conducive to learning and safety . Please report any medical emergency , suspicious activity or criminal matter as promptly as possible . The Public Safety Office is located in the St . Brigid Hall lobby . In case of an emergency , call ext . 21111 from a University phone or 215-641-5522 from a cell phone .
Gwynedd Mercy University adheres to the federal Title IX policy of the Higher Education Act of 1972 and Code 34 of Federal Regulations Part 106 regarding sexual harassment and sexual assault . In addition , the University complies with Section 304 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 ( VAWA ).
Gwynedd Mercy University is committed to providing students , faculty , administrators , and staff with an educational , residential , and employment environment free from sex discrimination , which includes all incidents of Sexual Misconduct as defined by the full policy . If the University becomes aware of sexual misconduct , either directly or indirectly regardless of whether a formal or informal report is made , the University will take action to eliminate the hostile environment , prevent its recurrence , and address its effects .
A Title IX investigation is separate from a criminal investigation by the police and courts . Victims of any form of sex discrimination , sexual misconduct or gender-based harassment are encouraged to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator . This policy applies to any University sponsored event on or off campus . All sexual misconduct complaints will be processed by the Office of the Title IX Coordinator .
Informal Resolution Informal resolution is voluntary and includes a third-party intervention - having a liaison ( University representative ) address your concerns with the respondent . The informal process can be ended at any time to begin the formal resolution stage . For information about how to address third party intervention , please contact the Title IX Coordinator .
A . Formal Resolution Formal resolution concerning a complaint of sexual harassment including sexual violence is initiated by submitting a written and signed complaint to the Title IX Coordinator . The complaint should include the following :
• Name of respondent
• When the harassing behavior occurred
• Description of behavior
• What effect the behavior had on the complainant
• Any witnesses
• To whom the complainant spoke to about the behavior
At any point , a report of sexual harassment , sexual violence can be made to law enforcement authorities either in conjunction with a formal report or separately .
The Title IX Coordinator or investigative designee will work as expeditiously as possible to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation . The Title IX Coordinator or designee will give the respondent a reasonable opportunity to be heard , orally and / or in writing . Subsequently , a written report regarding findings will be provided by the Title IX Coordinator or designee to both the complainant and the respondent . If applicable , the involved parties may file an appeal . A typical investigation may take approximately 60 calendar days following the receipt of the written complaint . However , this time frame may vary depending on the complexity , severity and extent of the harassment .
Confidentiality will be maintained for everyone involved , in so far as possible . Only those persons who have a “ need to know ” within the investigation and resolution of complaints are entitled to information regarding a complaint .
Filing a formal complaint may result in sanctions against the respondent . Sanctions ( if warranted ) will be determined on a case-bycase basis , and the University will take reasonable steps to foster consistency for similar violations and circumstances within the University . Possible sanctions and remedial actions include but are not limited to :
• Participation in education sessions on harassment ;
• A warning placed in the respondent ’ s file ; or
• Separation from University
Special Events Allowances are made for special events for those 21 or older who receive permission from the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students and who follow these guidelines : a . No event may include the sale of alcoholic beverages . b . Individuals sponsoring an event must implement precautionary measures to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not accessible to or served to persons under the legal drinking age or to persons who appear intoxicated . Serving alcoholic beverages to a
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