Fairfax, Virginia Campus

Transcription

1 Fairfax, Virginia Campus Annual Security Report Reporting Year 2016 Published October 1, 2017

2 Missouri State University Fairfax Campus 2017 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT Introduction This report is provided in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, as amended. It provides students and employees of Missouri State - Fairfax (VA) ( University ) with information on: the University s security arrangements, policies and procedures; programs that provide education on such things as drug and alcohol abuse, awareness of various kinds of sex offenses, and the prevention of crime generally; and procedures the University will take to notify the campus community in the event of an emergency. Its purpose is to provide students and employees with information that will help them make informed decisions relating to their own safety and the safety of others. Policy for Preparing the Annual Report This report is prepared by the Director of Safety and Transportation in cooperation with local law enforcement authorities and includes information provided by them as well as by the University s campus security authorities and various other elements of the University. Each year an notification is made to all enrolled students and employees that provides the website link to access this report. Prospective students and employees are also notified of the report's availability. Hard copies of the report may also be obtained at no cost by contacting Safety & Transportation 636 E. Elm Street Springfield, MO The University is committed to taking the actions necessary to provide a safe and secure working/learning environment for all students and employees. Members of the campus community, you can feel safe and comfortable knowing that security procedures are in place that represent best practices in the field, and are constantly tested and re-evaluated for their effectiveness. General Safety and Security Policies Policies Concerning the Law Enforcement Authority of Campus Security Personnel While the University does not have any written agreements with local law enforcement agencies for the Fairfax campus, it does maintain a close working relationship with local police. Missouri State University does not have a Public Safety Officer assigned to the Fairfax campus. All crimes occurring on campus, on non-campus property owned by the University or on nearby public property should be reported immediately to the Defense and Strategic Studies Department head. The number to contact is All crimes should be reported to local law enforcement by calling 911. If calling from a cell phone, it is important to also give the location of the crime.

3 Other Officials to Whom Crimes May Be Reported The University also has designated other officials to serve as campus security authorities. Reports of criminal activity can be made to these officials. They in turn will ensure that the crimes are reported for collection as part of the University s annual report of crime statistics. The campus security authority to whom the University would prefer that crimes be reported is as follows: Tom Johnson, Director of Safety and Transportation at Policies on Reporting a Crime or Emergency The University encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all criminal actions, accidents, injuries, or other emergencies occurring on campus, on other property owned by the University, or on nearby public property to the appropriate administrator and appropriate police agencies. Such a report is encouraged even when the victim of a crime elects not to make a report or is unable to do so. Such reports should be made as follows: Situations that pose imminent danger or while a crime is in progress should be reported to local law enforcement by calling 911 from any campus phone or cell phone. Keep in mind that the individual making the call from a cell phone will need to provide the address where the emergency has occurred. Students, staff, and visitors should report criminal actions, accidents, injuries, or other emergency incidents to one of the campus security authorities identified above. Once reported, the individual making the report will be encouraged to also report it to appropriate police agencies. If requested, a member of University staff will assist a student in making the report to the police. Anonymous incident reports can also be made at The University does not have any officially recognized student organizations with off campus locations and therefore does not monitor or record criminal conduct occurring at such locations. Confidential Reporting The University will protect the confidentiality of victims. Only those with a need to know the identity for purposes of investigating the crime, assisting the victim or disciplining the perpetrator will know the victim s identity. Any victim of a crime who does not want to pursue action within the University disciplinary system or the criminal justice system is nevertheless encouraged to make a confidential report to a campus security authority. With the victim s permission, a report of the details of the incident can be filed without revealing the victim s identity. Such a confidential report complies with the victim s wishes, but still helps the University take appropriate steps to ensure the future safety of the victim and others. With such information, the University can keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students, determine where a pattern of crime may be developing and alert the community as to any potential danger. These confidential reports are counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the University. The University encourages its professional counselors, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform the persons they are counseling to report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the annual report of crime statistics. The University does not have pastoral counselors.

