Alternative Resolution

The Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance reviews and addresses alleged violations of Georgetown University’s non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, including the university’s Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination in Employment and Non-Discrimination in Education Policies, the Policy Statement on Harassment, the Policy on Sexual Misconduct and the Policy on Consensual Sexual or Romantic Relationships. 

Alternative Resolution Process

Alternative Resolution is a voluntary, collaborative opportunity to address issues of possible bias, discrimination, harassment or retaliation through a confidential non-investigative process, to build mutual understanding and promote healing. 

  1. Any individual who believes that they may have experienced possible discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in a Georgetown University program or activity, on- or off-campus, may request Alternative Resolution by sending an email to oeoc@georgetown.edu or calling (202) 687-4798. Requests for Alternative Resolution are recorded in the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance’s files.
  2. Alternative Resolution is facilitated by a neutral Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance staff member within a reasonably prompt time frame. 
  3. The Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance facilitator conducts private intake meetings to learn more about what occurred, determine whether the matter is appropriate for Alternative Resolution and explore possible resolution options. 
  4. The Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance facilitator then meets separately with the individuals who participate in the process (the participants) to understand their experiences and perspectives.
  5. The Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance facilitator arranges direct or indirect communication between the participants to facilitate increased understanding, healing and to support accountability. Options for facilitation may include structured conversations and meetings, educational discussions and mediated sessions. 
  6. If the Alternative Resolution process is successful, the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance facilitator prepares a written agreement between the participants to address the concerns raised.
  7. The written agreement is maintained in the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance’s files and monitored by the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance.

Alternative Resolution may be used in lieu of, or as an initial step prior to, filing an Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance complaint. If a formal complaint is filed, the parties also have the option to utilize the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance’s Informal Resolution process, as described in the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance’s grievance procedures.

Participating in Alternative Resolution does not preclude the filing of a formal complaint – a participant in Alternative Resolution may end the Alternative Resolution process at any time and file a formal Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance complaint, consistent with the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance’s filing requirements.  

Resources

For a private consultation with an Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance staff member, please send an email to oeoc@georgetown.edu or call (202) 687-4798.

For confidential consultation (which is not part of the Alternative Resolution process, but may be of assistance as you consider options), please contact a confidential resource such as the:

For non-Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance matters, staff and AAPs may reach out to the Department of Human Resources.

To file a bias report, please visit the Bias Reporting website or fill out the bias reporting form.

To file a formal Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance complaint, please use the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance’s online complaint form. If you require assistance to complete this form, please contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at oeoc@georgetown.edu or 202-687-4798.