6.6 Campus Conduct Reference – [Reference VCCS Policy Manual Section 6.5]

6.6.0 Student Conduct page top

Each individual is considered a responsible adult, and it is assumed that students shall maintain standards of conduct appropriate to membership in the college community. Emphasis is placed on standards of student conduct rather than on limits or restrictions of students. Guidelines and regulations governing student conduct are developed by representatives of the students, faculty, staff, and administration. VHCC refrains from imposing a rigid code of discipline but reserves the right to take disciplinary action compatible with its own best interests when it is clearly necessary.

VHCC guarantees students the privilege of exercising their rights of citizenship under the Constitution of the United States without fear of prejudice. Special care is taken to assure due process and to spell out defined routes of appeal when students feel their rights have been violated.

6.6.0.1 Student Grievance

Each VCCS college will develop and publish a student grievance procedure which will provide for equitable and orderly processes to resolve complaints made by students for improper treatment. A grievance is defined as a written claim raised by a student alleging improper, unfair, arbitrary, or discriminatory action by an employee or a student involving the application of a specific provision of a college or rule/regulation or a board policy or procedure.

Reviewed and Updated November 7, 2019

6.6.1 Policy on Expressive Activity page top

This policy applies to all buildings, grounds, and other spaces owned or controlled by a college. The term “expressive activity” includes:

• Meetings and other group activities of students and student organizations;
• Speeches, performances, demonstrations, rallies, vigils, and other events by students, student organizations, and outside groups invited by student organizations;
• Distributions of literature, such as leafleting and pamphleting; and
• Any other expression protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Reviewed and Updated February 2, 2017

6.6.2 Policy Statement page top

College property is primarily dedicated to academic, student life and administrative functions. But it also represents the “marketplace of ideas,” and especially for students, many areas of campus represent a public forum for speech and other expressive activities. Colleges may place restrictions on expressive activities occurring indoors, but especially for students and student organizations, the outdoor areas of campus remain venues for free expression, including speeches, demonstrations, and the distribution of literature.

Indoors or outdoors, colleges shall not interfere with the rights of individuals and groups to the free expression of their views or impermissibly regulate their speech based on its content or viewpoint. Nevertheless, colleges may establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on expressive activity. Such restrictions must be content-neutral, narrowly tailored to serve a significant governmental interest, and allow ample alternative channels for communication of the information.

No event or expressive activity shall be permitted to violate or hinder the rights of others within the campus community or substantially disrupt normal college operations.

 Reviewed and Updated February 2, 2017

6.6.2.0 Procedures page top

1. Reserving Campus Facilities:
   1. If students, student organizations, or college employees desire to reserve campus facilities, they shall submit their requests to the appropriate college administrator. VHCC normally may not require more than twenty-four hours advance notice for reservation requests. More notice may be required to allow for sufficient logistical support and to ensure the safety and security of the campus.
   2. If individuals or organizations who are not members of the college community (i.e., not students, student organizations, or college employees) desire to reserve campus facilities, they must be sponsored by a recognized student organization or the college to conduct expressive activities or events on campus.
   3. VHCC may designate certain indoor facilities as not available for expressive activity, such as administration offices, libraries, and (during instructional hours) classrooms. Colleges shall make the campus community aware of such areas. Any other restrictions on expressive activities occurring in indoor facilities must (a) apply equally to all individuals and organizations and (b) not depend upon the content or viewpoint of the expression or the possible reaction to that expression.
   4. Students, student organizations, and college employees may request to reserve campus facilities on a first-come, first-served basis. These requests may be denied for the following reasons only:
      1.  The requested venue is an indoor facility that the college has designated as not available for expressive activity under section 6.5.2.0(a)(3) of this policy;
      2.  The requested venue is an indoor facility and the request conflicts with restrictions enacted pursuant to section 6.5.2.0(a)(3) of this policy;
      3.  The venue is already reserved for another event1;
      4. The activity will attract a crowd larger than the venue can safely contain;
      5. The activity will substantially disrupt another event being held at a neighboring venue2;
      6. The activity will substantially disrupt college operations (including classes);
      7. The activity is a clear and present threat to public safety, according to the college’s police or security department;
      8.  The activity will occur during college examination periods; or
      9.  The activity is unlawful.
   5.  During an event, the student, student organization, or college employee requesting the reservation is responsible for preserving and maintaining the facility it reserved. If it causes any damage to those facilities, the person(s) or organization (and its officers, if applicable) shall assume responsibility.
   6.  When assessing a request to reserve campus facilities, colleges and their administrators must not consider the content or viewpoint of the expression or the possible reaction to that expression. Colleges and their administrators may not impose restrictions on students, student organizations, or college employees due to the content or viewpoint of their expression or the possible reaction to that expression. In the event that other persons react negatively to a student’s, student organization’s, or college employee’s expression, college officials (including college police or security) shall take all necessary steps to ensure public safety while allowing the expressive activity to continue.
2.  Spontaneous Expressive Activity:
   1.  Colleges are not required to designate any indoor area as available for spontaneous expressive activities. In the event that colleges elect to do so, college officials shall prominently post the areas in which students, student organizations, and their sponsored guests may engage in spontaneous expressive activities. Any areas so designated must (a) apply equally to all students and student organizations and (b) not depend upon the content or viewpoint of the expression or the possible reaction to that expression.
   2. For outdoor campus facilities and areas, students, student organizations, and their sponsored guests may freely engage in spontaneous expressive activities as long as they do not (a) block access to campus buildings, (b) obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic, (c) substantially disrupt previously scheduled campus events, (d) substantially disrupt college operations, (e) constitute unlawful activity; or (f) create a clear and present threat to public safety, according to the college’s police or security department.
   3.  No college personnel may impose restrictions on students, student organizations, or their sponsored guests who are engaging in spontaneous expressive activities due to the content or viewpoint of their expression or the possible reaction to that expression. In the event that other persons react negatively to these activities, college officials (including college police or security) shall take all necessary steps to ensure public safety while allowing the expressive activity to continue.
3.  Implementation; Report:
   1.  Each college must include this policy in its student handbook, on its website, and in its student orientation programs.
   2.  Each college must develop a process for members of the campus community and invited guests to report incidents of disruption of constitutionally protected speech. Such a process may include, but is not limited to, providing online incident reporting, providing contact information for a designated college official, and in cases of emergency, contact information for campus or local police or campus security.
   3.  All colleges must maintain materials on the policy and provide such materials to any employee responsible for the discipline or education of enrolled students. Colleges may provide such materials to other employees if so desired.
   4.  All college policies and materials on expressive activities must have prior approval from the Office of System Counsel.
   5.  Colleges must develop policies and procedures to comply with the requirements of Va. Code 23.1-401.1, and notify the Office System Counsel as soon as practicable, but no later than 20 days after being served with a complaint that alleges a violation of the First Amendment.