4 Timely Warning In the event of criminal activity occurring either on campus or off the Fairfax campus that in the judgment of the Missouri State University Springfield Campus-Department of Safety and Transportation constitutes a serious or continuing threat to members of the campus community, a campus-wide timely warning will be issued. Examples would be a rash of motor vehicle thefts or sexual assaults in the area that merit a warning because they present a continuing threat to the campus community. This warning will be communicated to students and employees via the following method(s): Method Sign-Up Instructions is assigned to all enrolled students. Updates to the warnings will be provided as appropriate. Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should immediately report the circumstances to: Safety and Transportation, The University has communicated with local law enforcement asking them to notify the University if it receives reports or information warranting a timely warning. Security of and Access to Campus Facilities All academic areas are secured during the evenings and weekends. Students and employees are asked to be alert and to not circumvent practices and procedures that are meant to preserve their safety and that of others: Do not prop doors open or allow strangers into campus buildings that have been secured Do not lend keys or access cards to non-students and do not leave them unattended Do not give access codes to anyone who does not belong to the campus community Keys to the offices, laboratories, and classrooms on campus will be issued to employees only as needed and after receiving the proper authorization. The department supervisor is responsible for assuring his/her area is secured and locked. Employees must adhere to policies regarding unauthorized access to school facilities, theft of, or damage to, school property, or other criminal activity. In particular, rendering inoperable or abusing any fire prevention or detection equipment is prohibited. Violation of these policies may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination and the filing of charges with law enforcement authorities. Security Considerations in the Maintenance of Facilities Security also is a consideration in maintaining campus facilities. Maintenance personnel regularly check to ensure pathways are well lighted and that egress lighting is working in hallways and stairwells. Educational Programs Related to Security Awareness and Prevention of Criminal Activity The University seeks to enhance the security of its campus and the members of the campus community by periodically presenting educational programs to inform students and employees about campus

5 security procedures and practices, to encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others and to inform them about the prevention of crimes. A description of those programs and their frequency of presentation follows: Crime prevention programs are available at any time online at: This comprehensive set of videos were developed specifically for students on a college campus covers seven important topics relevant to safety on campus, including assaults, thefts, stalking and unhealthy relationships, everyday safety and travel tips, and common self-defense. Watch all of the topics, or any one of the seven chapters, each of which is less than 10 minutes in length. University employees and students must take an active role in their personal safety and security. Each individual is expected to behave in a responsible manner concerning their own personal safety, and the security of their possessions. The University encourages students and employees to contact the MSU Springfield Director of Safety and Transportation and/or the onsite administrator to discuss information of this nature, as well any other matters related to the University s campus security procedures and practices. Disclosure of the Outcome of a Crime of Violence or Non-Forcible Sex Offense Upon written request, the University will disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence (as that term is defined in section 16 of title 18, United States Code), or a non-forcible sex offense, the report on the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by such institution against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of such crime or offense, the next of kin of such victim shall be treated as the alleged victim for purposes of the paragraph. The previous paragraph does not apply to victims of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking because under the Violence Against Women Act both the accused and accuser in these cases are given the results without the need to make a written request. Drug and Alcohol Policy Missouri State University is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that is free of alcohol abuse. The University prohibits the possession, use, and sale of alcohol on campus or as any part of the University's activities. Unless it is done so in accordance with the University Alcohol Policy and it also enforces the state's underage drinking laws. The University Alcohol Policy is available at: The University enforces federal and state drug laws. The possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs is prohibited under both state and federal laws. Such laws will be enforced by the University's law enforcement authority on campus. Violators of the University s policies or federal and state laws regarding illegal drugs will be subject to disciplinary action and possibly criminal prosecution.

6 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program The University has a drug abuse and prevention program and conducts a biennial review of this program to evaluate its effectiveness. More information about the program, including the University s drug and alcohol policies, can be located at: Student Drug and Alcohol Policies: Employee Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy: Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Program: Biennial review of the University s drug and alcohol abuse prevention program: 003_.pdf Policy, Procedures and Programs Related to Various Sex-Related Offenses, including Sexual Assault, and Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Consistent with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Clery Act, and the Violence Against Women Act ( VAWA ), the University prohibits discrimination based on sex in its educational programs and activities, including sexual harassment, and acts of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence (including sexual assault) and stalking. The University also prohibits any retaliation, intimidation, threats, coercion or any other discrimination against any individuals exercising their rights or responsibilities pursuant to these laws and institutional policy. The University s Title IX Policy on Sexual Assault, Stalking and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Resources are used to address complaints of this nature. These policies and the procedures for filing, investigating and resolving complaints for violations of these policies may be found at: Title IX Policy on Sexual Assault, Stalking and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct Title IX Resources The following discusses the University s educational programs to promote the awareness of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking; provides information concerning procedures students and employees should follow and the services available in the event they do become a victim of one of these offenses, and advises students and employees of the disciplinary procedures that will be followed after an allegation that one of these offenses has occurred. Primary Prevention and Awareness Program: The University conducts a Primary Prevention and Awareness Program (PPAP) for all incoming students and new employees. In it they are specifically advised that the University prohibits the offenses of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. Although the PPAP includes instruction on certain definitions under Missouri law, any student or employee participating in programs at the Fairfax campus are informed of the following definitions under Virginia law via this report:

