Central Arizona College Title IX
See something
Hear something
Know something
Say something.
What is Title IX?
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 educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (gender) in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Central Arizona College is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex (gender), including sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, relationship (dating and domestic) violence, and stalking. Central Arizona College provides resources and reporting options to students, faculty, and staff to address concerns related to sexual harassment and sexual violence prohibited by Title IX and college policy.
Central Arizona College (CAC) is committed to eliminating sexual harassment and sexual violence.
Fall 2024: Event Schedule
- TBA
Dear Members of Central Arizona College-
We would like to remind members of our community that maintaining academic and professional programs free from discrimination and violence remains a high priority. Members of the community should be aware of the following points:
The Title IX office remains open and functioning at all times. Anyone impacted by discrimination or harassment/sexual misconduct is encouraged to contact Title IX Office using one of the methods listed below to make a report or discuss their options. Investigations will be conducted either in-person or remotely, and remedies provided, to assure that any discriminatory behaviors are addressed promptly.
Contact Title IX Coordinator
File a report online here.
Via email: titleix@centralaz.edu
Phone: 520-494-5106 or 520-840-1175
College policies regulate behavior that occurs between members of the campus community, but also apply to online and virtual activities. Any behavior that is prohibited by policy is also likely prohibited online, including forms of cyber-harassment, cyber-bullying, and cyber-stalking. Members of the community are expected to maintain a tone of civility and respect in online classes just as they would if they were in class physically.
It’s On Us
The It’s On Us campaign is a program of the Center for American Progress, in partnership with the White House council on Women and Girls, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. It’s on Us aims to change the way everyone thinks about sexual assault. Instead of viewing it as something that happens only between one victim and one offender, It’s On Us wants everyone to know they have a role to play in preventing sexual assault and raise awareness around rape culture.
Dates to Remember:
February: Healthy Relationships Awareness Month
April: Sexual Assault Awareness Month
June: LGBTQ+ Awareness Month
October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Forms & Information:
POLICIES, LAWS, & REGULATIONS
Central Arizona College affirms its commitment to promote the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the grievance process. The first step when receiving any reports of sexual harassment or misconduct is to reach out to the individual affected and provide supportive measures. Once the individual is ready to review our Policy violation process and procedure, the Title IX Coordinator will provide information and clarify next steps.
Title IX Policy (Update 5/17/22) (PDF)
Title IX Procedure (Update 5/17/22) (PDF)
Mandatory Title IX Syllabus Statement (PDF)
What You Need to Know About the New Title IX Regulations (PDF)
2022 – 2023 Student Handbook & Code of Conduct (PDF)
Brochures
Dating Violence Brochure (PDF)
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT
What and Why is VAWA?
On March 7, 2013, President Obama signed The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (“VAWA”), which focuses of improving the criminal justice response to violence against women. VAWA enhanced accountability for Colleges to educate students and prevent gender based violence. Additional rights were afforded to campus victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
COMMITTED TO SAFETY
Central Arizona College is committed to fostering an environment in which all members of our campus community are safe, secure and free from sexual misconduct of any form, including but not limited to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. The college expects all interpersonal relationships and interactions to be grounded upon mutual respect, open communications and clear consent.
EDUCATION AND PREVENTION
Central Arizona College will present primary prevention and awareness programs for new students and new employees, in addition to on-going awareness campaigns related to prevention of sexual assault dating violence, domestic violence and stalking for all students and employees.
The See something/Say something was chosen as the bystander intervention program to educate students on ways to proactively help others while ensuring their own safety and well-being.
Training for all college employees and students will be provided on dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assaults and stalking. This training will be based on the requirements under VAWA, Title IX and the Clery Act.
REPORTING
Central Arizona College strongly encourages all individuals to report incidents of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking to college officials. Individuals may report incidents to the Title IX Coordinator, Laura Shepherd, Signal Peak Campus, Office M-102I, (520) 494-5106/(520) 840-1175, titleix@centralaz.edu; or to any
Officials with Authority (OWA): College President; College Vice Presidents; College Deans; Executive Directors; Law enforcement; Athletic Director.