Reviewed and Updated February, 2019

6.6.3 Alcoholic Beverages (See Section 6.5.9.2)

6.6.4 Illegal Substance Policy page top

VHCC students or employees shall not possess, sell, use, manufacture, give away or otherwise distribute illegal substances including drugs or, where prohibited, alcohol while on campus, attending a college sponsored off-campus event, or while serving as a representative of the college at off-campus meetings. Students or employees who violate this policy will have College charges processed against them in the normal manner of due process provided by VHCC rules. Further, students or employees who violate this policy will have committed a criminal offense, and VHCC will notify the appropriate agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, county or city government for investigation and, if warranted, prosecution.

 6.6.4.0 VHCC Substance Abuse Program

VHCC has developed the following substance abuse program including drug and alcohol education and substance abuse counseling and referral services for students and employees.

A. Drug and Alcohol Education

1. Student Orientation - At each college orientation, VHCC representatives or other selected groups inform students of the issues related to substance abuse. Students are provided with prevention and treatment information.
2. Substance Abuse Materials - Print and/or electronic materials are available to inform students and employees of substance abuse issues.
3. Substance Abuse Programs - VHCC offers seminars and workshops dealing with substance abuse. These activities are open to the general public.

B. Substance Abuse Counseling and Referral

VHCC’s Counseling Center maintains referral information on substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation services available in the community. Substance abuse inquiries and referrals are handled in a confidential manner.

6.6.5 Title IX Prevention of Sexual Misconduct Policy & Procedures  page top

Policy on Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking

• Notice of Nondiscrimination.
  
  As a recipient of federal funds, Virginia Highlands Community College is required to comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. (“Title IX”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities, admission and employment. Under certain circumstances, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and similar conduct constitute sexual discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The Title IX Coordinator is Karen Cheers, whose office is located in ISC Building room 128 B, and may be contacted by phone at (276)739-2490 or by email at kcheers@vhcc.edu.
  
• Policy.
  
  Virginia Highlands Community College is committed to providing an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination based on any status protected by law. This Policy supplements the following general policy statement set forth by the Virginia Community College System: This institution promotes and maintains educational opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, ethnicity, religion, gender, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), disability, national origin, or other non-merit factors. This Policy also addresses the requirements under the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, (also known as the Campus SaVE Act).
  
  This Policy is not intended to substitute or supersede related criminal or civil law. Individuals should report incidents of sexual and domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking to law enforcement authorities. Criminal and civil remedies are available in addition to the potential remedies that the College may provide.
  
• Purpose.
  
  The purpose of this Policy is to establish that the College prohibits discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and retaliation and to set forth procedures by which such allegations shall be filed, investigated and resolved.
  
• Applicability.
  
  This Policy applies to all campus community members, including students, faculty, staff and third parties, e.g., contractors and visitors. Conduct that occurs off campus can be the subject of a complaint or report and will be evaluated to determine whether it violates this Policy, e.g. if off-campus harassment has continuing effects that create a hostile environment on campus.
  
• Definitions
  
  Advisor: An individual who provides the complainant and respondent support, guidance, or advice. Advisors may be present at any meeting or hearing, but may not speak directly on behalf of the complainant or respondent.
  
  Complainant: A complainant refers to an individual who believes that they have been the subject of a violation of this Policy and files a complaint against a faculty, staff member or student.
  
  Consent: Any sexual activity or sex act committed against one’s will, by the use of force, threat, intimidation, or ruse, or through one’s mental incapacity or physical helplessness is without consent. Consent is knowing, voluntary, and clear permission by word or action, to engage in mutually-agreed upon sexual activity. Silence does not necessarily constitute consent. Past consent to sexual activities, or a current or previous dating relationship, does not imply ongoing or future consent. Consent to some sexual contact (such as kissing or fondling) cannot be presumed to be consent for other sexual activity (such as intercourse). An individual cannot consent who is under the age of legal consent. The existence of consent is based on the totality of the circumstances, including the context in which the alleged incident occurred.
  
  

  Mental incapacity means that condition of a person existing at the time which prevents the person from understanding the nature or consequences of the sexual act involved (the who, what, when, where, why, and how) and about which the accused knew or should have known. This includes incapacitation through the use of drugs or alcohol. Intoxication is not the same as incapacitation.
  