7 Crime Type (Virginia Code) Dating Violence Domestic Violence Definitions The institution has determined, based on good-faith research, that Virginia law does not define dating violence. The institution has determined, based on good-faith research, that Virginia law does not define the term domestic violence. However, Virginia law provides that Any person who commits an assault and battery against a family or household member is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code A). o The definition of "family or household member" in applies to this section. It provides: "Family or household member" means (i) the person's spouse, whether or not he or she resides in the same home with the person, (ii) the person's former spouse, whether or not he or she resides in the same home with the person, (iii) the person's parents, stepparents, children, stepchildren, brothers, sisters, half-brothers, half-sisters, grandparents and grandchildren, regardless of whether such persons reside in the same home with the person, (iv) the person's mother-in-law, father-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law who reside in the same home with the person, (v) any individual who has a child in common with the person, whether or not the person and that individual have been married or have resided together at any time, or (vi) any individual who cohabits or who, within the previous 12 months, cohabited with the person, and any children of either of them then residing in the same home with the person. Stalking (Va. Code (A)) Sexual Assault Rape, Fondling, Incest, Statutory Rape Any person, except a law-enforcement officer [defined by statute] acting in the performance of his official duties, and a registered private investigator [defined by statute] who on more than one occasion engages in conduct directed at another person with the intent to place, or when he knows or reasonably should know that the conduct places that other person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury to that other person or to that other person's family or household member is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the person contacts or follows or attempts to contact or follow the person at whom the conduct is directed after being given actual notice that the person does not want to be contacted or followed, such actions shall be prima facie evidence that the person intended to place that other person, or reasonably should have known that the other person was placed, in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury to himself or a family or household member. The institution has determined, based on good-faith research that Virginia law does not define the term sexual assault. For purposes of the Clery Act, the term sexual assault includes the offenses of rape, fondling, incest, and statutory rape. These definitions under Virginia law are as follows: Rape (Va. Code A): If any person has sexual intercourse with a complaining witness, whether or not his or her spouse, or causes a complaining witness, whether or not his or her spouse, to engage in sexual intercourse with any other person and such act is accomplished (i) against the complaining witness's will, by force, threat or intimidation of or against the complaining witness or another person; or (ii) through the use of the complaining witness's mental incapacity or physical helplessness; or (iii) with a child under age 13 as the victim, he or she shall be guilty of rape.

8 Crime Type (Virginia Code) Definitions Fondling: The institution has determined, based on good-faith research, that Virginia law does not define the term fondling. Incest (Adultery and Fornication by Persons Forbidden to Marry; Incest) (Va. Code ): A. Any person who commits adultery or fornication with any person whom he or she is forbidden by law to marry shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor except as provided by subsection B. B. Any person who commits adultery or fornication with his daughter or granddaughter, or with her son or grandson, or her father or his mother, shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony. However, if a parent or grandparent commits adultery or fornication with his or her child or grandchild, and such child or grandchild is at least thirteen years of age but less than eighteen years of age at the time of the offense, such parent or grandparent shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony. C. For the purposes of this section, parent includes step-parent, grandparent includes step-grandparent, child includes a step-child, and grandchild includes a step-grandchild. Statutory Rape: The institution has determined, based on good-faith research, that Virginia law does not define the term statutory rape. Other Crimes that could be considered Sexual Assault Other crimes under Virginia law that may be classified as a sexual assault include the following: Forcible Sodomy (Va. Code ): An accused shall be guilty of forcible sodomy if he or she engages in cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus, or anal intercourse with a complaining witness whether or not his or her spouse, or causes a complaining witness, whether or not his or her spouse, to engage in such acts with any other person, and 1. The complaining witness is less than 13 years of age; or 2. The act is accomplished against the will of the complaining witness, by force, threat or intimidation of or against the complaining witness or another person, or through the use of the complaining witness's mental incapacity or physical helplessness. Object Sexual Penetration (Va. Code ): An accused shall be guilty of inanimate or animate object sexual penetration if he or she penetrates the labia majora or anus of a complaining witness, whether or not his or her spouse, other than for a bona fide medical purpose, or causes such complaining witness to so penetrate his or her own body with an object or causes a complaining witness, whether or not his or her spouse, to engage in such acts with any other person or to penetrate, or to be penetrated by, an animal, and 1. The complaining witness is less than 13 years of age; or 2. The act is accomplished against the will of the complaining witness, by force, threat or intimidation of or against the complaining witness or another person, or through the use of the complaining witness's mental incapacity or physical helplessness.

