Page 95 - Southwestern Community College Handbook 2019-2020

REGULATIONS
M. Stalking – engaging in a course of conduct directed to a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his/her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress by placing that person in fear of death, bodily injury or continued harassment.
II. REPORTING
All members of the College community are expected to take appropriate action to prevent
discrimination, harassment and sexual-based violence. All Responsible Employees are required to report such alleged acts to the appropriate College officials. All Responsible Employees receiving a complaint of discrimination, harassment or sexual based violence shall immediately refer the complaint to the appropriate person. For acts of sexual based violence, Responsible Employees shall inform the Complainant of the right to contact law enforcement.
If a student or employee wishes to keep the details of an alleged incident confidential, he/ she should speak with a Confidential Employee, health service provider or off-campus counsel ors in order to maintain confidentiality. Employees may choose to access confidential counseling services through the College’s Employee Assistance Program free of charge.
Reports of sexual harassment and sexual-based violence should be made to the College’s appropriate Title IX Coordinator:
Student Contact Cheryl Contino Conner Dean of Students 828.339.4245
Director of Human Resources Lisa Sizemore 828.339.4280
447 College Drive, Sylva NC 28779
The Title IX Coordinators shall receive annual training on issues related discrimination, harassment and sexual-based violence and how to conduct a fair and impartial investigation that protects alleged victims and promotes accountability. Reports of disability discrimination should be made to the College’s Director of Disability (for student matters) or the College’s Director of Human Resources (employee matters):
Disability Services Coordinator Peter Buck 828.339.4243
Employee Contact
Lisa Sizemore Director of Human Resources 828.339.4280
447 College Drive, Sylva NC 28779
All other issues raised hereunder should be reported to the Executive Vice President for Instruction and Student Services (student matters) or the College Director of Human Resources (employee matters). For the remainder of these Procedures, the person who receives an initial report shall be referred to the “Coordinator.”
III. INITIAL INVESTIGATION
Members of the College community are encouraged, but not required, to resolve issues
informally and may attempt to do so directly with the other party or with the assistance of a supervisor or other College official. In circumstances in which informal process fails or is inappropriate, in the cases of sexual harassment and sexual-based violence, or in which the Complainant requests formal procedures, the complaints will be investigated promptly, impartially and thoroughly according to the following procedures:
A. Individuals filing complaints (“Complainants”) are urged to do so in writing as soon as pos sible but no later than thirty (30) days after disclosure or discovery of the facts giving rise to the complaint. Complaints submitted after the thirty (30) day period will still be investi gated; however, Complainants should recognize that delays in reporting may significantly impair the ability of College officials to investigate and respond to such complaints. The Coordinator shall fully investigate any complaints and will, as needed and if the complaint also involves an employee, collaborate with the College’s Director of Human Resources. During the course of the investigation, the Coordinator may consult with other relevant College administrators and the College Attorney.
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