Frequently Asked Questions
We are here to answer your questions!
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On this page, professional staff from the Sexual Misconduct Support Team and the Sexual Misconduct Adjudication Team answer questions we hear often.
If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact any of us. We can give you information and discuss your questions and concerns.
What is stalking?
"Stalking is a form of sexual harassment and may include persistent attempts to contact a person by phone, electronic communication or regular mail; engaging in unwanted attention towards a person who finds the attention unwelcome, vandalizing the person’s property or leaving unwanted items for the person; and/or constantly appearing at the person’s classroom, residence, or workplace without permission. A person who feels that they are a victim of stalking may file a complaint under Carleton’s Policies against Sexual Misconduct."
—Joanne Mullen, Investigator and College Consultant on Sexual Misconduct

Other FAQs
- Who can I speak with confidentially?"Student Health and Counseling counselors and the College Chaplain are the only completely confidential resources...
- I had an uncomfortable sexual experience. I am confused about what I experienced and I'm not sure if I want to make a complaint. What should I do?"One helpful first step may be to seek support at Student Health and Counseling. There...
- Can I get academic accommodations if this is impacting my ability to do school work?"In short, yes, it is possible to request adjustments (e.g., extensions to academic deadlines). Please...
- Can I change rooms?"Housing accommodations are available for students involved in the sexual misconduct complaint process. Students can...
- What are the differences between Carleton’s complaint process and the legal process?"There is a difference between Carleton’s complaint process and an external legal process. Carleton’s complaint...
- What is stalking?"Stalking is a form of sexual harassment and may include persistent attempts to contact a...
- What does sexual misconduct look like at Carleton?"The most common reports of sexual assault are between two people who know each other. ...
- How common is sexual misconduct at Carleton?"Unfortunately sexual misconduct occurs at Carleton, and most incidents of it, whether it is sexual...
- How long after an incident can I submit a community concern form or file a complaint?"There is no time limit on submitting a community concern or filing a complaint. Please...
- How long does the complaint process take?"It’s really important to us that we complete a thorough investigation. Because of this, it...
- Will I have to face the other person (Complainant or Respondent) in a hearing?"No, we recognize that participating in a hearing may be difficult for those involved. So,...
- What are the penalties for sexual misconduct?"As an institution of higher learning, we try to avoid punitive penalties, but instead focus...
- How are members of the CBSM selected?"The Community Board on Sexual Misconduct is made of members of the Carleton community...faculty, staff...
- I am a parent of a student involved in a complaint process. Who can I contact?"Parents can contact any of the Class Deans with questions or concerns about the process. ...
- What if I was drinking when I was assaulted or harassed?"Alcohol tends to be a contributing factor in 90% of sexual misconduct cases, however, the...
- Can I file a complaint with the College and also with the police?"Yes, you may file a complaint with the College through the Carleton complaint process, and...
