USC Title IX Lawyer: University of Southern California Defense

If you are searching for a USC Title IX lawyer, you may have just heard from the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and want to know what happens next. This page is for USC students (and their parents) who have been reported for sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking or other sexual misconduct. It describes USC’s own offices, documents and deadlines. For other California schools, see our California Title IX defense page.

The USC Offices That May Contact You

Office of Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC)

USC’s Title IX office is the Office of Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC). It was formerly called the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX (EEO-TIX). It is an office of USC Human Resources, Ethics, and Compliance. Its head is the Vice President of Civil Rights Compliance and Title VI and Title IX Coordinator (VP for OCRC). OCRC handles reports under USC’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (the Policy).

OCRC says information reported to it is kept private, meaning only people who need it to provide support, investigate or resolve the matter have access. OCRC also says: “The OCRC Office is not, however, a confidential resource.”

Office of Community Expectations (OCE)

The Office of Community Expectations (OCE) is USC’s student conduct office. It replaced the former Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards office (SJACS). OCE handles non-academic misconduct under Living Our Unifying Values: The USC Student Handbook (current version 2026-2027, last revised July 16, 2026), which replaced SCampus. OCE uses informal resolution, an Administrative Review, or a Review Panel. A written appeal goes to the Appeal Manager within 10 business days of the written decision and is decided by the Vice President for Student Life or designee.

OCE’s process is for OCE cases. A sexual misconduct case under the Policy goes through OCRC and its Resolution Process, with its own appeal. The Policy says OCRC may resolve conduct that violates both the Policy and another USC policy under one of its Resolution Processes. If it does, the Notice of Investigation will say so. OCE states that it does not have access to OCRC records.

Which USC Document Applies to Your Case

OCRC’s Policies & Processes page lists three current documents, each effective Aug. 24, 2026:

• the Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation;
• the Resolution Process for Sexual Misconduct;
• the Resolution Process for Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (DHR).

The 2026 Policy and Resolution Process apply to any report or Formal Complaint of conduct occurring on or after August 24, 2026. For conduct before that date, the Policy and definitions in place when the conduct occurred apply, and so does the Process in place when the conduct is reported. Archived versions are listed on the same page: the Policy (1/1/2022 to 8/23/2026), the Sexual Misconduct Process (1/1/2022 to 8/23/2026) and the DHR Process (8/14/2020 to 8/23/2026). OCRC says archived versions can be requested from OCRC.

The Sexual Misconduct Process covers Title IX Sexual Harassment, California Education Code Sexual Harassment and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct, as that document defines them. The DHR Process covers other discrimination and harassment. If a Formal Complaint alleges one of those forms of sexual misconduct and OCRC finds it within the Policy’s scope and jurisdiction, the Sexual Misconduct Process applies.

The OCRC FAQ page still says the Policy was last updated Jan. 1, 2022. That text is older than the Policies & Processes page. Your own notice should name the process being used, so read its dates against the rule above.

The USC Resolution Process for Sexual Misconduct, Step by Step

This is what the Resolution Process for Sexual Misconduct (effective Aug. 24, 2026) states. All deadlines below come from that document and are in business days (Monday through Friday, excluding official holidays or campus closures, as the Policy defines them).

Report, initial assessment and dismissal

When OCRC receives a report, it conducts an Initial Assessment. It may close the report, refer it elsewhere, offer supportive measures, or move toward a resolution process. OCRC seeks to finish the assessment typically within ten (10) business days, though it may take longer. A Formal Complaint is a written document from the Complainant, though the Title IX Coordinator may file one on someone’s behalf.

The Process requires dismissal of some allegations in specific situations. These include conduct that would not be Sexual Misconduct as defined, conduct outside the Education Program or Activity, and conduct not against a person in the United States. It allows discretionary dismissal in others. These include a Complainant’s written withdrawal (where what remains would not be a Policy violation), a Respondent who is no longer enrolled or employed, and specific circumstances that prevent gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination. Other allegations may still proceed. The Complainant may appeal a dismissal in writing within five (5) business days of the Notice of Dismissal. If the dismissal comes after the Respondent was notified of the Formal Complaint, all parties receive the Notice of Dismissal and appeal rights.

Notice of Investigation and informational meeting

If an investigation begins, OCRC sends the parties a written Notice of Investigation at the same time. It includes a summary of the allegations, the specific potential Policy violations, the Investigator’s name, a statement that the Respondent is presumed not responsible, your advisor rights, and a copy of the Policy and Process with the timeframes. The parties are invited to optional Informational Meetings. The Notice may be amended if new potential violations appear.

