Sexual Misconduct Policy

Members of the Granite State College (“College”) community, guests and visitors have the right to be free from all forms of gender and sex-based discrimination, examples of which can include acts of sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. This policy applies to all students, staff, and faculty of the College regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. section 1681 is a federal civil rights law prohibiting the discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. Title IX states that:

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

All members of the campus community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. Granite State College maintains a zero-tolerance policy for gender-based sexual misconduct and sex-based discrimination. When an allegation of sexual misconduct is brought to the College's attention, steps will be taken to address the effects of the alleged misconduct and prevent its recurrence, including the possibility of serious sanctions to ensure that such actions are never repeated.

The procedures in this policy shall apply to reports of violations of the Granite State College Student Conduct Policy by a student, where the reported violation states a colorable claim of sexual misconduct, unwanted sexual contact, stalking, domestic violence, sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual penetration, relationship abuse, sexual exploitation, sexual violence or dating violence, as defined in the Granite State College Student Conduct Policy or 34 C.F.R. part 106.

All definitions from the Granite State College Student Conduct Policy apply to this policy in addition to the following terms:

1. “Actual knowledge.” Notice of sexual harassment or allegations of sexual harassment to the institution’s Title IX Coordinator or an Official with Authority. This standard is not met when the only official of the institution with actual knowledge is the Responding party. The mere ability or obligation to report sexual harassment or to inform a student about how to report sexual harassment, or having been trained to do so, does not qualify an individual as an Official with Authority. “Notice” as used in this definition includes, but is not limited to, a report of sexual harassment to the Title IX Coordinator as described in 34 C.F.R. section 106.8(a).
2. “Advisor” is any individual who provides the Reporting Party or Responding Party with support, guidance and/ or advice.
3. “Affirmative Consent.” The affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. It is the responsibility of each person involved in the sexual activity to ensure that they have affirmative consent of the other or others to engage in the sexual activity. Lack of protest or resistance does not mean consent, nor does silence mean consent. Affirmative consent must be ongoing throughout a sexual activity and can be revoked at any time. The existence of a dating relationship between the parties involved, or the fact of past sexual relations between them, should never by itself be assumed to be an indicator of consent.
4. “Character evidence.” Evidence that is offered to show that a respondent or any other person is more likely or less likely to have done something or not done something because the person has a good character or a bad character, has a reputation for having a good or bad character, or previously acted in ways that tend to demonstrate good or bad character.
5. “College.” Granite State College (GSC), including all its physical locations and online programs.
6. “College official.” Any person employed by the College, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
7. “College premises.” All land, buildings, facilities, online courses, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by GSC, including adjacent streets and sidewalks.
8. “Complainant.” Any College community member (including an individual student) who submits a complaint alleging that a student violated the Student Conduct Policy. A student who files a Formal Complaint under the Sexual Misconduct Policy may also be referred to as a “Reporting Student.”
9. “Confidentiality” may be offered by an individual who is not required by law to report known incidents of sexual assault or other crimes to institution officials, in a manner consistent with State and Federal law, including but not limited to 20 U.S.C. 1092(f) and 20 U.S.C. 1681(a).
10. “Dating Violence.” Violence committed by a person: (A) who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and (B) where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: (i) The length of the relationship; (ii) The type of relationship; (iii) The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
11. “Domestic violence" includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction. 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8).
12. “Incapacitated” means that a person is not able to consent to sexual contact or sexual conduct. It includes circumstances where a person is unconscious, asleep or incapable of making a decision due to ingestion of any drug or intoxicant. Incapacity is a state of unconsciousness or a state of extreme mental confusion in which a person is unable to assess or control one’s behavior. An incapacitated person does not understand the fact, nature or extent of sexual activity even if the person is capable of some voluntary physical actions. An ordinary person can reasonably observe that an incapacitated person needs care or supervision to maintain personal safety or is unable to communicate due to a mental or physical condition. Incapacitation is not mere impairment or intoxication. With respect to incapacity due to alcohol ingestion, each person reacts differently to alcohol; therefore, incapacity does not require a certain number of drinks, or a certain blood alcohol level. A respondent is held to the standard of what a reasonable sober person knew, would know or should have known about a complainant’s capacity to consent at the time of the interaction in question.
