Student Sexual Misconduct Policy

Student Sexual Misconduct Policy

Introduction
Membership in the College community carries with it the responsibility for mutual trust and respect and adherence to the standards of conduct established by the community. Standards for student conduct at the college are set forth in the Student Handbook, College Catalog and in other policy documents. Accordingly, this statement sets forth the College’s policy on student sexual misconduct as applicable to all Mount Aloysius College students. All acts of sexual misconduct are taken very seriously by the College with possible sanctions described in detail in the “sanctions” section of this handbook on pages 41 and 42.

Policy
Mount Aloysius College prohibits sexual misconduct by students. Actions which result in charges of sexual misconduct as defined by this policy are subject to the College’s disciplinary process and also may subject a student to civil and/or criminal liability under federal and state laws and policies, including Title IX of the federal civil rights laws.

Definition
Student sexual misconduct is defined as unwelcome acts of a sexual nature committed by a student against another person without consent including, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and/or other verbal or physical conduct, including written communications of an intimidating, hostile or offensive nature, or action taken in retaliation for the reporting of such behavior. Student sexual misconduct may include, but is not limited to:

1. unwelcome touching – either of the victim or when the victim is forced to touch another person’s body, directly or through clothing – such as patting, pinching, brushing against the body, attempted or actual kissing or fondling, and any other inappropriate and/or unwelcome touching or feeling;
2. coerced sexual intercourse (e.g., rape, attempted rape, sodomy, or others sexual acts or misconduct);
3. unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations, or other pressure for sex;
4. implied or overt threats of a sexual nature;
5. making gestures of a sexual nature;
6. unwelcome sexual remarks about clothing, body, or sexual activities; and
7. humor and jokes about sex that denigrate women or men in general. Acts of physical student sexual misconduct are commonly considered to constitute a form of sexual assault when occurring without consent. To constitute lack of consent, the acts must be committed either by threat, force, intimidation, or through the use of the victim’s physical or mental inability (of which the accused was aware or should have been aware) to understand the situation, the consequences of his/her choices, or to express his/her desires.

The College encourages victims to notify appropriate campus resources, including the Director of Residence Life and Campus Security. Victims of sexual assault who report alleged offenses to College officials will be advised of proper procedures for reporting sexual misconduct to legal authorities by a campus security or student affairs representative. It is also important for victims to preserve all physical evidence, including clothing and written communications. If requested by the alleged victim, the College representative will assist in contacting legal authorities as well as appropriate College agents who may arrange changes in a student’s residence hall assignment and class schedule to avoid contact with the alleged perpetrator. Counseling is available for students through Counseling and Disability Services. In addition, referrals may be made through Victim Services or similar agencies within the local area.