  Physical helplessness means unconsciousness or any other condition existing at the time which otherwise rendered the person physically unable to communicate an unwillingness to act and about which the accused knew or should have known. Physical helplessness may be reached through the use of alcohol or drugs.
  

  
  Dating Violence: Dating violence is violence, force, or threat that results in bodily injury or places one in reasonable apprehension of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury committed by a person who is or has been in a close relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the other person. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
  
  Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is violence, force, or threat that results in bodily injury or places one in reasonable apprehension of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury and that is committed by a person against such person's family or household member, which includes a current or former spouse a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, or who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the person as a spouse or intimate partner.
  
  Respondent: A respondent refers to the individual who has been accused of violating this Policy.
  
  Responsible Employee: A responsible employee is one designated for purposes of initiating notice and investigation of alleged violations of this Policy or who has the authority to take action to redress violations of this Policy. A responsible employee also is any employee who a person reasonably believes is a responsible employee. Responsible employees are required to forward all reports of violations of this Policy to the appropriate Title IX Coordinator. [Any employee with supervisory authority is a responsible employee.
  
  Sex Discrimination: Sex discrimination is the unlawful treatment of another based on the individual's sex that excludes an individual from participation in, denies the individual the benefits of, or otherwise adversely affects a term or condition of an individual's employment, education, or participation in college program or activity.
  
  Sexual Assault: Sexual assault is defined as the intentional sexual contact with a person against that person’s will by the use of force, threat, or intimidation, or through the use of a person’s mental incapacity or physical helplessness. Sexual assault includes intentionally touching, either directly or through clothing, of the victim’s genitals, breasts, thighs, or buttocks without the person’s consent, as well as forcing someone to touch or fondle another against his or her will. Sexual battery is a type of sexual assault.
  
  Sexual Exploitation: Sexual exploitation occurs when a student takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his/her own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited, and that behavior does not otherwise constitute one of other sexual misconduct offenses. Examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to invasion of sexual privacy; prostituting another person; non-consensual video or audio-taping of sexual activity; going beyond the boundaries of consent (such as letting your friends hide in the closet to watch you having consensual sex); engaging in voyeurism; exposing one’s genitals in non-consensual circumstances; inducing another to expose their genitals, and knowingly transmitting HIV or an STD to another.
  
  Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment shall be considered to have occurred in the following instances:
  
  Quid Pro Quo: The submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for educational or employment decisions affecting the student or employee either explicitly or implicitly; or
  
  Hostile Environment: Conduct so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it undermines and detracts from an employee’s work performance or a student’s educational experience.
  
  Sexual Misconduct: Sexual misconduct encompasses a range of behaviors used to obtain sexual gratification against another’s will or at the expense of another. Sexual misconduct includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and sexual violence.
  
  Sexual Violence: Sexual violence is any intentional physical sexual abuse committed against a person’s will. Sexual violence includes rape, sexual assault, and sexual battery.
  
  Stalking: Stalking occurs when someone, on more than one occasion, engages in conduct directed at another person with the intent to place, or knows or reasonably should know that the conduct places that other person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury to that other person or to that other person's family or household member.
  
  Third Party: A third party is any person who is not a student or employee of the College.
  
• Retaliation.
  
  Any form of retaliation, including intimidation, threats, harassment, and other adverse action taken or threatened against any complainant or person reporting a complaint alleging a violation of this Policy, or any person cooperating in the investigation of allegations of violations of this Policy, to include testifying, assisting or participating in any manner in an investigation pursuant to this Policy and the resolution procedures is strictly prohibited by this Policy. Action is generally deemed adverse if it would deter a reasonable person in the same circumstances from opposing practices prohibited by this Policy. Retaliation may result in disciplinary or other action independent of the sanctions or interim measures imposed in response to the underlying allegations of violations of this Policy.
  
• Reporting Incidents.
  
  
  1. Members of the campus community who believe they have been subjected to any of these crimes should immediately report the incident to campus or local police. All emergencies or any incident where someone is in imminent danger should be reported immediately to campus police/security or local police by dialing 911 or (276)614-8282.
  2. Whether or not a report is made to law enforcement, members of the campus community should report alleged violations of this Policy to the Title IX Coordinator during normal business hours. The Title IX Coordinator is solely responsible for overseeing the prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution of complaints filed with the College. To help ensure a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution, individuals are encouraged to complete a Complaint Form, found in Appendix A. The written complaint will be submitted to the Title IX Coordinator. Although strongly encouraged, a complainant is not required to submit a complaint on the Complaint Form or in writing.
     

     Virginia Highlands Community College Title IX Campus Resources

     Title IX Coordinator	Karen Cheers ISC Building, room 128B (276) 739-2490 kcheers@vhcc.edu
     Deputy Title IX Coordinator	Karen Copenhaver ISC Building, room 124 (276) 739-2404 kcopenhaver@vhcc.edu

     
     
     After normal business hours, members of the campus community should report alleged violations of this Policy to Campus Police, (276) 614-8282.
  3. There is no time limit for filing a complaint with the College. However, complainants should report possible violations of this Policy as soon as possible to maximize the College's ability to respond effectively. Failure to report promptly could result in the loss of relevant evidence and impair the College's ability to adequately respond to the allegations.
     
• Handling of Reports and Investigations.
  
  The Title IX Coordinator will assist members of the campus community in reporting incidents to law enforcement authorities upon request. Members of the campus community may decline to notify law enforcement authorities if they wish. The College will comply with all requests for cooperation by the campus police or local law enforcement in investigations. The College may be required to suspend the Title IX investigation while the campus police or the local law enforcement agency gathers evidence. The College will resume its Title IX investigation as soon as the campus police or local law enforcement agency has completed gathering evidence. Otherwise, the College’s investigation will not be precluded or suspended on the grounds that criminal charges involving the same incident have been filed or that charges have been dismissed or reduced.
  
