Respondent Services Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We understand that receiving a notification letter from the Title IX Office and being named a respondent can raise many questions. Although we can't answer questions related to the specific allegations, we can answer general questions that may be helpful.
This page is currently under development; new FAQs will be added soon.
General Questions
- Can someone from Respondent Services accompany me to a meeting regarding an SVSH matter?
Yes, one of the services offered is to provide support to a respondent during the review of their matter. This may include (but isn't limited to) a meeting with any of the following offices: Title IX, Staff Diversity & Compliance, Office of Student Conduct, and any office associated with a meeting, hearing, or appeal permissible under the SVSH policy. Please note that our role in accompanying you is to provide support to you during the meeting; our interaction with the person conducting the meeting is minimal. - If I already have an advisor or support person, are you still able to work with me?
Generally we are available to work with a respondent regardless of other support persons they may be in contact with regarding their matter. However, in instances where the respondent is in contact with a lawyer or their union rep, we ask that the respondent speak to their lawyer or union rep prior to speaking with us. Also worth noting, SVSH policy permits UCLA students to be accompanied by one advisor and one support person, while UCLA and UCLA Health Staff and Faculty may be accompanied by one advisor or support person. This only applies when the respondent is meeting with the Title IX office or other office regarding the SVSH matter. - Do you provide support to all respondents in Title IX matters?
We provide support to those who have been alleged to violated the SVSH policy and the matter is being reviewed by the Title IX Office. This Title IX Office review may include an area of concern meeting, alternate resolution meeting, or a formal investigation. We provide support in all instances, including accompaniment. - What does Respondent Services know about my matter?
As an independent resource (not connected to the Title IX Office), we are not privy to the specifics of any matter. We are only aware of the information that a respondent decides to share with us. It's worth noting, a respondent isn't required to share any information with us. We can provide support without knowing details. - Does it matter where I'm at in the process when I contact Respondent Services?
Often times it is most beneficial to contact us upon receiving the initial notification letter, however, that isn't required. A respondent may contact us at any stage of the process including during the investigation, during a hearing, and/or during an appeal. We are happy to assist and answer any questions regardless of where the matter is in the process. - Do I need to prepare anything for my initial consultation with Respondent Services?
In short, no. The initial consultation is an opportunity for us to explain how we can (and can't) assist, explain the rights of a respondent, and answer any questions that you may have. We can do all of this with knowing very little about you or your matter. The basic information that we request is your status (student, staff or faculty), whether you are a union-represented employee, and where your matter is at in the process. With this information, we can ensure we provide you with accurate policy, procedural, and other helpful information. Keep in mind that you are not required to share any information about yourself or your matter with us; you always maintain control of information sharing. - How long does the initial consultation typically last?
Typically the initial consultation lasts between 15-45 minutes, but up to an hour if you have a lot of questions.