Sexual Misconduct Policy
Policy Statement
The University of the Sciences (the “University”) is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the University community is denied the benefits of, or discriminated against as it relates to, any University program or activity, on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Gender-based and sexual harassment, including sexual violence, are forms of sex discrimination in that they deny or limit an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from University programs or activities.
This policy identifies how students and employees can report prohibited conduct to the University confidentially and what resources are available both on and off campus to aid them, including employees’ and student’ rights to notify local law enforcement and their right to also decline to notify such authorities. It identifies the University’s Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Coordinators, describes the Coordinator’s role in compliance with Title IX, the Clery Act and VAWA, and provides information about how reports of prohibited conduct are assessed, investigated and resolved.
Violations of this policy may result in the imposition of sanctions up to, and including, termination, dismissal, or expulsion, as determined by the appropriate officials at the University.
Retaliation against an individual for raising an allegation of sexual or gender-based harassment, for cooperating in an investigation of such a complaint, or for opposing discriminatory practices is prohibited. Submitting a complaint that is not in good faith or providing false or misleading information in any investigation of complaints is also prohibited.
Nothing in this policy shall be construed to abridge academic freedom and inquiry, principles of free speech, or the University’s educational mission.
Policy Purpose
The University is devoted to fostering a climate of respect and security on campus as it relates to preventing, educating and responding to acts of prohibited conduct and adhering to Clery, Title IX, and VAWA regulations. This policy serves to demonstrate the University’s commitment to:
- Disseminating clear policies, procedures, and processes for responding to prohibited conduct reported to the University;
- Delivering prevention, education and awareness programs, as well as ongoing training and public-service campaigns, so that students and employees may identify what behavior constitutes prohibited conduct; understand how to report such misconduct; recognize warning signs of potentially abusive behavior and ways to reduce risks; and learn about safe and positive options for bystander intervention that may be carried out by an individual to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of prohibited conduct against a person;
- Engaging in investigative inquiry and resolution of reports that are adequate, reliable, impartial, prompt, fair and equitable;
- Supporting complainants and respondents equally and holding persons accountable for established violations of this policy; and
- Providing a written explanation of the rights and options available to every student or employee, whether they be a complainant or respondent.
Jurisdiction
This policy applies to sexual or gender-based harassment that is committed by sudents, faculty, staff, University appointees, or third parties, whenever the misconduct occurs:
- On University of the Sciences property; or
- Off University of the Sciences property, if:
- the conduct was in connection with a University or University-recognized program or activity; or
- the conduct may have the effect of creating a hostile environment for a member of the University community.
Monitoring and Confidentiality
A number of resources are available at the University and in the area to assist those who have experienced gender-based or sexual harassment, including sexual violence.
Individuals considering making a disclosure to the University and/or individuals offering University resources should make sure they have informed expectations pertaining to privacy and confidentiality. The University is committed to providing as much assistance as possible and is committed to helping individuals make informed decisions with respect to disclosures.
It is important to understand that, while the University will treat information it has received with appropriate sensitivity, University personnel may nonetheless need to share certain information with those at the University responsible for stopping or preventing sexual or gender-based harassment. For example, University officers, other than those who are prohibited from reporting because of a legal confidentiality obligation or prohibition against reporting, must promptly notify the appropriate University entity about possible sexual or gender-based harassment, regardless of whether a complaint is filed. Such reporting is necessary for various reasons, including to ensure that persons possibly subjected to such conduct receive appropriate services and information; that the University can track incidents and identify patterns; and that, where appropriate, the University can take steps to protect the University community. This reporting by University officers will not necessarily result in a complaint; rather, the University or Title IX Coordinator, in consultation with the the appropriate University department or entity, will assess the information and determine what action, if any, will be taken. Information will be disclosed in this manner only to those at the University who, in the judgment of the Title IX Coordinator, have a need to know.
Should individuals desire to discuss an incident or other information only with persons who are subject to a legal confidentiality obligation or prohibition against reporting, they should ask University officers for information about such resources, which are available both at the University and elsewhere. University officers are available to discuss these other resources and to assist individuals in making an informed decision.
Definitions
A list of key term definitions.
Resources
Title IX Team Contact Information
Jessica Rickmond, Title IX Coordinator
j.rickmond@usciences.edu
215-596-8844
Office Location: Wilson Hall
Ross Radish, JD, Deputy Title IX Coordinator - Students
r.radish@usciences.edu
215-596-8950
Office Location: Whitecar Hall
Deputy Title IX Coordinator - Faculty/Staff
Please contact:
Jessica Rickmond, Title IX Coordinator
j.rickmond@usciences.edu
215-596-8844
Office Location: Wilson Hall
Joseph Kalin, Title IX Investigator
j.kalin@usciences.edu
215-596-7041
Office Location: Alumni Hall
Anonymous Reporting
The University of the Sciences provides anonymous reporting for all students, faculty, and staff via Ethics Point®. This is a third-party managed compliance reporting system which provides a way for individuals to anonymously and confidentially report activities involving misconduct, violations of regulations or policies, or otherwise inappropriate, unethical, and/or illegal activities.
Reports may be filed online at https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/18902/index.html (link also available at the bottom of usciences.edu webpages labeled as “EthicsPoint”).
For phone reporting, the toll-free reporting number for Ethics Point® is 888-266-0218.
Additional Campus Resources
On Campus Resources List
Emergency Assistance (24/7/365)
Public Safety 215-596-7000
Confidential Medical/Mental Health Assistance
Student Health 215.596.8980
Counseling 215-596-8536
Student Support
Dean of Students 215-596-8950
Student Life 215-596-8756
Office of Student Conduct 215-596-7473
Employee Support
Human Resources
Michael Janes 215-596-7533
Marcia Conrad 215-596-7533
Off-Campus Resources List
Emergency (24/7/365)
911
24-Hour Hotline/Organizations
Woman Organized Against Rape 215-985-3333
Women Against Abuse 866-723-3014
Menergy 215-242-2235
Men’s Resource Center 215-564-0488
Sexual Assault Medical Evaluation
Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center (PSARC)
215-800-1589
300 E. Hunting Park Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19124
For emergencies call 215-425-1625 to reach the on-call sexual assault nurse examiner
Other Resources
Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit (SVU) 215-685-3251
EAP 800-252-4555
Additional Links to off campus support resources.
The Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) is available to help victims of sexual assault who may not be able to afford or do not want their insurance billed for the cost of a forensic rape examination. Students who seek services at the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center (PSARC) or a qualifying medical clinician for a forensic rape examination may make a claim to VCAP.
Complete University Title IX, Sexual Misconduct & Harassment Policy and Procedures
The complete University Title IX, Sexual Misconduct & Harassment Process and Procedures.
Outside Agencies
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)