A Title IX Advisor accompanies a party to a Title IX case to meetings related to the resolution process, advises the party on that process, and conducts cross-examination for the party at the hearing, if one is held.
Yes. Both parties have the right to a Title IX Advisor of their choosing. Each party may select whomever they wish to serve as their Title IX Advisor, as long as the Advisor is eligible and has no conflicting role within the institution (for example, being a Title IX Coordinator, investigator, decision-maker, a supervisor who may implement sanctions in the event of a finding of responsibility, or a witness in the process).
A Title IX Advisor may be a friend, family member, attorney, or another individual of the party’s choosing. Otis College also maintains a list of trained Advisors who are familiar with the College’s Title IX resolution process and the Advisor role.
If a party selects an Advisor from outside this list, that individual may not have received training specific to Otis College’s policies and procedures.
Parties have the right to proceed without an Advisor during the initial stages of the process; however, at the hearing stage, any party without an Advisor will be assigned one by the College to conduct cross-examination during the hearing. A party may decline the assigned Advisor in favor of selecting their own, but cannot participate in a hearing without an Advisor present.
Parties may be accompanied by their Title IX Advisor in all meetings and interviews where the party is entitled to be present. Advisors may help their advisee prepare for meetings and are expected to provide guidance ethically and with integrity.
Advisors are not permitted to disrupt proceedings or speak on behalf of their advisee except as allowed during cross-examination at a hearing. They may not make statements, present arguments, or address Otis College officials during meetings or interviews unless permitted to ask procedural questions.
Advisors may quietly consult with their advisee during meetings or request breaks for private discussions as needed.
Any Title IX Advisor who oversteps their defined role will receive one warning. If the behavior continues, the meeting will end, and the Title IX Coordinator will determine how to address the Advisor’s noncompliance. The Coordinator may prohibit the Advisor from continuing in that role for future meetings or proceedings. The party will then be permitted to select a new Advisor.
Parties may share documentation and evidence with their Title IX Advisor at their discretion. If a party wishes Otis College to share evidence directly with their Advisor, the College will require the party to sign a FERPA authorization to disclose form, which will be kept in the Title IX case file.
All communication regarding the case will continue to go through the involved party, not directly through the Advisor.
Yes. Advisors may request to meet with the Title IX Coordinator prior to interviews or meetings. This pre-meeting allows Advisors to clarify their role and review Otis College’s Title IX procedures.
Yes. If a party changes Advisors, they must promptly notify the Title IX Coordinator. Consent to share information with the previous Advisor will be terminated, and a new release form for the new Advisor must be completed.
Parties should notify the Title IX Coordinator at least two (2) business days before any scheduled meeting or hearing when a change in Advisor occurs.
Advisors are expected to make every effort to attend scheduled meetings and proceedings. If the Advisor cannot attend in person, Otis College may make reasonable accommodations for participation by phone or video conference, with the advisee’s consent.
- Have you received all pertinent documentary evidence, including the final investigative report?
- Have you met with the Title IX Coordinator (if desired) to review hearing procedures?
- Do you have an Advisor to accompany you at the hearing? (Your Advisor will conduct the cross-examination.)
- Have all witnesses you intend to include been interviewed during the investigation? (Only previously interviewed witnesses may participate.)
- Has all evidence you plan to present been reviewed by the investigators and the other party? (New evidence cannot be introduced at the hearing.)
- Have you submitted comments on the final investigation report at least ten (10) days before the hearing?
- Do you know the date, time, and location of the hearing?
- The focus of the hearing process at Otis College is thoroughness and fairness. Hearings are generally scheduled for two (2) hours but may be extended at the discretion of the Decision-maker to ensure both parties can fully present their positions.