Formal Complaints
A “Formal Complaint” of prohibited conduct is a signed, written document from a complainant alleging specific prohibited conduct by a respondent and initiating the applicable resolution procedures under this policy, or a similar written document on behalf of the university, signed by a university official (See Cornell Policy 6.4). Formal Complaints may involve several parties and/or allegations.
The university has designated different types of prohibited conduct as well as procedures for resolution of reports under Policy 6.4 that correspond best with the university’s different constituencies. For more information, see the Procedures.
2023-2024
Formal Complaints
During the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 21 Formal Complaints of prohibited conduct under Policy 6.4 were made against undergraduate students, faculty, or staff. Of the 21 complaints, 6 were made against undergraduate students, 2 against graduate and professional students, and 13 against faculty or staff. A single Formal Complaint can include multiple allegations of prohibited conduct. These Formal Complaints are resolved under the applicable Procedures for the university’s different constituencies.
Tables 1, 2, and 3 below detail resolution of cases that went through the Formal Complaint process (i.e., investigation with determination by reviewer, alternate resolution, hearing, or appeal).
| Table 1: Cornell Policy 6.4 Formal Complaints Undergraduate Students in the 2023-2024 Academic Year | |||
| Prohibited Conduct | Resolution Type | Outcome | Sanctions and Remedies |
| Sexual Assault | Hearing | Responsible | Pending Appeal |
| Sexual Harassment and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Dismissed | Educational Study with OIETIX, NCO |
| Dating and Domestic Violence | Alternate Resolution | Responsible | Disciplinary Probation, Reflection Paper, No Contact Order |
| Sexual Assault | Hearing | Not Responsible | Pending Appeal |
| Dating and Domestic Violence | Investigation Ongoing | N/A | N/A |
| Sexual Assault | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Table 2: Cornell Policy 6.4 Formal Complaints Against Graduate and Professional Students in the 2023-2024 Academic Year | |||
| Prohibited Conduct | Resolution Type | Outcome | Sanctions and Remedies |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Sexual Assault (Sexual Contact) | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Table 3: Cornell Policy 6.4 Formal Complaints Against Faculty and Staff in the 2023-2024 Academic Year | |||
| Prohibited Conduct | Resolution Type | Outcome | Sanctions and Remedies |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Investigation | Responsible | Written Reprimand and training |
| Violation of Supportive Measure and/or Temporary Suspension | Investigation | Responsible | Written Reprimand |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Investigation | Complaint Dismissed | NA |
| Retaliation | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Retaliation | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Investigation | Not Responsible | Recommended Training |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Investigation | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Protected Status Harassment | Investigation | Responsible | Written Reprimand and training |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Investigation | Not Responsible | Recommended reinstatement of complainant in program |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Investigation | Pending Appeal | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Dismissal by Case Investigator
| Not Responsible | N/A |
| Protected Status Harassment | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Investigation Ongoing | N/A | N/A |
2022-2023
Formal Complaints
During the 2022-2023 academic year, a total of 54 Formal Complaints of prohibited conduct under Policy 6.4 were made against undergraduate students, faculty, or staff. Of the 54 complaints, 23 were made against undergraduate students, 1 against graduate and professional students, and 30 against faculty or staff. A single Formal Complaint can include multiple allegations of prohibited conduct. These Formal Complaints are resolved under the applicable Procedures for the university’s different constituencies.
Tables 1, 2, and 3 below detail resolution of cases that went through the Formal Complaint process (i.e., investigation with determination by reviewer, alternate resolution, hearing, or appeal).
