Back

JAMESTOWN BUSINESS COLLEGE
POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is a violation of the non-discrimination policy of Jamestown Business College and will not be tolerated. Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of federal law including Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Sexual harassment may include repeated unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature carried out by someone in the workplace or educational setting and could include offensive e-mail messages or displays of a sexual nature such as calendars. Such behavior may offend the recipient, cause discomfort or humiliation, and interfere with job or school performance. Sexual harassment may range from inappropriate sexual innuendo to coerced sexual relations.

Sexual harassment, like harassment based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, and disability will not be tolerated, whether it occurs in our educational programs or among our non-teaching staff. If a student believes that he or she is the victim of sexual harassment, the student should initiate a Student Grievance Procedure.

It is the responsibility of all members of Jamestown Business College, including students, faculty, and staff members to report incidents of sexual harassment whether or not they are directly affected by the incidents. Incidents of sexual harassment should be reported to the President, the Dean, or the Compliance Officer. Retaliation against any employee or student who complains about harassment or cooperates with an investigation of harassment is strictly prohibited.

JAMESTOWN BUSINESS COLLEGE
STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Students who believe that they have been treated unfairly, or discriminated against in regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, creed, age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, and military status or has been dealt with in a manner that is inconsistent with Jamestown Business College regulations, may seek redress at any time within fourteen (14) business days of the alleged occurrence. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, access to and treatment in college programs, services, and activities.

Jamestown Business College is committed to compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended), which prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities and Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, which prohibits discrimination based on gender in admission to or employment in its education programs and activities. Questions about this policy may be directed to David Conklin, President/Title IX coordinator, at 716-488-3026 and/or Pamela Reese, Dean/Section 504 Coordinator, at 716-488-3020 or P.O. Box 429, Jamestown, NY 14702-0429.

Jamestown Business College students are guaranteed the right of having Jamestown Business College related complaints resolved through the following procedure:

  1. Any violation of the rules of this institution which might warrant disciplinary action shall be reported to the Compliance Coordinator within fourteen (14) business days from the date of the alleged occurrence.
  2. The Compliance Coordinator shall then investigate the matter within fourteen (14) business days.
  3. If the Compliance Coordinator determines that it is necessary to proceed further, he/she shall transmit in writing, within fourteen (14) business days, to the student that the individual(s) being charged has received written communication regarding the incident.
  4. The Compliance Coordinator shall also inform the individual(s) being charged that he or she has the right to respond to the charges either in writing or in person within (14) business days.
  5. Also, within fourteen (14) business days after receipt of the charges by the student, a meeting will be scheduled with the Compliance Coordinator, Director of Admissions, student, and the individual being charged to discuss the charges.
  6. After the individual(s) being charged and the student have had an opportunity to respond to the charges, the Compliance Coordinator will render a written determination on the charges which will be transmitted to the individual being charged and the student within fourteen (14) business days.
  7. If the determination of the Compliance Coordinator is that the individual being charged is guilty of any of the charges against him or her, the Compliance Coordinator may impose a penalty of reprimand, or termination within fourteen (14) business days.
  8. The student and/or the individual being charged may request in writing that the President of the institution review the determination of the Compliance Coordinator within fourteen (14) business days.
  9. Upon such an appeal, the President of the institution shall review the record in the matter and may affirm, reverse, or modify the determination of the Compliance Coordinator within fourteen (14) business days of receipt.

JBC Policies & Procedures Related to Title IX

Jamestown Business College is committed to providing an educational environment free of gender-based discrimination, sexual abuse, or harassment. The College fully supports Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Any student who has witnessed or been subjected to gender-related discrimination, harassment, or sexual abuse may meet with and/or file a report with the JBC Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator.

Title IX states:

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

Inquiries regarding the application of Jamestown Business College Title IX Policy should be referred to the Title IX Coordinators, David Conklin, Pamela Reese, or Cindy Cartwright.

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the college’s efforts to comply with Title IX, overseeing the College’s responses to reports of Title IX violations, and identifying and addressing any pattern or systemic problems.

The Deputy Title IX Coordinator is Pamela Reese, Vice President, 7 Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701.  The Deputy Title IX Coordinator will oversee investigations involving employees, and will provide updates to the Title IX Coordinator.

Jamestown Business College is a member institution of the SUNY Conduct Institute (https://system.suny.edu/sci/).  The SUNY Conduct Institute  “trains staff at public and private institutions of higher education on how to fairly and equitably investigate and adjudicate conduct violations and disclosures.”