13. “Non-consensual sexual penetration” is any sexual however slight, with any object, by a man or woman upon a man or a woman, that is without affirmative consent and/or by force. Penetration includes vaginal penetration by a penis, object, tongue or finger, anal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or oral copulation (mouth to genital contact or genital to mouth contact). This definition applies except where a different legal standard applies under 34 C.F.R. part 106.
14. “Official with Authority.” An employee of the College explicitly vested with the responsibility to implement corrective measures for harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation on behalf of the institution.
15. “Preponderance of the evidence” is the standard of proof in cases under this policy. The standard asks whether it is “more likely than not” that the violation occurred. If the evidence presented meets this standard, then the Responding Party should be found responsible.
16. “Quid pro Quo harassment” is behavior that conditions a benefit on a student or employee’s submission to expressed or implied demands for sexual favors (a good grade, a promotion, a raise) or to avoid some detriment in the classroom or workplace (a failing grade, demotion, termination). By definition this can only be perpetrated by someone in a position of power over another. This definition applies except where a different legal standard applies under 34 C.F.R. part 106.
17. “Relationship abuse.” The act or attempted act of: physical harm, threatening, coercion, harassment, discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment or sexual violence, or stalking by a current or former sexual partner or intimate partner, and where such conduct constitutes a credible threat to the partner’s safety.
18. “Relevant.” Affording evidence tending to prove or disprove the matter at issue or under discussion. 
19. “Reporting Party” is a person who alleges that another person or an organization violated this policy. This is the person who is alleged to have suffered a violation of this policy. The reporting party may also be referred to as the “complainant”. 
20. “Responding Party” is any person or organization who is alleged to have violated this policy. 
21. “Responsible employee” means an employee of the College who is obligated by policy to share knowledge, notice, and/or reports of discriminatory harassment (including sexual harassment), discrimination, and/or retaliation with the Title IX Coordinator. While Responsible Employees have reporting obligations to the Title IX Coordinator, they are not considered Officials with Authority. 
22. “Retaliation” is adverse action against another person for reporting a violation or for participating in any way in the investigation or conduct process. Retaliation includes harassment and intimidation, including but not limited to violence, threats of violence, property destruction, adverse educational or employment consequences, and bullying. 
23. “Sexual Assault.” Having or attempting to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact with another by force or threat of force; or without consent; or where that person is incapacitated. This also includes rape, which is the sexual penetration, however slight, of another person, without consent. Sexual penetration may be vaginal, anal, or oral, and may involve the use of a body part or object. 
24. “Sexual exploitation” occurs when a student takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his/her/their 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 the other sexual misconduct offenses. Examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to: invasion of sexual privacy; prostituting another student; non-consensual video or audio-taping of sexual activity; going beyond the boundaries of consent; engaging in voyeurism; knowingly transmitting an STI or HIV to another student; exposing one’s genitals in non-consensual circumstances; inducing another to expose their genitals or sexually-motivated stalking and/or bullying. This definition applies except where a different legal standard applies under 34 C.F.R. part 106.
25. “Sexual misconduct” is a broad term that encompasses sexual harassment, sexual violence, stalking, sexual exploitation and related offenses. 
26. “Sexual Violence” is a form of sexual harassment. Sexual violence refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent (e.g., due to the individual’s age or use of drugs or alcohol or an intellectual or other disability that prevents the individual from having the capacity to give consent). Sexual violence includes rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse, and sexual coercion. This definition applies except where a different legal standard applies under 34 C.F.R. part 106. 
27. “Stalking” means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: (A) fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or (B) suffer substantial emotional distress. This definition includes cyberstalking which is the use of the internet, email or other electronic communications to stalk, and refers to a pattern of threatening and malicious behaviors. This definition applies except where a different legal standard applies under 34 C.F.R. part 106. 
28. “Unwanted sexual contact” includes, but is not limited to, any sexual contact that can be reasonably construed as being for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification without seeking and receiving expressed consent. It includes sexual contact accompanied by threat, force, unwelcome manipulation, intimidation, blackmail, as a substitute for expressed consent. Sexual contact also includes when a person is incapacitated due to mental/ physical disability and/ or substance ingestion. Substances can include legal or illegal drugs and alcohol or any combination of the two.