9 Crime Type (Virginia Code) Definitions Sexual Abuse (Va. Code ): "Sexual abuse" means an act committed with the intent to sexually molest, arouse, or gratify any person, where: a. The accused intentionally touches the complaining witness's intimate parts or material directly covering such intimate parts; b. The accused forces the complaining witness to touch the accused's, the witness's own, or another person's intimate parts or material directly covering such intimate parts; c. If the complaining witness is under the age of 13, the accused causes or assists the complaining witness to touch the accused's, the witness's own, or another person's intimate parts or material directly covering such intimate parts; or d. The accused forces another person to touch the complaining witness's intimate parts or material directly covering such intimate parts. Carnal Knowledge of Child between Thirteen and Fifteen Years of Age (Va. Code ): A. If any person carnally knows, without the use of force, a child thirteen years of age or older but under fifteen years of age, such person shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony. B. If any person carnally knows, without the use of force, a child thirteen years of age or older but under fifteen years of age who consents to sexual intercourse and the accused is a minor and such consenting child is three years or more the accused's junior, the accused shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. If such consenting child is less than three years the accused's junior, the accused shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. In calculating whether such child is three years or more a junior of the accused minor, the actual dates of birth of the child and the accused, respectively, shall be used. C. For the purposes of this section, (i) a child under the age of thirteen years shall not be considered a consenting child and (ii) "carnal knowledge" includes the acts of sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus, anal intercourse, and animate and inanimate object sexual penetration. Sexual Violence (Va. Code A): "Sexual violence means physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person's will or where a person is incapable of giving consent. Consent (as it relates to sexual activity) The institution has determined, based on good-faith research, that Virginia law does not define the term consent (as it relates to sexual activity). The University also uses the following definition of consent in its Title IX Policy on Sexual Assault, Stalking and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct for the purpose of determining whether sexual violence (including sexual assault) has occurred: Consent is sexual permission and must be clear, knowing and voluntary. In order to consent effectively to sexual activity an individual must be able to understand who, what, when, where, why and how with respect to that sexual activity. Consent or lack of consent may be expressed or implied. Consent can be given by word or action, but non-verbal consent is not as clear as talking about what you want sexually and what you don t. Consent to some form of sexual activity cannot be automatically taken as

10 consent to any other form of sexual activity. Silence--without actions demonstrating permission--cannot be assumed to show consent. Assent does not constitute consent if: 1. It is given by a person who lacks the mental capacity to authorize the conduct and such mental incapacity is manifest or known to the actor; or 2. It is given by a person who by reason of youth, mental disease or defect, intoxication, a druginduced state, or any other reason is manifestly unable or known by the actor to be unable to make a reasonable judgment as to the nature or harmfulness of the conduct charged to constitute the offense; or 3. It is induced by force, duress or deception. The PPAP includes instruction on how to avoid becoming a victim and the warning signs of abusive behavior, the recognition of which will help mitigate the likelihood of perpetration, victimization or bystander inaction. Specifically they are advised: If you find yourself in an uncomfortable sexual situation, these suggestions may help you reduce your risk: Decide ahead of time how you will get home and with whom Keep track of your drink (whether alcoholic or not) Stay with the crowd Communicate clearly verbally and with body language Don t ignore signs of trouble If you find yourself in the position of being the initiator of sexual behavior, these suggestions may help you to reduce your risk of being accused of sexual assault or another sexual crime: Communicate clearly verbally and with body language Not everyone who wants to flirt or kiss wants to have sex Purposely getting someone drunk so that they can t resist is a crime Being drunk is not a defense to your behavior Asking repeatedly in hopes of getting a different answer is coercive Drunk, drugged or sleeping people CANNOT consent It is also important to be aware of the warning signs of an abusive person. Some examples include: Insults, humiliation, name-calling, threats Pattern of unwanted texting, phone calls, s, messaging; monitoring social network sites, stealing passwords Intimidation, isolation, threats (including threats of suicide), withholding affection, destroying property Interfering with income or ability to work, controlling finances Unwanted touch, nonconsensual sex, controlling sexual situations or access to contraception Slapping, shoving, hitting, kicking, strangling