Jamestown Business College is also a member of SafeColleges (https://www.safecolleges.com/) and receives additional training in the following areas:  Sexual Harassment, Mandatory Reporting, Active Shooter, the Clery Act, Drug-Free Workplace, and Diversity and Inclusion.  These trainings are completed by the Title IX coordinators, but also the entire Jamestown Business College staff and faculty.

Jamestown Business College students also receive training from Safe Colleges. Training modules that students take are Bystander Intervention, Sexual Violence Prevention, and The Clery Act.  Students also receive in-class training from Project Crossroads who work specifically with domestic violence victims.  Additionally, students receive training from The Salvation Army Anew Center on healthy relationships and sexual violence prevention.

This policy applies to the conduct of Jamestown Business College applicants, students and employees, including faculty and non-faculty, as well as third parties doing business with Jamestown Business College or attending College sponsored programs or activities.

This policy shall apply to conduct that occurs on the College campus, on College technological systems, at College-sponsored programs, activities, and events, as well as off-campus when the accused is a matriculated Jamestown Business College student or when the conduct has a continuing adverse impact upon the Jamestown Business College work or school environment.

Each student shall be responsible for his or her conduct from the time of application for admission through the awarding of a degree, as well as during periods between terms of actual enrollment, and leaves of absence or suspension. Each employee shall be responsible for his or her conduct from the date of application through the termination of enrollment.

The following definitions are provided so you can understand the College’s definitions of these terms.  The criminal definitions under state and federal law may differ from the College’s definitions.  The College prohibits conduct as defined in this policy.

Coercion is unreasonable pressure. The use of emotional manipulation to persuade someone to do something they may not want to do, such as being sexual or performing certain sexual acts, constitutes coercion. Coercing someone into having sex or performing sexual acts does not constitute obtaining consent and is considered sexual misconduct.

Complainant is the person(s) who allege(s) that this policy has been violated.

Dating Violence includes violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship would be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. For the purposes of this definition, dating violence would include, but would not be limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. Dating violence does not include acts that meet the definition of “domestic violence.”

Domestic Violence includes the use of physical violence, coercion, threats, intimidation, isolation, stalking, or other forms of emotional, sexual, or economic abuse directed towards (i) a current or former spouse or intimate partner; (ii) a person with whom one shares a child; or (iii) anyone who is protected from the respondent’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of New York. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone. Domestic violence can be a single act or a pattern of behavior in relationships.

Force is the use of physical violence and/or imposing on someone physically to gain sexual access. Force also includes threats, intimidation, and coercion to overcome resistance.

Incapacitation is a state where someone cannot make rational, reasoned decisions. A person may be incapacitated due to mental disability, sleep, unconsciousness, physical restraint, or from the consumption (voluntary or otherwise) of incapacitating drugs or quantities of alcohol. Sexual activity with someone whom you know or, reasonably should know, is mentally or physically incapacitated (i.e., by alcohol or other drug use, unconsciousness or blackout) constitutes a violation of this policy. Evidence of incapacity may be detected by physical cues, such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, the odor of alcohol on a person’s breath or clothing, inability to maintain balance, vomiting, unusual or irrational behavior, and unconsciousness. Incapacity may be indicated by the quantity of alcohol consumed. The presence of one or more of these cues does not necessarily indicate incapacity, nor does the absence of these cues necessarily indicate capacity.

Intimidation means unlawfully placing another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct, but without displaying a weapon or subjecting the victim to actual physical attack.

Respondent is the person who is accused of violating this policy.

Retaliation includes intimidating, threatening, coercing, or in any way discriminating against an individual because of the individual’s informal or formal complaint of a violation of this policy or participation in a school or government investigation or proceedings related to an alleged violation of this policy or related civil rights law. Federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including Title IX, make it unlawful to retaliate against an individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by these laws.

Sexual or Sex-based Harassment is defined as unwelcome sex-based verbal, visual, or physical conduct:

  • that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive living, learning, or working environment;
  • that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or job performance or limiting or depriving someone of the ability to participate in or benefit from Jamestown Business College’s educational programs, activities and/or employment; or
  • where submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of an individual’s education, employment, or participation in other activities sponsored by Jamestown Business College; or
  • where submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions.

Examples of sex-based harassment that may cause a hostile environment include, but are not limited to:

  • subtle or persistent pressure for sexual activity;
  • unnecessary touching or brushing against a person;
  • requesting or demanding sexual favors concerning employment, academic activities, or other Jamestown Business College activities;
  • unwelcome communications (verbal, written, electronic, etc.) of a sexual nature;
  • failure to accept the termination of a consensual relationship with repeated and persistent requests and behavior;
  • Verbal and/or physical aggression toward another based upon a perception that the other fails to conform to stereotypical notions of expected characteristics for males or females.

