Title IX and Students

What Happens after a Title IX Report?

The Title IX Office will contact the individual who is alleged to have experienced the Prohibited Conduct known in the SRC Policy as the complainant for an intake meeting. At this intake meeting, the Title IX Coordinator/Deputy Title IX Coordinator would provide the complainant a general understanding of the SRC Policy and offer forms of Student Support. The Title IX Coordinator/Deputy Title IX Coordinator would provide the complainant more information on the process for filing a formal complaint.

In most cases, the College will respect a complainant’s desire to remain confidential and/or to not pursue a formal complaint. In cases where alleged sexual misconduct is involved, Title IX requires the College to evaluate the complainant’s request that they remain confidential or that the complaint not be adjudicated in light of the College’s commitment to provide a reasonably safe and non-discriminatory environment for all students. Therefore, in appropriate cases, the Title IX Coordinator has the discretion to file a formal complaint without the cooperation of the complainant. For more information, review the Sexual and Relationship Conduct Policy.

What About Confidentiality?

The College’s policy is to treat, to the extent possible, all reports and complaints of misconduct of the Sexual and Relationship Conduct Policy as confidential. All participants in any grievance process under this Policy are expected to maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained during the grievance process. Failure to abide by this rule of confidentiality may result in disciplinary charges under this Policy, the Student Conduct Code, or other applicable policies and codes of the College. For more information about the confidentiality provision, review the Sexual and Relationship Conduct Policy.

What about Student Support?

Students, regardless of a formal complaint and their affiliation in a formal complaint (i.e. both complainants and respondents), have the right to and will be offered supportive measures by the Title IX Coordinator/Deputy Title IX Coordinator as needed. Additionally, students may request and/or the College may issue administrative actions and supports, such as “No Contact” orders and changes to academic and living accommodations. Students will be notified by the Title IX Office as to what changes are reasonably available and/or are being implemented.

Students, including witnesses, have the right to and are strongly encouraged to seek support and counseling made available through campus and community resources, such as but not limited to the Title IX Office, Counseling Services, Campus Safety, Student Health Center, and Office of the Chaplain.

Can I Bring an Advisor?

Any student participating in a complaint resolution begun pursuant to the Sexual and Relationship Policy may have an advisor. An advisor can be any person selected by the student to advise them through the stages and processes set forth in the SRC Policy. The student may be accompanied by their advisor to all meetings, investigations, hearing proceedings, and/or appeals proceedings. If the student elects not to attend a proceeding or other meeting, the advisor cannot attend that event as well. An advisor can provide support, guidance, and advice. An advisor can also assist the student in preparing comments that the student will present during a proceeding, and the advisor will conduct cross-examination of witnesses in the event of a hearing.

All advisors are required to adhere to the contents of The Student Handbook and this Policy. The College is not responsible for the quality, accuracy, or effectiveness of assistance provided by a student’s advisor.

For more information on the role of Advisors, review the Sexual and Relationship Conduct Policy.

Pregnancy and Related Conditions

Randolph-Macon College students may request reasonable supportive measures and/or accommodations as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions from the Title IX Office by submitting the below form. The Title IX Office will contact students after a submitted form during normal business hours.

The Title IX Office encourages students to submit medical documentation via Pregnancy and/or Parenting Accommodations Request Form to arrange appropriate, reasonable accommodations and/or supportive measures, such as but not limited to living and learning accommodations, supplies, excused absence(s), class and clinical time breaks, and access to lactation space(s), such as the McGraw-Page Library (1^st Floor).

Students may be referred to the Title IX Office by the Office of Disability Services, Student Health Center, Counseling Services, and/or other campus offices, faculty, and staff. Students with certain medical documented conditions co-occurring with or resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions may also be entitled to reasonable accommodations, including temporary disability provision(s), covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (Section 504).

For more information about pregnancy, childbirth, or related accommodations or medical documentation, please contact the Title IX Office in Peele Hall, 2^nd Floor, at TitleIX@rmc.edu or 804-752-3295.

Information For Respondents

If You Have Been Accused

• Process your emotions: make sure you find ways to safely express your feelings, which may be anger, frustration, and fear, and take the time and space you need to cope with the accusation.
• Be kind to yourself: understand that you have deserve to and the right to access campus and community support and that you do not deserve any discrimination for an accusation nor incident of Prohibited Conduct.
• Get support: reach out to your support network, meet with counselors, consider journaling, and avoid isolation.
• Practice self-care: take time to focus on breathing, eat healthy, get as much rest as you can, and relax with friends and family.

If Your Friend Has Been Accused

• Remind them: understand that both your friend and the student(s) who accused them do not deserve any discrimination so do not confront anyone about the accusations. Know the Title IX Office will manage an objective and thorough investigation and adjudication process
• Listen to them: practice active, non-judgmental listening, avoid questioning, respond with empathy, and be honest with them about your feelings and ability to support them.
• Help them: if you can, offer your support as a trusted friend, protect their confidence as much as you can, and support them by learning how to access resources on and off campus. Know that your support does not mean you approve of Prohibited Conduct.