Title IX is a federal law that protects people from discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities that receive federal financial aid. Although many people are familiar with Title IX as it relates to equity in athletics, its protections also extend to: admissions, recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, student treatment and services, counseling and guidance, discipline, classroom assignment, grading, vocational education, recreation, physical education, athletics, housing and employment. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Waynesburg University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Waynesburg University’s notice of nondiscrimination is located at https://www.waynesburg.edu/title-ix.
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault
Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or physical, verbal or written conduct of a sexual nature when:
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submission is explicitly or implicitly a basis for decisions or condition of employment, education, or participation in University programs or activities, or
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directed against another and is abusive or humiliating and persists after the objection of the person, or
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a reasonable person would regard the conduct as creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Sexual assault and sexual misconduct are specific forms of sexual advances. Sexual assault is intentional and is committed either by force, threat of force, violence or intimidation. Sexual misconduct occurs when unwelcomed physical contact of a sexual nature is committed without the intent to harm another and where, by failing to correctly assess the circumstances, a person believes unreasonably that consent was given.
Consent is an understandable exchange of affirmative words or actions that indicate a willingness to participate in sexual activity. Consent is active and must be freely given.
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A person who is incapacitated, (i.e. intoxicated) is not capable of giving consent.
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A person's use of alcohol, other drugs, and/or other intoxicants does not diminish their responsibility to obtain consent.
Sexual Assault Resources
If you are sexually assaulted:
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If you think you are still in danger, call the University Department of Public Safety at 724 852-3303 or 911.
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Contact a support person to be with you.
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Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Do now shower, bathe, douche, brush your teeth or hair, or change clothes. Be sure to tell the examiner that you have been sexually assaulted. This does not mandate a formal complaint being filed.
Consider talking to a University counselor, who can help you sort through your feelings and make a decision about filing a complaint. The counselor will support your decision and will maintain your confidentiality. If you prefer to talk to someone outside the University, you can the Rape Crisis Center at 724-527-6108 or 1 888-480-7283 (night).
If a Friend is Sexually Assaulted:
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If you think you or your friend may be in danger, call the University Department of Public Safety at 724 852-3303 or 911.
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Stay with your friend, or contact another support person to be with them.
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Be a good listener.
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Allow your friend to make their own decisions. Encourage getting medical attention and offer to go along.
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Talk about the options for reporting. If your friend is considering making a report, offer to go with them.
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Maintain your friend's confidence – do not discuss the incident with others.
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Talk to a counselor yourself if you feel over-whelmed or unsure of how to help.
Campus and Community Resources:
Emergency: 911
Waynesburg Police: 724-627-8113
University DOPS: 724-852-3303
Southwest Regional Hospital ER: 724-627-2606
University Health Services 724-852-3332
Waynesburg University Counselors:
counseling@waynesburg.edu
Jane Owen: 724 852-3225
Mary Hamilla: 724 852-3344
Ed Sutter: 724 852-7703
Rape Crisis Center: 724-627-6108
Night: 1 888-480-7283
Filing a Complaint:
Making a complaint at the University and filing criminal charges are two separate processes. You may decide to do one, both, or neither.
To file criminal charges, contact the local Waynesburg Police 724-627-8113
If the assailant is a member of the University community, you may decide to pursue University disciplinary action by reporting the incident to the Title IX Coordinator:
Kelley Hardie 724-852-3461
See the Student handbook on myConnect for further information, about the disciplinary process.
About Confidentiality:
The University is committed to maintaining your confidentiality.
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The University is required by law to publish annual crime statistics. If you speak to a University administrator about a sexual assault that happened to you, there will be a report made for statistical purposes. Your name will not be used in the report.
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Responsible employees of the University must report incidents and incidents will be investigated. Counselors, health care providers, and clergy are exempt from mandated reporting. You can get confidential support from these staff members and still choose whether or not a complaint is made.
The Federal Campus Assault Victims' Bill of Rights
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Survivors shall be notified of their options to notify law enforcement.
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Accuser and accused must have the same opportunity to have others present.
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Both parties shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding.
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Survivors shall be notified of counseling services.
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Survivors shall be notified of options for changing academic and living situations.
The Campus Sexual Assault Victims' Bill of Rights exists as part of the campus security reporting requirements, commonly known as the Jeanne Clery Act.
See the Student Handbook for complete policies and procedures.