11 PPAP instruction also includes encouraging individuals to take safe and positive steps to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking against another person. This includes reporting such incidents to appropriate authorities. Other steps that can be taken include: Green Dot: Be a good friend and a savvy bystander Don t leave your friend Don t ignore signs of trouble Be protective Believe Get help Be supportive in the short and long term Don t hesitate to contact the police or other authorities. Counterintuitive behavior of victims is normal Ask the person who you re concerned about if they need help Following up later to check in with the person who you were concerned about The PPAP also provides information on possible sanctions and protective measures that may be imposed following a determination that an offense of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking has occurred, an explanation of the disciplinary procedures that will be followed when one of these offenses is alleged, the rights of the parties in such a proceeding, available resources, and other pertinent information. Much of this information is set forth in the upcoming sections of this security report. Ongoing Prevention and Awareness Program: The University also conducts an Ongoing Prevention and Awareness Campaign (OPAC) aimed at all students and employees. This campaign covers the same material as provided in the PPAP, but is intended to increase the understanding of students and employees on these topics and to improve their skills for addressing the offenses of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. PPAP and OPAC Programming Methods: The PPAP and OPAC are carried out in a variety of ways, using a range of strategies, and, as appropriate, targeting specific audiences throughout the University. Methods include, but are not limited to: online presentations, distribution of written materials, periodic blasts, and guest speakers. Past programming and currently planned programming includes the following: 1. Title IX General Education Program (GEP) presentations- 92 presentations 2. Title IX University Honors College (UHC) presentations- 4 presentation 3. Title IX presentations to various University groups- 26 presentations

12 4. Haven online training program- Must be completed by the end of student's first semester 5. Green Dot presentations-monthly 6. Expand online Title IX training Procedures to Follow if You are a Victim of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking: If you are a victim of a sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, go to a safe place and call 911 or Missouri State University Department of Safety and Transportation at (417) At the earliest opportunity, you should also contact the University s Title IX Coordinator Jill Patterson at Victims will be notified in writing of the procedures to follow, including: 1. To whom and how the alleged offense should be reported. Contact the Title IX Coordinator or refer to the other resources listed in this report. 2. The importance of preserving evidence that may be necessary to prove the offense in a criminal proceeding or disciplinary action or to obtain a protective order. To that end, keep in mind the following: You should not remove clothing items worn during or following an assault, as they frequently contain valuable fiber, hair, and fluid evidence. Don t bathe or wash, or otherwise clean the environment in which the assault occurred. You can obtain a forensic examination at Inova Fair Oaks Medical Campus 3600 Joseph Siewick Drive Fairfax, VA Completing a forensic examination does not require you to file a police report, but having a forensic examination will help preserve evidence in case you decide at a later date to file a police report. Evidence in electronic formats should also be retained (e.g., text messages, s, photos, social media posts, screenshots, etc.). Victims of stalking should also preserve evidence of the crime to the extent possible. 3. The victim s options regarding notification to law enforcement, which are: (a) the option to notify either on-campus or local police; (b) the option to be assisted by campus security authorities in notifying law enforcement if the victim so chooses (the institution is obligated to comply with such a request if it is made); and (c) the option to decline to notify such authorities. Missouri State University Department of Safety and Transportation (417) City of Fairfax Police Department 3730 Old Lee Highway Fairfax, VA ; Fairfax County Police 4100 Chain Bridge Road Fairfax, Virginia To make a police report, a victim should contact the local police agency listed above either by phone or in-person. The victim should provide as much information as possible, including name, address, and when and what occurred, to the best of the victim s ability. 4. Where applicable, the rights of victims and the institution s responsibilities regarding orders of protection, no-contact orders, restraining orders, or similar lawful orders issued by a criminal, civil, or tribal court.

13 Protective orders are legal documents issued by a judge or magistrate to protect the health and safety of a person who is alleged to be a victim of any act involving violence, force or threat that results in bodily injury or places that person in far of death, sexual assault or bodily injury. A petitioner files a request for a protective order against a respondent. In Virginia, there are three kinds of protective orders, as follows: Emergency Protective Order (EPO) usually issued by a magistrate, these expire at the end of the third day following the issuance or the next day court is in session, which is later (72 hours). This is intended to allow time for a preliminary protective order to be filed with the court. Preliminary Protective Order (PPO) temporary protection that lasts 15 days or until notice to the respondent and a full hearing. A petition must be filed with the court to obtain a PPO. Protective Order a full protective order can be issued by a judge for up to two years after both parties have notice and the opportunity to be heard in court. An individual can file for a protective order at the Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22033, Specifically, protective orders are filed in the Civil Division, Room 211, on the 2 nd floor. For more information about protective orders, please visit the following webpages: The institution will also enforce any temporary restraining order or other no contact order against the alleged perpetrator from a criminal, civil, or tribal court. Any student or employee who has a protection order or no contact order should notify the Title IX Coordinator and provide a copy of the restraining order so that it may be kept on file with the institution and can be enforced on campus, if necessary. When the Title IX office is made aware of an order of protection, a copy is requested and forwarded to the Safety and Transportation Office. Upon learning of any orders, the institution will take all reasonable and legal action to implement the order. o The institution does not issue legal orders of protection. However, as a matter of institutional policy, the institution may impose a no-contact order between individuals in appropriate circumstances. The institution may also issue a no trespass warning if information available leads to a reasonable conclusion that an individual is likely to cause harm to any member of the campus community. A person found to be in violation of a No Trespass Warning may be arrested and criminally charged.