• Confidentiality and Anonymous Reports.
  
  1. Individuals may be concerned about their privacy when they report a possible violation of this Policy. The College has a responsibility to end conduct that violates this Policy, prevent its recurrence, and address its discriminatory effects. For this reason, some College employees may not keep secret any report of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. The College expects employees to treat information they learn concerning incidents of reported violations of this Policy with respect and with as much privacy as possible. College employees must share such information only with those College and law enforcement officials who must be informed of the information pursuant to this Policy.
  2. Responsible employees must report all alleged violations of this Policy to the Title IX Coordinator. Other campus employees have a duty to report sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking for federal statistical reporting purposes (Campus Security Authority (CSA) under the Clery Act). CSAs include student/conduct affairs personnel, campus law enforcement, local police, student activities staff, human resources staff, and advisors to student organizations. Reports received by the College concerning the abuse of a minor must be reported in compliance with state law.
  3. If a complainant wishes to keep the report confidential, it is recommended that he or she reports the alleged conduct to someone with a duty to maintain confidentiality, e.g., mental health counselor or clergy. Employees may contact the Employee Assistance Program. If the complainant requests that the complainant’s identity is not released to anyone else, the College’s ability to investigate and take reasonable action in response to a complaint may be limited. In such cases, the College will evaluate the request(s) that a complaint remain confidential in the context of the College’s commitment to provide a reasonably safe and non-discriminatory environment. In order to make such an evaluation, the Title IX Coordinator may conduct a preliminary investigation into the alleged violation of this Policy and may weigh the request(s) against the following factors:
     
     
     • The seriousness of the allegation(s);
     • The complainant’s or alleged victim’s age;
     • Whether there have been other similar complaints of against the same respondent;
     • The respondent’s right to receive information about the allegations if the information is maintained by the College as an "education record" under FERPA; and
     • The applicability of any laws mandating disclosure.

     Therefore, the College may pursue an investigation even if the complainant requests that no action is taken and the College will not be able to ensure confidentiality in all cases. The College will notify the complainant in writing when it is unable to maintain confidentiality or respect the complainant’s request for no further action.

  4. The College will accept anonymous reports, but it will be limited in its ability to investigate and take reasonable action. The College must have sufficient information to conduct a meaningful and fair investigation. A respondent has a right to know the name of the complainant and information regarding the nature of the allegations in order to defend against the complaint.
     
     The College, when reasonably available and when requested, may arrange for changes in academic, parking, transportation, or work arrangements after an alleged violation of this Policy. When such accommodations are provided, the College will protect the privacy of the complainant to the extent possible while still providing the accommodation.
     
• Amnesty.
  

  The College encourages the reporting of incidents that violate this Policy. The use of alcohol or drugs should not be a deterrent to reporting an incident. When conducting the investigation, the College's primary focus will be on addressing the alleged misconduct and not on alcohol and drug violations that may be discovered or disclosed. The College does not condone underage drinking; however, the College will extend limited amnesty from punitive sanctioning in the case of drug or alcohol use to complainants, witnesses, and others who report incidents, provided that they are acting in good faith in such capacity. The College may provide referrals to counseling and may require educational options, rather than disciplinary sanctions, in such cases.

• Timely Warnings.
  
  The College is required by federal law to issue timely warnings for reported incidents that pose a substantial threat of bodily harm or danger to members of the campus community. The College will ensure, to every extent possible, that an alleged victim's name and other identifying information is not disclosed, while still providing enough information for members of the campus community to make decisions to address their own safety in light of the potential danger.
  
• Interim Measures.
  
  1. Prior to the resolution of a complaint, the College may suspend or place on disciplinary or administrative leave the respondent when it is determined that the respondent’s continued presence on campus threatens the safety of an individual or of the campus community generally; may hamper the investigation into the alleged misconduct; or is necessary to stop threatening or retaliatory contact against the complainant or complainant’s witnesses. The College shall provide advance notice of such measures, except in cases where the individual’s presence constitutes a threat. In all cases, however, the College shall notify individuals subject to these interim measure(s) in writing of the specific facts and circumstances that make such interim measure(s) necessary and reasonable. Individuals subject to proposed interim measures shall have the opportunity to show why such measure(s) should not be implemented.
  2. Notwithstanding the above, the College may impose a "no contact" order on each party, requiring the parties to refrain from having contact with one another, directly or through proxies, whether in person or by electronic means. The College also will enforce orders of protection issued by courts on all College property to the extent possible.
  3. The College may implement other measures for either the complainant or the respondent if requested, appropriate, and reasonably available, whether a formal complaint has been filed or whether an investigation by either campus administrators or law enforcement agencies has commenced. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, course schedule adjustments, reassignment of duty, changing work arrangements, changing parking arrangements, rescheduling class work, assignments, and examinations, and allowing alternative class or work arrangements, such as independent study or teleworking.
     
• Sexual and Domestic Violence Procedures.
  
  Anyone who has experienced sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking should do the following:
  • Safely find a place away from harm.
  • Call 911 or if on campus, contact campus police/security.
  • Call a friend, a campus advocate, a family member or someone else you trust and ask her or him to stay with you.
  • Go to the nearest medical facility/emergency room.
  • If you suspect that you may have been given a drug, ask the hospital or clinic where you receive medical care to take a urine sample. The urine sample should be preserved as evidence. “Rape drugs,” such as Rohypnol and GHB, are more likely to be detected in urine than in blood.
  • For professional and confidential counseling support, call the Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-838-8238 or the Bristol Crisis Center at (276) 466-2312. Help is available 24 hours a day.
  • You should take steps to preserve any physical evidence because it will be necessary to prove criminal domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or to obtain a protective order.
     
