Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Introduction

Alfred University’s Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy has been adopted to ensure that all students, faculty, staff and guests may work, study, and enjoy the society of the University community without being subjected to discrimination, harassment or any form of non-consensual sexual activity.



At Alfred University, we seek to foster a collective sense of engagement, affirmation and belonging, where everyone is proud to be a member of our community.

We acknowledge that institutions can both produce and reproduce systems of inequity and exclusion. We aim to develop a shared practice of inquiry and a culture of shared responsibility for the purpose of identifying, challenging and dismantling institutional oppression.

To ensure inclusion, integrity and excellence in all we do:

  • We commit to embracing diverse perspectives and being attentive to power disparities, especially as it affects marginalized members of our community.
  • We commit to continually assessing campus climate and our support structures to identify priority areas for improvement so that this information becomes a part of institutional history and record.
  • We commit to continually engaging in purposeful conversations where we challenge ourselves and our community to examine our individual habits, and larger college practices, policies, and culture, including denouncing what is unjust.
  • We commit to identifying institutional barriers to a welcoming and respectful living, learning, and work environment, and allocating resources to remove them.
  • We commit to funding and supporting initiatives, offices, and centers to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We will uphold all of the said commitments, act upon them, and continually enhance our community to nurture the abundant life we seek.

Once an institution of higher learning knows or reasonably should know of possible sex-based discrimination or harassment, including sexual violence, it must take immediate and appropriate action to investigate.

If a Title IX incident is reported, prompt and immediate steps to end the sexual violence, prevent its recurrence and address its effects MUST be taken.

The institution must also:

  • Take steps to protect the Reported Victim as necessary, including interim measures taken prior to the final outcome of the investigation.
  • Provide a grievance procedure for students to file complaints of sex discrimination, including reports of sexual violence.
  • Equal opportunity for both parties to present witnesses and other evidence.

The institution's grievance procedures must use the preponderance of evidence standard to resolve complaints. The institution must also notify both parties of the outcome of the complaint and appeal rights. The Reported Victim and the Respondent both have equal rights to notification, and each are informed of their appeal rights and action of the other person.

Title IX Coordinator

The Title IX Coordinator for Alfred University oversees this policy as well as the reporting, investigation, and response process to any report. This position is currently housed within the Chief Diversity Officer Office. The current Title IX Coordinator is Dr. Angie Taylor.

Investigator

The investigator assigned to investigate a formal complaint will be tasked with completing the investigation process from the creation of the investigation plan through the writing of an investigation report. The investigator will not be responsible for determining whether the policy was violated or what action should occur as a result of the investigation. They will be available to answer clarifying questions about the investigation to the hearing panel.

Panel Review

The panel will consist of three (3) staff and faculty members. The panel will be trained on Title IX, Alfred University’s policy and procedures as it relates to sexual misconduct, and are tasked with analyzing the investigation, asking clarifying questions, and making a determination of policy violation. If a determination is made that the policy was violated, the panel will also determine action from the findings.

The panel will be responsible for making these decisions based on majority vote. No panel member is permitted to abstain. The results of the panel discussion will be provided to the Title IX Coordinator and communicated in writing to the reporter and responding part through the determination letter.

Ombuds Officer

An Ombuds Office exists to provide an informal process for dispute resolution. The office is not designed to replace formal grievance procedures or formal procedures regarding tenure, promotion, reappointment and termination. The office provides impartial and private consultation to members of the university community who are aggrieved about an issue. Remains independent and neutral. Exercises good judgment.

Confidentiality: The Ombuds Officer will not voluntarily disclose to anyone outside the Ombuds Office, including the President or the Provost & Chief Operating Officer, the identify of those seeking the services of the Ombuds Officer, or information provided by those seeking aid, except in cases where confidentiality regarding such identities or such information may contribute to imminent risk or serious harm, or where the individual(s) seeking the aid of the Ombuds Officer expresses a willingness to forego confidentiality, or where a court of competent jurisdiction may require information from an Ombuds Officer. Provides information and assists in interpreting University policies and procedures. Provides referrals and assists in facilitating access to other resources as appropriate, including information about filing formal grievances. Shall try not to make judgments and will not make decisions regarding matters brought to the Ombuds Officer. Shall not provide legal advice or psychological counseling. Conducts appropriate informal inquiry to better understand all perspectives regarding matters brought to the office. With the inquirer's permission, shall consult with appropriate parties to clarify and analyze problems, focus discussions, and develop a mutually-satisfactory process for resolution.

Bias Response Team

Response Protocol:

  1. Reporting party submits Bias Incident Report using online report form.
  2. Reporting party reports a bias incident to a BRT member over the phone or in person.
  3. BRT member or university partner submits a Bias Incident Report as a third-party, when appropriate. Reporting party directed to submit a Bias Incident Report, when appropriate.

Alfred University’s Board of Trustees has entrusted the President of the University with the responsibility to appoint the appropriate personnel to oversee the administration and enforcement of the provision of this policy.

The President has appointed the Chief Diversity Officer to be the Title IX Coordinator and the person responsible for overseeing the administration of this policy. The Title IX Coordinator is assisted by a primary Title IX Deputy Coordinator and has appointed additional Title IX Deputy Coordinators.

Title IX Coordinator for All Persons
Chief Diversity Officer
Dr. Angie Taylor
Powell Campus Center
Cell: 703-859-1215

Title IX Deputy Coordinator (Primary)
Interim Director of Human Resources
Kayleigh Jones
Greene Hall

Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Faculty
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Amy Button-Ervin
Science Center

Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Student-Athletes
Assistant Athletic Trainer
Marley Signorelli
McLane Center

Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Student-Athletes
Head Athletic Trainer
Ronald Demchak
McLane Center

Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Residence Life
Director of Residential Communities
Max Koskoff
Powell Campus Center

Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Staff
Human Resources Senior Associate
Tamara Green
Greene Hall

Director of Public Safety
Powell Campus Center

Area Coordinator, Residence Life
Jamie Seifert
Powell Campus Center

University Ombuds, Professor Environmental Studies
Frederic Beaudry
Science Center