If you are looking for a Purdue Fort Wayne Title IX lawyer after receiving a report or complaint notice, first identify which process the notice names. This page explains the publicly posted procedures in general terms. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Purdue University or PFW, and it does not replace advice from an attorney reviewing your actual notice.
Why the current institution name matters
PFW is the current institution. The former joint campus, IPFW, split into separate Purdue and Indiana University campuses effective July 1, 2018, according to IU Fort Wayne’s history page. A current PFW notice should be checked against the Purdue policies identified by the campus, rather than IU Fort Wayne’s separate rules. An older incident may raise a different version question, so ask the office issuing the notice which documents apply.
Which policy or procedure applies
PFW’s Title IX office page links two Purdue-level documents for Title IX harassment matters at PFW:
- The Title IX Harassment policy, III.C.4, last revised August 12, 2025.
- The Procedures for Resolving Complaints of Title IX Harassment, revised June 30, 2025.
These procedures define the relevant "campus Civil Rights Office" to include PFW’s Office for Civil Rights Compliance. These are the public versions observed on September 24, 2026. They do not establish which version applies to an older incident. Which version applies to you depends on your incident date and the notice you received. Confirm the applicable documents with the office and compare them with the actual notice.
Purdue’s posted Title IX procedure lists several conditions, including a campus or university-program connection, a respondent in the university community, a complainant participating or seeking to participate in a university program when the formal complaint is filed, and alleged misconduct after August 14, 2020. The Title IX Coordinator assesses the stated conditions. If a complaint is dismissed under this procedure, the matter may still be assessed under a different Purdue procedure.
PFW’s policies page also links a separate Anti-Harassment policy, III.C.1, and a separate ordinary discrimination and harassment procedure. That ordinary procedure can involve PFW’s Office of Student Conduct and Care. Its timelines are not the same as the Title IX procedure’s timelines. Check the actual notice for the process being used before relying on a deadline.
Report versus formal complaint
A report to the Title IX office and a formal complaint are not the same thing. A report can prompt outreach about supportive measures and options without necessarily starting a formal investigation. A formal complaint requests an investigation, but the coordinator first reviews it for dismissal. Informal resolution may be offered or requested after a formal complaint is filed and before a determination. The written-response deadline below belongs to the formal investigation stage described in the procedure. Confirm the stage by reading the actual notice.
Early steps after receiving notice
After the coordinator decides a formal complaint is not subject to mandatory dismissal and assigns an investigator, the procedure requests the respondent’s written response within a reasonable time not exceeding 10 calendar days from mailing or delivery of that notification, unless the coordinator approves an extension. The procedure defines "Days" as calendar days. Do not apply this response window to an initial report or to a separate ordinary harassment process.
A student who receives this kind of notice should not ignore it and should not assume a delay is harmless. Confirming the exact deadline stated on the notice itself, and whether an extension has been or can be requested, is a first practical step.
Investigation and evidence review
During the investigation, both parties are given access to relevant evidence and at least 10 calendar days to submit a written response before the investigation report is finalized. This period is tied to the evidence review stage, separate from the initial response-to-notice window.
Once finalized, the investigation report is provided to the parties and their hearing advisors at least 10 calendar days before the hearing. This is a separate interval measured against the hearing date.
Advisor and hearing
The live hearing is convened at least 10 calendar days after the investigation report is provided. During the hearing, a party’s Hearing Advisor, rather than the party personally, conducts cross-examination of the other party and witnesses. A party may choose an attorney to serve as an advisor. If a party has no Hearing Advisor at the hearing, the university supplies one for questioning, but that university-appointed advisor is not an attorney. Ask about the hearing role early enough to prepare.
Supportive measures
Separate from the disciplinary process, a student can ask PFW’s Office for Civil Rights Compliance whether supportive measures are available while a matter is pending. What is offered depends on the office’s assessment and the situation. The Purdue policy lists the Fort Wayne office at 260-481-6107 and civilrights@pfw.edu. Check the PFW Title IX office page for current contact details before reaching out.
Appeals
Either party may appeal a mandatory or discretionary dismissal, the hearing officer’s decision, or sanctions under the posted Title IX procedure. The written appeal goes to the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance within 10 calendar days of issuance of notification of the relevant decision. The other party then has a separate 10-calendar-day response period after notice of the appeal. These periods have different triggers. The procedure lists limited grounds; an appeal is not a new hearing. Check the specific decision notice for the recipient and filing instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Does the IPFW name still identify a current campus?
No. IPFW ended as a joint campus on July 1, 2018. Current PFW and IU Fort Wayne students should check their respective institutions’ notices and policies. An older incident still requires a version check.
Which policy version applies to my situation?
The current public versions are dated August 12, 2025 (policy) and June 30, 2025 (procedure), but an older incident may involve earlier definitions or procedures. Ask the office issuing your notice which version and process it is applying, then compare that answer with the incident date and written notice.
Is the 10-day response deadline the same as the appeal deadline?
No. The respondent’s initial written-response period follows an investigator-assignment notice in the formal investigation stage. An appeal follows notice of a dismissal or hearing decision. A separate evidence-response opportunity occurs during the investigation. Check the written notice for each trigger.
Can I bring an attorney to the hearing?
You may select an attorney to serve as your advisor. If you do not choose your own advisor, the university will provide one, but that university-supplied advisor will not be an attorney.
What if my case doesn’t meet Title IX’s jurisdiction rules?
If a complaint is dismissed under the Title IX procedure because its stated conditions are not met, PFW may still evaluate the conduct under a separate Purdue procedure.
Where do I go if I’m not sure which procedure applies to my notice?
Contact PFW’s Office for Civil Rights Compliance directly at 260-481-6107 or civilrights@pfw.edu, and read the specific notice you received for the procedure it names.
More guides for Indiana schools: Indiana Title IX lawyer.
Disclaimer
This page is general educational information about publicly posted Purdue and PFW procedures observed September 24, 2026. It is not legal advice, is not a substitute for reading your actual notice, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Purdue University or Purdue University Fort Wayne. Procedures, contacts, and document versions can change. Confirm current details directly with PFW before relying on them. To discuss your situation with the firm, use its contact page.