Sexual Assault is divided into two categories of behavior: Non-consensual Sexual Contact and Non-consensual Sexual Intercourse.

Sexual Assault–Non-consensual Sexual Contact includes any intentional touching of a sexual nature, however slight, whether clothed or unclothed, with any object or body part by a person against another person that is without affirmative consent and/or by force. Consent is required regardless of whether the person initiating the sexual contact is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. When consent is withdrawn or can no longer be given due to incapacitation, sexual activity must stop.

Examples of non-consensual sexual contact include, but are not limited to:

  • intentional contact with the breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals;
  • intentional touching of another with breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals;
  • making another person touch someone or themselves in a sexual manner;
    any intentional bodily contact in a sexual manner.

Sexual Assault–Non-consensual Sexual Intercourse includes any sexual intercourse, however slight, with any object or body part by a person against another person that is without affirmative consent and/or by force. Affirmative consent is required regardless of whether the person initiating the sexual contact is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. When consent is withdrawn or can no longer be given due to incapacitation, sexual activity must stop.

Examples of non-consensual sexual intercourse include, but are not limited to:

  • vaginal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger;
  • anal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger;
  • oral copulation (mouth to genital contact or genital to mouth contact).

Sexual Exploitation includes but is not limited to:

  • invasion of sexual privacy and voyeurism (in-person or through audio or video recording);  
  • knowingly transmitting a sexually transmitted infection;
  • exposing a person’s body or genitals;
  • prostituting or soliciting another community member.

Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear for her, his, or others’ safety, or to suffer substantial emotional distress.

Examples of stalking include but are not limited to:

  • constantly appearing at places the victim is known to frequent;
    persistent unwanted communication or contact whether in person, by telephone, text, or email;
  • persistent unwanted gifts;
  • following or surveillance;
  • spreading harmful gossip about victims;
  • breaking-and-entering that can include vandalism, theft, or even simply rearranging objects so that victims know the stalker was there.

Affirmative Consent is a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create clear permission regarding willingness to engage in sexual activity. Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does not demonstrate consent. The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

The following are guiding principles for consent:

  • Consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of sexual activity, nor does past consent to intimacy imply consent to future intimacy.
  • Consent to engage in sexual activity with one person does not imply consent to engage in sexual activity with another.
  • Consent is required regardless of whether the person initiating the act is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
  • Consent may be initially given but withdrawn at any time.
  • Consent cannot be given when a person is incapacitated.
  • In order to give consent, a person must be of the legal age of consent, which is 17 in New York.
  • Consent cannot be given and is deemed invalid when it is the result of any coercion, intimidation, force, or threat of harm.
  • When consent is withdrawn or can no longer be given, sexual activity must stop.

Any individual who believes they have been subjected to sexual harassment or retaliation for reporting sexual harassment should report their concerns to Mr. David Conklin, Mrs. Pamela Reese or Mrs. Cynthia Cartwright, Title IX Coordinators

The Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Officer, appeal officer, and their designees undergo mandatory training on issues relating to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, conducting an investigation and the hearing process.

Once a complaint is made, the complainant has the option to proceed with informal resolution or to proceed with a formal investigation.  The complainant may initially choose informal resolution and later decide to proceed formally.  The informal procedures (mediation) are designed to resolve complaints quickly, efficiently, and to the mutual satisfaction of all parties involved.  Where circumstances allow, and both parties agree to participate, informal procedures will be initiated as soon as possible and within ten business days, absent any unusual circumstances.  A complainant may elect to terminate a formal complaint process and enter into mediation at any point, including after the commencement of the formal process.

Mediation is a voluntary process intended to allow the parties involved in an alleged complaint of discrimination or harassment to discuss their respective understandings of the incident with each other through the assistance of a trained mediator.  Mediation is designed to encourage each person to be honest and direct with the other and to accept personal responsibility where appropriate.  Mediation is only offered as an option if both the complainant and the respondent are members of the Jamestown Business College community and agree to participate.  Informal mediation is not appropriate for certain cases, such as alleged sexual assaults, even on a voluntary basis.

