Title IX

No. Complainants (you) maintain control over who they will talk to, what resources they will use and what information they choose to share; however, the University’s response may be limited based on the information shared by the Complainant. When the University receives a report, it has a duty to evaluate the report to determine the appropriate response and safety of the individual and the community. Your information will be kept private and only shared with those on a “need to know” basis

Even if a Complainant does not wish to participate in any form of resolution, the University is still required to provide reasonable remedies. Remedies may include, but are not limited to:

• assistance with academics, modifications in living arrangements, academic and/or employment schedules;
• no-contact orders; and/or
• counseling and support referrals

Any interim measures taken will be designed to minimize the burden on the Complainant as much as possible.

There is no time limit for invoking Oglethorpe’s Policy on Sexual Misconduct. Oglethorpe prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct, which include but are not limited to sexual assault/rape, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual coercion or intimidation, and sexual exploitation.  This policy applies to students, faculty, staff, other individuals associated with the University, and third parties. The University actively encourages all members of the community to report and take action to make the University a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment.

Oglethorpe is committed to providing all students and employees with a safe and secure learning and working environment that is free of sex or gender-based discrimination. Reports aid the University in developing strategies for preventing and ending gender-based misconduct, sexual assault, and interpersonal violence.

• Oglethorpe may provide interim measures, resources for ongoing support and multiple options for resolving the matter.
• Oglethorpe can also assist Complainants with contacting local law enforcement if desired.
• Oglethorpe can assist Complainants with the University’s formal resolution process, which may determine if a violation of the University Policy on Sexual Misconduct occurred, and if so, appropriate sanctions for the respondent.

In most cases, no. FERPA is a federal law that protects information about you and your access of university services.

No. Oglethorpe has a Medical Amnesty and Good Samaritan Policy. The University recognizes that the potential for disciplinary action for these incidents may act as a barrier to students who would otherwise seek medical assistance themselves or for other students. The primary concern is the well-being, health, and safety of students.

The university has a strict prohibition against any sort of retaliation (in person, using third parties, social media, etc.). The University does not tolerate retaliation or discrimination against any person, and/or their family and friends, who brings forward a complaint, who cooperates in the investigation of a complaint, or who participates in the discipline process for an alleged violation of this policy. The University will not only take steps to prevent retaliation, it will also take strong responsive action if retaliation occurs. The policy applies to all members of the university community. If you face harassment and want to take action in response, you can contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Dean of Students.

The Title IX Coordinator will explain the University’s disciplinary process and your rights during the process. The Coordinator will explain any changes to your courses and residence that may be necessary during the process. The Coordinator will also discuss the availability of interim measures, such as academic flexibility requests, residence changes, or other steps to assist you during the complaint resolution process.

You have the right to have an advisor of your choice present during this meeting.

Although each case is unique, generally the initial meeting takes approximately one hour.

After the meeting you will be contacted by the investigator(s) assigned to the complaint to set up an interview.

The investigator will ask about what happened, asking questions and requesting more details based on your statement provided prior to the interview. They will also request the names of witnesses and other evidence that you might have, such as text messages, e-mails and photos.

The role of the advisor is to assist the student during the process but is not to represent or speak for the student.

After your interview, the investigator will draft an interview summary. You will have the opportunity to review the summary and submit any corrections or other comments.

The Title IX Coordinator shares information on a need-to-know basis, e.g. those involved in the investigation and resolution of the complaint. During the formal complaint resolution process, witnesses will be informed about the complaint against you.

No. That information is only shared by the respondent.

If following the investigation, it is believed that through a preponderance of the evidence a violation may have occurred, the matter will go to the University’s hearing board.

The length of the process depends on the facts of each case, the number of witnesses, university breaks, etc. – but generally the process should take no more than 60 business days or less.