    • Do not wash your hands, bathe, or douche. Do not urinate, if possible.
    • Do not eat, blow your nose, drink liquids, smoke, or brush your teeth if oral contact took place.
    • Keep the clothing worn when the incident occurred. If you change clothing, place the worn clothing in a paper bag.
    • Do not destroy any physical evidence that may be found in the vicinity of the incident by cleaning or straightening the location of the crime. Do not clean or straighten the location of the crime until law enforcement officials have had an opportunity to collect evidence.
    • Tell someone all the details you remember or write them down as soon as possible.
    • Maintain text messages, pictures, online postings, video and other documentary or electronic evidence that may corroborate a complaint.
      
• Written Notification of Rights and Options.
  
  Any student or employee who reports an incident of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or who is accused of committing such acts, whether the incident occurred on or off campus, shall receive a written explanation of their rights and options related to changes in academic, parking, and working arrangements, when requested and when reasonably available.
  
• Support Services.
  
  1. All students and employees will receive information in writing of available counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, and other services available in the community and on campus.
  2. For more information about available resources, go to: http://www.vhcc.edu/index.aspx?page=3468
  
  Below are community resources which can offer confidential assistance and support:
  • Crisis Center, Inc. Bristol, VA – 24/7 Hotline: 276-466-2312. Website- http://www.crisiscenterinc.org/  (Serves City of Bristol, VA and Washington Co., VA)
  • Abuse Alternatives- Bristol, TN/VA. Hotline- 423-764-2287 or 1-800-987-6499. TTY line: 423-652-9750. Website- http://www.abusealternativesinc.org/about.shtml (Serves City of Bristol, VA and Washington Co., VA)
    3) Family Resource Center, Inc. Wytheville, VA. Hotline- 1-800-613-6145. Website- http://frcinc.org/FRC/Home.html (Serves Smyth County)
    
• Education and Awareness.
  
  1. The College conducts a program to educate students and employees about this Policy and its procedures. The education and awareness program is designed to promote awareness of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
  2. Incoming students and new employees must take part in a mandatory primary prevention and awareness program. The program, at a minimum, shall include:
     • A statement that the College prohibits the offenses of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking;
     • The definition of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking;
     • The definition of consent;
     • 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 domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against a person other than such individual;
     • Information on risk reduction to recognize warning signs of abusive behavior and how to avoid potential attacks;
     • Information on possible sanctions, procedures to follow after an incident of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, disciplinary procedures, and the protection of confidentiality; and
     • Written notification about available resources and services, and options for academic and work accommodations, if requested and reasonably available.
  3. The College also conducts an ongoing prevention and awareness campaign for all students and employees. The campaign shall include, at a minimum, the information provided to incoming students and new employees.
     
• Resolution of Complaints.
  
  
  1. The College has an obligation to provide prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution of alleged violations to this Policy and is committed to so doing. Title IX Coordinator(s), investigators, and hearing officials must receive annual training on sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, and the conduct of investigations and hearings. The College may resolve complaints either by an informal or formal resolution process.
  2. The parties may agree to proceed under the informal resolution process in matters not involving sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. The formal resolution process will be applied (i) when any party that participated in the informal resolution process chooses to terminate the process, and (ii) to all matters that are not eligible for informal resolution.
     
• Formal Resolution Process.
  