 

Notice of a formal complaint may be in person or orally to an appropriate official. The College encourages complainants to submit a written grievance (in writing, by email attachment, etc.) to the Title IX Coordinator or designee. The formal grievance should be clear and concise and describe the alleged incident(s) in detail including location and time the incident occurred, details about the incident, and desired remedy sought. The grievance should be signed by the complainant or in the case of an email submission, sent as an email attachment, in letter format and should contain the name and all contact information of the initiator filing the complaint. Any and all supporting documentation and evidence should be referenced within the body of the formal grievance, whenever possible.

Upon receipt of a formal grievance, the Title IX Coordinator or designee will:

  • Open a formal case file and determine any necessary interim remedial measures (as described below) for the alleged victim, and any other necessary remedial short-term actions.
  • Determine the identity and contact information of the complainant (whether that be the initiator, the alleged victim, university representative, or third party).
  • Assess whether the facts as alleged by the complainant, if true, would constitute a violation of the policy. If the alleged facts do not state a violation, the grievance will be closed with no further action. If the alleged facts could state a violation, then the Title IX Coordinator or her designee will begin the investigation.

If necessary, The College may take interim protective measures to protect the complainant during the investigation. These remedial measures include the following:

  • No contact order;
  • A change in academic situations as appropriate with the minimum burden on the complainant;
  • Counseling;
  • Health and mental health services;
  • Escort services;
  • Academic services
  • Retake course or withdraw without penalty

Jamestown Business College determines which protective measures are appropriate for a particular situation on a case-by-case basis. Not all of the measures listed above will be necessary in every case to keep victims safe and ensure their equal access to educational programs and activities. If the complainant identifies an interim measure that is not already provided, The College will consider whether the request can be granted. These interim measures will be taken promptly at no cost to the complainant. Depending upon the circumstances, some or all of the protective measures may be lifted once the process is complete and a decision is rendered or they may be continued to assist the complainant after a determination has been made, even if it is determined that some or all of the allegations have not been substantiated. Additional remedies and sanctions may be rendered after a violation is found.

Failure to comply with a directive relating to a protective measure may lead to further disciplinary action. Remedial measures will be kept confidential to the extent possible. Only those individuals who need to be informed in order to effectuate the measures will be informed.

The complainant or the respondent may request review and modification of any interim remedial measure(s) that directly impacts him or her, including review of the need for and terms of the protective measure(s), by submitting a letter to the Title IX Coordinator along with any evidence he or she wishes to present. In the event the measure impacts the other party, he or she will be given an opportunity to state his or her position and present evidence as appropriate. The Title IX Coordinator or her designee will review the submissions and make a determination.

In addition to the measures that Jamestown Business College may take, law enforcement may be able to provide additional protections, such as a restraining order. Jamestown Business College can assist students in contacting law enforcement and legal services organizations to learn about additional remedies that may be available.

The investigator will conduct a prompt, fair, impartial, and thorough investigation. During the investigation, the appointed investigator will:

  • interview the complainant, the respondent, and any material witnesses (the investigator will not interview witnesses whose sole purpose is to provide character information);
  • gather all relevant documentary and/or physical evidence from the complainant, respondent, and witnesses; (This may include, but is not limited to, texts, emails, photos, Facebook posts, voicemail messages, etc.
  • give the respondent proper notice of the complaint, the date, time, location, and factual allegations concerning the alleged violation as well as the specific policy provisions he or she is alleged to have violated and provide an opportunity for the respondent to provide information;
  • complete the investigation in a timely manner, without unnecessary deviation from the intended timeline; and
  • maintain communication with the complainant and the respondent on the status of the investigation and overall process.

Information re: Romantic and Sexual History
The investigator will not consider information concerning the romantic or sexual history of either the complainant or the respondent, except as provided by the complainant or respondent relating to their shared sexual history. If either offers such information, the other will have the right to respond.

Information re: Mental Health Diagnosis or Treatment History
Each party shall have the right to object to the investigator’s consideration of his or her own mental health history or treatment. In the event such an objection is raised, the investigator will neither gather nor consider information regarding mental health diagnosis or treatment.

Prior Conduct Violations
The investigator will not consider prior alleged misconduct. If an individual has previously been found responsible for a violation of this policy, that information may be considered in the context of determining an appropriate disciplinary sanction.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the investigator will prepare a written investigation report.  The report will clearly set for the prohibited conduct alleged and will include summaries of all witness interviews and any documentary or physical evidence identified.  The report will further provide the investigator’s assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the prohibited conduct occurred and the evidentiary basis for that assessment.

