������

Please know that reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities. You may contact ECRT at any time to request such accommodations, as needed.

Things You Should Know...

ECRT is Neutral.

ECRT does not take sides. We are committed to providing a fair and unbiased review, and our investigations are focused on the information available. If you have a concern that the ECRT staff member assigned to your case cannot conduct a fair and unbiased review (e.g., has a personal connection with one of the parties or witnesses, etc.), please immediately contact Andrea McDaniel, Interim Director, ECRT at 313-436-9194. The situation will be assessed and a determination made as to whether a different staff member should be assigned to the matter. 

We Help You Find the Right Process.

ECRT provides you with information about resources and reporting options. The University has processes that provide prompt and effective review of discrimination and discriminatory harassment complaints. ECRT addresses many of these concerns directly, but in those instances in which ECRT is not best suited to address the concerns, we will assist you in determining the appropriate office and provide contact information for that office. In addition, if your concerns do not involve discrimination or discriminatory harassment (for example, you have concerns about bullying), we will assist you in determining the appropriate office to address your concerns and provide contact information for that office.

Support Person/Advisor. 

You may bring a support person/advisor with you to any meetings with ECRT. Please let us know in advance if you will be doing so. Examples of a support person/advisor include, but are not limited to a friend, family member, attorney, etc. If you are a member of a union, you may also bring a union representative with you to any meeting, in addition to your advisor.

Anonymity and Confidentiality. 

Information provided to ECRT may be shared with other University officials as necessary and appropriate. Respondents are provided information about the allegations to allow them a full and fair opportunity to respond. If you have concerns about anonymity, please let ECRT know.

Protection and Support

Supportive Measures

Supportive measures are individualized services, accommodations, and other assistance that the University offers at no cost. Such measures may include separating the parties or other measures as may be appropriate under the circumstances. Supportive measures may be requested regardless of whether you initiate an investigative process. Please let us know if you have any need for or concern about supportive measures. You may also request supportive measures through confidential resources, listed under “Resources for Support,” below.

Resources for Support 

The University offers a variety of supportive service, a short list of which are included below.

• (Confidential) 
  734-936-8660 or [email protected]

Procedures and Processes

Interviewing the Respondent

After ECRT understands the nature and scope of the concerns, the Respondent is informed of the allegations and given a full and fair opportunity to respond. During this process, the Respondent is cautioned against engaging in any retaliation against the witnesses or you. You are not present during the Respondent’s interview and vice versa. After the interview, ECRT drafts a written statement for the Respondent, who is given three calendar days to review the draft for accuracy and completeness (if the Respondent is participating in the investigation).

Gathering Other Information

ECRT interviews witnesses and reviews documentation relevant to the matter at issue. Witnesses are offered the opportunity to review their statements for accuracy and completeness. Depending upon the information obtained from witnesses and documents, ECRT may contact the Respondent and/or you with additional questions or to request additional information.

Review of Preliminary Investigation Report 

If ECRT determines it will produce a written investigation report, you and the Respondent will typically be provided with a “preliminary report” and given ten calendar days to review and comment upon it. The preliminary report is a written summary of the information ECRT will consider in reaching a decision as to whether University policy was violated. It generally includes the statement of each person interviewed (Respondent, witnesses, and you) and other relevant information, such as documents. The preliminary investigation report does not include a finding. ECRT reviews all comments submitted by the parties, if any, and determines whether the preliminary report should be modified. During the preliminary report review phase, you may request that ECRT attach your comments to the final investigation report. ECRT can generally accommodate this request. All information or documentation provided by either party or by a witness may be included in the
final investigation report and shared with the parties and relevant University officials. 

Investigation Report

After receiving feedback to the preliminary investigation report, or after the feedback deadline passes, ECRT will make a finding. ECRT assesses whether there is sufficient evidence to establish a policy violation. This determination is made using the preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning that to establish a policy violation, the evidence must demonstrate that it is more likely than not that conduct occurred and that conduct violated University policy. ECRT may also find that behavior did not violate University policy but was otherwise inappropriate behavior. ECRT will provide both parties and relevant University administrators with the investigation report. 

Corrective Action and Remedies

If ECRT finds that a policy violation or other inappropriate behavior has occurred, the Respondent’s supervisor and/or appropriate University administrators will determine appropriate corrective action and remedies. If a Respondent does not agree with the disciplinary action taken, that action may be grieved using the applicable grievance procedure.

Retaliation

University policy prohibits retaliation. Complainants, witnesses, and respondents are protected from retaliation for engaging and/or participating in the investigation process. Anybody who experiences retaliation is strongly encouraged to report retaliation to ECRT. Individuals who engage in retaliatory behavior, either directly or through others, are subject to discipline. If you have questions about retaliation, you are strongly encouraged to ask ECRT.

Reporting Criminal Behavior 

Any individual who has experienced a crime or is concerned for their safety should call the Department of Public Safety at 9-1-1 for emergency assistance or 313-593-5333 for non-emergency 24-hour assistance. If the incident occurred off campus, local police should also be called.

More information

If you have any other questions about the investigation, investigation process, resources or related matters, please do not hesitate to contact the ECRT staff member handling your case at 313-436-9194.