| Table 1: Cornell Policy 6.4 Formal Complaints Undergraduate Students in the 2022-2023 Academic Year | |||
| Prohibited Conduct | Resolution Type | Outcome | Sanctions and Remedies |
| Dating and Domestic Violence, Retaliation, Stalking | Dismissal of Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Dating and Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | NCO |
| Violating a Supportive Measure and/or Temporary Suspension | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Sexual Assault | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | NCO, Mediation |
| Sexual Assault | Hearing | Sexual Assault: Not Responsible | Written Reprimand, Directed Study, Disciplinary Probation |
| Sexual Assault (Sexual Contact): Responsible | |||
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment, Stalking | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | Restrictive Measure, NCO |
| Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Sexual Assault | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Sexual Assault | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Attempting to Commit Prohibited Conduct, Dating and Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Stalking | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | NCO |
| Dating and Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault | Alternate Resolution | Compliant Withdrawn | Remedial Measure (Impact Letter Review) |
| Sexual Assault | Hearing | Responsible | Suspension, Written Reprimand |
| Attempting to Commit Prohibited Conduct (Sexual Assault), Sexual Assault | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | Oral Warning, Alcohol and Other Drugs Support Session, NCO |
| Attempting to Commit Prohibited Conduct (Sexual Exploitation) | Hearing | Responsible | Oral Warning, Directed Study, Disciplinary Probation |
| Sexual Assault, Retaliation | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | Remedial Measure (Educational Program, Meeting with OIETIX, Reflection Paper) |
| Sexual Assault | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Dating and Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault | Alternate Resolution | Compliant Withd1rawn | Remedial Measure (Impact Letter Review)
|
| Attempting Prohibited Conduct (Sexual Assault), Sexual Assault | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | Remedial Measure (Educational Program, Meeting with OIETIX) |
| Sexual Assault | Hearing | Responsible | Suspension |
| Aiding Prohibited Conduct, Retaliation | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | Written Reprimand, Directed Study, No Contact Order |
| Sexual Harassment | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | Written Reprimand, Directed Study, No Contact Order |
| Sexual Harassment | Hearing | Responsible | Written Reprimand; Directed Study; Disciplinary Probation |
| Table 2: Cornell Policy 6.4 Formal Complaints Against Graduate and Professional Students in the 2022-2023 Academic Year | |||
| Prohibited Conduct | Resolution Type | Outcome | Sanctions |
| Stalking | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | Remedial Measure (Impact Letter Review) |
| Table 3: Cornell Policy 6.4 Formal Complaints Against Faculty and Staff in the 2022-2023 Academic Year | |||
| Prohibited Conduct | Resolution Type | Outcome | Sanctions and Remedies |
| Aiding Prohibited Conduct, Prohibited Discrimination | Appeal | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination, Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Investigation | Prohibited Discrimination: Not Responsible Sexual and Sex/Gender Based-Harassment: Responsible
| Suspension |
| Prohibited Discrimination, Protected Status Harassment | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination, Protected Status Harassment | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Protected Status Harassment | Determination by Reviewer | Not Responsible | Training, Executive Coaching |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | Unpaid Suspension, No-Contact/ Restrictive Order |
| Retaliation | Appeal | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Protected Status Harassment | Investigation | Complaint Withdrawn | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Investigation | Complaint Withdrawn | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination, Protected Status Harassment | Investigation | Complaint Withdrawn | N/A |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | NCO, Delete Messages |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Investigation | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Pending | N/A | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Pending | N/A | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Pending | N/A | N/A |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Investigation | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Retaliation | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination & Protected Status Harassment | Investigation | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Retaliation | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Investigation | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Investigation | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Protected Status Harassment | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Protected Status Harassment | Investigation | Responsible | Termination of Employment |
| Protected Status Harassment, Prohibited Discrimination | Investigation | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Investigation | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Sexual Assault | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Stalking | Dismissal by Case Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
2021-2022
Formal Complaints
During the 2021-2022 academic year, a total of 31 Formal Complaints of prohibited conduct under Policy 6.4 were made against undergraduate students, faculty, or staff. Of the 31 complaints, 21 were made against undergraduate students, 6 against graduate and professional students, and 4 against faculty or staff. A single Formal Complaint can include multiple allegations of prohibited conduct. These Formal Complaints are resolved under the applicable Procedures for the university’s different constituencies.
Tables 1, 2, and 3 below detail resolution of cases that went through the Formal Complaint process (i.e., investigation with determination by reviewer, alternate resolution, hearing, or appeal).
Table 1: Cornell Policy 6.4 Formal Complaints Undergraduate Students in the 2021-2022 Academic Year | |||
| Prohibited Conduct | Resolution Type | Outcome | Sanctions and Remedies |
| Sexual Assault, Dating and/or Domestic Violence | Respondent Withdrew | N/A | N/A |
| Dating and/or Domestic Violence | Respondent Withdrew | N/A | N/A |
| Sexual Assault, Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Appeal | Sexual Assault: Responsible | Written Reprimand, Directed Study, Disciplinary Probation, No-Contact Order |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment: Not Responsible | |||
| Sexual Assault, Dating and/or Domestic Violence | Appeal | Sexual Assault: Responsible | Written Reprimand, Directed Study, Disciplinary Probation |
| Dating and/or Domestic Violence: Not Responsible | |||
| Sexual Assault, Dating and/or Domestic Violence, Stalking, Violating a Supportive Measure, Retaliation | Appeal | Responsible | Suspension, Psychological Counseling |
