Student Handbook - Mount Olive College

Victims of sex offenses are strongly encouraged to seek counseling services and support. These services areavailable in the local area through support groups, crisis centers, and mental health agencies and practitioners. TheStudent Development Office will assist and encourage any student in seeking these services.Should a victim request to have his/her academic living situation changed after an alleged sex offense, the Collegewill accommodate the request if reasonably available. Determination of the options and availability will dependupon the individual request.Campus Disciplinary ActionThe victim of an alleged sex offense always has the right and the choice to pursue campus disciplinary action.Detailed procedures of the judicial system are outlined in the Student Handbook. To initiate College disciplinaryproceedings, the victim must submit a written complaint and meet with the Vice President for Student Development.Students should be particularly aware of the following:• Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to have an adviser present at the hearing and to presentwitnesses on his/her behalf.• Both the accuser and the accused will be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding alleging asex offense. Note: This provision does not violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.Outcome of the disciplinary proceeding means only the College’s final determination with respect to thealleged sex offense and any sanction imposed upon the accused.• Sanctions that the institution may impose upon the accused if found guilty range up to and includingexpulsion from the College as defined and explained in the Student Handbook. It should be further notedthat the College views a sexual assault or sex offense to be a severe violation of the Student Code ofConduct.Any questions or requests for further information should be referred to the Student Development Office.Sexual Harassment Policy7.4Preamble:As a Christian institution of higher education, Mount Olive College embraces values that proclaim the dignity andrights of all people.Policy:Harassment on the basis of gender in an academic setting is prohibited by the following: Title IX of the EducationAmendment of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Right Acts of 1964, and the Federal Sex Discrimination Act of 1984. Buton an even higher plane, it is not consistent with the motto of “Higher Learning, Higher Standards, and HigherValues.” It is the policy of Mount Olive College, in keeping with efforts to establish an environment in which thedignity and worth of all members of the institutional community are respected, that sexual harassment of students isunacceptable conduct and may result in sanctions and/or penalties, including expulsion from the College and/ortermination of employment.Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual natureconstitute sexual harassment when: (1) a condition of an individual’s employment or academic standing; (2)submissions or rejection of conduct by an individual are used as the basis for employment or academic decisionsaffecting the individual; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with anindividual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or studyenvironment.Any individual who becomes aware of an incident of sexual harassment is encouraged to report it as soon aspossible. It is also the policy of the College that prompt, appropriate action will be taken. This policy does notreplace or supersede an individual’s rights and remedies under the law.Each person has a right to report sexual harassment without fear of reprisal. Acts of reprisal against an individualshould be reported immediately. It is a violation of College policy for anyone to initiate an action as a reprisalagainst a faculty member, student, or employee for reporting sexual harassment.56