At NSU, the Title IX Office provides support to any member of our community who has been impacted by sexual misconduct. This occurs right after an incident, as well as for the duration of any investigation, court proceeding, or other results of an incident. For long-term care related to trauma, the individual may be encouraged to seek support from counseling or another such resource.
Right after an incident, the Title IX Coordinator or designee will reach out to students (usually via email) to offer information about their rights and options. The Title IX Coordinator will usually talk with the student by phone, Zoom, or in person about their options. This information generally remains private, unless there is a need to share limited information to ensure the support is provided. It is up to the student which (if any) of these support options they want to consider:
- Getting connected to confidential counseling on, or off-campus
- Getting connected to medical care, including a SANE exam
- Assistance reporting to the police if desired
- Finding safe housing or getting connected to a domestic violence shelter
- Issuing a “Be-on-the-Look-Out” or trespass order for campus
- Safety measures such as additional monitoring or safety planning
- Excusing absences due to the incident or immediate follow up care
- Learning about the campus investigation and disciplinary process
Supportive measures are individualized services offered when available and appropriate to students impacted by sexual misconduct, as well as students accused of sexual misconduct. These vary based on the situation and the student’s needs and are offered free of charge. These measures are designed to protect safety, deter additional incidents, and preserve students’ access to their education. These may result in some inconvenience but may not unreasonably burden an accused student. Supportive measures may be offered at any time, and do not require a formal complaint or investigation. Some of these may require some documentation, depending on the nature of the request. Documentation can include a police report/case number, screenshots related to the incident, letter from medical provider, or other items. Examples of supportive measures include:
- Changes to housing assignment or class schedule
- Adjustments to practice schedules or participation in student activities
- Mutual no-contact orders or other restrictions on contact between the parties
- Increased security or monitoring on campus
- Excused absences related to the incident
- Access to counseling
- Extended course deadlines
Support During an Investigation/On-going Criminal Proceeding
Most campus investigations are conducted by the Deputy Title IX Coordinator/Senior Investigator, and the students involved are also welcome to reach out to the Title IX Coordinator at any time if they would like additional supportive measures. These are examples of support that the office can provide during an investigation or an on-going criminal proceeding:
- Both parties receive a letter documenting the investigation process and their rights.
- Both parties can meet with either the investigator or the coordinator to get any procedural questions they may have answered before they share any information.
- Each party can have an advisor of their choice accompany them to any meetings related to the investigation. If a party does not have an advisor, the Title IX office can identify one for them.
- Updates about the status of the investigation are provided throughout.
- Either party can request an extension for a good reason, and both parties will be advised of any delays in the process.
- Students who are involved in a criminal proceeding may have absences excused through the Title IX office for interviews, court proceedings, or other matters beyond their control in scheduling.
- The Title IX office can assist in following up with law enforcement, the state attorney, or another agency, including requesting police reports.
After the Resolution
Once a case has been resolved (whether through a hearing, dismissal, or other means), the Title IX staff have a limited role in the case. Some of the forms of support that can be provided include:
- Ensuring both parties received the outcome and any appellate rights they have
- Connecting the student(s) to counseling if they want support with processing the resolution
- Maintaining documentation of the case as private under applicable laws
- Assisting students who may be leaving NSU due to expulsion or withdrawal
- Providing documentation for a SAP appeal
- Assisting affected students with obtaining refunds/prorations where possible
- Assisting students who are transferring with completing a dean’s certification form accurately