2014-15-Undergraduate-Catalog

Student Life Policies • 125Reporting Sexual Misconduct to University OfficialsIf you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual misconduct, contact theDepartment of Public Safety, a resident assistant, or the vice president for student life. In allcases, the Title IX Coordinator (or designee) will complete an investigation of eachcomplaint.If a complainant does not wish to pursue Formal or Informal Resolution, or requests thathis or her complaint remain confidential, the university will take reasonable action inresponse to the complainant’s information. The Title IX Coordinator will inform complainantthat the university’s ability to respond will be limited by adherence to these wishes.Investigations can take up to 60 calendar days following receipt of the complaint. Factorsthat could impair the timing of the investigation include the complexity and severity of thesexual misconduct, the number and availability of witnesses, the need to identify and acquirephysical or other evidence. Individuals who feel they have experienced sexual misconductmay file criminal charges through the criminal justice system.To encourage reporting of incidents of sexual misconduct, Shenandoah University pursues apolicy of offering complainants and witnesses limited immunity from being charged forpolicy violations related to an alleged incident (such as policies prohibiting the use ofalcohol or drugs). While the university cannot completely overlook policy violations, it willpursue educational rather than punitive responses to such cases.Responding to an Incident: Complaint ProceduresThe Assistant Director of Student Conduct serves as the Shenandoah University Title IXCoordinator. Faculty, staff, or students who believe they have been victims of sexualmisconduct should contact the Title IX Coordinator. If the complainant determines that heor she wishes to take action, a verbal or written complaint is to be presented to the Title IXCoordinator.The Title IX Coordinator and the complainant will hold a confidential interview to discussthe alleged sexual misconduct. The Title IX Coordinator will share information regarding thedefinition of sexual misconduct and possible action that may be taken in response to thealleged sexual misconduct. The Title IX Coordinator will also provide informationconcerning health and counseling services to the complainant and the accused student.Student complainants will have the option for a formal or informal resolution procedure.Complainants who requests anonymity should be aware that while health care professionalscan guarantee confidentiality by law, other university employees cannot guarantee completeconfidentiality. Information is disclosed only to select officials who have an essential need toknow in order to carry out their university responsibilities. As is the case with anyeducational institution, the university is herein governed by FERPA regulations. While theuniversity official will make every effort to adhere to the wishes of the complainant inproceeding with the complaint, officials must balance the needs of the individual studentwith its obligation to protect the safety and wellbeing of the community at large. Therefore,depending on the seriousness of the alleged incident, further action may be necessary.The Title IX Coordinator, Department of Public Safety or other Shenandoah Universityofficials may take immediate interim actions to protect the safety of the universitycommunity, to enable students with complaints and witnesses to continue studies, and toensure the integrity of an investigation. These actions may include, but are not limited to: