do not infer a process or deadline from another student’s experience.
Early Steps After Receiving Notice
If you receive written notice that a complaint has been made against you, take these steps early:
- Save everything. Keep the notice itself, any emails, and any other written communication from the university exactly as received. Do not delete or alter anything.
- Read the notice closely. Identify which policy or procedure it names, what your status is (respondent), what evidence-review opportunity is described, whether an advisor is mentioned, and whether the matter is headed toward a hearing.
- Note every date in the notice. Check for written response, evidence-review, hearing, and appeal dates. If a deadline is missing or unclear, ask the office for written clarification. Do not guess at a deadline based on this page or another student’s experience.
- Contact the Title IX office. Ask the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity Compliance to confirm, in writing, which procedure applies. Its listed contact is
titleix@oakland.edu. - Do not ignore the notice. Even if you disagree with the complaint or believe it is a misunderstanding, missing a response window can limit your options later.
Investigation and Evidence Review
Evidence-review rights and timing depend on the procedure that applies to your case. Ask the Title IX office to identify that procedure and explain, in writing, what evidence you may review, how to respond, and when.
Advisor Role and Hearing Process
Policy 625 says student sexual misconduct reports are investigated under the linked Title IX procedure and adjudicated under the Student Code of Conduct hearing process. The linked procedure discusses an advisor, but is marked proposed. Confirm in writing which procedure governs your case, whether an advisor may attend meetings or a hearing, and what the advisor may do before your first meeting.
Supportive Measures
Oakland’s Title IX resources page describes supportive measures as non-disciplinary, non-punitive services offered as appropriate and reasonably available, including before a formal complaint or when none has been filed. Ask the Title IX office what measures may apply to your situation.
Appeals
Oakland’s Student Code of Conduct index links to appeal procedures. That page includes provisions specific to Title IX and sexual misconduct matters, but Policy 625 also references a separate linked procedure. Because these two sources are not identical, this page does not state a single, universal Oakland Title IX appeal window. If you receive an outcome letter, look for the specific appeal deadline stated in that letter, and confirm which appeal procedure applies before assuming a general Code of Conduct deadline governs a Title IX matter, or vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every sexual misconduct report against a student trigger a formal Title IX investigation?
Not necessarily. The Title IX resources page distinguishes a report from a signed formal complaint and says supportive measures can be offered even when no formal complaint has been filed. Ask the Title IX office how your matter has been classified and which procedure applies.
Is the "Proposed Policy No. 713" document currently in effect?
The document is labeled "Proposed" and should not be treated as Oakland’s adopted current procedure. Confirm the controlling procedure in writing with the Title IX office.
How much time do I have to respond to a notice or file an appeal?
The applicable policy, procedure, and written notice or outcome letter determine the deadline. This page cannot calculate it for you. Ask the Title IX office to identify the controlling rule and confirm the date in writing.
Can I bring an advisor to a hearing or interview?
Advisor rights depend on which procedure applies to your case. Ask the Title IX office to confirm your advisor rights in writing.
Should I still respond if I think the complaint is a mistake?
Read the notice and ask the Title IX office about the response process and any deadline in writing. Do not assume that disagreeing with the complaint stops the process.
Do I need a lawyer for a Title IX matter at Oakland?
Some students choose to consult an attorney or advisor familiar with these processes. This page does not tell you that a lawyer is required, and it does not guarantee any outcome.
More guides for Michigan schools: Michigan Title IX lawyer.
Disclaimer
This page is general educational information only. It is not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with or endorsed by Oakland University. Procedures, policies, and deadlines change; always confirm current requirements directly with Oakland University’s Title IX office and review your own written notice.