14 Available Victim Services: Victims will be provided written notification about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, and other services available to them, both within the University and in the surrounding community. Those services include: Campus resources Title IX Office Carrington Title IX Coordinator The Title IX Office is responsible for overseeing all Title IX issues and providing support to Complainants and Respondents. Counseling Center Free and confidential counseling services for students. Students are requested to call to schedule an Intake as the point of entry to the Counseling Center (CC). The CC also has a full time, licensed counselor who specializes in substance abuse. Crisis appointments will be handled by seeing students in crisis the same day they call. Ideally they will be scheduled during one of the available crisis openings on the calendar each day. Taylor Health and Wellness Center Taylor Health and Wellness Center is the medical home for Missouri State University. It offers confidential health and wellness services, follow-up care, sexually transmitted infection and disease screening and testing as well as a fully stocked pharmacy with over the counter medications. Bearisters: Free Legal Advice Missouri State University offers an opportunity for currently enrolled students seeking personal legal advice to meet with a local attorney free of charge. The attorney schedule is: Mondays beginning at 3:00 pm, Wednesdays beginning at 8:00 am, and Thursdays beginning at 3:00 pm. The appointments must be scheduled the day before the appointment by 2:00 pm. by calling the Dean of Students Office at (or stopping by to sign up). Please bring your student ID and come to PSU 405 on the day of your scheduled appointment. All appointments must be scheduled in advance. Bearister's Brochure Visa/Immigration Assistance

15 Maintaining your immigration status is very important for international students. It is your responsibility to learn and understand how to maintain your immigration status and the results of violating that status. If you fail to maintain your immigration status, you will be considered "out of status." Visit the International Services website for more immigration information. Financial Aid Services Office of Student Financial Aid Carrington Hall Gender Neutral Bathroom Locations Administrative Services provides a list with all of the single use restrooms on campus. Gender Pronoun Guide Some people don t feel that traditional gender pronouns (she/her, he/him) fit their gender identities. Transgender, genderqueer and other gender-variant people may wish to use different pronouns. This guide is a starting point for using pronouns respectfully. Off campus resources Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance: Virginia Legal Aid: National Domestic Violence Hotline: National Sexual Assault Hotline: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): US Dept. of Justice Office on Violence Against Women: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: National Sexual Violence Resource Center: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Immigration Advocates Network: Accommodation and Protective Measures: The University will provide written notification to victims about options for, and available assistance in, changing academic, living, transportation, and working situations or protective measures. If victims request these accommodations or protective measures and they are reasonably available the University is obligated to provide them, regardless of whether the victim chooses to report the crime to campus security or local law enforcement. Requests of this nature should be made to the Title IX Coordinator at , and the Title IX Coordinator is responsible for deciding what, if any, accommodations or protective measures will be implemented. When determining the reasonableness of such a request, the Title IX Coordinator may consider, among other factors, the following: The specific need expressed by the complainant. The age of the students involved. The severity or pervasiveness of the allegations

