Navigating Title IX

Navigating Title IX

Know the policy. Utilize your resources.

BY COLLEEN BOYLE

When we arrive at The University as first-year students, we are inundated with information on school policy, information and resources that are in place to help us navigate difficult and stressful situations. Overtime, policies are updated and we forget exactly where to go and who to contact when we find ourselves in over our heads. Now that some of us may live off-campus or spend more time at internships than in classes, it can be easy to forget that we still belong to a community that provides a safety net for us when we fall.

As a P.A.C.T. (Promoting Awareness of the College Transition) presenter and Resident Assistant (RA), I have the privilege of receiving extensive training and a constant flow of information about Title IX policies and procedures at the University. While I hope that none of my peers experience sexual violence or discrimination on the basis of sex or gender, the disappointing reality is that these issues are prevalent in every demographic of the student body. While I am able to proactively educate first-year students and serve as a support person for residents of mine, so many students on-and-off campus can easily feel lost when trying to navigate resources and school policy. All students should receive updated and simplified information on where to go and what to do when you or a friend has experienced sexual misconduct or harassment.

Here are six things to know and remember should you need report an incident of Sexual Harassment or Sexual Misconduct through the University:

1. Mandated reporters, also known as responsible employees, include professors, coaches, University officials and staff members, and of course Residents Assistants. RAs serve as mandated reporters at all times, regardless of whether a student is their resident or not. Keep this in mind when sharing information with them.

2. Students who disclose incidents of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct policy violations such as harassment, stalking, sexual assault or misconduct to a mandated reporter will be directed to O.E.D. (The Office of Equity and Diversity) for a meeting with a Title IX coordinator and the opportunity to file a formal complaint. 3. Just because you meet with a Title IX coordinator does not mean you will have to file a formal complaint or “get anyone in trouble.” You have the option to reveal as little or as much information as possible.

4. If you feel uncomfortable, confused, or overhwhelmed during the process of reporting or throughout the course of a formal or informal investigation, make your concerns heard. Your mental wellness matters.

5. If a student under the age of 21 has been the victim of sexual violence while under the influence of alcohol, they will not be directed through the conduct process upon reporting the incident. The Title IX policy violation will be addressed as the primary concern regardless of conduct history. While reporting a Title IX incident does not guarantee full immunity from the conduct office, ensuring the safety of the campus community and the well-being of students is the first priority in the Title IX process.

6. Breathe. You are not alone. If you feel unsure of what your rights are as a student and how the Title IX process works, talk to an RA or refer to the following resources that are available to students year-round.

TITLE IX COORDINATORS

University Title IX Coordinator

Elizabeth M. Garcia, JD Executive Director Office of Equity and Diversity Ph: 570-941-6645 Fax: 570-941- 6304 elizabeth.garcia2@scranton.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Christine M. Black, JD Assistant Director Office of Equity and Diversity Ph: 570-941-6645 Fax: 570-941- 6304 christine.black@scranton.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Ms. Lauren Rivera, J.D., M.Ed. Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students Division of Student Life Phone: 570-941-7680 lauren.rivera@scranton.edu

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Women’s Resource Center On-Campus Advocate (Confidential Resource) Mondays 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. LSC 211C

Jane Kopas Women’s Center Denaples 205F Phone: 570-941-6194 Instagram & Twitter: @janekopas

Weekly Support Group (Confidential Resource) Wednesdays 8:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. McGurrin Hall 418 Scranton.edu/CARE