CUHK Policy Against Sexual Harassment

20)		The Panel Against Sexual Harassment will offer to facilitate mediation of the dispute at the request of the complainant or the complainee. Under normal circumstances, attempts at mediation do not require the filing of a written complaint. Mediation is a voluntary process, and will be conducted by the Panel only where both the complainant and the complainee agree to mediation. No legal rights or remedies are forfeited by entering into mediation. If the mediation fails to reach a settlement, the complainant can continue to enforce his/her rights. If a settlement has been reached during the mediation, the parties may enter into a legally binding agreement to record the terms of the settlement.

21)		The Panel Convenor shall appoint two panelists of different gender to conduct any mediation. The Secretary of the Committee Against Sexual Harassment shall act as Secretary of the mediation team.

22)		The maximum time for the conduct of mediation is 40 working days from the receipt of a complaint. The time limit for mediation may be extended by the Panel Convenor on reasonable grounds and with the agreement of both parties. If the dispute is not resolved by mediation within this period or either party decides to stop the mediation, the complainant may pursue the case through formal investigation. In such a case, a written complaint should be filed with the Panel Against Sexual Harassment.

23)		The complainant may elect to bypass mediation and proceed directly with the filing of a written complaint.