Policy On Sex Offenses

August 22, 2000

Rockford College deplores and prohibits sexual offenses of any kind (including but not limited to forcible sex offenses, nonforcible sex offenses, stalking, acquaintance rape, and the use of mind altering substances). Any such act committed against the integrity of another person will not be tolerated.

Rockford College is committed to providing students, faculty, staff, and administrators an environment free of sexual offenses. The College provides educational information, referral to appropriate counseling and mental health services, and reasonable changes in academic/work situations (i.e., escorts, class sections) after an alleged sex offense is reported. Information about educational and health-related programs is available through the Office of Student Development and the Lang Center for Health and Wellness.

Rockford College strongly encourages any member of its community to report a sexual offense immediately to campus and local authorities. Every incident of sexual assault reported will be investigated thoroughly, and with the consent of the victim, appropriate disciplinary, criminal, and legal actions will be initiated. Evidence from any such incident should be preserved and provided to the appropriate authorities.

Disciplinary action initiated against a student as a result of a sexual offense is administered by the Chief Student Life Officer in accordance with College disciplinary proceedings. When disciplinary action is taken concerning an alleged sex offense, the accuser and accused will have the same opportunity to have others present. This includes, but is not limited to witnesses, medical professionals and attorneys; however, only witnesses may address the proceedings. Following such proceedings, both parties shall be informed of the outcome of those proceeding. In cases where the accused student is found in violation of policy, Rockford College shall disclose to the College community the outcome of the case - limited to the perpetrator's name, a description of the violation, and the sanction imposed. Sanctions that may be imposed against students are listed under the College Sanctions section of the Student Code.

In all cases of possible sex offenses, individuals involved shall be informed of their options to notify law enforcement. Individuals shall also be notified of counseling services and options for changing academic and living situations.

Every reasonable effort shall be made to maintain confidentiality and to protect the privacy of a complainant and an alleged offender in the investigation, resolution, compliance, and administering of this policy.

Reporting Sex-Offenses

If an alleged sex-offense occurs at Rockford College or at an event sponsored by the College, any evidence (i.e., clothing and condoms) pertaining to the alleged offense should be kept by the victim until it may be provided to authorities. If a student believes a substance was added to a beverage, that liquid should be kept if at all possible.

Alleged sex-offenses should be reported College authorities who will maintain confidentiality and facilitate treatment. Reporting incidents in no way compels an individual to pursue a specific course of action. However, reporting does enable an individual to be apprised of the medical, emotional, legal, and College judicial options for dealing with the assault. Medical attention is important for two reasons: 1) testing and/or medical treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, or physical injuries, and 2) evidence collection.

Report alleged sex-offenses to one of the following College staff members:

Director of Lang Health Center Residence Hall Staff

Director of Security Chief Student Life Officer

Members of the Rockford College community who have been sexually assaulted are strongly encouraged to talk with a counselor, report the assault to Campus Security and local police, and obtain medical assistance.

Counseling services are available through the Lang Center for Health and Wellness (Services are free).