Note: This excerpt serves to provide basic information to Students, Faculty, and Staff. The full policy on My.Converse should be referenced for further information.
Reporting Process
Any employee, student, or campus visitor who has experienced or witnessed sex-based harassment and/or discrimination is encouraged to report the incident(s) promptly. Prompt reporting of complaints is vital to the University’s ability to resolve the matter. To file a report, please complete the online Title IX Reporting Form or email titleix@converse.edu and a Title IX team member will follow up with you promptly.
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 24/7 from the On-call Residence Director at 864.621.7114 or Campus Safety at 864.596.9026.
For additional information about seeking medical assistance and counseling, as well as important resource information, contact a member of the Wellness Center staff at wellnesscenter@converse.edu or 864.596.9258.
Title IX Taskforce
During business hours, you are also encouraged to contact one of the following individuals:
| Title IX Coordinator | Karen Medlin Case Manager for Student Accessibility Services 864.596.9027 karen.medlin@converse.edu Location: 206E Montgomery |
| Title IX Deputy Coordinators: | Kristin Lacey, MBA VP Operations & Strategic Planning 864.596.9031 kristin.lacey@converse.edu Location: 201 Carnegie Hall |
| Shannon Bishop University Registrar 864.596.9624 shanonon.bishop@converse.edu Location: 253 Wilson Hall |
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 (e.g., contract employees, board members, and auxiliary staff). Inquiries concerning sex-based harassment and discrimination will be referred to Converse’s Title IX Coordinator and/or Deputy Coordinators. The Coordinators can assist individuals in making a report or initiating a formal complaint, connecting with campus/community resources, and accessing support with academics, housing, and/or employment.
Individuals also may make inquiries regarding sex-based harassment and discrimination 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.
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 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.
Harassment and discrimination 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.
When Converse has Actual Knowledge of Sexual Harassment and Discrimination (or allegations thereof) in its Education Program or Activity, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant to discuss supportive measures with or without the filing of a Formal Complaint and to explain all available options under the Title IX Policy and Resolution Procedures.
Policy Scope
The Title IX Policy and Resolution Procedures apply only to allegations of Sexual Harassment and Discrimination in Converse’s Education Program or Activity (defined below).
- The alleged Title IX violation occurred on University premises or property, at a University-sponsored event, or in buildings owned or controlled by the University’s recognized student organizations; or if the alleged conduct took place outside the aforementioned locations, it effectively deprived someone of access to the University’s educational program, or the Title IX Coordinator determines that the conduct affects a substantial University interest.
- The Respondent is a member of the University’s community.
- At the time of filing a Formal Complaint, the Complainant was participating in or attempting to participate in an education program or activity of the University.
- The alleged misconduct occurred after August 14, 2020.
Converse will address allegations of other types of harassment and discrimination (i.e., that do not meet the definition of Sexual Harassment) using other student and employee conduct disciplinary procedures deemed appropriate by the Title IX Coordinator in consultation with other Converse administrators.