a. Disclosure and Intake

1. Any member of the College community and any person may report or disclose incidents of sexual misconduct at any time in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail. The report or disclosure may be made to the Director of Student Affairs or to the Title IX Coordinator or one of the Deputy Title IX Coordinators, who will provide the information to the Title IX Coordinator.
2. When the Title IX Coordinator receives a report or disclosure of sexual misconduct , they will offer information to the Reporting Party about the right to make a formal complaint for a violation of the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, to initiate other proceedings, to receive supportive services and to participate in an intake.
3. Intake: The Title IX Coordinator shall meet with the Reporting Party to discuss options for filing a formal complaint and to offer support services.1. When a person reporting a Title IX violation has previously provided a general outline of the violation to another office or agency subject to a right of confidentiality, the person may consent to the release of the earlier statement to the Title IX Coordinator.
4. When the Title IX Coordinator conducts an intake, he or she shall notify the Campus Safety and other relevant administrators as required or authorized.

b. Officials with Authority

The College has determined that the following administrators are Officials with Authority to address and correct harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation. The Officials with Authority listed below may also accept notice or complaints on behalf of the College:

1. For employee matters: Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
2. For student matters: Director of Student Affairs2. Director of Facilities, Safety, and Sustainability

c. Formal Complaint

A document filed and signed by the Reporting Party (physical or digital signature), or signed by the Title IX Coordinator, alleging sexual harassment against a Responding Party and requesting the institution investigate the allegations of sexual harassment.

1. Resolution of formal complaint: The process to resolve the formal complaint will begin upon receipt of a formal complaint and conclude upon the issuance of a written determination of the alleged misconduct. This process will be completed as soon as practicable but no more than 180 days after the receipt of a formal complaint. Deviations from this time frame will be made on a case-by-case basis and supported by good cause. Parties will be notified in writing regarding the length of time and justification for any such extended time.
2. The Title IX Coordinator will review the formal complaint to determine whether the conduct alleged would constitute sexual harassment as defined in 34 C.F.R. § 106.30. If the alleged conduct meets those requirements, it shall be processed as provided in the Sexual Misconduct Policy. If the conduct does not constitute sexual harassment under that regulation, but otherwise alleges a sexual misconduct violation under the Student Conduct Policy or Sexual Misconduct Policy, the complaint will be processed as provided in the Sexual Misconduct Policy.
3. The Title IX Coordinator will notify the parties of the results of the formal complaint review. Either party may appeal the finding that the conduct alleged does not meet the requirements of 34 C.F.R. § 106.30.
4. Notice of allegations and complaint: The Director will send a notice of allegations and the formal complaint to the Reporting Party and to the Responding Party. The notice to both parties will state that the Responding Party is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the hearing process, notice of their right to an advisor of choice, a summary of available resources, the contact information for the Title IX Coordinator, a link to this policy and a caution against retaliation. If the College decides to investigate additional allegations about the Reporting or Responding Party, notice shall be provided of these additional allegations.

d. Limitations Period

Individuals are encouraged to report sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, relationship abuse, or stalking as soon as possible after the incident occurs to maximize the College’s ability to respond promptly and effectively. Prompt reporting allows the College to obtain the most reliable information, be able to contact relevant witnesses (if any) and provide reasonable assistance and supportive measures for affected parties. The College does not limit the time for reporting these incidents or filing a Formal Complaint. In all cases, a decision will be made on existing facts to determine if an investigation and conduct proceedings are necessary to comply with the law and to serve the College community.

e. Amnesty

The Reporting Party and the Responding Party to a report of sexual misconduct generally are not subject to a conduct complaint for lesser drug and alcohol violations immediately before and during the incident giving rise to the report, unless the lesser violation is directly related to the facilitation of the offense. Both parties may be held responsible for subsequent conduct violations of any nature.

1. The parties may request that the College facilitate informal resolution processes, such as mediation or restorative justice.
2. Informal resolution may present a way to resolve sexual misconduct allegations in a less adversarial manner than the investigation and adjudication procedures contained in this Sexual Misconduct Policy.
3. Both parties must give informed, written consent.
4. Informal resolution may only be requested after a formal complaint has been filed, so that the parties understand what the grievance process entails and can decide whether to voluntarily attempt informal resolution as an alternative.

a. After completing the intake and review of the formal complaint, the Director shall appoint an independent investigator and notify the appropriate other administrators.

b. The independent investigator shall work under the direction of the Director to complete a thorough, prompt and impartial investigation.

1. The Director and investigator shall provide status reports to the appropriate administrators periodically and upon request.
2. In cases where there is/are parallel criminal and administrative investigations, the Director and investigator shall cooperate with law enforcement to preserve the integrity of both investigations while striving to complete a prompt, thorough and fair investigation of the matter.

c. The investigator shall prepare a written report of the investigation that fairly summaries all relevant evidence.

