Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the University of Saint Francis Sexual Misconduct Policy and Grievance Procedures:
Does information about a complaint remain private?
The privacy of all parties to a complaint of sexual misconduct must be respected, except insofar as it interferes with the University’s obligation to fully investigate allegations of sexual misconduct. Where privacy is not strictly kept, it will still be tightly controlled on a need-to-know basis. Dissemination of information and/or written materials to persons not involved in the complaint procedure is not permitted. Violations of the privacy of the Reporting Party (alleged victim) or the Responding Party (accused individual) may lead to conduct action by the University. In all complaints of sexual misconduct, all parties will be informed of the outcome. In some instances, the administration also may choose to make a brief public announcement of the nature of the violation and the action taken, without using the name or identifiable information of the Reporting Party. Certain University administrators are informed of the outcome within the bounds of student privacy (e.g., the President, Vice President for Student Affairs, Director of Campus Security). If there is a report of an act of alleged sexual misconduct to a conduct officer of the University and there is evidence that a felony has occurred, Campus Security will be notified. This does not mean charges will be automatically filed or that a Reporting Party must speak with Security, but the institution is legally required to notify law enforcement authorities. The institution also must statistically report the occurrence on campus of major violent crimes, including certain sex offenses, in an annual report of campus crime statistics. This statistical report does not include personally identifiable information.
Will my parents be told?
Whether you are the Reporting Party or the Responding Party, the University’s primary relationship is to the student and not to the parent. However, in the event of major medical, disciplinary, or academic jeopardy, students are strongly encouraged to inform their parents. University officials may directly inform parents when requested to do so by a student; and/or:
Will the Responding Party know my identity?
Yes, if you want formal disciplinary action to be taken against the alleged Responding Party. Sexual misconduct is a serious offense and the Responding Party has the right to know the identity of the Reporting Party. If there is a hearing, the University does provide options for questioning without confrontation.
Do I have to name the perpetrator?
Yes, if you want formal disciplinary action to be taken against the alleged Responding Party. No, if you choose to respond informally and do not file a formal complaint (but you should consult the complete confidentiality policy above to better understand the University’s legal obligations depending on what information you share with different University officials). Reporting Parties should be aware that not identifying the perpetrator may limit the institution’s ability to respond comprehensively.
What do I do if I am accused of sexual misconduct?
DO NOT contact the Reporting Party. You may immediately want to contact a staff or faculty member of your choosing who can act as your advisor. You may also contact the Office of Student Affairs which can explain the University’s procedures for addressing sexual misconduct complaints. You may also want to talk to a confidential counselor or seek other community assistance.
Will I (as a victim) have to pay for counseling/or medical care?
No; the University of Saint Francis provides these services through the University of Saint Francis Health & Wellness Center. If a Reporting Party is accessing community and non-institutional services, payment for these will be subject to state/local laws, insurance requirements, etc.
How can the University of Saint Francis help remedy the effects of discrimination?
If you want to move, you may request a room change. Room changes under these circumstances are considered emergencies. It is typically institutional policy that in emergency room changes, the student is moved to the first available suitable room. No Contact Orders can be imposed. Other accommodations available to you might include:
What should I do about preserving evidence of a sexual assault?
Physical information of a sexual assault must be collected within about 96 hours of the assault for it to be useful in a criminal prosecution. If you believe you have been a victim of a sexual assault, you should call the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center (260-423-2222) or go to a hospital Emergency Room before washing yourself or your clothing. A sexual assault health professional (a specially trained nurse called a SANE) at the hospital is on call and will counsel you. If you go to the hospital, local police will be called but you are not obligated to talk to the police or to prosecute. The exam will help to keep that option open for you should you decide later to exercise it.
The SANE nurse will collect information, check for injuries and address the possibility of exposure to sexually transmitted infections. If you have changed clothing since the assault, bring the clothing you had on at the time of the assault with you to the hospital in a clean, sanitary container such as a clean paper grocery bag or wrapped in a clean sheet. (Plastic containers do not breathe, and may render forensic information useless.) If you have not changed clothes, bring a change of clothes with you to the hospital, if possible, as they will likely keep the clothes you are wearing as information. You can take a support person with you to the hospital, and they can accompany you through the exam, if you want. Do not disturb the crime scene—leave all sheets, towels, etc. that may bear information for the police to collect.
Will the use of drugs or alcohol affect the outcome of a sexual misconduct complaint?
The use of alcohol and/or drugs by either party will not diminish the responding individual’s responsibility.
Will a student be sanctioned when reporting an act of sexual misconduct if the student has illegally used drugs or alcohol?
No. The University of Saint Francis offers amnesty in such situations. The seriousness of sexual misconduct is a major concern and the University of Saint Francis does not want any of the circumstances (e.g., drug or alcohol use) to inhibit the reporting of sexual misconduct.
What should I do if I am uncertain about what happened?
If you believe that you have experienced non-consensual sexual contact, but are unsure of whether it was a violation of the University of Saint Francis’s sexual misconduct policy, you should contact the Title IX Coordinator and/or Student Affairs staff who can advise you of your options. The University of Saint Francis also provides access to counselors at the Health & Wellness Center who can help you to define and clarify the event(s). Finally, consider calling the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center to see a SANE trained nurse if you have experienced sexual assault. The Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center is available 24 hours a day (260-423-2222).