The college will provide resources to support persons who have been victims of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. Click here to view the available resources.
PROGRAMMING
Central Arizona College will provide programs that promote awareness and avert domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking on campus and in our community. Initial programming will be directed at all new students and employees, followed by on-going programs directed to all students and employees in culturally relevant training including:
• Awareness programming on dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault.
• Risk-reduction strategies designed to promote healthy behaviors/relationships and recognize early warning signs of abusive behavior.
• Prevention programs to avert acts of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
• Safe and positive Bystander intervention education and training.
• On-going college prevention and awareness campaigns.
The key concepts to promote awareness and avert domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on campus and in our community can contact Laura Shepherd, Title IX Coordinator at (520) 494-5106 or titleix@centralaz.edu.
Sex Needs a New Metaphor
“For some reason,” says educator Al Vernacchio, “the metaphors for talking about sex in the US all come from baseball — scoring, getting to first base, etc. The problem is, this frames sex as a competition, with a winner and a loser. Instead, he suggests a new metaphor, one that’s more about shared pleasure, discussion and agreement, fulfillment and enjoyment. Let’s talk about … pizza.”
*This talk was presented at an official TED conference.
Forms & Information:
SAFEHOUSE
Safehouse is a collaboration between Title IX, Dean of Student Development, and Housing & Residence Life. The program provides short-term housing assistance to students who are unexpectedly displaced from their homes. Students must meet with the Title IX Coordinator for a basic needs assessment and may qualify for up to 14 days in the residence halls. All applicants interested in more information, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@centralaz.edu.
****OPEN DURING FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS ONLY****
In recognizing that basic needs are a significant part of a student’s wellness and ability to accomplish timely graduation. Through the emergency housing initiative, we hope to provide support to students who are housing displaced during the semester. Student emergency housing is a short-term crisis support and not designed to be a permanent solution. Emergency housing is offered for up to 14 days during the Fall and Spring semesters only. Acceptance to emergency housing is based on availability in our resident’s halls, and applications are subject to review by the Resident Life Director. Students who qualify and are approved to utilize emergency housing must abide by all existing rules and regulations of resident halls, no exceptions. At this time, safe housing in the resident halls is limited to individuals; we are not able to accommodate families or pets. Conduct history will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Participants in the Safehouse program will be required to meet with the Title IX coordinator on a weekly basis to develop a plan for improving the crisis situation and to further support the student in their graduation goals.
Student Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled at Central Arizona College. The student must be in need of emergency housing due to a Title IX concern (VAWA/Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner relationship violence). The student must be able to demonstrate their qualifying emergency. Supporting documentation is helpful if possible (police report, incident report, referral by CAC employee).
Application Process:
- Complete Application Form with supporting documentation (proof of enrollment).
- Turn into Title IX Coordinator at titleix@centralaz.edu.
- If accepted, you will meet with the Director of Housing & Residence Life and begin their application process. Please note: you will be held to the same rules and regulations as all students who reside in resident life.
Selection: You will be notified by the Title IX Coordinator of your approval to have emergency housing.
Questions may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator or Dean of Student Development 520-494-5345.
BYSTANDER TIPS
Warning Signs
Being able to tell the difference between healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships can be more difficult than you would think. No two relationships are the same, so what’s unhealthy in one relationship may be abusive in another. Although there are many signs to pay attention to in a relationship, look for these common warning signs of dating abuse:
- Checking cell phones, emails or social networks without permission
- Extreme jealousy or insecurity
- Constant belittling or putdowns
- Explosive temper
- Isolation from family and friends
- Making false accusations
- Constant mood swings towards you
- Physically inflicting pain or hurt in any way
- Possessiveness
- Telling someone what they can and cannot do
- Repeatedly pressuring someone to have sex
With permission from Break The Cycle in an effort to inspire and support young adults to build healthy relationships and create a society without abuse.