1. The report shall summarize the agreed upon and disputed facts.
2. The investigator shall provide an initial draft of the report to the Director, who shall review the report for thoroughness and fairness. This draft shall be treated as a confidential document.
3. The Director shall provide a comment draft of the report to both the Reporting Party and the Responding Party, and at the same time provide both parties with access to inspect and review any evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly related to the allegations raised in a formal complaint, providing both parties with ten days to submit a written response containing suggestions to make the investigation report more accurate. The investigator shall consider the written response(s) but is not required to accept any proposed change from either party.
4. The investigator shall prepare a final investigative report and submit it to the Director. The Director shall convey the final report to the parties, their advisors, and other relevant administrators.

d. Report of Violation:
The Director will prepare a report of violation to be used to guide the parties as they prepare for the hearing and to assist the hearing officer to understand the evidence presented at the hearing.

1. The Report of Violation shall state the date of the hearing, the location of the hearing, and the charges to be heard.
2. The Report of Violation, together with a copy of the final investigative report, shall be conveyed to the Responding Party at least 10 days before the hearing and to the hearing officer at least 2 days before the hearing.
3. The Report of Violation will state that the Responding Party is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the hearing process.

a. In cases under this Sexual Misconduct Policy, a hearing shall be held before a hearing panel if the Responding Party requests one.

b. The Director shall hold a preliminary meeting not less than two (2) and not more than seven (7) business days from the date the Responding Party receives notice of violation. The Director or designee may conduct the preliminary meetings separately with the Reporting Party and Responding Party. The agenda for the preliminary meeting shall include:

1. The Responding Party may agree to resolve the charge(s) at the preliminary meeting by accepting responsibility and the recommended sanction(s). The Director shall review the proposed resolution to determine that it is consistent with the charges and sanctions in similar cases.
2. If the Responding Party does not accept responsibility or the recommended sanction for all charges, the matter will be scheduled for a hearing. At the preliminary meeting the parties shall:
   1. Discuss the violations identified, the hearing process, and the Responding Student’s and Reporting Student’s rights in the hearing process.
   2. Identify agreed facts, charges or sanctions to save time at the hearing.
   3. Identify disputed facts, charges sanctions or legal issues to focus each party’s presentation at the hearing.
   4. Review the information provided to the parties regarding the hearing process.

c. The Director shall transmit to the Responding Party and the Reporting Party a notice listing all contested issues identified at the preliminary meeting and setting the date, time and place for a hearing. The hearing shall be held not less than three (3) nor more than ten (10) calendar days after the date of notice issued by the Director. The Responding Student may waive the 3-day notice.

d. Not less than one (1) business day before the hearing, the parties shall:

1. Exchange copies of all documents, reports, photographs, and written testimony that the hearing officer will consider;
2. Exchange witness lists; and
3. Identify and present all requests for special accommodations or for preliminary rulings.

e. Hearings shall be conducted by a hearing officer.

1. The hearing officer will be a person free of conflicts of interest and who has received annual training on their responsibilities under the law, the Granite State College Student Conduct Policy and this Sexual Misconduct Policy.

f. Right to advisor and support person.

1. The Director shall assign an advisor to both parties if they do not have an advisor of choice. Each advisor shall be responsible for advising that party on preparing for the hearing, reviewing evidence, and questioning witnesses.
2. The Reporting Party and the Responding Party have the right to have a support person present at any meeting or hearing and to have access to appropriate advice about the hearing process. Neither party is required to request permission for the presence of counsel or support. Advisors may conduct cross examination, but support persons may not represent or speak on behalf of either party in any meeting or proceeding and shall not disrupt any meeting or proceeding.
3. Institutionally appointed advisors shall have received annual training on their responsibilities under the law, the Student Conduct Policy and this Sexual Misconduct Policy.

g. The Reporting Party and the Responding Party shall have 10 minutes to present oral testimony and to summarize arguments in their favor, subject to the right of members of the Hearing Panel to ask questions. Questions asked by the Hearing Panel shall not be counted as part of the 10 minutes given to each party. All witnesses and parties to the hearing shall sign an honesty oath.

h. The Director and the Hearing Officer shall ensure that the Reporting Party and Responding Party have the opportunity to present witnesses and argument, either in writing or in person as required, to reach a fair and accurate determination of the matter.

i. The Director or designee may permit or require the parties to be in separate rooms or to use videoconferencing during the hearing, provided, however, that the parties’ due process rights shall be given appropriate weight and protection.

