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Title IX

Northwood Technical College is committed to fostering a learning and working environment where all individuals feel safe, respected, and supported. Title IX protects every member of our community from sex discrimination, harassment, and misconduct. On this page, you’ll find information about your rights, training opportunities, and the policies and procedures that guide our work.

If you or someone you care about is a victim of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, or discrimination, contact the Title IX Coordinator or file a report.

Your Rights Under Title IX

As a member of the Northwood Tech community, you are protected from discrimination based on sex throughout your educational journey. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that states:

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

This protection applies to all members of the College community: students, employees, contractors, and visitors. For more information, visit Title IX and Sex Discrimination on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Policies & Procedures

Northwood Tech has established policies and procedures that outline rights, responsibilities, and processes for addressing discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct. These documents ensure fair resolution of complaints, support for those affected, and accountability for misconduct.

Please review the following policies and procedures:

Sexual Violence Prevention Training

Northwood Tech encourages all students and employees to participate in the Sexual Violence Prevention online training program. This training provides critical information about consent, bystander intervention, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking, and more.

Grievance Process Definitions

  • Incident
    • An allegation is made by the Complainant against a Respondent(s) which alleged a violation of our Equal Opportunity, Civil Rights, and Sexual Harassment policy, specifically, a claim of sexual harassment. Other civil rights allegations and allegations that do not meet the definition of sexual harassment under Title IX are addressed under a different procedure (G-113B - Unlawful Discrimination/Harassment/Sexual Harassment/Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Violence Complaints Grievance Procedure). All allegations that are dismissed under Title IX can be appealed if they meet certain requirements.
  • Notice
    • All parties receive a notice of the allegations with sufficient details, including the name of the Complainant and an overview of the allegation(s). This notice informs the Respondent(s) that they are presumed innocent until the completion of the Grievance Procedure.
  • Investigation and Report
    • A trained investigator or a team of two investigators will be assigned to investigate the allegations. Investigators are required to be free of bias and conflict of interest in how they conduct the investigation. The investigation includes interviews with witnesses, including those proffered by the parties, as well as those determined by the investigator(s). Evidence is also collected and may include social media posts, messages, and other forms of physical evidence. Upon completion of the investigation, a report is written. Each party reviewed the draft report and all evidence which is then incorporated into a final report.
  • Hearing
    • A live hearing is conducted by an administrative law judge (ALJ) who is an employee of the Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals (DHA). During the hearing, the ALJ will ask questions of the parties and investigator(s) and the party’s advisors must conduct cross-examination of the other party and witnesses. The ALJ considers the relevance of all questions prior to them being asked and makes a ruling on the relevance of any evidence.
  • Appeal
    • Any party can appeal a final outcome if it meets the requirement for an appeal and is filed timely. An appeal is not a rehearing of the case or a disagreement with an outcome, but involves specific technical issues in how the case was managed, investigated, or resolved.

Rights of Complainant and Respondent

Northwood Technical College is committed to providing a fair, thorough, and equitable process in resolving Title IX complaints of sexual harassment. This section summarizes your rights and key information under the 2020 Title IX Regulations.

  • Evaluation Standard
    • Complaints are evaluated using the preponderance of the evidence standard—meaning it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred.
    • This standard is applied equally to all parties, including students and employees.
  • Equal Rights & Representation
    • Both Complainant and Respondent have the right to:
      • An advisor of their choice (including an attorney) during all phases—interviews, meetings, and the live hearing.
      • Timely written notice of the allegations and any hearings.
      • Access to all relevant evidence prior to the hearing.
    • At the live hearing, advisors may conduct cross-examination of the other party and witnesses.
      • If a party does not have an advisor, the College will provide one at no cost.
  • Hearing Outcome
    • Both parties will receive a written determination that includes:
      • Summary of the allegations and key facts
      • Findings and rationale
      • Sanctions (if applicable)
      • Appeal information
  • Investigation
    • Complaints will be investigated by a trained Title IX Investigator who is free from bias and conflict of interest.
    • The College will respond promptly, thoroughly, and equitably upon receipt of a Formal Complaint.
  • Appeal Rights
    • Either party may appeal a dismissal or determination of responsibility on the following grounds:
      1. Procedural error affecting the outcome
      2. New evidence not available during the original process
      3. Bias or conflict of interest involving the Coordinator, Investigator, or Decision-Maker
    • Appeals must be submitted within 5 business days of the decision.
    • Appeals are reviewed by someone not previously involved in the case. A written decision will be provided to both parties and is final.
  • Important Notice
    • Retaliation is prohibited. No one may intimidate, threaten, or discriminate against anyone involved in a Title IX matter.
    • False information submitted in bad faith may result in disciplinary action. Good faith complaints are always protected.
  • Questions or Need Support?

Title IX Training

The Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, and Investigators have completed the following trainings and are posted in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education's August 14, 2020 Title IX Rule.

Please contact Tom Barbano, Director, Workforce Success/Deputy Title IX Coordinator, at 715.246.1804 or Email Tom with any questions about training. 

2025-2026

If you or someone you care about is a victim of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, or discrimination, contact the Title IX Coordinator or file a report.

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.