Investigation and the Investigative Reports

The Investigator, not the parties, is responsible for gathering relevant evidence. You may identify witnesses and evidence and propose questions. After initial interviews, the Investigator prepares a Preliminary Investigative Report, which has no findings of fact or determination of responsibility. The Preliminary Investigative Report and the Evidence Review are available to you and your advisor for ten (10) business days. A written response is due within ten (10) business days of the date OCRC shares them. The Investigator then prepares a Final Investigative Report. OCRC provides it at least ten (10) business days before the hearing, and a written response is due within ten (10) business days of the date it is shared.

Acceptance of responsibility

Before the Notice of Written Determination, a Respondent may accept responsibility for some or all of the alleged conduct by written statement to OCRC. If responsibility is accepted for only part, the process continues. If it is accepted for all of it, the matter goes to sanctioning. Acceptance is a factor the Sanctioning Authority considers. A Student Respondent considering this may request a University-Appointed Advisor to consult about it.

Notice of Hearing and the live hearing

The Notice of Hearing comes no later than ten (10) business days before the hearing. It lists the Policy violations at issue, the date, time and location, and the name of the Hearing Officer. It also explains how to challenge the Hearing Officer for conflict of interest or bias. The Hearing Officer is typically an external, trained professional and decides responsibility but, in the Process’s words, “The Hearing Officer will not determine sanctions.”

The hearing is live, typically virtual, and audio-recorded by OCRC. To the extent required by federal law, each party’s advisor questions the other party and witnesses, the Hearing Officer may also ask questions, and the Hearing Officer decides whether each question is relevant before it is answered. A party may never question another party directly. The Hearing Officer may not draw an adverse inference from a decision not to participate. The Hearing Officer decides by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning whether it is more likely than not that the Respondent is responsible. The Respondent is presumed not responsible until that determination.

Sanctioning and Notice of Outcome

If the Hearing Officer finds responsibility, the Respondent may submit a written mitigation statement within five (5) business days of the Notice of Written Determination. For a Student Respondent, a Sanctioning Panel of two employees and one student returns a Sanctioning Decision within fifteen (15) business days of referral. The Process says the full list of possible student sanctions is in the Student Handbook. They include warning, education/training, counseling, disciplinary probation, loss of privileges, disenrollment from a course or section, restriction from premises, removal from USC Housing, and suspension or expulsion. OCRC issues the Notice of Outcome within five (5) business days of receiving the Sanctioning Decision, or after the Written Determination if the Respondent is found not responsible. Sanctions take effect after the appeal period ends.

Appeals

Both parties may appeal a dismissal, the determination of responsibility, or the sanctions. The Process introduces “three limited grounds” but then lists four: procedural irregularity that affected the outcome; new evidence not reasonably available earlier; conflict of interest or bias that affected the outcome; and a sanction that was objectively unreasonable or arbitrary. OCRC’s web summary lists only the first three, so read the Process itself and your Notice of Outcome. A concise written request is due to OCRC within five (5) business days following delivery of the Notice of Outcome or Notice of Dismissal. For an appeal of a Notice of Outcome, each party then has five (5) business days to respond. Either party may challenge the Appellate Authority for conflict of interest or bias within two (2) business days of the Notice of Referral. For a Student Respondent, the Appellate Authority is a delegate of the Vice President of Student Life. It issues a written decision within fifteen (15) business days of receiving the appeal and may affirm, modify the sanction, or remand. The Process states: “The decision by the Appellate Authority is final.”

Stated timeframe

The Process states that parties will typically receive the Final Investigative Report within 120 to 150 business days of the Notice of Investigation. The VP for OCRC and the Investigator may grant limited extensions for good cause with written notice.

The DHR process

The DHR process has similar steps but no live hearing. In the DHR process, the Investigator, in consultation with the VP for OCRC, decides responsibility.

Alternative Resolution

Alternative Resolution is available only after a Formal Complaint, before a determination of responsibility, and with the voluntary written consent of the parties. The Title IX Coordinator decides whether it is appropriate. Entering into it is not an admission of wrongdoing by the Respondent, and any party may end it and return to the Formal Resolution process. The Process notes that records and communications from Alternative Resolution may later be considered in the Formal Resolution.

Advisors at USC

Each party may be accompanied at any meeting, interview or hearing by one advisor and one Support Person. An Advisor of Choice may be any person, including an attorney. The party pays that advisor’s expenses, and the advisor signs an acknowledgment form. USC says: “Advisors who are attorneys will be treated the same as advisors who are not.”

An advisor may observe, support and advise the party, and may review the relevant evidence and the Investigative Report. An advisor may not speak for the party or delay, disrupt or interfere with meetings. The one exception is live questioning at the hearing. Hearing Advisors may not give opening or closing statements or answers for a party. USC may remove an advisor who is disruptive. OCRC generally communicates with the student, not the advisor, unless the student signs a FERPA waiver.

