Power Based Violence and Title IX

Once an incident is reported, the complainant is not obligated to file a grievance with the University or a criminal charge with law enforcement. A confidential advisor, Title IX Coordinator, or student advocate will explain all options to the complainant with the goal of ending the sexual violence and harassment, preventing its recurrence, and addressing the effects. Please see University Obligations below for more information regarding accommodations.

NSU has policy and procedure set in place to fairly and quickly address sexual misconduct. Persons found responsible for sexual misconduct may receive sanctions ranging from expulsion to an educational alternative determined on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, the incident may be investigated and adjudicated by the University and local law enforcement simultaneously. For details regarding informal and formal resolutions, investigations, disciplinary actions, and appeals, please see the current version of the NSU Student Handbook.

Title IX policy and NSU’s Student Code of Conduct prohibit retaliation. Acts or attempted acts for the purpose of interfering with any report, investigation, or proceeding, or as retribution or revenge against anyone who has reported sexual misconduct, relationship violence, sex discrimination, or who has participated (or is expected to participate) in any manner in an investigation or proceeding under the NSU policy is strictly prohibited. Prohibited retaliatory acts include, but are not limited to, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination. For purposes of this NSU policy, an attempt requires a substantial step towards committing a violation.

All reporting of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct is treated as confidential to the greatest extent possible; the privacy of all individuals involved is important to the Northwestern State. In most situations, only individuals involved in the resolution of the situation will have access to the information about the case. If there is a risk of the alleged perpetrator committing additional crimes, if a student is in immediate danger, or if there has been expressed intent to harm others, or other risks such as involvement of a weapon or the age of the students involved, the University may determine that it is necessary to compromise the level of privacy provided.

Northwestern State provides amnesty–forgiveness of nonviolent student conduct violations, such as underage drinking–for any student reporting sexual misconduct in good faith.

Research has shown that alcohol use and sexual violence are associated. Make every effort to watch out for friends and plan interventions to take action if need be–be proactive and do not be a bystander to sexual misconduct. For more information about how you or your student organization can get involved in eliminating sexual misconduct in our community, contact student advocate Julie Powell at (318) 357-5570, obannonj@nsula.edu or visit 306 Friedman Student Union during office hours.

As a responsible employee per Title IX related law, faculty and staff must report the disclosure to the Title IX Coordinator. Please feel free to call the Title IX Coordinator or Student Advocate for assistance immediately. Additionally, please download the What to Report Guide (Employee) below and the NSU: Not Alone Brochure to give to the student.

• Not Alone Brochure
• What to Report Guide (Employee)

The Title IX Coordinator ensures schools are compliant with Title IX, oversees educational efforts for students, faculty, and staff, coordinates the investigation and disciplinary process, and looks for patterns or systemic problems with compliance to ensure schools fulfill all their federal obligations.