While most of us in the world of higher education thought that the Department of Education (ED) would release the new Title IX regulations in October, it looks like that will not happen until 2024. Therefore, Title IX compliance and investigations this academic year will look similar to those conducted last year. With that in mind, now is a good time to consider utilizing the cost-effective informal resolution process at your school.

Pros and Cons of Informal Resolution

The informal resolution process is a powerful tool that gives parties a say in the outcome. It is student-centered and trauma-informed and saves expenses, time and resources, reducing stress for those involved. In many cases, informal resolution avoids the protracted formal process, including cross-examination and a hearing, allowing the parties to choose to talk about the allegations with boundaries and a skilled moderator. In many cases, parties can be honest about the situation, express their hurt and find a place of closure. When done properly, the informal resolution process is not just a triage to move the case forward but part of a process in which all parties are supported holistically. So why isn't every case resolved informally?