j. Formal rules of evidence do not apply to conduct hearings. The Hearing Officer shall strive to control the testimony presented at each hearing to reach accurate, prompt and fair findings. Hearsay is admissible if the Hearing Officer finds that it is relevant, but any party may present reasons that hearsay evidence is or is not sufficiently reliable to be the basis for a finding of responsibility. If a reporting party, responding party, or witness does not participate in being questioned at the conduct hearing, then the hearing board or officer cannot take any statement made by that party into consideration when making a determination regarding responsibility. The Hearing Officer may exclude unduly repetitious, or irrelevant evidence.

k. All procedural questions at the hearing are subject to the final decision of the Hearing Officer, who may confer at any time with legal counsel for procedural advice.

l. If a Reporting Party or a Responding Party choose not to attend a hearing, the matter may be heard and the parties will be accountable for any decision made by the Hearing Officer, who will determine responsibility and assign sanctions. No Responding Party may be found responsible solely because they failed to appear before the Hearing Officer. In all cases, the evidence in support of the charges shall be presented and considered.

m. Adjudicatory Standard - The Hearing Officer will determine whether the Responding Party is “responsible” or “not responsible” for the Report of Violation. The Responding Party will be presumed “not responsible” until determined otherwise by a Preponderance of Evidence.

n. The Hearing Officer shall base finding(s) of responsibility solely on the oral and written evidence and argument presented at the hearing.

o. There shall be a single verbatim record, such as an audio or video recording, of all hearings. The record shall be the property of the College and if it is available, the Hearing Officer or hearing board may consult the record while deliberating. Unless ordered otherwise by the Director, recordings shall be destroyed after the appeal process has concluded.

p. The Hearing Officer shall issue a notice of decision that sets forth findings of fact, determination with regard to responsibility, and assigned sanctions, as appropriate.

a. The minimum sanction for Responding Students found responsible for violations under this policy is presumed to be suspension for one year or longer, consistent with community safety, the safety of the impacted party, and the ability of the impacted party to progress toward a degree. The Hearing Officer or hearing board have the discretion to recommend greater or lesser sanction(s).

a. Any party aggrieved by the decision of the hearing officer may appeal as provided in Section 7(F) of the Granite State College Student Conduct Policy.

1. Rights in the Conduct Process

a. Responding Student’s Rights: Students who are charged with alleged violations of any College rules on a Report of Violation have the following rights:

1. Fair notice of charges, including time and place of the alleged violation so that the Responding Student understands the charges.
2. At least five (5) calendar days’ notice before a contested hearing and the time and place of the hearing.
3. Knowledge of the name(s) of the reporting party(ies).
4. A hearing, under the circumstances described in this Code, if the situation is not otherwise resolved at the preliminary meeting.
5. The opportunity to have the assistance of a trained advisor in preparing for a hearing and during any hearings.
6. The opportunity to appeal a decision of a Hearing Officer as described in the Student Conduct Policy.
7. Notice of the results of hearings and reviews.
8. Resolution of conduct charges in accordance with this Policy and principles of Due Process.
9. To be assumed not responsible until the College has demonstrated, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the responding student violated a College Policy.
10. Right to remain silent: A student against whom a Report of Violation has been made may choose not to testify at a hearing. This choice shall neither preclude the right to present witnesses and evidence, nor shall it be treated as an admission of responsibility.
11. The right to legal counsel if criminal charges are pending or likely, subject to the rules in this Policy prescribing the scope of attorneys’ involvement in hearings.

b. Fair treatment: Responding students are members of the College community and have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect by Reporting Parties, Hearing Officers, Appellate Officers and members of the College administration.

c. Reporting Party’s Rights. The person reporting a violation of College rules has the following rights:

1. A hearing under the circumstances described in this Policy, if the Report of Violation is contested or is not resolved by the processes provided in the Policy.
2. At least five (5) calendar days’ notice of the time and place of a formal hearing in order to prepare for that hearing.
3. The advice of an advisor chosen from the pool of trained advisors in preparing for a hearing when the Reporting Party is a student.
4. The opportunity to appeal under the circumstances described in this Policy.
5. Notice of results of formal hearings and reviews.
6. Fair treatment: Reporting Students are members of the College community and have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect by Responding Parties, responding organizations, Hearing Officers, Appellate Officers and members of the College administration.

2. Timely Warning Reporting Obligations

a. Parties reporting sexual misconduct should also be aware that college administrators must issue immediate timely warnings for incidents reported to them that may pose a substantial threat of bodily harm or danger to members of the campus community. The college will make every effort to ensure that a Reporting Party’s name and other identifying information is not disclosed, while still providing enough information for community members to make safety decisions in light of the danger.

