A Temple Title IX lawyer can help you identify the procedure in your notice, organize evidence, and prepare for meetings and hearings.
If you are a Temple student responding to a sexual-misconduct allegation, start with your notice. It names the policy and procedures assigned to your case. Student cases commonly run under Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct, Policy 04.82.02, with hearing mechanics supplemented by the Student Conduct Code, Policy 03.70.12. Intake sits with the Title IX Office under Ethics and Compliance.
For general background on federal procedure, see what is Title IX and Title IX investigation.
Which conduct the policy reaches
The policy prohibits sexual misconduct by its members, and for students it expressly reaches conduct on campus, on property the university owns or controls, at university-sponsored events, and in buildings owned or controlled by recognized student organizations. It can also reach off-campus and online conduct where the Title IX Coordinator finds the university has substantial control over both the respondent and the setting. Because that call is made case by case, confirm in your notice how your matter is classified before you respond.
Complaints: informal reports and formal complaints
Temple distinguishes two paths. Anyone may report alleged misconduct by a student in words or in writing, at any time, including anonymously. A Formal Complaint seeking a university investigation is different. It must be written, cannot be anonymous, and at filing time the complainant must be participating or trying to participate in Temple programs or activities. In some circumstances the Title IX Coordinator may file one.
Three moves help from the start. Preserve messages, photos, location records, and witness names now. Do not contact the other party about the case. And bring an advisor to every meeting, since the advisor’s questioning role at the hearing rewards early preparation. Police and campus processes run separately, so get legal advice before answering police questions, since campus statements are not guaranteed to stay out of a criminal case.
Investigation: who gathers evidence and how you review it
The university carries the burden of gathering enough evidence to decide, and decisions turn on whether responsibility more likely than not follows from an objective look at all relevant evidence. Both sides have an equal chance to offer witnesses and other evidence. Before the report is finished and again before the hearing, the parties and their advisors get to review the evidence and the report and submit written responses. The two governing documents state those review windows in different units, so do not rely on any single number here. Read the exact response dates in your written notice and meet each one.
Hearing and advisor: who asks the questions
Hearings go before a trained hearing board, in person or virtual, with technology that lets everyone see and hear whoever is answering. Each party’s advisor may put relevant questions, including follow-ups and questions going to credibility, to the other party and to witnesses, with the chair ruling on relevance before answers are given. You may bring an advisor of your choice, attorney or not, to any stage, and if you have none at the hearing, the university provides one at no charge. During investigation meetings the advisor consults with you rather than speaking for you. See also Title IX disciplinary hearings and Title IX advisor.
Sanctions and appeal
Published outcomes reach up to and including separation from the university. For students, the listed measures include probation, psycho-educational counseling, suspension, or expulsion under the conduct code. No mandatory minimum for any particular finding was published in the sources reviewed.
Either party may appeal the hearing determination within 10 days of the determination notice. The published bases are a procedural irregularity that affected the outcome, new evidence that was not reasonably available, and a disqualifying bias or conflict on the part of the Coordinator, investigator, or board. The other side gets to respond to an appeal before the final outcome issues. See also Title IX appeals.
Speak with a Temple Title IX lawyer
If you are facing a Temple Title IX matter, your notice and its response dates set the pace. Contact us to discuss your matter and what comes next.
FAQ
Which Temple policy governs my case?
Check your notice. Sexual-misconduct matters commonly run under 04.82.02 with student hearing mechanics supplemented by the 03.70.12 conduct code.
What is the difference between reporting and a Formal Complaint?
Anyone may report, including anonymously. A Formal Complaint must be written, cannot be anonymous, and requires the complainant to be participating or trying to participate in Temple programs or activities.
Can I bring a lawyer to the hearing?
You may bring an advisor of your choice, attorney or not. Advisors put the questions at the hearing, and the university provides one at no charge if you have none.
What does the school have to prove?
That responsibility more likely than not follows from the evidence, which the university itself must gather.
How much time do I get to respond to the evidence?
The governing documents describe review steps but state the windows differently, so follow the exact dates in your written notice.
How do I appeal a hearing determination?
Either party may appeal within 10 days of the determination notice on procedure, new evidence, or bias or conflict.
Sources (checked 2026-09-22)
- 04.82.02 sexual-misconduct policy: scope, complaints, investigation, hearings, advisors, sanctions, appeals
- 03.70.12 Student Conduct Code: jurisdiction and Appendix A student procedures
- Title IX landing page: office role and reporting links
Disclaimer
This page is general information only, not legal advice, and reading it creates no attorney-client relationship. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Temple University. Policies change; confirm the current 04.82.02 and 03.70.12 text before acting.
