Introduction

This document aims to provide the campus community with a Resource Guide on Sexual Harassment/Assault that clearly outline the role and functions of a Title IX coordinator and Title IX requirements as outlined in the 2011 Dear Colleague Letter: Sexual Violence. (See appendices)
Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 requires that all entities in receipt of any federal funds or financial assistance must prohibit sex discrimination in their education programs and activities. Sexual harassment is a form of prohibited sex discrimination. The Title IX Coordinator, Mamie T. Thorns, is the individual responsible for ensuring compliance with the law in this area at SVSU.
Title IX requirements apply to all aspects of education programs and activities at SVSU, including recruitment, student admissions, financial assistance, housing, access to academic offerings, and athletics. The law also applies to all aspects of the University's employment process, including hiring, tenure, compensation, and training.
As a recipient of federal funds, Saginaw Valley State University is obligated to:

• Provide assurances that all education programs and activities are in compliance with the Title IX
• Designate a Title IX Coordinator to oversee compliance efforts
• Establish procedures to resolve student and employee Title IX complaints
• Provide notification to students and employees that sex discrimination is prohibited within its programs
• Ensure that all administrators, managers, deans, and chairs, familiarize themselves with, and implement Title IX provisions
• Prepare annual reports on the incidence of sexual harassment and present findings to the president and senior administrators. Note any trends or policy and procedural changes that need to be effectuated to enhance the university’s title IX compliance efforts. No information that identifies individuals will be reported in the annual statistical reports.

The Office of Diversity Programs is responsible for implementing and monitoring SVSU's Title IX compliance. The Office of Diversity Programs in conjunction with the taskforce has established procedures for handing possible Title IX violations.  The Title IX Coordinator and Representatives are as follows:

What is Sexual Assault?

Actual, attempted or threatened sexual contact with another person without that person’s consent. Sexual assault can be a violation of SVSU’s Anti-Discrimination/Harassment Policy. It can also be a crime under the Michigan penal code.

What is Sexual Harassment?

The law defines “sexual harassment” as unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when (a) submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment, education, housing or participation in any University activity; or (b) such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s employment, education, housing or participation in any University activity by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive environment. It is the University’s policy to vigorously enforce the prohibitions.