Title IX

Who we serve

  • Students, Faculty & Staff who've experienced sexual harassment and discrimination
  • Nazareth community members who've been accused of sexual misconduct, harassment, or violence
  • Friends of students in these categories
  • Parents of a student

We're Here to Help

What do I do if I have been a victim?

Victims of sexual assault, rape, dating or domestic violence, stalking, or sexual harassment are encouraged to report the incident to our office to enable the University to respond appropriately. See “how do I report an incident” and “what happens if I report an incident” on this page.

Even if you are not ready to report the incident, we strongly encourage that you seek resources and support. The Resources box on this page lists confidential (i.e. will not disclose your name or any other information without your permission) and non-confidential resources. We also encourage that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after the incident, both to ensure your wellbeing and to preserve any evidence in case you decide to file a report.

What do I do if I have been accused?

We understand that it can be extremely unsettling to be accused of rape or other sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, or sexual harassment. The Title IX Office is dedicated to serving as a neutral entity, assuring that there is a fair and reliable gathering of the facts in any investigation. In addition, the responding person is offered the same rights as the reporting person including the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion by all persons involved in the disciplinary process, freedom from intimidation and harassment, and timely access to relevant information and documents. See Reporting: a detailed description of the reporting process and what to expect during an investigation.

What do I do if a friend discloses an incident to me?

If a friend confides in you, or if you suspect a friend may have been the victim of rape, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, or sexual harassment, we can provide you with resources and information to help support them. You are not required to name your friend or give any identifying information about them if you do not wish to. You also have the ability to report an incident on behalf of a friend. See "how do I report an incident" and "what happens if I report an incident" on this page.

What if a student or colleague discloses to me (a faculty/staff member)?

As a faculty or staff member at Nazareth, you are considered a responsible employee, meaning you have an obligation to report to the Title IX Coordinator any incidences disclosed to you by a student or colleague.

What if my child has been a victim or accused?

Nazareth and the Title IX office conduct all proceedings in compliance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"), which limits the information that we can provide. We cannot discuss anything case specific without your student's express permission. While you are welcome to contact the Title IX office to discuss our process and resources, we recommend that you first speak directly with your student about the course of action they wish to take and how they would like you to support them during that process.

How do I report an incident?

Contact any Title IX coordinators/deputy coordinators by phone or email, or report an incident online using the Sexual Misconduct form, which can be submitted anonymously. You can report an incident for yourself, or on behalf of a friend.

What happens if I report an incident?

There are several ways to report, and the reporting method you choose affects what happens next.

  • If you use the "report an incident" button on this webpage or otherwise contact the Title IX office, you will be offered the opportunity to meet with the Title IX coordinator, who will provide you with the Student Bill of Rights and discuss your options.
  • If you disclose an incident to a faculty or staff member, they are required to report it to the Title IX coordinator, who will offer you the opportunity to meet.
  • You also have the option to file a report with law enforcement, Campus Safety, or to choose not to initiate an investigation. The Title IX office can provide support and resources that can assist you while you make that decision and you can change your mind at any time.
  • If you would like to speak with a confidential resource who is not required to report to the Title IX coordinator, contact Health and Counseling or see the Resources section on this page for other options.
  • For more details: Reporting, including what to expect during an investigation.

Report an Incident

 

Title IX Coordinators

Title IX Coordinator
Heather Sourwine
Email: titleix@naz.edu
Office: Shults 100A 

Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Phil Steckley
Assistant Athletic Trainer
psteckl4@naz.edu
585-389-2838
Office: Stadium 106

Students' Bill of Rights

Nazareth University is committed to fostering a climate free from sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking and sexual harassment and to providing options, support and assistance to members of our community affected by various form of sexual misconduct.

All Nazareth students have the right to:

  • make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
  • have disclosure of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;
  • make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure by the institution;
  • participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
  • be treated with dignity and to receive from the institution courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
  • be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
  • describe the incident to as few institution representatives as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;
  • be protected from retaliation by the University, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family, and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the University;
  • access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
  • be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process;
  • exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice or judicial or conduct process of the institution; and
  • discuss and share information related to the complaint with others that may support them or assist them in presenting their case.
Title IX

The Title IX Office works with students, faculty, and staff to implement ongoing educational outreach programming to foster a campus free from all forms of sexual misconduct.

Resources

Confidential

Non-Confidential