  1. Complainant's Initial Meeting with the Title IX Coordinator. As soon as is practicable, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the complainant to schedule an initial meeting. If the complainant is not the alleged victim, the Title IX Coordinator also will contact the alleged victim as soon as possible to schedule an initial meeting. The complainant may be accompanied by an advisor of his or her choosing. At this initial meeting, the Title IX Coordinator will:
     1. Provide the complainant a copy of this Policy;
     2. Provide the complainant with a Complaint Form, if necessary;
     3. Provide a written explanation of the complainant’s rights and options related to changes in academic, parking, and working arrangements;
     4. Explain avenues for formal resolution and informal resolution of the complaint;
     5. Explain the steps involved in an investigation;
     6. Discuss confidentiality standards and concerns with the complainant;
     7. Determine whether the complainant wishes to pursue a resolution (formal or informal) through the College or no resolution of any kind;
     8. Refer the complainant to campus and community resources, as appropriate; and
     9. Discuss with the complainant, as appropriate, possible interim measures that may be taken or provided when necessary during the pendency of the investigative and resolution processes.
  2. Respondent's Initial Meeting with the Assigned Title IX Coordinator. As soon as is reasonably practicable, the Title IX Coordinator will schedule an initial meeting with the respondent. The respondent may be accompanied by an advisor of his or her choosing. During the initial meeting with the respondent, the Title IX Coordinator will:
     1. Provide the respondent, in writing, sufficient information to allow him or her to respond to the substance of the allegation;
     2. Provide the respondent a copy of this Policy;
     3. Provide a written explanation of the respondent’s rights and options related to changes in academic, parking, and working arrangements;
     4. Explain the College’s procedures for formal resolution and informal resolution of the complaint;
     5. Explain the steps involved in an investigation;
     6. Discuss confidentiality standards and concerns with the respondent;
     7. Discuss non-retaliation requirements;
     8. Inform the respondent of any interim measures that may be imposed on the respondent;
     9. Refer the respondent to campus and community resources, as appropriate; and
     10. Discuss with the respondent, as appropriate, possible interim measures that can be provided to the respondent during the pendency of the investigative and resolution processes.
  3. Title IX Coordinator's Initial Determination.
     1. The College shall conduct an investigation of the complaint unless (i) the complainant does not want the College to pursue the complaint and the Title IX Coordinator has determined that the College can honor the request; (ii) it is clear on its face and based on the Title IX Coordinator's initial meetings with the parties that no reasonable grounds exist for believing that the conduct at issue constitutes a violation of this Policy. The Title IX Coordinator will consider the following factors in determining whether it is reasonable to investigate the complaint: the source and nature of the information; the seriousness of the alleged incident; the specificity of the information; the objectivity and credibility of the source of the information; and whether the individuals allegedly subjected to the conduct can be identified.
     2. In the event that the Title IX Coordinator determines that an investigation of the complaint should not be conducted, he or she will document (in consultation, as necessary, with the complainant, respondent, and other College officials) the appropriate resolution of the complaint and inform the parties of the same. The Title IX Coordinator shall provide specific and clear written reason(s) why an investigation should not be conducted. The Title IX Coordinator shall provide the determination that the College will not investigate the matter to the complainant and the respondent, concurrently, within five (5) workdays of the completion of the initial meetings. This decision is final.
  4. Appointment of the Investigator and Conduct of the Investigation.
     1. If the Title IX Coordinator determines that an investigation should be conducted, he or she will appoint an investigator within five (5) workdays of the completion of the initial meetings. The Title IX Coordinator will share his or her name and contact information with the complainant and respondent and will forward the complaint to the investigator. Within three (3) workdays of such appointment, the investigator, the complainant or the respondent may identify to the Title IX Coordinator in writing any potential conflict of interest posed by assigning such investigator to the matter. The Title IX Coordinator will consider such statements and will assign a different individual as investigator if it is determined that a material conflict of interest exists.
     2. The investigator will contact the complainant and respondent promptly. In most cases, this should occur within three (3) workdays from the date of the investigator’s appointment or the conclusion of the informal resolution process, whichever is later. The investigator will schedule meetings with the parties. The parties may provide supporting documents, evidence, and recommendations of witnesses to be interviewed during the course of the investigation. Each party may have one advisor present during any meeting with the investigator; however, the advisor may not speak on the party’s behalf.
     3. In the conduct of the investigation, the investigator should weigh the credibility and demeanor of the complainant, respondent, and witnesses; the logic and consistency of the evidence, motives, and any corroborating evidence.
     4. The investigation of any alleged violation of this Policy should be completed within 60 days of the filing of the complaint or the date on which the College becomes aware of the alleged violation, unless good cause exists to extend the timeframe. If more time is necessary, the parties will be notified in writing and given the reason for the delay and an estimated time of completion.
     5. Both complainant and respondent will have the opportunity to review and respond to evidence obtained during the investigation. Each party also will have the opportunity to review and comment on the written investigative report within seven (7) workdays of receiving the report. The final written investigative report and the parties’ responses thereto shall be part of the record.
     6. The investigator will complete a written investigative report that includes summaries of all interviews conducted, photographs, descriptions of relevant evidence, the rationale for credibility determinations, summaries of relevant electronic records, and a detailed report of the events in question. The written investigative report shall include at minimum, the following information:
        • The name and gender of the complainant and, if different, the name and gender of the person reporting the allegation;
        • A statement of the allegation, a description of the incident(s), and the date(s) and time(s) (if known) of the alleged incident(s);
        • The date that the complaint or other report was made;
        • The date the respondent was interviewed;
        • The names and gender of all persons alleged to have committed the alleged violation;
        • The names and gender of all known witnesses to the alleged incident(s);
        • The dates that any relevant documentary evidence (including cell phone and other records as appropriate) was obtained;
        • Any written statements of the complainant or the alleged victim if different from the complainant;
        • The date on which the College deferred its investigation and disciplinary process because the complainant filed a law enforcement complaint and the date on which the College resumed its investigation and disciplinary process (if applicable); and
        • The outcome of the investigation.
     7. The investigator will forward the written investigative report to the Title IX Coordinator.

