Student Handbook - Sexual Misconduct

Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment

Information on reporting options is available at our Sexual Assault Resources website.

Union College is an educational community where strong emphasis is placed on self-discovery and awareness. Where such an atmosphere exists for freedom of expression, however, it must always be combined with a mutual respect and consideration for the lives and feelings of others. In such a setting, there is no place for conduct that diminishes, uses, or abuses other individuals. Any violation of trust, any form of sexual intimidation, exploitation, or discrimination jeopardizes the mission of the institution and threatens the educational experience and well-being of students. Union College will not tolerate sexual misconduct, and the institution will take appropriate action, as deemed necessary, to prevent and address such conduct.

It is the policy of Union College, in keeping with efforts to establish an environment in which the dignity and worth of all members of the institutional community are respected, to view sexual misconduct and sexual harassment of students as unacceptable conduct that will not be tolerated. This policy includes all forms of sexual discrimination including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence by employees, students, or third parties.

Recognizing its responsibility to uphold the tenets inherent in this policy, the College thus establishes the following procedures and guidelines designed to educate and inform students relative to: (1) the rights of the victim and the accused; (2) the definition of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment; and (3) procedures for filing and resolving related complaints.

Union College has implemented a Sexual Assault Response Team (“SART”). The following College officers are primarily responsible for the implementation and coordination of the SART program: Director of Counseling Center, Director of Campus Safety, and Director of Health Services. SART is a team of specially trained staff who work with a victim of sexual assault and assist the victim in accessing the care and resources he/she wishes to pursue. For detailed information about Union College’s SART Program go to: http://www.union.edu/sart

A student who believes he/she has been a victim of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment is encouraged to report it immediately. Union College has established a document entitled “Union College Sexual Assault Reporting Procedures” and “Sexual Assault Anonymous Reporting Form” located at http://www.union.edu/offices/safety/publications/index.php

Union College has designated the following individuals to receive complaints: (1) of sexual harassment, the Dean of Students or his/her designess at x6116 (518-388-6116); and (2) of sexual misconduct, Campus Safety at x6911 (518-388-6911) or consult with a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Advisor at 518-698-5031. SART Advisors do not make determinations as to the nature of the incident being reported but can present various options available to the student.

This policy explains Union’s approach to investigating, adjudicating, and disciplining acts of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment. Many acts of sexual misconduct are also crimes. Union strongly encourages the reporting of such incidents to the local police by dialing 911. Campus Safety will assist a student in reporting an incident to the police if the student so requests. The criminal process is separate and distinct from this policy. The fact that a criminal complaint has been filed, prosecuted, or dismissed will not prevent Union from pursuing disciplinary action or interim restrictions during the pendency of the criminal action.

The College assists victims of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment. In addition to offering support services, the College maintains a campus disciplinary process. The Student Code of Conduct contains the policies, regulations, and procedures of the campus judicial system which govern the behavior of students. If you would like to know more about the campus judicial system, you may contact the Dean of Student’s Office at x6116 (518-388-6116).