Title IX FAQ for Students

Where do I start if I want to report? 

If you would like to report an incident involving sexual harassment, complete the Title IX Incident Form. You can also visit the the Title IX office in Blake Hall C room 118. 

The Title IX Coordinator will explain the available processes, your options for reporting, and supportive measures to ensure your academic and emotional success.

What types of situations can I report to Title IX? 

Title IX responds to acts of discrimination on the basis of sex or gender which includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, stalking, domestic or dating violence, and anything that violates affirmative consent, or prevents an individual from feeling safe and comfortable on campus.

What does it mean to be a Mandated Reporter?

A mandated reporter is considered a “responsible employee” that is required by law to report any incidents of sexual misconduct that they become aware of to the Title IX Coordinator. Under Title IX Final Rule, the University is required to respond to acts of sexual violence that they know of, or that they should know of. This means that if an employee of the institution is aware of an incident involving students or faculty, they must report it so that the university may ensure the health and wellbeing of the student in question and provide resources for support and reporting options. Mandated reporters include Residence Life Staff, administrative faculty, teaching faculty, and anyone employed by the college. 

What happens when the Title IX Coordinator is notified? Do I have to go through with a formal investigation?

The Title IX Coordinator will reach out to you via email after receiving a Title IX Incident Report and invite you to participate in a conversation. The purpose of the conversation is to ensure that you are physically safe and emotionally supported. Supportive measures and reporting options will also be extended to you. You do not need to follow through with filing a formal report in the case that the Title IX Coordinator is notified. This choice is entirely up to you and Title IX will not encourage or discourage you from selecting an option.

Who can I talk to that is confidential about my situation?

The Title IX office serves as a “home base,” or a starting off point that connects students to any resources that may be necessary when seeking help. Although our office entitles you to privacy to the greatest extent, we can connect you to free and confidential counseling services through RESTORE or Lauderdale Health and Counseling. We also can assist in finding off-campus therapists, if selected by the student. These services are available regardless of whether or not you pursue a formal investigation. You can also contact RESTORE at their 24/7 hotline to speak to a confidential advocate.

What constitutes as sexual harassment under Title IX regulations?

The Title IX Regulations define sexual harassment as: 

  1. Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the educational institution’s education program or activity
  2. “Quid pro quo” in situations where an employee abuses their authority by conditioning a student’s educational benefits on participation in unwelcome sexual conduct
  3. Sexual assault (rape and unwanted sexual contact)
  4. Dating violence
  5. Domestic violence
  6. Stalking
How long does completing the formal process take?

The timeframe for the Title IX Grievance Process begins with the filing of a Formal Complaint. The Grievance Process will be concluded within a reasonably prompt manner, and no longer than ninety (90) business days after the filing of the Formal Complaint, provided that the Process may be extended for a good reason, including but not limited to the absence of a party, a party’s advisor, or a witness; concurrent law enforcement activity; or the need for language assistance or accommodation of disabilities. The Title IX Coordinator will contact you with weekly updates on the status of the investigation. 

What if I decide to go forward with an investigation, but change my mind and want to withdraw my complaint? 

At any point during the process, you may decide that you no longer want to go forward with the process. You have the right to withdraw your complaint. The allegations against the respondent will be dismissed and the matter will be closed. You maintain the ability to reopen your matter at a later date. The Title IX Coordinator will keep a record of any allegations against an individual in the case, should this individual be reported again in the future.

Does Title IX respond to incidents that happen off-campus?

Yes. Title IX is a resource for all students no matter where an incident occurred. When an incident happens on-campus (ex. in your residence hall, campus buildings, college-sponsored events), Title IX will outline the Title IX Grievance Policy.

If an incident occurred off-campus (ex. an off-campus apartment, a fraternity or sorority house, a study abroad program, online, etc.), the SUNY Geneseo Sexual Violence Response Policy applies.

Can I seek supportive measures if I am harmed by a non-Geneseo student?

Yes. The Title IX Coordinator will work with you to provide supportive measures and assistance from the college and/or local law enforcement.

What supportive measures are available to me?

Whether or not you choose to file a formal complaint, students and faculty are entitled to supportive measures. These include: 

  1. Academic Accommodations: Modifications to class schedule for either party, granting extensions for coursework, or granting a leave of absence. Title IX works with the Dean of Students to secure these accommodations without revealing specific details regarding the student’s situation. 
  2. Housing Accommodations: Relocation of either party. The reporter may choose to move, but in certain circumstances, the responder may be required to move. 
  3. Police Escort Services
  4. No-Contact Orders: Prohibits all contact between reporter and responder, including in person, over the phone, through social media, and/or through others. If the No-Contact Order is violated, the student(s) will be subject to the Student Code of Conduct. 
  5. Counseling Services: Through our community partner, RESTORE, students have access to free, confidential counseling services. Students may also be connected to counseling services through Lauderdale Health and Counseling or to off-campus therapists in Livingston County. 
  6. Work schedule modifications: In the case that both parties work together on campus, alternate work schedules may be arranged. 
  7. Emergency Removal: In the case that an accused party poses an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of an individual on campus, SUNY Geneseo may justify their immediate removal. 
  8. Other: Each case is unique and may require different accommodations to ensure that all parties feel safe and comfortable on campus. The Title IX Coordinator may make accommodations on a case-by-case basis.
What happens if I make a report with local law enforcement?

The Title IX Coordinator can assist you in speaking with a legal advocate who can provide guidance on the legal process and attend court hearings with you.

Will my parents be notified or have to be involved?

If the university has reason to believe that a student’s health and safety is at risk, we will contact the student’s emergency contact to inform them.  Otherwise, we may only contact them if we are granted permission from the student. Without signed consent to release the information, we cannot inform parents or guardians.

What is retaliation? 

Any intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX is considered retaliation. Protection from retaliation applies to the complainant, the responder, and all witnesses that participate in a formal investigation.

Will I face disciplinary action if I disclose that I was drinking underage or using illegal drugs at the time of the alleged incident? 

No. According to the Amnesty Policy, a bystander acting in good faith or a reporting individual acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to SUNY Geneseo officials or law enforcement will not be subject to SUNY Geneseo’s student code of conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.   

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