The parties will have an opportunity to review the report but will not be provided with a copy of the report.  Within 3 business days of reviewing the report, the parties may submit in writing any additional information or clarifications that they believe are relevant to the determination and sanctions.  This may include a statement regarding the impact the alleged events have had on them.

Upon completion of the investigation, the Title IX Coordinator or the designee will review all of the evidence and determine whether the evidence establishes that it is more likely than not that the policy was violated.  In other words, whether a violation has been established based upon a preponderance of the evidence.  If a violation is found, Jamestown Business College will act to end the discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects on the victim and the campus community.

Student complainants and respondents have a right to be accompanied by an advisor of his or her choice at all meetings and interviews related to an allegation of sexual misconduct. In cases involving allegations of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.  The advisor may be an attorney.

Advisors are not permitted to advocate on behalf of the individual or to address the investigator, the Title IX Coordinator, or the Appeal Panel directly. The party may confer with the advisor, and the advisor may pass notes to the party. If the advisor is disruptive or otherwise fails to comply with these parameters, he or she may be asked to leave.

Each party will receive reasonable and advance written or electronic notice of any meeting he or she is required or eligible to attend. In cases of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, each party will be given prompt notice of any meeting relating to the proceeding at which either the complainant or the respondent will be present, except that the respondent will not be notified of meetings with the complainant relating solely to interim protective measures and other supportive accommodations.

REMEDIES AND SANCTIONS

Potential remedies and/or sanctions may include one or more of the following:

  • A no contact order.
  • Revisions to class schedules to maintain separation of parties.
  • Transfer of respondent to different division of the College (Adult/Day/Online).
  • Temporary suspension from The College pending program completion of victim(s).
    Loss of privileges (including but not limited to use of facilities and participation in campus organizations and activities),
  • Community service.
  • Mandated training and education.
  • Revocation of honors or awards.
  • Warning or reprimand.
  • Disciplinary probation.
  • Permanent dismissal from The College.
  • Transcript notation.

The Title IX Coordinator will provide both the complainant and the respondent with written notice of the determination and the rationale for such determination. In cases of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and/or stalking, the complainant and the respondent will be informed simultaneously and in writing of any sanctions imposed and the rationale for such sanction. In other cases of sexual misconduct, the complainant will only be informed of discipline to the extent such sanctions relate to the complainant.

Declining to Participate
If the student respondent chooses not to cooperate in the investigation, the investigator will still complete the investigation and prepare a report based solely upon the information available. No adverse inference will be made as a result of a party’s decision not to participate in the investigation, but a determination will be made based upon the information available.

If the complainant chooses to withdraw the complaint prior to the completion of the investigation, the Title IX Coordinator will determine whether to continue to pursue the complaint employing the factors outlined on previously.

Both the complainant and the respondent have the option to appeal the final determination of a Title IX investigation by submitting a letter of appeal to Mr. David Conklin, President of Jamestown Business College, 7 Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701 or via email davidconklin@jbc.edu.

Requirements for appeal:

1. The appeal is made within 14 days of the original sanction, and
2. The appeal articulates one of the following grounds:
a) A procedural error occurred that significantly impacted the outcome of the Informal or Formal Resolution (e.g. substantiated bias, material deviation from established procedures, etc.)
b) To consider new evidence, unavailable during the original hearing, Informal or Formal Resolution or Investigation, that could substantially impact the finding or sanction
c) The sanctions fall outside the range typically imposed for this offense, or for the cumulative conduct record of the Accused

If Mr. Conklin determines that the request for appeal sets forth a legitimate ground for appeal, he will notify the non-appealing party and give them the opportunity to review the letter of appeal and submit a written response within 7 days of notification. Mr. Conklin will convene the Student Conduct Board to hear the appeal.

The Title IX Appeal Panel will render a decision applying the following principles:

1. Decisions by the Title IX Appeal Panel are to be deferential to the original decision, making changes to the finding only where there is clear error and to the sanction/remedial action only if there is a compelling justification to do so.
2. Appeals are not intended to be full re-hearings of the complaint. In most cases, appeals are confined to a review of the written documentation or record of the rationale for the original sanction, and pertinent documentation regarding the grounds for appeal. Appeals granted based on new evidence should normally be remanded to the Title IX Coordinator for additional investigation.
3. Sanctions imposed are implemented immediately unless the Title IX Coordinator or her designee stays their implementation pending the outcome of the appeal.
4. The Title IX Appeals Panel will normally render a written decision on the appeal to all parties within 7 business days from receipt of the non-appealing party’s submission.
5. All parties will be informed in writing of the results of the appeal decision.
6. Once an appeal is decided, the outcome is final: further appeals are not permitted.