| Sexual Assault, Attempting to Commit Prohibited Conduct (Sexual Assault), Dating and/or Domestic Violence | Appeal | Responsible | Dismissal |
| Dating and/or Domestic Violence, Attempting to Commit Prohibited Conduct (Sexual Assault) | Appeal | Dating and/or Domestic Violence: Responsible | Written Reprimand, No-Contact Order, Psychological Counseling, Disciplinary Hold, Transcript Notations |
| Attempting to Commit Prohibited Conduct (Sexual Assault): Not Responsible | |||
| Dating and/or Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Appeal | Dating and/or Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: Responsible | Written Reprimand, Directed Study, Disciplinary Probation, No-Contact Order, Retractions or loss of specified privileges at the University |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment: Not Responsible | |||
| Sexual Assault | Alternate Resolution | Responsible | Written Reprimand, Suspension, Revocation of University Housing Privilege, No Contact Order |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Dating and/or Domestic Violence | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | N/A |
| Sexual Assault | Complaint Withdrawn | N/A | N/A |
| Sexual Assault | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Dating and/or Domestic Violence | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | N/A |
| Sexual Assault | Complaint Withdrawn | N/A | N/A |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Complaint Withdrawn | N/A | N/A |
| Sexual Assault | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | No Contact Order, Mediation |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | No Contact Order, Educational Program, Meeting with OIETIX, Accountability Reflection Paper |
| Sexual Assault | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | No Contact Order, Educational Program, Meeting with OIETIX, Accountability Reflection Paper, Apology Letter |
| Sexual Assault, Attempting to Commit Prohibited Conduct (Sexual Assault) | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Sexual Exploitation | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | No-Contact Order |
Table 2: Cornell Policy 6.4 Formal Complaints Against Graduate and Professional Students in the 2021-2022 Academic Year | |||
| Prohibited Conduct | Resolution Type | Outcome | Sanctions and Remedies |
| Prohibited Discrimination, Protected Status Harassment* | Appeal | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | PNG, No-Contact Order, Educational Program, Counseling |
| Sexual Assault | Hearing | Responsible | Written Reprimand, No Contact Order, Directed Study, Disciplinary Probation |
| Sexual Assault, Dating and/or Domestic Violence | Appeal | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Sexual Assault | Alternate Resolution | Responsible | Written Reprimand, Disciplinary Probation, Directed Study, No Contact Order |
| Sexual Assault | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
Table 3: Cornell Policy 6.4 Formal Complaints Against Faculty and Staff in the | |||
| Prohibited Conduct | Resolution Type | Outcome | Sanctions and Remedies |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Dismissal of Case by Investigator | Complaint Dismissed | Culture Assessment |
| Prohibited Discrimination, Protected Status Harassment | Determination by Reviewer | Not Responsible | Training, Weekly Meetings |
| Sexual Assault | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Sexual Assault, Attempting to Commit Prohibited Conduct (Sexual Assault), Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Threshold Determination | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
* The allegations were made in the context of student employment.
2020-2021
Formal Complaints
During the 2020-2021 academic year, a total of 17 Formal Complaints of prohibited conduct under Policy 6.4 were made against undergraduate students, faculty, or staff. Of the 17 complaints, 7 were made against undergraduate students, 2 against graduate and professional students, and 8 against faculty or staff. A single Formal Complaint can include multiple allegations of prohibited conduct. These Formal Complaints are resolved under the applicable Procedures for the university’s different constituencies.
Tables 1, 2, and 3 below detail resolution of cases that went through the Formal Complaint process (i.e., investigation with determination by reviewer, alternate resolution, hearing, or appeal).
Note: The University has recently transitioned to a new case management system. We are currently working to migrate data into the new system and anticipate this process will be completed in October 2022. Please check back for the full statistical summary of alleged Policy 6.4 violations against students, staff, and faculty during the 2020-2021 academic year.
Table 1: Cornell Policy 6.4 Formal Complaints Against | |||
| Prohibited Conduct | Resolution Type | Outcome | Sanctions and Remedies |
| Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation | Hearing | Responsible | Written Reprimand, Suspension, Directed Study, Recommendation of Counseling |
| Sexual Assault, Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment, Stalking | Alternate Resolution | Responsible | Apology Letters, Written Reprimand, Suspension, No-Contact Orders |
| Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation | Appeal | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Sexual Assault, Attempting to Commit Prohibited Conduct (Sexual Assault) | Appeal | Sexual Assault: Responsible | Written Reprimand, Dismissal |
| Attempting Prohibited Conduct (Sexual Assault): Not Responsible | |||
| Sexual Assault, Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Hearing | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Dating and/or Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault | Appeal | Responsible | Written Reprimand, Directed Study
|
| Sexual Assault | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | No Contact Order, Educational Program, Meeting with OIETIX, Accountability Reflection Paper, Apology Letter, Alcohol and Other Drug Level1- BASICS
|
Table 2: Cornell Policy 6.4 Formal Complaints Against | |||
| Prohibited Conduct | Resolution Type | Outcome | Sanctions and Remedies |
| Sexual Assault | Appeal | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Sexual Assault | Alternate Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | No Contact Order, Educational Program, Meeting with OIETIX, Accountability Reflection Paper, Apology Letter |
Table 3: Cornell Policy 6.4 Formal Complaints Against | |||
| Prohibited Conduct | Resolution Type | Outcome | Sanctions and Remedies |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Determination by Reviewer | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment, Attempting to Commit Prohibited Conduct (Sexual Assault) | Employment terminated for other misconduct while investigation was pending | N/A | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination, Protected Status Harassment, Retaliation | Appeal | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Appeal | Not Responsible | N/A |
| Sexual and Sex/Gender-Based Harassment | Human Resources Resolution | Complaint Withdrawn | No Contact Order, Education Program, Suspension, Final Written Warning
|
| Prohibited Discrimination, Protected Status Harassment | Appeal | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Prohibited Discrimination | Appeal | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |
| Protected Status Harassment | Appeal | Complaint Dismissed | N/A |