Student Handbook 2019-2020 | Page 29

The victim/witness shall be entitled to a speedy disposition of the case in which they are involved as a victim or witness in order to minimize the length of time they must endure the stress of their responsibilities in connection with the matter. The victim/witness shall have the family members of all homicide victims afforded all of the rights and analogous services whether or not they are witnesses in any criminal proceedings. Accused & Accuser Rights Internal Reporting Procedure: Reporting the assault to a counselor, the Safety and Security Manager, or the Director of College Diversity and Inclusion will ensure an investigation into the matter, which may warrant internal disciplinary sanctions for rape, acquaintance rape, or other sex offenses (forcible or non-forcible). If disciplinary sanctions are imposed, they will follow either the staff disciplinary procedures as identified in the Administrative Regulations, or the student disciplinary procedures found in the Student Code of Conduct. Procedures for on campus disciplinary action in cases of alleged sexual assault shall include: 1. The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have a counselor/advocate or legal counsel present during a campus disciplinary proceeding. 2. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding brought about by alleged sexual assault. 3. Students and staff will be informed of their opinions when notifying proper law enforcement authorities, if they have not already done so. A counselor or the College Diversity and Inclusion Director will assist the student or staff members in contacting authorities. 4. Students and staff will be informed of existing counseling, mental health or student services for victims of sexual assault both on campus and in the community. 5. Students and staff will be informed of options for the available assistance in changing academic/work and living situations after an alleged sexual assault incident, if so requested by the victim, and if such changes are reasonably available. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND GENDER DISCRIMINATION NWTC believes in zero tolerance policy for gender-based misconduct. When an allegation of misconduct is brought to the appropriate coordinator’s attention, and an individual has been found to have violated this policy, serious sanctions will be used to reasonably ensure that such actions are not repeated. This policy has been developed to: • Reaffirm these principles • Provide recourse for individuals whose rights have been violated • Define community expectations, which have been violated • Provide a learning environment that is inclusive of all learners and free from gender discrimination Sexual misconduct is a broad term encompassing any non-consensual behavior of a sexual nature that is committed by force or intimidation, or that is otherwise unwelcome. Sexual misconduct includes: • Sexual assault • Sexual exploitation • Sexual harassment • Stalking • Relationship violence (domestic and dating) • Hostile environment Sexual misconduct may vary in its severity and consists of a range of behaviors or attempted behaviors. It can occur between strangers or acquaintances, including people involved in an intimate or sexual relationship. Sexual misconduct can occur between members of the same or different gender and can also occur while individuals are fully clothed. For more information view the Gender Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct’s website or contact any of the following people: