Students who search for a Rowan Title IX lawyer usually want to know what happens after a notice arrives. This page explains, in general terms, how Rowan University handles a sexual misconduct complaint against a student under its posted policies. Your own notice, and the policy version that applies to your case, control the actual deadlines.
Which policy applies
Rowan uses two university-wide sexual misconduct policies, both run by the Office of Student Equity and Compliance (OSEC):
- The Title IX Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault Policy covers conduct "on the basis of sex" that occurs in the United States, within Rowan’s education program or activity, where the complainant was participating or trying to participate in that program when the formal complaint was filed. It applies to students and employees.
- The Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy applies only to student respondents. It covers sexual misconduct outside the Title IX policy’s scope, including sexual exploitation, and complaints that must be dismissed under the Title IX policy because they do not meet its jurisdictional requirements.
The Student Code of Conduct says sexual misconduct that is not covered by either policy "may be addressed under this Code." OSEC evaluates which standard a matter falls under, and your Notice of Allegations links the policy being used. Do not assume a track; confirm it with OSEC.
Both sexual misconduct policies were last revised February 3, 2026. The Title IX policy’s definitions changed from its 2023 version, and neither policy says which version governs incidents or cases that began before February 3, 2026. The version that applies to you can depend on your notice or incident date, so confirm it with OSEC.
Both policies say they apply university-wide. The Student Code notes that the medical schools and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences have their own general disciplinary procedures, so students in those programs should also confirm the process with OSEC.
Report vs. formal complaint
Under both policies, anyone may file a Report with the Title IX Coordinator in person, by mail, by email, or through the online form. OSEC’s Student Sexual Misconduct/Title IX page says submitting a report does not automatically trigger an investigation.
A Formal Complaint is a document filed and signed by a complainant, or signed by the Title IX Coordinator, that alleges prohibited conduct and asks the University to investigate. The policies say the grievance process starts only once a Formal Complaint has been filed with or by the Title IX Coordinator. Neither policy sets a time limit for reporting.
Early steps after notice
After a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator or a designee sends a written Notice of Allegations to the known parties. It includes a link to the policy, details of the allegations (parties, conduct, dates, locations), a statement that you are presumed not responsible, notice that you may have an advisor of your choice (who may be, but does not have to be, an attorney), your right to inspect and review evidence, and the rule against false reports and false statements.
The notice must come "within a reasonable period of time prior to conducting any investigatory interview, so that the parties have time to prepare and meaningfully respond." The policies set no fixed number of days for this and no written-response deadline for the notice itself.
The policies also set school targets: the investigator will "promptly initiate an investigation within seven (7) calendar days" after the notice is sent, and the investigation "should be completed within ninety (90) calendar days from the time the Formal Complaint is filed." Any time frame may be extended for good cause with written notice to the parties.
You are presumed not responsible until a determination at the end of the process or until you admit responsibility. The standard is preponderance of the evidence, meaning "more likely than not." The University’s process "may proceed normally during the pendency of the criminal proceedings."
Dismissal and dismissal appeals
Under the Title IX policy, the Title IX Coordinator must dismiss a complaint if the conduct would not meet the policy’s definition even if proved, did not occur while the complainant was participating or trying to participate in Rowan’s education program or activity, or did not occur against a person in the United States. That dismissal does not stop the University from acting under another policy. Discretionary dismissal is possible under both policies, for example when the complainant withdraws in writing or the respondent is no longer enrolled.
Either party may appeal a dismissal in writing within seven (7) calendar days of the date of the letter informing the parties of the dismissal decision. The decision on that appeal is due within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of the appeal. Use the deadline in your own dismissal letter and confirm it with OSEC.
Investigation and evidence
The investigation includes interviews of the parties and witnesses and collection of relevant evidence. You may present fact and expert witnesses and other evidence. Your advisor may attend interviews and meetings but "does not have speaking privileges during the investigation/investigatory interviews." Your treatment records are not used without your voluntary, written consent.
Before the Investigation Report is prepared, all evidence gathered that relates to the allegations, including information that will not be relied on, is shared with both parties and their advisors at the same time. You must keep it confidential. Each party may respond to the investigator in writing within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the evidence.
After the final Investigation Report is issued, each party may submit a written response within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the report, and each party receives the other’s response. The report and responses then go to the Office of Community Standards to schedule a hearing.
Advisor and hearing
You have the right to an advisor of your choice during the process, such as a family member, a friend, an attorney, or another third party. Advisors may help you prepare responses and an appeal, but what they can do at the hearing depends on the policy:
- Title IX policy: your advisor, not you, conducts cross-examination at the hearing, "directly, orally and in real time." If you have no advisor, the University provides one for the hearing. Outside that role, advisors may not speak for you.
- Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy: your advisor "may attend the Hearing, but may not actively participate in the Hearing." Cross-examination questions are submitted to the Hearing Officer, who decides which are relevant. This policy does not describe a University-provided advisor. An OSEC process graphic says the University will provide an advisor for the hearing if needed, so ask OSEC how that applies to your case.
The Office of Community Standards should schedule the hearing no later than thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the final Investigation Report. Witness requests go to the Assistant Dean of Students or designee at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing, and you may object to a proposed Hearing Officer for a conflict of interest. The policies set no fixed hearing-notice period, only "sufficient time" to prepare.
A single Hearing Officer decides responsibility and any sanctions and is not bound by the investigator’s findings. Hearings may be in person or virtual, are closed to the public, and are recorded. Questions about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are generally excluded, and no inference may be drawn solely from a party’s absence or refusal to answer questions. The written determination is issued within fourteen (14) calendar days following the hearing.
Sanctions
Both policies say sanctions for a student respondent may range from a warning to expulsion. Prior discipline is generally considered only after a finding of responsibility. The Student Code of Conduct lists specific sanctions for cases decided under the Code, including disciplinary probation, and suspension or expulsion, which are noted on the transcript.
Informal resolution
Both policies allow informal resolution after a Formal Complaint is filed and before a determination of responsibility. It is voluntary, needs written consent from each party, and the Title IX Coordinator may decide a matter is not appropriate for it. It starts within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of all parties’ written consent, and the policies target completion within thirty (30) days (no unit stated). You may withdraw before agreeing to terms. A signed agreement is final and cannot be appealed.
Supportive measures
Both policies offer free, non-disciplinary, non-punitive supportive measures to the complainant and/or respondent, whether or not a Formal Complaint has been filed. Examples include academic adjustments, schedule changes, campus escorts, mutual no-contact directives, housing changes, and leaves of absence. If you need a disability accommodation to respond to the allegations, tell the Title IX Coordinator as soon as possible.
Interim suspension
Both policies say the University may place a student on interim suspension pending the outcome, decided under the Student Code of Conduct. Under the Code, an interim suspension is effective immediately when there is evidence that the student’s continued presence may pose a substantial threat to others or to normal University functions. A student who wants to return must make an appointment with a designated administrator within five (5) business days from the effective date of suspension.
Rowan’s separate Safety Interim Suspension/Withdrawal Policy, which covers health and safety risks, instead gives a written appeal within five (5) business days of receiving notice. Follow the steps in your own removal notice. An interim suspension stays in effect during any appeal.
Appeals
Either party may appeal a dismissal or a determination of responsibility, including sanctions. Under both sexual misconduct policies, an appeal "must be in writing, and filed within seven (7) calendar days of the date of the letter" informing the parties of the decision. It goes to the Vice President (or Vice Chancellor, depending on the policy) for Student Life and Dean of Students, or a designee. If no appeal is filed in time, the decision "will be deemed final."
The grounds are limited to: procedural irregularity or substantive error that affected the outcome; new evidence not reasonably available earlier that could affect the outcome; conflict of interest or bias of the Title IX Coordinator, investigator, or decision-maker that affected the outcome; or sanctions substantially disproportionate to the violation. The other party may respond within seven (7) calendar days after receipt of notice of the appeal. A decision on a responsibility or sanctions appeal is due within twenty-one (21) calendar days of receipt of the appeal. Sanctions are deferred during the appeal.
The Student Code of Conduct sets a different window for cases decided under the Code: "All appeals must be made within five (5) business days of the date on the letter." Follow the deadline in your own outcome letter and confirm with OSEC which one applies.
FAQ
Do I need a lawyer for a Rowan Title IX case?
The policies do not require one. You may choose an advisor, who may be an attorney. Under the Title IX policy, the University provides a hearing advisor if you do not have one.
How long do I have to respond to the evidence?
Ten (10) calendar days from receipt of the gathered evidence, and separately ten (10) calendar days from receipt of the final Investigation Report.
Can my advisor speak for me at the hearing?
Under the Title IX policy, your advisor conducts cross-examination. Under the Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy, your advisor may attend but may not actively participate.
Will a criminal case pause my Rowan case?
No. The policies say the University’s process may proceed normally while criminal proceedings are pending.
What if my case is not treated as Title IX?
A Title IX dismissal does not stop the University from acting under another policy. The Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy or the Student Code of Conduct may apply instead.
More guides for New Jersey schools: New Jersey Title IX lawyer.
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 Rowan University. Policies change, so confirm every deadline against your own notice and the currently posted policies, and with Rowan’s Office of Student Equity and Compliance.
Sources
- Title IX Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault Policy (Rowan University Policies)
- Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy (Rowan University Policies)
- Student Code of Conduct (Rowan University Policies)
- Office of Student Equity and Compliance (OSEC)
- OSEC: Student Sexual Misconduct/Title IX
- OSEC: Navigating the Formal Grievance Process (PDF)
