8.0 Sexual Misconduct Policy

The College seeks to foster a safe and healthy environment built on mutual respect and trust. At the foundation of the College’s mission is the recognition of the equal and inviolable dignity and worth of every person. Sexual Misconduct of any kind is a serious violation of these principles and will not be tolerated in any form.

The College defines Sexual Misconduct to include Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Relationship Violence of a sexual nature. Sexual Misconduct can occur between strangers or acquaintances, including people involved in an intimate or sexual relationship. Sexual Misconduct can be committed by men or by women, and it can occur between people of the same or different sex. Sexual Harassment, including sexual violence is a form of sex discrimination.

Any member of the College community who encourages, aids, assists or participates in any act of Sexual Misconduct against another is in violation of the College policy and Title IX.

Violence that is not of a sexual nature is also incompatible with the College’s mission and a violation of College policies. Policies and procedures governing incidents of violence that are not of a sexual nature are covered separately.

All members of the College community are required to report incidents of Sexual Misconduct. This includes any and all students. Every member of the faculty, administration and staff, is obligated by law under Title IX, to immediately report incidents of or perceived incidents of Sexual Misconduct against any member of the campus community upon learning of the incident. If the party accused of Sexual Misconduct is an employee, the incident should be reported to the Director of Human Resources, who is the Title IX Coordinator for the College. If the accused is a faculty member, the incident should be reported to the Provost, who is Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Faculty. When a student is accused of Sexual Misconduct, the incident should be reported to the Vice President/Vice President for Student Affairs who is the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students. Even if the alleged victim requests confidentiality of the incident, the employee has a legal and moral obligation to report. The only individuals exempt from reporting are priests who learn of the behavior in a confession or licensed health or mental health professionals when functioning in their designated counseling role at the College.

8.0.1 Complaint Procedures for Handling Complaints Against Faculty, Administrative or Staff Employees

8.0.2 Interim Measures

8.0.3 Accuser Requests Confidentiality

8.0.4 Accuser Requests Informal Resolution

8.0.5 Accuser Requests Formal Investigation

8.0.6 Retaliation