One common misconception about the reporting process is that making a report will automatically lead to a hearing and/or disciplinary action. While a report can become a formal complaint -- initiated either by the complainant or the College -- not every report becomes a complaint. See below for differences between making a report and filing a complaint.
Making a Report: Making a report is the act of notifying the Title IX Coordinator of an incident of sexual misconduct. A report may be accompanied by a request for resources, no further action, remedies-based resolution, and/or to initiate a formal complaint process by filing a complaint.
Filing a Complaint: Filing a complaint is making a request to initiate the College’s formal disciplinary process. A report may become a formal complaint, either initiated by the complainant or the College, depending on the outcome of the Title IX Assessment. At the time a report is made, a complainant does not have to decide whether to file a complaint. The College recognizes that not every individual will be prepared to file a complaint with the College or to law enforcement, and individuals are not expected
or required to pursue a specific course of action.
For all questions related to making a report, filing a complaint, or the Title IX assessment, please contact Michelle D. Ray, Interim Title IX Coordinator (mray2@swarthmore.edu, 610-690-3720) or Hillary Grumbine, Interim Violence Prevention Educator and Victim/Survivor Advocate (hgrumbi1@swarthmore.edu, 610-328-8538).