S. Determination of Title IX Coordinator and Corrective Action Report.

1. The Title IX Coordinator will determine whether there is a preponderance of the evidence to find that the respondent violated this Policy as alleged. In most cases, this should occur within five (5) workdays of receiving the written investigative report from the investigator. The "preponderance of the evidence" standard requires that the weight of the evidence, in totality, supports a finding that it is more likely than not that the alleged violation occurred.
2. If the Title IX Coordinator finds that the evidence does not prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the respondent committed the alleged violation, the matter will be closed. The Title IX Coordinator will make the determination in writing and distribute the written investigative report with such finding to the complainant and the respondent concurrently. All parties to whom the written investigative report is distributed pursuant to this Policy should maintain it in confidence. Both the complainant and the respondent may appeal the finding under the procedure described below.
3. If the Title IX Coordinator finds by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation of this Policy did occur, the Title IX Coordinator will make the determination in writing and distribute the written investigative report with such finding to the complainant and the respondent concurrently. All parties to whom the written investigative report is distributed pursuant to this Policy should maintain it in confidence. Both the complainant and the respondent may appeal the finding under the procedure described below.
4. When the Title IX Coordinator finds that a violation has occurred, he or she also shall write a separate written corrective action report that will contain recommendations for steps that should be taken to prevent recurrence of any such violation and to remedy any discriminatory effects. If interim measures as described above have been taken, the written corrective action report shall include a recommendation regarding continuation, suspension or modification of any such interim measures. The Title IX Coordinator shall distribute the written corrective action report to the complainant and respondent concurrently. In most cases, the written corrective action report should be completed within five (5) workdays after the distribution of the written investigative report. The written investigative report and the corrective action report may be submitted concurrently. The Title IX Coordinator also shall provide the written investigative report and the written corrective action report to the appropriate College official, as described below.
5. If the respondent is a student, the Title IX Coordinator will forward the reports to the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services. Within ten (10) workdays, the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services shall determine and impose appropriate sanctions, as described below. The respondent and the Title IX Coordinator shall receive written notification of sanction(s). When the respondent is a student, within five (5) workdays of receipt, the Title IX Coordinator may disclose to the complainant the sanctions imposed on the respondent that directly relate to the complainant as permitted by state and federal law, including the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, when such disclosure is necessary to ensure the safety of the complainant. The Title IX Coordinator also may disclose in writing to the complainant the final results of a disciplinary proceeding involving the respondent with regard to an alleged forcible or non-forcible sex offense, act of stalking, domestic violence or dating violence on the complainant, as permitted by state and federal law including FERPA and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The disclosure of final results must include only the name of the student, the violation committed, and any sanction imposed by the College against the student.
6. If the respondent is an employee, the Title IX Coordinator will forward the reports to the Vice President of Administration. Within ten (10) workdays, the Vice President of Administration shall determine and impose appropriate sanctions, as described below. The respondent and the Title IX Coordinator shall receive written notification of sanction(s).
7. If the respondent is a third party, the Title IX Coordinator will forward the reports to the Vice President of Administration. Within ten (10) workdays, the Vice President of Administration shall determine and impose appropriate sanctions, as described below. The respondent and the Title IX Coordinator shall receive written notification of sanction(s). The Title IX Coordinator may disclose to the complainant information as described above.
8. The Title IX Coordinator will advise the respondent and the complainant of their right to appeal any finding or sanction in writing. The written notification also shall provide information on the appeals process. If the respondent does not contest the finding or recommended sanction(s), the respondent shall sign a statement acknowledging such. The signed statement shall be part of the record.

T. Informal Resolution.

1. After receiving a request from both parties to resolve the complaint with the informal resolution process, the Title IX Coordinator will appoint a College official to facilitate an effective and appropriate resolution. Within five (5) workdays of the appointment, the College official will request a written statement from the parties to be submitted within ten (10) workdays. Each party may request that witnesses are interviewed. Within ten (10) workdays of receiving the written statements, the College official will hold a meeting(s) with the parties and coordinate informal resolution measures. The College official shall document the meeting(s) in writing. Each party may have one advisor of his or her choosing during any meeting; however, the advisor may not speak on the party’s behalf.
2. The informal resolution process should be complete within thirty (30) days in most cases, unless good cause exists to extend the timeframe. The parties will be notified in writing and given the reason for the delay and an estimated time of completion. Any party may request in writing that the informal resolution process be terminated at any time, in which case the formal resolution process will commence. In addition, any party can pursue formal resolution if he or she is dissatisfied with the proposed informal resolution.
3. Any resolution of a complaint through the informal process must address the concerns of the complainant and the responsibility of the College to address alleged violations of the Policy, while also respecting the due process rights of the respondent. Informal resolution remedies might include mandatory education, counseling, written counseling by an employee’s supervisor, or other methods. The College official will provide the complainant and respondent with a copy of the final written report concurrently. The final written report shall include the nature of the complaint, a meeting(s) summary, the informal resolution remedies applied, and whether the complaint was resolved through the informal resolution process.
4. There is no right of appeal afforded to the complainant or the respondent following the informal resolution process.

U. Sanctions & Corrective Actions.

1. The College will take reasonable steps to prevent the recurrence of any violations of this Policy and to correct the discriminatory effects on the complainant (and others, if appropriate). Sanctions for a finding of responsibility depend upon the nature and gravity of the misconduct, any record of prior discipline for similar violations, or both.
2. The range of potential sanctions and corrective actions that may be imposed against a student includes but is not limited to the following: required discrimination or harassment education, a requirement not to repeat or continue the discriminatory, harassing, or retaliatory conduct, verbal or written warning, a no-contact order, written or verbal apology, verbal or written warning, probation, suspension, and dismissal from the College.
3. Sanctions for faculty and staff shall be determined in accordance with the VCCS Policy Manual and the Department of Human Resource Management Standards of Conduct, respectively. Possible sanctions and corrective actions include required discrimination or harassment education, informal or formal counseling, reassignment, demotion, suspension, non-reappointment, and termination from employment.
4. Third parties, e.g., contractors, will be prohibited from having access to the campus. Depending on the violation, this prohibition may be permanent or temporary.
5. Title IX Coordinator will determine the final accommodations to be provided to the complainant, if any.
6. Sanctions imposed do not take effect until the resolution of any timely appeal. However, sanctions may take effect immediately when the continued presence of an individual on campus may threaten the safety of an individual or the campus community, generally. Sanctions will continue in effect until such time as the appeal process is exhausted in such cases.

V. Appeals.

1. Either the complainant or the respondent has the opportunity to appeal the outcome of the written investigative report or the sanction(s) recommended. Individuals must submit a written request for appeal to Title IX Coordinator within ten (10) workdays of the outcome of the investigation or imposition of sanction(s), whichever is later. The appeal request must cite the reason(s) for the appeal and provide evidence to support those reason(s).
2. Appeals shall be granted for the following reasons only:
   • The investigator exhibited unfair bias which influenced the results of the investigation;
   • New evidence, unavailable at the time of the investigation that could substantially impact the investigator's finding. The appeal should explain why the evidence was unavailable previously and why such evidence may substantially impacts the investigator's finding;
   • Error in the conduct of the investigation that is of such magnitude as to deny fundamental fairness;
   • The sanction(s) are unjustified by the evidence and/or mitigating factors warrant a lesser sanction or aggravating factors warrant a greater sanction.
3. Within five (5) workdays of receipt of the written request for appeal, Title IX Coordinator shall notify the parties whether the appeal is granted. This decision is final and may not be appealed. If the appeal is granted, the parties shall be notified in writing. The Hearing Committee Chair will be notified to schedule a hearing when the parties are notified that the appeal has been granted. The Hearing Committee Chair will notify the parties of the time and place of hearing before the Hearing Committee concurrently. Such hearing typically will be scheduled within fifteen (15) workdays of the decision to grant the appeal. If an extension beyond fifteen (15) workdays is necessary for good cause, both parties will be notified of the expected time frame concurrently.
4. Within five (5) workdays of scheduling the hearing, parties must submit a written statement to the Hearing Committee Chair that (i) identifies the names and addresses of witnesses that are requested to be called at the hearing; (ii) identifies and includes copies of any documents that will be used as evidence at the hearing; and (iii) requests a specific remedy. A party not appealing the findings or sanction(s) may choose not to submit information. If a non-appealing party elects not to participate in the hearing, the Hearing Committee shall use evidence and statements from the record.
5. The Hearing Committee Chair shall provide the witness list and copies of any documents that will be used as evidence at the hearing to each party no later than five (5) workdays prior to the hearing.
6. The Title IX Coordinator shall forward the written investigative report and the written corrective actions report to the Chair of the Hearing Committee as soon as possible, but no later than ten (10) workdays prior to the hearing.
7. Each party may retain an attorney at his or her own expense or designate a non-attorney advisor to accompany him or her at the hearing. If either party has retained legal counsel or a non-attorney advisor, the party must immediately notify the Hearing Committee Chair of such and provide contact information. The role of the attorney or advisor for the parties shall be limited to advice and consultation with the parties or the parties’ witnesses. Attorneys and advisors may not question witnesses, raise objections, or make statements or arguments to the Hearing Committee at the hearing. If either party is represented by an attorney, the College may receive assistance from the Office of Legal Services of the VCCS System Office.
8. The Hearing Committee Chair shall preside over the hearing. The rules of evidence shall not be strictly applied. All evidence and testimony relevant to whether a violation of this Policy occurred and whether the grounds for appeal are met by a preponderance of evidence shall be considered. The hearing shall be conducted in a fair and impartial manner. The Hearing Committee Chair and its members will question the parties and witnesses. The parties may not question one another. The Hearing Committee Chair will be the final decision-maker on all matters of procedure during the hearing. All hearings will be closed to the public.
9. The past sexual history of either party with anyone other than each other is not admissible. Either party may call character witnesses, however.
10. The Hearing Committee Chair will arrange for the hearing to be recorded. Each party will receive a copy of the recorded hearing upon request. Parties may prepare a transcript of the recording at their own expense.
11. Within ten (10) workdays of the hearing, the Hearing Committee Chair will submit a written decision to the parties, the Title IX Coordinator, and the President of the College, concurrently. The decision shall include: (i) a description of the grounds for appeal; (ii) whether such grounds are accepted or rejected and the rationale for such determination; (iii) the Committee's decision to uphold or reject the findings of the written investigative report and/or the sanction(s) and the rationale for such determination; (iv) if the written investigative report’s findings and/or sanction(s) are rejected, the findings of the Committee and resolution.
12. Either party may appeal the Hearing Committee’s decision to the President of the College. The president’s decision is final.

W. Academic Freedom and Free Speech.

1. This Policy does not allow censorship of constitutionally protected expression. Verbal or written communications, without accompanying unwanted sexual physical contact, is not sexual violence or sexual assault. Verbal or written communications constitute sexual harassment only when such communications are sufficiently severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that they undermine and detract from an employee’s work performance or a student’s educational experience.
2. In addressing all complaints and reports of alleged violations of this Policy, the College will take all permissible actions to ensure the safety students and employees while complying with any and all applicable guidance regarding free speech rights of students and employees. This Policy does not apply to curriculum, curricular materials, or abridge the use of particular textbooks.

X. False Allegations.

Any individual who knowingly files a false complaint under this Policy, who knowingly provides false information to College officials, or who intentionally misleads College officials who are involved in the investigation or resolution of a complaint may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal for students and termination of employment for faculty and staff. An allegation that cannot be proven by a preponderance of the evidence is not necessarily proof of knowingly filing a false complaint.

Y. Consensual Relationships.

Consenting romantic and sexual relationships between faculty and students, although not expressly forbidden, are generally deemed unwise and are strongly discouraged. Consent by the student in such a relationship may be suspect, given the fundamentally asymmetric nature of the relationship. The relationship also may be viewed in different ways by each of the parties, particularly in retrospect. Furthermore, circumstances may change, and conduct that was previously welcome may become unwelcome.

Z. Record Keeping.

The Title IX Coordinator shall maintain, in a confidential manner, for at least five (5) years, paper or electronic files of all complaints, witness statements, documentary evidence, written investigative reports, written corrective action reports, sanctions, appeal hearings and associated documents, the responses taken campus personnel for each complaint, including any interim and permanent steps taken with respect to the complainant and the respondent, and a narrative of all action taken to prevent recurrence of any harassing incident(s), including any written documentation.