Sexual Misconduct Policy

Rochester College is committed to creating and maintaining an educational environment free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct. Any act involving sexual harassment, violence, coercion, and intimidation will not be tolerated. Specifically, Rochester College strictly prohibits the offenses of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These acts have a real impact on the lives of victims. They not only violate a person’s feelings of trust and safety, but they can also substantially interfere with a student’s education. It is the policy of Rochester College that, upon learning that an act of sexual misconduct has taken place, immediate action will be taken to address the situation and discipline the perpetrator. This includes working with state and local law enforcement to bring possible criminal charges and/or seeking disciplinary action through the College.

Rochester College encourages the reporting of sexual misconduct that is prompt and accurate. This allows the college community to quickly respond to allegations and offer immediate support to the victim. Rochester College is committed to protecting the confidentiality of victims, and will work closely with students who wish to obtain confidential assistance regarding an incident of sexual misconduct. Certain professionals at the College such as professionals in our Psychology Clinic and the Campus Minister are permitted by law to offer confidentiality. Those who do not maintain the privilege to offer confidentiality are expected to keep reports private to the extent permitted under the law and college policy. This means that they may have to report to college officials, but will not broadcast the information beyond what is required by law and policy. All allegations will be investigated promptly and thoroughly, and both the victim and the accused will be afforded equitable rights during the investigative process.

It is the collective responsibility of all members of the Rochester College community to foster a safe and secure campus environment. In an effort to promote this environment and prevent acts of sexual misconduct from occurring, the College engages in prevention and awareness education programs. All incoming students [and employees] are required to participate in these programs, and all members of the College community are encouraged to participate throughout the year in trainings and education focused on the prevention of sexual misconduct on campus.

This policy applies to all members of the Rochester College community, including students, faculty, staff, visitors, independent contractors, and other third parties who are on campus and involved in an incident of sexual misconduct (this can be someone who witnessed an incident or who wishes to report an incident on behalf of another).

This policy prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct. This broad term includes, but is not limited to, acts of sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual coercion, sexual threats or intimidation, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and cyber-stalking.

This policy covers conduct that takes place on the College campus. This includes any building or property owned or controlled by Rochester College and used in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the school’s educational purposes, including residence halls, dining halls, and public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus. This policy also covers conduct that takes place off-campus that may have a partnership to the College community.

This policy covers all educational, extracurricular, athletic, or other campus programs.

Activities: This policy covers all campus and school-related activities, including, but not limited to, student organizations (academic, social club, multicultural, religious, service, social and support, sports and recreational), community organizations with student [and/or faculty] participation, and all other educational or extracurricular events hosted by or at the College.