16 Any continuing effects on the complainant Whether the complainant and alleged perpetrator share the same residence hall, dining hall, class, transportation or job location. Whether other judicial measures have been taken to protect the complainant (e.g., civil protection orders). The University will maintain as confidential any accommodations or protective measures provided a victim to the extent that maintaining confidentiality would not impair the University s ability to provide them. However, there may be times when certain information must be disclosed to a third party in order to implement the accommodation or protective measure. Such decisions will be made by the Title IX Coordinator in light of the surrounding circumstances, and disclosures of this nature will be limited so that only the information necessary to implement the accommodation or protective measure is provided. In the event it is necessary to disclose information about a victim in order to provide an accommodation or protective order, the University will inform the victim of that necessity prior to the disclosure, including which information will be shared, with whom it will be shared and why. Procedures for Disciplinary Action: Allegations of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking will be processed through the institution s Title IX Policy on Sexual Assault, Stalking and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct. Reports should be made to the Title IX Coordinator. An electronic form available at can also be used to file a report. Upon receipt of a report of a potential Title IX violation, the Title IX Coordinator may open a formal case file and assign the investigation to either the Title IX Coordinator or a Title IX Investigator to lead the investigation. The Title IX Coordinator and/or Title IX Investigator designee will analyze the complaint and notify the respondent that a complaint has been filed. If the Respondent is a student, the University will follow the adjudication process outlined in the Code.[1] 6.1 Any member of the University community (complainant) may file a complaint against any student for misconduct (respondent). The complaint may be prepared in writing or notice may be given in another manner and directed to the Dean of Students Office, which is responsible for the administration of the University conduct system. Any charge should be submitted as soon as is reasonably possible after the event takes place, but in any case, no longer than 12 months from the date the person knew or should have known the facts, unless otherwise required by law. In most cases students will not undergo more than one conduct process within the University for the same incident. For example, if a student is assigned consequences from their academic department for an incident, the student will not typically face conduct charges for the same incident. 6.2 If the complaint is for sexual assault under G1.31 Title IX Policy on Sexual Assault, Stalking and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct, the Conduct Officer shall follow the investigative steps outlined in that policy, and in the case of any conflict between G1.31 and this policy, G1.31 shall control. If a complaint includes allegations of sexual assault under G1.31 Title IX Policy on Sexual Assault, Stalking and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct, mediation is not appropriate even on a voluntary basis. After completing a Title IX investigation, the Title IX Office shall prepare an investigative report summarizing the

17 investigation and the conclusion of same. After receiving the investigative report from the Title IX Office, the Conduct Officer shall do the following: 1. Present charges to the respondent in written form as outlined in 6.4 which stem from the findings of the investigative report; 2. Meet with the respondent by the deadline assigned in the letter of charges to review charges and give a summary of information to be presented as to allow preparation of refutation. The respondent will be given the opportunity to review any materials from the investigation report including but not limited to: audio recordings, investigative report, and exhibits; 3. Answer questions and provide any necessary clarification of the Code and/or its procedures; 4. Discuss the respondent s level of responsibility in the conduct situation. The respondent may give additional information, present additional pertinent documents or records pertaining to the incident, and present additional witnesses which were not provided during the investigative phase; and 5. In cases where the Conduct Officer and the respondent are unable to come to an agreement on responsibility for a violation or an appropriate consequence, the respondent shall have the right to request a hearing in front of a hearing authority. 6.3 In complaints that do not include allegations under G1.31 Title IX Policy on Sexual Assault, Stalking and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct, the Conduct Officer will promptly investigate to determine if there is reasonable cause to charge the accused individual and what policy violations may be considered as part of the complaint. In the event of an informal resolution, the Conduct Officer may take appropriate steps to resolve the situation and such disposition shall be final and there shall be no subsequent proceedings. 6.4 All charges shall be presented to the respondent in written form, via Missouri State University and/or U.S. mail. The written notice of charges will contain the following: 1. The sections of the Code or other University policies allegedly violated 2. Date, time, and place the alleged violation occurred 3. A concise summary of the alleged violation 4. A list of witnesses (to be supplemented later if necessary) 5. A date, time, and location for the respondent to meet with the Conduct Officer. The respondent s class schedule shall be consulted; the respondent may ask the Conduct Officer for an alternate date and time to meet within the deadline listed in the letter. The decision to alter the meeting time and date is at the discretion of the Conduct Officer. 6.5 The respondent will have a conduct meeting with the Conduct Officer by the deadline assigned in the letter of charges. At this meeting the following matters will be decided: 1. The Conduct Officer will go over the charges and give a summary of the information to be presented. 2. The Conduct Officer will answer any questions and provide any requested clarification of the Code and/or its procedures.

