EOI & TITLE IX GUIDANCE: October 2022

caption: 50%. The “red zone” refers to the period when sexual assault is more likely, from first day on campus to Thanksgiving break.

WHAT IS THE RED ZONE?

The Red Zone is a time of year on college campuses when there is a heightened instance of sexual assault. Generally, the Red Zone starts at the beginning of the school year and lasts through November. 

Many institutions across the country are working to increase education and awareness for all members of the campus community to prevent instances of sexual misconduct. Here at UNF, we want all Ospreys to understand how to meet people in safe environments, maintain healthy relationships, utilize their on-campus resources, and work together to prevent sexual misconduct.

Red Zone partners on campus can provide additional information. Those partners include the Dean of Students Office,  Victim Advocacy Program, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Student Health Services, University Police Department, Housing and Residence Life, Counseling Center, Student Ombuds.

caption: Preponderance of evidence is also known as more likely than not or 50.1%.

HOW DOES PREPONDERANCE OF EVIDENCE STANDARD WORK?

Preponderance of evidence is the burden of proof or evidence that is used for EOI investigations and by the Dean of Students Office in its hearing. It is used to determine if the Complainant, person bringing the charge, has shown through statements and evidence that it is more likely than not that the actions described occurred. If the Complainant said something happened and the Respondent, the person accused of the wrongful action, said the action did not occur we are at 50/50. To meet the preponderance of evidence standard one needs to be over 50 percent, or 50 percent plus a feather.

Evidence that can be used to meet preponderance of evidence includes written, audio, and photographic evidence, as well as witness statements and interviews. The Respondent will try to show why the preponderance of evidence does not support the claim, or why the claims are not believable or credible enough to rise above the 50 percent threshold.

MEDIATION IN THE EOI PROCESS

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that is available to the Osprey community to resolve complaints when parties do not wish to participate in a formal investigation. EOI uses campus personnel trained in mediation that are housed in EOI, Employee and Labor Relations, and the Dean of Students Office to facilitate the process. Mediation is not available to resolve claims of sexual misconduct or interpersonal violence.

The role of the mediator is to help the parties come to an agreement that is mutually beneficial. Many times, it helps both parties to be heard by the other side.

Prior to the mediation, each side will have the opportunity to meet with EOI to determine what evidence they would like to present during the mediation and how they can best present that information. For more information on this process, please contact EOI at extension 2507. If off campus, you may reach EOI at 904-620-2507, or eoi@unf.edu.

UPCOMING TRAINING COURSES: FALL 2022 

YOU MAY REGISTER FOR CLASSES THROUGH CPDT

Monday, October 10, 2022 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm - Responsible Employee
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 10:00 - 11:00 am - EOI and You

INVESTIGATIONS

Total EOI Investigations  

Current EOI Investigations 2022-2023

 *As of September 30, 2022

 **Note: Cases involving students must be closed by EOI before it can be referred to DOS.    

EOI OFFICE STAFF DIRECTORY

Director and Title IX Coordinator
Marlynn Jones, Esquire
marlynn.jones@unf.edu

Title IX and Civil Rights Investigator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Fantei Norman
fantei.norman@unf.edu

EOI Investigator
Leslie Hicks
leslie.Hicks@unf.edu  

EOI Coordinator
Courtney Monts
c.monts@unf.edu