4.4.8.1 : Privacy And Confidentiality

The University will make reasonable and appropriate efforts to preserve an individual’s privacy and protect the confidentiality of information when investigating and resolving a complaint. The University will not utilize procedures that invade legally recognized privileges (e.g., attorney-client, priest-penitent, patient-counselor, etc.) or access documents that may be protected under those privileges (e.g. health, psychiatric or counseling records) unless the party holding the privilege has waived it in writing. However, because of laws relating to reporting and other state and federal laws, the University cannot guarantee confidentiality to those who make complaints.

In the event a complainant requests confidentiality or asks that a complaint not be investigated, the University will take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the complaint consistent with the procedures outlined in this policy. The University reserves the right to initiate an investigation despite a complainant’s request for confidentiality.