Scope of Policy & General Reporting Information

All Rockford University community members are responsible for their actions and behavior, and for adhering to University policies and local, state, and federal law. This policy, therefore, applies to all members of the University community who participate in any of the University’s program and activities, including students, employees, contractors, vendors, volunteers, or other third parties. This Policy applies to behaviors that take place on the campus, at University-sponsored events, and may also apply off-campus and to actions online when the Title IX Coordinator determines that the off-campus conduct affects a substantial University interest. A substantial University interest is defined to include:

a) Any action that constitutes criminal offense as defined by law. This includes, but is not limited to, single or repeat violations of any local, state or federal law.

b) Any situation where it appears that the respondent may present a danger or threat to the health or safety of self or others.

c) Any situation that significantly impinges upon the rights, property or achievements of self or others or significantly breaches the peace and/or causes social disorder.

d) Any situation that is detrimental to the educational interests of the University.

This policy applies regardless of the sexual orientation or gender identity of any of the parties.

Rockford University provides the following information on how to report sex discrimination, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment to the University and outlines the University’s response to such reports.

Any person may experience sex discrimination, sexual misconduct, or sexual harassment, irrespective of the identity of the complainant or respondent, and is encouraged to report such incidents to Rockford University. Any person, regardless of whether or not the person reporting the alleged incident is the person alleged to be victimized of the incident, may report sex discrimination, sexual misconduct, or sexual harassment to the Title IX Coordinator. Reports may be made in person, by mail, by telephone, by email, or by using the Rockford University online report form which can be found here.

Reports may be made at any time, including during non-business hours, by using the telephone number or email address or by mail to the office address listed for the Title IX Coordinator.

The Rockford University Title IX Coordinator is:

Dr. Randy Worden, Vice President for Student Life and Title IX Coordinator
Student Life Office Suite, 1st floor Burpee Student Center (next to Den)

5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
Phone: 815-226-3398
E-Mail: rworden@rockford.edu

When the Title IX Coordinator receives a report (either written or oral) of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment, they will contact the complainant to provide supportive measures. For more information about these measures, see section Supportive Measures.

Upon receipt of a report, complaint or formal report, the Title IX Coordinator will review the details of the alleged incident and conduct a preliminary assessment to determine which of Rockford University’s grievance procedures will be applied to address the report. Regardless of the type of incident, Rockford University applies prompt and equitable grievance procedures to resolve complaints of sex discrimination, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment. Rockford University’s grievance procedures apply equally to all persons regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Formal complaints of incidents of sexual harassment as defined under Title IX involving Rockford University’s students or employees will be addressed using the formal complaint and conduct process as described Formal Complaint Process under Title IX.

Complaints of incidents of sexual misconduct which fall outside of the Title IX definition of sexual harassment (see pages Definitions) or which occurred outside of Rockford University’s own education programs or activities or outside of the United States will be addressed using the conduct process outlined in Rockford University’s Code of Conduct (for incidents involving students). Employee to employee complaints are subject to conduct processes found in the Faculty and Employee Handbooks.

Incidents of sex discrimination which do not involve sexual harassment as defined under Title IX or sexual harassment will be addressed using the grievance procedures outlined in Rockford University’s Non-Discrimination Statement.

When possible, the Title IX Coordinator will notify the reporting party of Rockford University’s grievance procedures which correspond to the alleged incident.