Responsible Employee
YOU are a RESPONSIBLE EMPLOYEE
A responsible employee is an Immaculata University employee who is entrusted with the obligation to promptly notify the University’s Title IX coordinator of any alleged acts of sexual misconduct. Responsibility is founded on the recognition that such employees possess the potential to aid individuals who might be impacted by such conduct.
Why are responsible employees required to report incidents of sexual misconduct?
Responsible employees are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to comply with federal law and University policy.
Reporting incidents of sexual misconduct helps Immaculata University fulfill its commitment to maintaining a learning and working environment that is free from sex-based discrimination and harassment, including sexual violence.
What must responsible employees include in their reports?
Responsible employees are required by federal law and University policy to report all relevant information known to the employee regarding possible sexual misconduct to the Title IX coordinator, including the names of the complainant, respondent, and any witnesses; contact information for those individuals; the time, date and location of the incident(s); the nature of the misconduct; and any other relevant information.
Do responsible employees have to let the complainant or other reporting party know that they are required to report?
The U.S. Department of Education advises that responsible employees make every effort to ensure that the complainant understands: (i) the employee’s obligation to report the names of the complainant and respondent, as well as relevant facts regarding the alleged incident (including the date, time and location), to the Title IX coordinator; (ii) the complainant’s option to request that the University maintain the complainant’s confidentiality; and (iii) the complainant’s ability to share the information confidentially with resources such as a counselor or health care professional.
How soon must responsible employees report alleged sexual misconduct once they receive information about an incident?
Responsible employees are required to promptly report any alleged incidents of sexual misconduct to the university Title IX coordinator.
If an incident happened a long time ago or happened off campus, does it still have to be reported? Federal regulations do not impose any time limitations on reporting. Regardless of the duration that has elapsed or whether the respondent is no longer on campus, a responsible employee must report the incident to the Title IX coordinator in accordance with federal law and University policy. Sexual misconduct alleged to have occurred off campus but at an IU-sponsored or affiliated event or activity must be reported. Examples of off-campus IU-sponsored events and activities include, but are not limited to, study abroad programs, IU-sanctioned student or employee travel and athletic events. If the incident occurred at a location that is off campus and not an IU-sponsored event or activity, please check with the Title IX coordinator to confirm if a report needs to be completed.
What happens after a responsible employee makes a report to the Title IX coordinator? The Title IX coordinator or deputy coordinator will contact the complainant to:
- Provide campus and community resources
- Discuss complainant rights under University policy
- Discuss the complaint and investigation process
- Determine if immediate and/or interim measures are necessary
If interim measures are determined to be appropriate, they will be implemented promptly through the Title IX office. For example, if the respondent is an employee, interim action may include reassignment or administrative leave for that employee. If the respondent is a student, interim action may include suspension, no-contact orders, changing living arrangements, modifying course schedules or modifying other aspects of the educational environment. Interim action may also include allowing the complainant to move to a new residence hall, changing work schedules, altering academic schedules and withdrawing from or retaking a class without penalty. Moreover, the University may be able to provide additional reasonable accommodations to both parties while an investigation is pending.
What if the complainant does not want the University to take any action regarding a report? Usually the matter will be concluded, and all details pertaining to the complaint, including the complainant's identity, will remain confidential. In exceptional situations, upon reviewing information submitted to the University, the Title IX coordinator may deem it necessary to initiate a formal investigation. The complainant will be informed about the investigation and retains the option to withhold further information or decline further participation.
Is the information included in a responsible employee’s report shared with local law enforcement? The University does not share identifying information with local law enforcement.
In compliance with the Clery Act, a federal law requiring universities to collect and report statistical information about certain crimes occurring on or around campus, basic non-identifying information, including details about sexual assaults, will be provided to campus safety as required.
What if a member of the University community wants to disclose an incident of sexual misconduct without the information being reported to the Title IX coordinator?
Individuals may share information with University employees who are subject to confidentiality laws, such as counselors, or with non-IU-affiliated individuals and organizations, without the information being reported to the Title IX coordinator or deputy coordinator. Examples of confidential resources include:
- Counselors and health care professionals at the Bruder Center
- Athletic trainers
- Off-campus resources such as an individual’s personal health care provider or counselor, member of the clergy, a rape crisis resource center, or a domestic violence shelter