18 3. The respondent may respond to the charges and provide any information he/she believes to be relevant in determining responsibility. He/she has the opportunity to present information, ask questions, present records or documentation pertaining to the incident, present witnesses, and provide explanations to the Conduct Officer. 4. The Conduct Officer and the respondent will discuss the respondent s level of responsibility in the conduct situation and attempt to come to an agreement regarding responsibility (or no responsibility) and consequences as necessary. If an agreement is reached, a Case Resolution Form (CRF) will be filled out by the Conduct Officer. 5. In cases where the Conduct Officer and the respondent are unable to come to an agreement on responsibility for a violation or an appropriate consequence, the respondent shall have the right to request a hearing in front of a Hearing Authority. If the respondent s Conduct Officer is a Residence Life staff member, the respondent may choose as the Hearing Authority either the Assistant Director for the opposite side of campus (if unavailable, the Associate Director, another Assistant Director who does not have direct supervisory capacity over the complainant, or the Director may serve as the Hearing Authority) or a hearing panel. 6. Except as set forth in subsection (g) below, if the respondent fails to attend the scheduled conduct meeting, the Conduct Officer may, at his or her discretion, conduct the meeting in the respondent s absence and render a finding of responsibility or no responsibility. In these cases, the Conduct Officer will complete a Case Resolution Form (CRF) and send a findings letter to the respondent; the respondent is responsible for fulfilling or upholding the consequences listed within the letter. If the respondent wishes to appeal that conduct decision he/she may do so by following the appeals processes outlined in Article VIII of this document. 7. In cases where the respondent fails to appear for an initial conduct meeting and the recommended outcome would be Residence Hall suspension/expulsion, University suspension, or University dismissal, the Conduct Officer will assume a plea of not responsible and set up a hearing with the Dean of Students (or his/her designee) as the Hearing Authority. 8. In matters concerning hearings and where the Director of Student Conduct is not serving in a Hearing Authority capacity, the Director of Student Conduct and/or Office of Student Conduct Staff will assist both the respondent and the complainant in understanding the hearing process. 9. The Conduct Officer s determination will be made by a preponderance of evidence, on the basis of whether or not it is more likely than not that the respondent violated the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. 10. In consideration of the limited role of advisors and of the compelling interest of the university to expeditiously resolve allegations of violations of the Code, the work of a Conduct Officer will not, as a general practice, be delayed due to the unavailability of an advisor. The responding student is responsible for presenting his or her own information and, therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any hearing. 6.6 When a student enrolls at the University, s/he does so voluntarily and in so doing implicitly accepts certain obligations of performance and behavior established by the University, as defined in this Code and other official University publications. The development of self-discipline is a goal of education, and the conduct process is intended to be educational in nature. The conduct system described herein is designed to further the educational process; therefore, it is not comparable to, or a substitute for, jurisprudence under a criminal code. Therefore, formal rules of process, procedure, and/or technical

19 rules of evidence, such as are applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in student conduct proceedings. The procedures outlined below are designed to balance the rights and responsibilities of the student accused of wrong doing with the rights of the accuser, other students, members of the academic community, and the public. Hearings shall be conducted in order to provide a fair opportunity for hearing of every participant s position, explanations, and information according to the following guidelines: 1. Hearings will be conducted in private. 2. Admission of any person to the hearing shall be at the discretion of the Hearing Authority. The complainant and the respondent must each inform the Office of Student Conduct of witnesses who he/she intend to have provide information at the hearing at least five (5) days in advance of the hearing. The Hearing Authority may determine that there are other relevant persons who know information about the situation and invite them to participate in the hearing to share their information. 3. The Hearing Authority may cause to be removed from the hearing any person, including the complainant, respondent, or an advisor, who disrupts or impedes the hearing, or who fails to adhere to the rulings of the Hearing Authority. The Hearing Authority may direct that persons, other than the respondent or the complainant, who are to be called upon to provide information, be excluded from the hearing except for that purpose. If the Complaint alleges there has been a violation under G1.31 Title IX Policy on Sexual Assault, Stalking and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct, when requested, the Conduct Advisor will make arrangements for the Complainant and Respondent not to be in the same room at the same time. The members of the Hearing Authority may conduct private deliberations at such times and places as he/she deem proper. 4. Unless prior arrangements have been approved by the Hearing Authority, the complainant must appear in support of the charge(s) before the Hearing Authority designated. If the complainant fails to appear, charges may be dropped at the discretion of the Hearing Authority. However, if the complaint alleges there has been a violation under G1.31 Title IX Policy on Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct, a Complainant s presence at a hearing is not a prerequisite to proceeding with the hearing. 5. If the respondent has been properly notified of the hearing, but fails to appear, the hearing may take place in his/her absence and the findings and consequences will be binding on the respondent. Only upon showing of exceptional circumstances (to be determined by the Hearing Authority) will the respondent be granted a new hearing on the basis of absence. In conduct hearings and/or meetings, it shall be presumed that the notice of a hearing/meeting has been received if the notice is furnished in one of the following ways: notice is sent by campus, regular, registered, or electronic mail to the address provided by the student to the Office of Student Conduct or that is on record in the Registrar s Office, or, if undeliverable, to the permanent address of record. 6. In hearings involving more than one accused student, the Hearing Authority, at his or her discretion, may decide to separately conduct the hearings concerning each student. 7. The complainant and the respondent each have the right to be assisted by any advisor he/she choose at their own expense. The advisor may be an attorney. The complainant and the respondent are each responsible for presenting his or her own information and, therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any hearing. It is the