Procedures for Victims of Sexual Misconduct
Richmont Graduate University prohibits the crimes of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking as those terms are defined for purposes of the
Clery Act.
Initial Action Steps for Students
If a student is a victim of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, or sexual harassment, the priority is to get to a place of safety. At that point, the student should obtain necessary medical treatment. Time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation in case the student decides at some point to pursue legal options. Filing a report with the local police department by dialing 911 is recommended and will not obligate the victim to prosecute at a later date.
A student who has been the victim of sexual misconduct or harassment should either file a grievance (See
Student Grievances) or report the incident(s) to the Office of Student Affairs. The Office of Student Affairs will assist the student in notifying authorities if requested, and will help with referrals to off-campus mental health services. Reporting the incident to the Office of Student Affairs will initiate the Formal Grievance process.
The Office of Student Affairs can be contacted at
studentaffairs@richmont.edu.
If the alleged perpetrator of sexual misconduct or assault is a student at Richmont, the alleged perpetrator’s name will be disclosed to either the Dean of the School of Counseling or Dean of the School of Ministry. The Dean will follow the Student Evaluation procedure Student Performance and Disposition Review as outlined in the Graduate Catalog. Possible outcomes following these procedures include: Continuance in the Program, Probationary Status with Appropriate Remedial Actions (i.e., Student Development Plan), or Dismissal. Reports of sexual misconduct must be filed within 30 days of the incident or most recent incident(s).
If the alleged perpetrator is an employee at Richmont, the Student Grievance Investigative Committee will follow the Student Grievance procedures as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Student Grievances must be filed within 30 days of the incident or most recent incident(s). A representative from Human Resources will be added to the Student Grievance Investigative Committee in cases of alleged sexual misconduct or harassment by a university employee. The student filing the grievance will be allowed to choose one person (a student or employee from the Richmont community) who has had no formal legal training to accompany them throughout their grievance process.
A student found guilty of violating the Richmont sexual misconduct policy could be criminally prosecuted in the state courts and may be suspended or expelled from Richmont.
Student victims have the option to change their academic situations after an alleged sexual assault if such changes are reasonably available.
Staff Responsibility to Report
An individual having direct knowledge of sexual harassment by a member of the Richmont community has a clear duty to bring the matter to the attention of Human Resources or The Office of Student Affairs immediately. This designated investigator may serve as the complainant in such a matter and may pursue the matter through the informal and formal complaint resolution process.
Critical Incidents
In a situation in which the health or well-being of a member of the Richmont community is threatened, the person so threatened, a designated investigator, supervisor, or another person should promptly inform the President. The President is authorized to take such action as is necessary and appropriate to ensure the well-being of the Richmont community.
Time Limits
Richmont intends to resolve alleged sexual harassment incidents in as timely a manner as possible. However, the time limits set forth herein may be extended for a good cause. The total period for the investigation, from the filing of a formal complaint or grievance to the issuance of the Final Determination, shall not exceed 120 calendar days.
Confidentiality
Richmont will protect the confidentiality of the alleged victims and other necessary parties and will complete publicly available records (including Clery Act reporting and disclosures) without the inclusion of identifying information about the victim. The university will confidentially maintain any accommodations or protective measures provided to the victim, to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality does not impair the ability of the university to provide the accommodations.
Victim Assistance
Richmont will provide written notification to students and employees about existing mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, and other services available for victims, both within the institution and in the community. These services are provided off-campus and from local professionals within the community.
Richmont will provide written notification to victims about options for available assistance regarding how to request changes to academic or working situations on campus to provide protection from the alleged or confirmed perpetrator. The university will make such accommodations if they are requested by the victim and if they are reasonably available, regardless of whether the victim chooses to report the crime to local law enforcement.
Richmont will provide the student with a written explanation of the student’s rights and options when a student or employee reports to the institution that the student or employee has been a victim of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, whether the offense occurred on or off campus.
Sexual Misconduct Educational Programs and Campaigns
Richmont Graduate University provides information and education that promotes awareness of sexual misconduct and harassment for incoming students and new employees. The training includes both primary and ongoing trainings for the prevention and intervention of sexual misconduct. Topics include definitions related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, safe and effective bystander interventions, etc.
New students are invited to participate in the university’s online sexual misconduct and harassment training during their first semester as a student at Richmont. The university offers incentives for students to complete the online training.
Advising the Campus Community About Sex Offenders
Convicted sex offenders are required by law to register their names and addresses with Department of Corrections in Georgia and the Department of Correction in Tennessee. Interested persons may obtain state information on individuals registered as sex offenders by visiting the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Sex Offender Registry website.