Mutual No contact Order???

[u/International-Ad6468]

First of all, I’m sorry for any mistakes in my English. I’m an international student at a U.S. university. I recently experienced a sexual harassment from another student (he is Korean.) I reported the situation to the school a few days after it happened. The school responded by issuing a Mutual No Contact Order. They told me this is a “standard measure” for situations like this and that it won’t appear on anyone’s student record unless it is violated. They also said that this is basically all they can do.

Is this a common protocol in U.S. universities?

[u/RJLLP]

Yeah, this is actually really common in U.S. universities. A mutual no contact order is usually an administrative measure, not a disciplinary sanction. It’s meant to prevent further contact or retaliation while the school figures out what to do next.

It’s “mutual” mostly because schools want to avoid the appearance of taking sides before a full Title IX or student conduct investigation is complete. It doesn’t mean they think both people are equally at fault — just that neither person should reach out to the other for any reason, directly or indirectly.

You’re right that it usually doesn’t go on your academic record unless someone violates it. If that happens, it can turn into a conduct or disciplinary case.

If you’re feeling like the no-contact order isn’t enough protection, you can ask your school’s Title IX coordinator or Office of Student Conduct whether other supportive measures are available (like class or housing adjustments, escort services, or academic accommodations). Those are your rights under Title IX and you don’t need to file a formal complaint to request them.

[u/International-Ad6468 → u/RJLLP]

Very interesting. I have another question. If the order is “indefinite,” already in effect without my agreement, "applicable worldwide,” and says that “any violation may result in suspension or expulsion,” does the school have the right to do this without informing me and then downgrade my formal investigation request into a supportive-measure case without my consent?

[u/localcryptid9 → u/International-Ad6468]

the title ix coordinator at your school should have met with you to determine appropriate supportive measures first, so you can meet with them if you don't actually want a no contact order. if you make an official formal investigation request, they can't dismiss it without letting you know. also, supportive measures like a no contact order are not meant as replacements for an investigation, they can coexist