3. Interpretation and Revisions

a. Any questions of interpretation regarding the Sexual Misconduct Policy shall be referred to the Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Compliance, and Planning or his or her designee for final determination.

b. The Sexual Misconduct Policy shall be reviewed annually by the Vice President of Finance and Administration and the Director of Student Affairs in consultation with faculty, College officials, and student representatives.

4. Conduct Team Contact Information

1. Title IX Coordinator and Director of Student Affairs
   a. Phone: 603-513-1328
   b. TTY Users: 7-1-1 or 800-735-2964 (Relay NH)
2. Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
   a. Phone: 603-513-1319
   b. TTY Users: 7-1-1 or 800-735-2964 (Relay NH)
3. Director of Facilities, Safety, and Sustainability
   a. Phone: 603-513-1382
   b. TTY Users: 7-1-1 or 800-735-2964 (Relay NH)

i. All administrators, faculty and staff involved in the disciplinary process shall receive annual training (per HB 705)on:

1. Awareness and prevention of sexual misconduct on campus.
2. How to handle issues relating to sexual misconduct, investigatory procedures and hearing procedures in order to protect students and promote accountability, objectivity, impartiality, and a trauma-informed response.
3. All other topics as to be in compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations.

ii. All training materials for all hearing officers, institutional advisors, investigators and Title IX Coordinators will be publicly posted on the College website per Title IX.

The College has Memoranda of Understanding with the following organizations

i. Local and state crisis centers:

1. If a student would like to speak to some confidentially, a crisis center, a licensed social worker, psychologist, health center employee, or licensed pastoral counselor can provide confidential support and services. Granite State College does not have on-campus health or counseling services in any of our locations, therefore we partner with state and local crisis centers to assist victims in receiving the confidential support they need.
2. NH Coalition Against Domestic Violence

   a. Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-866-644-3574
   b. Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-277-5570

   c. Mailing Address
   PO BOX 353
   Concord NH 03302

   d. The NH Coalition is comprised of 13 member programs throughout the state that provide services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and sexual harassment

Medical Support Services

1. The health and safety of students is the college’s primary concern. Survivors should take care of their immediate personal safety first.

2. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger

1. The first thing to do is to get to a safe place. Contact a friend, family member, a crisis center or local law enforcement to ensure your safety. This does not mean that you have to “report” the details of the incident unless you choose to. This is about your being safe.

3. Get Medical Attention

1. It is extremely important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably within 72 hours, because depending on the nature of the assault you might be injured internally as well as externally. Prompt medical examinations can test for pregnancy, STDs, HIV, and venereal disease. A medical examination can also secure valuable evidence that could be used later if you wish to have the assailant prosecuted. The patient is in charge of this exam and every step of the medical/forensic examination is optional. The choice to report and prosecute is yours, but physical evidence is difficult to collect unless you seek medical attention promptly. Sometimes your initial instincts to drink, bathe, brush your teeth, comb your hair, even change your clothes, while natural, will eliminate evidence.
2. A Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Kit, provided by the NH Attorney General’s Office, may be requested at no charge. You do not need to provide proof of insurance to request the kit. The Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Kit collects evidence that could be helpful if you decide to report the assault to the police within the following 60 days. Kits can be completed in any NH Emergency Department without charge to the victim, even if the victim chooses not to proceed legally.
3. If you are thinking about completing a kit, note that you may choose to complete the kit anonymously. The kit will be referenced with an identification number and stored by the State for 3 months. At any time during this period, the victim can report the crime and the kit will be brought forward to the NH Crime Lab for analysis.
4. Note: Hospitals may alert a law enforcement agency of a reported sexual assault. A police officer may ask you to file a report, which you may decline to do.

Other Regional/National Support Services

1. SurvJustice

2. Pandora’s Project

3. GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project

4. Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)

Law Enforcement Reporting Options

1. Students have the right to file a criminal complaint and a Title IX complaint simultaneously. A Title IX complaint is not a replacement for the criminal justice process (per HB 705). To file a report with law enforcement, contact your local law enforcement agency.

2. For all emergencies Dial 911

3. Local Police Contact Numbers:

1. Manchester Police: 603-668-8711
2. Concord Police: 603-225-8600
3. Conway Police: 603-356-5715

A. Granite State College Student Conduct Policy
B. Granite State College Rules of Decorum (being drafted by USNH GCO)
C. Title IX regulations
D. HB 705