A party may decline an advisor except at the hearing. If a party has no advisor when the Notice of Hearing is issued, USC appoints a University-Appointed Advisor at no cost. That advisor is a trained external expert who may, but need not, be an attorney. Your own advisor can also serve as your Hearing Advisor.

Related pages: Los Angeles Title IX lawyer, Title IX investigation guide and Title IX appeals guide.

Interim Measures, Participation and Records at USC

Supportive measures and Emergency Removal

Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive and free, and are available to respondents as well as complainants. Examples include academic adjustments, housing changes and a mutual Avoidance of Contact Directive. A mutual directive is not issued automatically, and violating one can lead to discipline.

USC may impose an Emergency Removal of a Student Respondent after an individualized safety and risk analysis. You will receive notice. You have three (3) business days from the notice to submit a written challenge to OCRC, and the Complainant has three (3) business days to respond. The Vice President for Student Life or designee decides in writing within five (5) business days of the response or its due date. Anything you provide in a challenge may later be used in the investigation. Administrative leave in the Process applies to non-student Staff and Faculty Respondents.

Participation

The Process says: “The University will not compel participation of any student and will not issue a transcript or registration hold as a means of securing cooperation.” USC still encourages participation. It says that declining to provide material information may affect the investigation, and that a Hearing Officer weighs the reliability of statements by someone who does not submit to questioning at the hearing. The Policy prohibits retaliation, and OCRC tells respondents they can be held responsible for retaliation through their own actions or their friends’ actions.

Records

The Policy says OCRC keeps its records for seven years, including supportive measures, investigation records, sanctions, appeals and alternative resolutions. OCE’s FAQ says suspension, expulsion, or revocation of admission or degree produces a permanent notation on the academic record, and other disciplinary files are kept up to seven years. The Process points to the Student Handbook for the full list of student sanctions, which include suspension and expulsion. They do not separately describe transcript notations.

Support for Respondents at USC

• Counseling and Mental Health: confidential counseling and support for students, including respondents.
• Office of the Ombuds: listed as confidential, for students, faculty and staff with university-related concerns or conflicts.
• USC Gould Immigration Clinic: listed as confidential; it offers free immigration legal consultations and assistance to students and others in the USC community.
• Campus Support and Intervention (CSI): a private resource that helps students reach academic and personal goals.
• Office of Student Accessibility Services: a private resource for students with disabilities.
• CARE-SC: supports student Reporting Parties only, so it is not a respondent resource.

Confidential means information is generally not disclosed without your permission, with narrow legal exceptions. Private means information is shared with officials who need to know.

Official USC Title IX Resources

• USC Office of Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC)
• USC OCRC: Policies & Processes
• USC Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (effective Aug. 24, 2026)
• USC Resolution Process for Sexual Misconduct (effective Aug. 24, 2026)
• USC OCRC: For Individuals Who Have Been Reported
• USC Student Handbook (student code of conduct)
• USC Office of Community Expectations

Last verified: October 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About USC Title IX Cases

Which office will contact me?

For a sexual misconduct report, it will be the Office of Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC). OCRC says a member of its team will contact you to discuss the process if a case involving you proceeds. A letter from the Office of Community Expectations concerns a different, Student Handbook process.

Is OCRC confidential?

No. OCRC keeps reported information private, shared only with those who need it. It states that it is not a confidential resource. Counseling and Mental Health is a confidential option for respondents.

Can a lawyer be my advisor?

Yes. The Process says an Advisor of Choice may be any person, including an attorney. Advisors who are attorneys are treated the same as other advisors, and their role is limited by the Process.

Do I have to participate?

No. The Process says students are not required to participate, and USC will not use a transcript or registration hold to secure cooperation. It does encourage participation and notes that not providing information can affect the investigation.

How long do I have to appeal?

A written appeal request is due to OCRC within five (5) business days of the Notice of Outcome or Notice of Dismissal, according to the Resolution Process for Sexual Misconduct. The Appellate Authority then issues its decision within fifteen (15) business days of receiving the appeal. That decision is final.

Will this go on my transcript?

OCE’s FAQ says suspension, expulsion, or revocation of admission or degree produces a permanent notation on the academic record. It says other disciplinary files are kept in a separate record for up to seven years. The Policy says OCRC keeps its own records for seven years.

Can the case be resolved through Alternative Resolution?

Sometimes. It is available only after a Formal Complaint is filed and before a determination, with the written consent of all parties and the Title IX Coordinator’s approval. Mediation is not permitted for Sexual Violence under California Education Code Sexual Harassment, and any party can end the process and return to the formal one.