Because EVERYONE deserves to be in a healthy, loving and caring relationship.
Active Bystander
Central Arizona College encourages all members of the Community to be Active Bystanders against sexual violence.
Learn to recognize the signs of danger and develop plans to keep each other safe. Commit to being an Active Bystander.
Take a Healthy Relationship Quiz
Have a plan.
Talk with your friends about your plans BEFORE you go out. Do you feel like drinking? Are you interested in hooking up? Where do you want to go? Having a clear plan ahead of time helps friends look after one another.
Go out together.
Go out as a group and come home as a group; never separate and never leave your friend(s) behind.
Watch out for others.
If you are walking at night with friends and notice a woman walking by herself in the same direction, ask her to join you so she doesn’t have to walk alone.
Diffuse situations.
If you see a friend coming on too strong to someone who may be too drunk to make a consensual decision, interrupt, distract, or redirect the situation. If you are too embarrassed or shy to speak out, get someone else to step in.
Trust your instincts.
If a situation or person doesn’t seem “right” to you, trust your gut and remove yourself, if possible, from the situation.
Bringing in the Bystander® is a registered trademark of the University of New Hampshire on behalf of Prevention Innovations.
What can my friends and I do to be safe?
Take care of each other. Remember these tips when you are out…
Notice the situation
Be aware of your surroundings.
Interpret it as a problem
Do I recognize that someone needs help?
Feel responsible to act
See yourself as being part of the solution to help.
Know what to do
Educate yourself on what to do.
Intervene safely
Take action but be sure to keep yourself safe.
Tell another person
Being with others is a good idea when a situation looks dangerous.
Ask a person you are worried about if they are okay
Provide options and a listening ear.
Distract or redirect individuals in unsafe situations
Drinks accidentally spilled, emergency phone call or text. (Circle of 6)
Ask the person if they want to leave
Make sure that they get home safely.
Call the police (911)
Call the police (911) or someone else in authority or yell for help. CAC PD, Faculty, Staff and CAC employee.
Circle of 6
The Circle of 6 app fast, easy-to-use and private. It was designed for college students to prevent sexual violence; we also know it’s handy for teenagers, parents, friends, or all communities seeking to foster healthy relationships and safety. Need help getting home? Need an interruption? Two taps lets your circle know where you are and how they can help. Circle of 6 app for iPhone and Android makes it quick and easy to reach the 6 people you choose. It’s the mobile way to look out for each other on campus or when you’re out for the night. A simple tool to prevent violence before it happens. Circle of 6 Instructions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What conduct is prohibited by Title IX?
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender (sex). Title IX prohibited conduct includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, relationship (dating or domestic) violence, intimate partner violence (IPV), cybercrimes (bullying, harassing) and stalking.
Where can I learn more about the Title IX Process?
You can learn more by contacting the Title Title IX Coordinator, Laura Shepherd, Signal Peak Campus, office M-102I; (520) 494-5106/(520) 840-1175; titleix@centralaz.edu or you may visit centralaz.edu/titleix.
How does someone report a Title IX Complaint to Central Arizona College?
Notice or complaints of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation may be made using any of the following options:
- File a complaint with, or give verbal notice to, the Title IX Coordinator or Officials with Authority. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or email address, or by mail to the office address, listed for the Title IX Coordinator or any other official listed. This information can be found on the Central Arizona College website: centralaz.edu/titleix.
- Report online, using the reporting form. Anonymous reports are accepted but can give rise to a need to investigate. Central Arizona College tries to provide supportive measures to all parties, which is more limited or may be impossible with an anonymous report. Since anonymous reporting carries no obligation to initiate a formal response and since Central Arizona College respects a Complainant’s requests to dismiss complaints, unless there is a compelling threat to health and/or safety, the Complainant is largely in control and should not fear a loss of privacy.
Who can a person contact if he or she wants to discuss a Title IX related concern in a confidential manner?
