Student Handbook 2022-23 | Page 37

assistance to those who may have been harmed and identify educational and other programming for the community in order to prevent further harm from occurring .
Every effort will be made to evaluate reports promptly . However , the timing and manner in which the University addresses the report will depend upon the information provided and whether the reporter wishes to remain anonymous .
Role of the Bias Activity Review Group
The Bias Activity Review Group ( BARG ), led by the AVP for Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion , is comprised of members from Human Resources , Public Safety , Student Services , Academic Affairs , and other campus and community partners , as necessary , and is charged with reviewing all reports of bias activity to :
• Determine whether any immediate steps need to be taken in order to ensure campus safety and / or reduce the potential for further conflict
• Assess the need for a community notification about an incident or pattern of incidents
• Connect individuals with support services on and off campus , including but not limited to , Counseling , Health Services , CARE Team , and Campus Ministry
• Provide information to reporting individuals about the bias activity response protocol and possible options for resolution that may include a formal complaint under University policy
• Refer reports for appropriate resolution processes as necessary
• Offer educational and other informal , non-punitive resolution for individuals and communities in order to address harm
• Provide information to individuals who may have been harmed about outcomes , as appropriate
• Gather data regarding bias activity , harassment , and discrimination reports received in order to make data-driven policy recommendations and provide periodic reports to campus leadership
• Recommend education be offered to campus populations by relevant offices Protocol for Response Following a Report :
Confirmation of Report - If the reporting individual provides name and contact information , a confirmation will be sent stating that the report has been received .
Intake – The reporting party , if identified , will be provided with resources and support , as well as an opportunity to provide additional information to assist the Bias Activity Response Protocol .
BARG Assessment - BARG will be convened to assess the report and any additional information gathered . Record the Incident - the BARG will maintain a record of all reports . Formal Harassment and Discrimination Complaint Policies and Process Individuals are entitled to fill out a harassment and discrimination complaint directly through the processes outlined in this link . Code of Student Conduct Preamble
Student Membership in the Academic Community Gwynedd Mercy University operates as a learning community under specific and explicit norms of behavior . These standards have as their purpose the desire to maintain respect for the rights of individuals , respect for freedom of thought and expression and fair and equitable treatment of all . The following Code of Student Conduct ( the Code ) was established to support these goals . These standards are to be followed at all University functions on or off campus .
In general , each standard is intended to bring benefit to others and to confront those behaviors that may cause physical or psychological harm to another . The standards assume that individual members of the Gwynedd Mercy University community value loyalty , truthfulness and contractual fidelity .
The student conduct process at Gwynedd Mercy University is not intended to punish students ; rather , it exists to protect the interests of the community and to challenge those whose behavior is not in accordance with University policies . Sanctions are intended to challenge students ’ moral and ethical decision-making and to help them bring their behavior into accord with community expectations .
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