Converse University Sex & Gender Discrimination and Harassment Policy

Note: The full policy can be found on My.Converse (https://my.converse.edu/ICS/Of ices/Human_Resources/Title_IX.jnz). This excerpt serves to provide basic information to Students, Faculty, and Staf . The full policy should be referenced for further information.

Important information for individuals who may be victims of sexual assault: If you or someone you know may have been a victim of sexual assault or any other type of sexual misconduct, you are encouraged to seek immediate assistance. Assistance can be obtained 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the Residence Director on call at 864.621.7114 or call Campus Safety at 864.596.9026.

For additional information about seeking medical assistance and emotional support, as well as important resource information, contact a member of the Wellness Center staff at 864.596.9258 or wellnesscenter@converse.edu.

During business hours, you also are encouraged to contact one of the following individuals:

Title IX Coordinator:

Danielle Stone, MUEd
Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion 864.596.9196
Danielle.stone@converse.edu
Location: Montgomery 202H
Campus Representative

Title IX Deputy Coordinators: Claire Gregg, PhD
Director of Human Resources 864.596.9029 claire.gregg@converse.edu
Location: Carnegie 204
  Jodi Strehl, MSW
Senior Associate AD for Internal Operations/SWA
864.596.9671
jodi.strehl@converse.edu
Location: Marsha H Gibbs 216
  Tori McLean Good, EdD
Director of Career Development and Employer Relations
864.596.9647
tori.good@converse.edu
Location: Wilson 352

Duties and responsibilities of the Coordinators are to monitor and oversee implementation of Title IX compliance at the University, including coordination of training, education, communication, and administration of procedures for faculty, staff, students and other members of the University community, such as contract employees, Board members, and auxiliary staff. Complaints regarding discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex or gender, against Converse students, employees, or third party contractors should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinators listed above.

Statement of Purpose and Values

Converse University (“Converse”), in compliance with and as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and its implementing regulations (“Title IX”) and other civil rights laws, as well as in furtherance of its own values as a higher education institution, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law in admission, treatment, or access to, or employment in its programs and activities.

Discrimination and harassment are antithetical to the values and standards of the Converse community; are incompatible with the safe, healthy environment that the Converse community expects and deserves; and will not be tolerated. Converse is committed to providing programs, activities, and an education and work environment free from discrimination and harassment and to fostering a community that provides prompt reporting and fair and timely resolution of those behaviors.

Inquiries concerning discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex or gender may be referred to Converse’s Title IX Coordinator. Please see contact information above.

Inquiries concerning discrimination or harassment based on a protected characteristic or status other than sex or gender may be referred to the Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion(for students) or the Director of Human Resources (for employees).

Individuals also may make inquiries regarding discrimination or harassment to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights by contacting the District of Columbia Office, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1475; Phone 800-421-3481; email: OCR@ed.gov.

Policy Scope

This Policy applies to any allegation of sex or gender discrimination or harassment made by or against a student or an employee of Converse or a third party, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender expression, or gender identity.

The Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedures apply only to allegations of Sexual Harassment in Converse’s Education Program or Activity (as defined herein).

Converse will address allegations of other types of sex or gender discrimination or harassment (i.e., that do not meet the definition of Sexual Harassment) (1) using other student and employee conduct disciplinary procedures deemed appropriate by the Title IX Coordinator in consultation with other Converse administrators; and/or (2) with Supportive Measures, which are defined and discussed in more detail herein.

When Converse has Actual Knowledge of Sexual Harassment (or allegations thereof) in its Education Program or Activity and against a person in the United States, Converse is obligated to respond and to follow Title IX’s specific requirements, which are addressed and incorporated in these Grievance Procedures.

Promptly upon receiving allegations of Sexual Harassment in Converse’s Education Program or Activity and against a person in the United States, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures with or without the filing of a Formal Complaint and to explain to the Complainant the process for filing a Formal Complaint.