The Concord University Title IX Team is trained to receive and respond to complaints of Title IX infractions. Our role is to investigate reported misconduct and other gender equality concerns, support those involved, maximize campus safety, and promote knowledge and understanding of creating an environment free from gender-based discrimination. The Title IX Team can help you obtain confidential support, connect with resources (academic, housing, work, transportation, counseling, etc.), access protective measures, and file a criminal complaint with local law enforcement. Concord University’s Policy No. 37 Nondiscrimination, Sexual Misconduct and Other Forms of Harassment can be viewed HERE. “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Title IX of the Education Amendments and Concord University Policy prohibits discrimination in services or benefits offered by the University based upon gender. Concord University is committed to creating a safe environment where all are free from discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct. We encourage all members of the Concord University community to report discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct. It is the policy of Concord University to provide equal employment and educational opportunity on the basis of merit without discrimination because of age, race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, veterans’ status, or disability. Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination and therefore prohibited under Title IX. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual/gendered nature. The following are examples of types of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment: The following protocol is intended as a general guideline for sexual assaults. Note that it may be necessary to deviate from the protocol on a case-by-case basis. Your safety and well-being is the main concern if you are the victim of a sexual assault! First, be certain that you are safe and away from future harm. The following are steps you may wish to take if you are the victim of a sexual assault or are assisting a victim. After you are safe and have received medical attention, if needed, the Concord University Title IX Coordinator should be notified to ensure your continued safety and that of others who could be potential victims. This is important whether the assault occurred on or off campus. You may contact the Title IX Coordinator directly, through completing an online referral form, or have someone report the incident on your behalf. All Concord University employees are considered “responsible employees” and are required to report known incidents of sexual misconduct. You may request to remain anonymous. Responsible Employees: Note: All Concord University employees are considered Responsible Employees and are therefore considered mandatory reporters. The CU Counselor has confidentiality within the counselor-client relationship and to the extent allowed by law. CU SART members are considered privileged employees (i.e. may report to Title IX Coordinator without providing victim identity information.) NOTE: Victims of interpersonal violence more often than not have experienced a traumatic incident. A trauma-informed response focuses on the victim’s needs. Victims are often in crisis following an assault. Keep this in mind when identifying who is involved/notified. Think about who needs to be contacted immediately, and who can be contacted at a later time. NOTE: Resident Assistants should report incidents to their Resident Director or the RD on call as soon as realistically possible and preferably when the person begins to disclose. Saying something such as, “Would you mind if I contact XX? He/she knows how to help.” However, be sensitive to the situation and only offer to contact the RD if doing so will not jeopardize disclosure and the ability to provide the person immediate assistance. An internal grievance procedure provides for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Any person (student, faculty, staff, or guest) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based upon gender may discuss their concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Title IX complaints should be addressed to Dr. Joan Pendergast, Professor of Social Work and Title IX Coordinator, P.O. Box 1000, Concord University, Athens, West Virginia 24712-1000 (304-384-5289), by filling out the Student Affairs Referral Form, or emailing titleix@concord.edu. Other concerns may be emailed to studentaffairs@concord.edu. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is the federal agency responsible for addressing complaints related to discrimination on the basis of sex. Complaints must be filed in a timely manner with OCR. Information on how to file a discrimination complaint with the OCR may be found online HERE. The U.S. Office for Civil Rights Regional Office in Philadelphia, PA can be reached by phone at 215-656-8541 (Voice) or 800-877-8339 (TDD); the OCR National Headquarters, located in Washington D.C., can be reached at 800-421-3481 (Voice) or 800-877-8339 (TDD). OCR’s policies, procedures, and contact information may change over time, so please visit the website for the most current information. Concord University has a number of free campus and external resources to assist students. If you or a friend need assistance, please reach out for help! Title IX Office Phone Numbers: 304-384-5289 or 304-384-5231 2020 Regulations Requirement: Posting of Training MaterialsTitle IX
U.S. Code, Title IX of the Higher Education Act
(Amendments of 1972)Title IX:
CU Counseling Center: 304-384-5290; free confidential mental health services and alcohol/substance services; concord.edu/counseling (for scheduling appointments online confidentially)
Office of Student Affairs: 304-384-6035 or 304-384-5231
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender National Hotline: 888-843-4564
Mercer County Rape Crisis Center (Family Refuge Center): 1-866-645-6334 or 304-825-7867
Women’s Resource Center (Beckley): 24-hour hotline 304-255-4066. Confidential assistance for victims of sexual violence
SART: On-campus Sexual Assault Response Team — 304-384-5282 (day) 304-462-9082 (evening) or 911
SAFE (Domestic Violence): 1-800-688-6157
Campus Safety: 304-384-5357 or 911 for emergencies
It’s On Us: Information on prevention of sexual violence
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network): 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit the RAINN website: https://rainn.org/about-rainn (Hotline or live chat plus excellent information)
Sean’s Corner: located in Towers Lobby (Towers residence hall). A safe place if you are in need of assistance.
Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center: Crisis Line – 304-425-0122 or 1-800-615-0122
Ulifeline.org: 1-800-273-8255 or online. 24-hour crisis hotline; Suicide Prevention & other mental health issues
The Concord University Title IX Team is trained to receive and respond to complaints of Title IX infractions. Our role is to investigate reported misconduct and other gender equality concerns, support those involved, maximize campus safety, and promote knowledge and understanding of creating an environment free from gender-based discrimination. The Title IX Team can help you obtain confidential support, connect with resources (academic, housing, work, transportation, counseling, etc.), access protective measures, and file a criminal complaint with local law enforcement. Concord University’s Policy No. 37 Nondiscrimination, Sexual Misconduct and Other Forms of Harassment can be viewed HERE. “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Title IX of the Education Amendments and Concord University Policy prohibits discrimination in services or benefits offered by the University based upon gender. Concord University is committed to creating a safe environment where all are free from discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct. We encourage all members of the Concord University community to report discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct. It is the policy of Concord University to provide equal employment and educational opportunity on the basis of merit without discrimination because of age, race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, veterans’ status, or disability.Title IX
U.S. Code, Title IX of the Higher Education Act
(Amendments of 1972)Title IX: