{"id":144,"date":"2024-10-25T17:01:12","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T17:01:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/title-ix-office\/?page_id=144"},"modified":"2026-03-31T14:51:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T14:51:07","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/title-ix-office\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Questions<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div>

What is the reporting process for submitting a Title IX Complaint?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

Once a report has been made<\/em>, you will be contacted by the Title IX Coordinator to discuss the report and discuss the next steps and supportive measures. You may initiate a complaint without first filing a report. Complaint means an oral or written request to the College that objectively can be understood as a request to investigate and make a determination about alleged Sexual Harassment. One option for submitting a written complaint is to use the electronic Complaint form that can be found here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Once a report is made, how long does it take to receive a response?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

The Title IX Coordinator or designee will respond via email within 24 hours on a business day or on the next business day if the report is filed on the weekend or on a holiday.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Does the Office of Title IX Compliance and Training only have 1 investigator?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

Yes, the Office of Title IX Compliance and Training has 1 full-time investigator.\u00a0 In addition, the office contracts with third-party external investigators when needed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Does the Office of Title IX Compliance and Training only have 1 investigator?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

Yes, the Office of Title IX Compliance and Training has 1 full-time investigator.\u00a0 In addition, the office contracts with third-party external investigators when needed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Will the college hire a dedicated Victim Advocate?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

SMCM has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Southern Maryland Center for Family Advocacy to provide victim advocate services.\u00a0 The College is currently exploring training options to train faculty and staff as confidential advocates.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Does the current Title IX Coordinator have additional administrative responsibilities?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

The current Title IX Coordinator also has the role of Assistant Vice President of Equity & Inclusion (AVP).\u00a0 The AVP serves as the supervisor of the Title IX Investigator\/Prevention Specialist, Coordinator of Multicultural Programming, and IDEAA\/Title IX Executive Associate II.\u00a0 The AVP helps lead the Division of Inclusive Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Accountability (IDEAA). The AVP supports IDEAA initiatives to fulfill the College\u2019s strategic goals, including attracting and retaining students who thrive in and respect a diverse learning community; attracting and retaining diverse staff and faculty; and providing learning opportunities to engage campus community members in understanding, challenging and abating injustices. The AVP designs, implements, and assesses campus-wide inclusive diversity initiatives. The AVP serves as the co-chair of the Bias Prevention & Support Team.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Does SMCM conduct a campus environment assessment?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

The Campus Climate Survey is administered by the office of Institutional Research and Planning every two years.\u00a0 The Campus Climate Survey Summary and Sexual Assault & Incident Data is submitted to and reviewed by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Are SMCM Title IX policies and procedures reviewed by a third party?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

Title IX policies and procedures<\/a> are reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees.\u00a0 Prior to submission to the Board of Trustees, they are reviewed by the Maryland Office of Attorney General.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Will information on informal resolutions, reports of sexual harassment and no contact orders be included in the annual security and fire safety report?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

Incidents of sexual harassment that are classified as crimes under Clery are included in the annual security and fire safety report<\/a>.\u00a0 These incidents include rape, forcible fondling, incest, statutory rape, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.\u00a0 St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland Office of Public Safety is responsible for gathering and publishing information required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The Clery Act requires that the College annually publish statistical information regarding certain crimes reported to the Office of Public Safety, Title IX, Office of Student Conduct, and other faculty and staff identified as a Campus Security Authority.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Who receives supportive measures under Title IX such as no-contact orders, housing changes and\/or schedule changes?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

Title IX Regulations require the Title IX Coordinator to treat the complainant and the respondent equitably.\u00a0 Both parties are afforded due process and can receive temporary supportive measures through the reporting and investigative processes. SMCM must not impose supportive measures for punitive or disciplinary reasons.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

What is due process in Title IX?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

The respondent and complainant are required to receive:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. notice;<\/li>\n
  2. an opportunity to be heard; and<\/li>\n
  3. receive an impartial hearing.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    What is a No-Contact Order?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

    It is a formalized arrangement between two students to prohibit contact with each other (direct and\/or indirect) which may be necessary for either party to continue their academic pursuits. Read more about the SMCM no-contact order policy.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    Is the range of sanctions for respondents who have been found responsible the same as sanctions for other behavioral misconduct.<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

    Yes. The range of sanctions are found in the Student Handbook under Article VII<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    Will all students be required to participate in annual Title IX training?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

    New incoming and Transfer students are required to participate in Title IX Training. In addition, the Office of Title IX Compliance offers in-person and virtual training throughout the year to all students. Through these trainings, students can receive refresher training on Title IX on a voluntary basis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    What are the Title IX reporting methods?<\/h3><\/i><\/div>