Columbia University Disciplinary Procedure for Sexual Assault

Disciplinary Procedure

Disciplinary Procedure


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Procedural Steps

Sexual Assault Adjudication Procedural Steps

  1. Student files a written complaint with DPSA office.
  2. Student(s) named in the complaint receives notice from the Manager that a complaint has been filed and a hearing will commence.
  3. The notification provides the Respondent (person named in complaint) with a copy of the complaint, their rights and responsibilities as outlined in the Policy, and it advises the student(s) to begin gathering evidence, witnesses, and questions to present to the Panel.
  4. The Respondent is presumed not to have violated the Policy. The Hearing is to determine if the alleged behavior violated the Policy. Notice is sent to the Dean of the responding student informing them that a student within their school has been named in a complaint alleging sexual assault. Identifying information is revealed only upon the finding of a Policy violation. The Hearing takes place before a Panel consisting of two Deans and one Student.
  5. The Hearing is set to begin within 10 business days of initial notification to Respondent.
  6. All documents submitted will be forwarded to the Panel and both parties.
  7. The Panel provides both students and respective witnesses with an opportunity to present testimony, rebut testimony and submit questions for consideration.
  8. Students are permitted to view each other's testimony as well as testimonies of witnesses via closed-circuit television.
  9. Additional questions may be submitted for consideration throughout the Hearing process. Witnesses may be recalled by the Panel as necessary.
  10. Both students present a closing oral statement before the Panel goes into deliberation.
  11. A written impact statement describing the impact of the event which led to the proceedings, as well as the proceedings, are sealed in an envelope and given to the Manager.
  12. The Panel reaches a decision and informs both students of that decision. In the case of a violation, the impact statements are forwarded to the Panel. The Panel submits its decision and recommended sanctions to the Manager who then forwards the report to the Dean of Students.
  13. The Dean has the authority to uphold, modify or dismiss the Panel's recommended sanctions. However, the Dean cannot change the Panel's findings.
  14. Both students will be informed of the Dean's decision.
  15. The student found to have violated the Policy may appeal the decision in writing within 30 days to the Dean of his or her school.


Other Notes

  • The entire process must take no longer than 30 working days.
  • The process is completely separate from any legal actions or implications.
  • The student responding to allegations may choose not to appear at the Hearing, but once a complaint has been filed, the proceedings will take place whether or not he/she is present.

Disclaimer: The policy and procedures set forth on this Web site have been approved by the University's office of the General Counsel and are effective as of September 2008; accordingly, they are the governing Disciplinary Procedures for Sexual Assault.


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Office for Disciplinary Procedure for Sexual Assault212 854 1717
Counseling & Psychological Services212 854 2878
Furman Counseling Center212 854 2092
Peer Advocates (24hours/7days)212 854 WALK
Peer Counselors (7pm-11pm/7days)212 854 HELP
New York City Police Sex Crime Unit212 267 7273