If neither party files an appeal within two weeks of the determination’s rendering, the Title IX Coordinator will provide both parties with written notice that the determination is final.

While Jamestown Business College offices and employees cannot guarantee confidentiality, the College will maintain your privacy to the greatest extent possible. The information you provide to a non-confidential resource will be relayed only as necessary to investigate and/or seek a resolution and to notify the Title IX Coordinator or designee, who is responsible under the law for tracking patterns and spotting systemic issues. Jamestown Business College will limit the disclosure as much as possible, even if the Title IX Coordinator determines that the request for confidentiality cannot be honored.

All students/employees have the right to:

  • Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
  • Have disclosures 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 institution, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family,  and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;
  • 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; and
  • Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the institution.
  • Notify university police or campus security, local law enforcement and/or the State Police;
  • Have emergency access to a Title IX Coordinator or other appropriate official trained in interviewing victims of sexual assault who shall be available upon first instance of disclosure by reporting individual to provide information regarding options to proceed, and, where applicable, the importance of preserving evidence and obtaining a sexual assault forensic examination, and detailing that the criminal justice process utilizes different standards of proof and evidence. The official shall also explain whether he or she is authorized to offer the reporting individual confidentiality or privacy and shall inform the reporting individual of other reporting options;
  • Confidentially disclose the incident to institution representatives, who may offer confidentiality and can assist in obtaining services;
  • Disclose confidentially the incident and obtain services from the state or local government;
  • File a report of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and/or stalking and the right to consult the Title IX Coordinator and other appropriate institution representatives for information and assistance. Reports shall be investigated in accordance with the institution policy and a reporting individual’s identity shall remain private at all times if said reporting individual wishes to maintain privacy;
  • Disclose the incident, if the accused is an employee of the institution, to the institution’s human resources authority;
  • Receive assistance from appropriate institution initiating legal proceedings in family or civil court; and
  • Withdraw a compliant or involvement from the institution process at any time.

The health and safety of every student at Jamestown Business College is of utmost importance. The College recognizes that individuals who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. Jamestown Business College strongly encourages individuals to report domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to institution officials. A bystander acting in good faith or a reporting individual acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to college officials or law enforcement will not be subject to the College’s Code of Conduct section for violation of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.

Any student who is found responsible for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (or any other crime of violence) and suspended will have a notation on his or her transcript indicating, “suspended after a finding of responsibility for a policy violation.”

Any student who is found responsible for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (or any other crime of violence) and expelled will have a notation on his or her transcript indicating, “expelled after a finding of responsibility for a policy violation.”

Any student who withdraws from Jamestown Business College while a complaint of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (or any other crime of violence) is pending against him or her and declines to complete the investigatory and disciplinary process will have a notation on his or transcript indicating, “withdrew with conduct charges pending.”

If a finding of responsibility is vacated for any reason, the transcript notation will be removed. Students shall have the right to seek the removal of a notation of suspension after one year has elapsed since the end of the suspension. Students wishing to request removal should submit a letter to the Title IX Coordinator setting forth the justification for removal. Notations of expulsion cannot be removed.

Both the complainant and the respondent have the right to have a fair and impartial investigation, determination, and appeal. If either the complainant or respondent has any reason to believe that the investigator, the Title IX Coordinator, or any of the Appeal Panel members has a conflict of interest or would otherwise be unable to be fair and impartial, the concerned party should submit a letter explaining the basis for his or her concern. Concerns regarding the investigator or the Appeal Panel should be submitted to the Title IX Coordinator. Concerns regarding the Title IX Coordinator should be submitted to the Appeal Officer. The other party will be provided with a copy of the letter and will have an opportunity to respond. If based upon those submissions and any independent inquiry the decision-maker may choose to make, the decision-maker determines that there is a conflict of interest, another individual will be appointed to take on the role. If it is found that there is no such conflict, the individual will continue in his or her role. Concerns regarding conflicts of interest should be raised as soon as they are identified and prior to the individual with the alleged conflict’s rendering of his or her determination, e.g. prior to the submission of the investigation report, the determination, or the appeal decision.

Any person who has a complaint that discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, creed, age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, and military status exists in any program funded by the Department of Education and who has exhausted the college’s grievance procedure indicated above may notify the Office for Civil Rights. A complaint should be filed by letter to: Assistant Secretary, Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100 or at http://www.ed.gov/ocr.

Student Conduct Institute Logo and link

Additional links for assistance related to Gender Title IX Know Your Rights Publication