If you are looking for a Towson University Title IX lawyer after receiving notice of a sexual harassment or other sexual-misconduct report, begin with the notice, policy route, and deadlines. This page explains, in general terms, how Towson’s process tends to work. It is educational information only, not legal advice, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Towson University. Nothing here should be treated as a guarantee about how your specific case will proceed.
Which policy applies to you
Towson currently uses Policy 06-01.60, which lists amendments through January 27, 2025, following the vacatur of the 2024 federal Title IX rule in court. The linked Grievance Procedures that describe the investigation and hearing steps are effective April 5, 2025.
Policy 06-01.60 covers sexual harassment within Title IX jurisdiction and may also address sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct outside that jurisdiction. Separately, Towson has a Code of Student Accountability for other types of student conduct matters. Do not apply that code’s ordinary deadlines to a Policy 06-01.60 matter.
Because policy language and effective dates can change, do not assume which version or route governs your matter. Read your notice carefully and ask the Office of Equity Compliance (OEC) which policy version and procedure apply to the alleged conduct and your case. The version that applies to you can depend on the date of the incident and the date of your notice, so check the policy named in your notice and confirm with OEC.
Report versus formal complaint
Towson’s process distinguishes between a report and a formal complaint. A report alone does not automatically start the formal grievance process. Once a formal complaint is filed, both parties receive written notice describing the allegations and the procedural steps that will follow.
Throughout the process, a respondent is presumed not responsible until Towson evaluates the evidence and makes a finding under the applicable procedure. That presumption does not predict the outcome of a particular case.
If your matter is dismissed
Some Title IX complaints are dismissed because the allegation falls outside Title IX’s specific jurisdiction. A Title IX dismissal is not necessarily the end of the matter. Towson may continue investigating or adjudicating the same allegation under the "other sexual misconduct" portion of Policy 06-01.60, if it applies. The dismissal notice you receive should state whether the university is doing that. Read that notice carefully. Do not assume a dismissal means the case is closed, and do not treat it as a final resolution in your favor.
Early steps to take
- Keep every notice you receive, including the allegation notice and any dismissal notice, exactly as sent.
- Preserve emails, texts, and other messages relevant to the incident or the process.
- Identify the incident date, since that date helps determine which policy version and procedure apply.
- Ask OEC directly which jurisdictional route (Title IX or other sexual misconduct) governs your case.
- Consider identifying an advisor early, since an advisor plays a specific role later in the hearing.
- Confirm all case-specific dates and deadlines in writing with the Title IX Coordinator. Do not rely solely on general timelines described here.
Investigation and evidence review
The grievance procedures include three separate evidence-related windows. Keeping them distinct matters, because they are not interchangeable:
- Before the investigation report is finalized, Towson sends the parties evidence that is directly related to the allegations. Each party then has 10 calendar days from the date that notice is sent to submit a written response to that evidence.
- Before a hearing or other responsibility determination, Towson sends the final investigative report at least 10 calendar days before that hearing or determination.
- Before the hearing itself, a party may submit a written response to the final investigative report, but that response must be submitted no later than three calendar days before the hearing.
Each of these windows has its own trigger date. Do not assume one deadline calculation applies to a different stage. Always check the actual dates stated in your own notice and confirm them in writing with OEC if anything is unclear.
Advisor role and the hearing
Towson provides written notice of a live hearing at least 10 calendar days before that hearing occurs. Each party may bring an advisor of their choosing, and may also bring a separate support person. If a party does not have an advisor, Towson will provide one without fee for the specific purpose of the hearing.
At the hearing, the advisor, not the party personally, asks relevant questions of the other party and of witnesses. This is a structural feature of the process, so choosing or accepting an advisor early can matter for how the hearing itself unfolds.
Towson uses the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard to decide whether a policy violation occurred.
The written determination is due within 15 business days after the hearing, though this can be extended for good cause if the parties are notified.
Supportive measures
Apart from the disciplinary process itself, Towson may offer supportive measures to either party while the matter is pending. These are generally non-disciplinary and intended to address safety, wellbeing, or continued access to educational programs. Specific measures depend on individual circumstances, so ask OEC what may be available to you.
Appeals
Either party may appeal a written determination. That appeal must be submitted in writing to OEC within five business days of the date the Title IX Coordinator sends the determination. The other party then has an opportunity to respond, in writing, within five business days of the Coordinator’s notification about the appeal.
The procedures also allow an appeal of a dismissal of a formal complaint. However, the five-business-day timing described above is tied specifically to a written determination, not to a dismissal notice. If you have received a dismissal notice and are considering an appeal, do not assume the same five-business-day period applies. Read your dismissal notice closely and ask OEC, in writing and promptly, exactly how and when a dismissal may be appealed in your case.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Title IX dismissal mean the case is over?
Not necessarily. Towson may still pursue the same allegation under the "other sexual misconduct" portion of Policy 06-01.60. Check whether your dismissal notice says so.
How much time do I have to respond to evidence before the investigation report is finished?
Generally 10 calendar days from the date Towson sends you that directly related evidence, though you should confirm the exact date stated in your own notice.
How much time do I have to respond to the final investigative report?
That response is due no later than three calendar days before the hearing, which is a separate deadline from the earlier 10-day evidence response window.
Who asks questions at the hearing?
Your advisor, not you personally, asks relevant questions of the other party and witnesses. Towson will provide an advisor without fee for that role if you do not have one.
How long do I have to appeal a written determination?
Five business days from the date the Title IX Coordinator sends the determination to you.
Does the same five-business-day period apply to appealing a dismissal?
The procedures allow dismissal appeals, but the five-business-day language applies specifically to a written determination. Ask OEC directly, in writing, about the timing that applies to a dismissal appeal in your case.
A note on next steps
If you are unsure how any of this applies to your situation, consider speaking with an advisor familiar with these processes. You can also review the university’s own materials directly through the links below, or reach out through our contact page if you would like to discuss your situation. This page is general education, not legal advice, and reaching out does not create a legal relationship.
More guides for Maryland schools: Maryland Title IX lawyer.
Disclaimer
This page is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Towson University. Procedures, deadlines, and policy language can change, and the specific process that applies to you depends on your notice, your incident date, and the current version of Towson’s policy. Always confirm current requirements directly with Towson’s Office of Equity Compliance and Title IX Coordinator, and read your own notices carefully before taking any action.
