Title IX / Sexual Misconduct

Rochester Christian University is committed to providing a safe environment that is free from all forms of sex/gender harassment, discrimination, and misconduct, examples of which can include acts of sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  All members of the campus community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. Such conduct is detrimental to the well-being of our community.

We are committed to providing support, as well as assisting in all aspects of reporting and responding to a situation.  Below you will find more information about the institution’s Title IX policy, how to report incidents and the available resources.

Policies and Procedures:

Rochester Christian University has a Rochester Christian University Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Interpersonal Violence Policy that addresses specific incidents of sexual harassment that meet the Department of Education’s definitions and jurisdictional requirements.

Questions about the policy or process can be addressed to RCU’s Title IX Coordinator, Scott Samuels at ssamuels@rochesteru.edu

Report an Incident:

Rochester Christian University is committed to facilitating an environment that encourages individuals who have experienced sexual or gender-based harassment or discrimination, including sexual violence, to report the misconduct to the University or to local law enforcement. The University will take precautions to protect the identities and privacy of those who seek help or who report sexual or gender-based harassment or discrimination. These options are not mutually exclusive – an individual choosing to file a report does not need to choose one option over the other. Internal reports and criminal reports can be made simultaneously or at different times. There is no time limitation on reporting allegations to the Title IX Coordinator. However, if the responding Party is no longer subject to Rochester Christian University’s jurisdiction and/or the significant time has passed, the ability to investigate, respond, and provide remedies may be more limited.

The University encourages all individuals to seek assistance from a medical provider and/or law enforcement immediately after an incident of sexual violence. This is the best course of action to ensure the preservation of evidence and to begin a timely investigation, outside of the University’s process.

  1. Reporting to Law Enforcement:
    1. Emergencies 911
    2. Rochester Christian University Campus Security 248.765.8013
    3. Oakland County Sheriff’s Department 248.537.3513
  2. Reporting to the University
    1. File a Formal Complaint: Filing a formal complaint will initiate the grievance process related to the reported allegations which include initiating an investigation and/or initiating the informal resolution process.

STUDENTS:

    • Scott Samuels – Title IX Coordinator

The Center for Student Life

248.218.2123

ssamuels@rochesteru.edu

EMPLOYEES:

    • Ginny May – Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Human Resources

Executive Offices

248.218.2018

gmay@rochesteru.edu

 

Resources:

There are many resources available for you to speak to about your experience.  Some resources are available on campus and others are community-based.  There is a distinction between confidential and non-confidential resources.  Not every campus resource is confidential.

Confidential Resource: A confidential resource is someone you can share information with and expect that the information will not be disclosed unless: (1) you give your express written permission; (2) there is a continuing threat of serious harm to you or others; (3) where there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child; or (4) there is a legal obligation to reveal such information.  You can speak to a confidential resource without making a report to the University.

On-Campus: Psychology Clinic

Melissa Schroeder

Email: mschroeder@rochesteru.edu

Non-Confidential Resource: A non-confidential resource will make efforts to respect your privacy, but they are obligated to share some information with a limited group of University employees who need to know in order to assist in the active response, review, investigation, or resolution of a report.  A non-confidential resource will make a report to the University.  “With the exception of University employees designated as Confidential resources, all other University employees, including faculty, instructors (including teaching assistants and teachers of record), and staff, are required to report immediately any information they know about suspected prohibited conduct or potential violations of this policy” (Rochester Christian University Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Interpersonal Violence Policy, p. 11).

 

On-Campus Resources

Title IX Coordinator: Scott Samuels

Title IX Coordinator

The Center for Student Life

Phone: 248.218.2123

Email: ssamuels@rochesteru.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Ginny May

Human Resources

Executive Offices

Phone: 248.218.2018

Email: gmay@rochesteru.edu

Psychology Clinic:

Dr. Gordon Mackinnon

Phone: 248-218-2122

Email: gmackinnon@rochesteru.edu

 

 

Community Resources

National Sexual Assault Hotline

Confidential, 24-hour crisis, support, and referrals to survivors and their friends and family

(855) VOICES4

HAVEN

24-hour crisis and support line:

(248) 334-1274

Toll-free crisis line: (877) 922-1274

Turning Point

158 S. Main St., Mt. Clemens, MI 48043

24-hour crisis line: (586) 463-6990

Common Ground Sanctuary

Victim assistance program

Serving Oakland County

(248) 456-8150 | Crisis line: (800) 231-1127

 

Government Resources

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-1100

Customer Service Hotline #: (800) 421-3481

Facsimile: (202) 453-6012

Phone: (877) 521-2172

Email: OCR@ed.gov

Web: http://www.ed.gov/ocr

Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR)

Grand Rapids Office State Office Building,

4th Floor 350 Ottawa, N.W.

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Phone: 616-356-0380

Fax: 616-356-0399

Web: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/

For complaints involving employees:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Detroit Office

Patrick V. McNamara Building

477 Michigan Avenue Room 865

Detroit, MI 48226

Phone: (800) 669-4000 Web:

https://www.eeoc.gov/field-office/detroit/location