If a Complainant would like the details of an incident to be kept confidential, the Complainant may speak with: The Director of the Ombudsman Program (CAC’s only Confidential Resource).
Off-campus (non-employees):
- ·Licensed professional counselors and other medical providers
- ·Local rape crisis counselors
- ·Domestic violence resources
- ·Local or state assistance agencies
- ·Clergy/Chaplains
- ·Attorneys
The Ombudsman Program provides anonymous statistical information for Clery Act purposes unless they believe it would be harmful to the student or College employee.
What is CAC’s obligation when it has notice of a Title IX related incident?
Central Arizona College will act on any formal or informal notice/complaint of violation of the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy (“the Policy”) that is received by the Title IX Coordinator or any other Official with Authority by applying these procedures.
Upon receipt of a complaint, what is the Title IX Process?
Upon receipt of a complaint or notice to the Title IX Coordinator of an alleged violation of the Title IX Policy, Central Arizona College will initiate a prompt initial assessment to determine the next steps. Central Arizona College will initiate at least one of three responses:
- Offering supportive measures because the Complainant does not want to proceed formally;
- Offering supportive measures and initiating an informal resolution; or
- Offering supportive measures and initiating a Formal Grievance Process including an investigation and a hearing to determine whether or not the Policy has been violated.
What safety measures and accommodations are available to a student or staff when he or she reports a Title IX related incident?
Central Arizona College will offer and implement appropriate and reasonable supportive measures to the parties upon notice of alleged harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation.
Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the parties to restore or preserve access to Central Arizona College’s education program or activity, including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties, Central Arizona College’s educational environment, and/or deter sexual harassment and/or retaliation.
The Title IX Coordinator shall make supportive measures available to the parties upon receiving notice or a complaint. At the time that supportive measures are offered, Central Arizona College will inform the Complainant, in writing, that they may file a formal complaint with Central Arizona College either at that time or in the future, if they have not done so already. The Title IX Coordinator works with the Complainant to ensure that their wishes are considered with respect to the planned and implemented supportive measures.
Central Arizona College will maintain the privacy of the supportive measures, provided that maintaining privacy does not impair Central Arizona College’s ability to provide the supportive measures. Central Arizona College will act to ensure as minimal an academic impact on the parties as possible. Central Arizona College will implement measures in a way that does not unreasonably burden the other party.
These actions may include, but are not limited to:
- ·Referral to counseling, medical, and/or other healthcare services
- ·Referral to the Employee Assistance Program
- ·Referral to community-based service providers
- ·Student financial aid counseling
- ·Altering work arrangements for employees or student-employees
- ·Altering campus housing assignments
- ·Safety planning
- ·Providing campus safety escorts
- ·Implementing contact limitations (no contact orders) between the parties
- ·Academic support, extensions of deadlines, or other course/program-related adjustments
- ·Trespass orders
- ·Timely warnings under the Clery Act
- ·Class schedule modifications, withdrawals, or leaves of absence
- ·Increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus
- ·Any other actions deemed appropriate by the Title IX Coordinator
Violations of no contact orders will be referred to appropriate student or employee conduct processes for enforcement.
How does Title IX apply to pregnant or parenting students?
Per the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, students will not be discriminated against on the basis of pregnancy. This includes discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions.
Does CAC have to excuse my absences due to my pregnancy, childbirth, or abortion?
Your school must excuse your absences due to pregnancy or any related conditions for as long as your doctor says it is necessary for you to be absent. When you return to school, you must be reinstated to the status you held before your leave. The school may require you to submit a doctor’s note only if that is required of students with other medical conditions.
Classmates and even professors have made offensive comments to me about my pregnancy. Should I report it to the Title IX office?
Title IX requires schools to prevent and address sex-based harassment, including harassment based on pregnancy. If you experience this sort of treatment at school, you should seek help immediately. The law prohibits the school from retaliating against you for making a complaint or raising a concern.
I want to return to school three days after I have the baby, so I don’t fall too far behind, but my professor thinks I should take more time off to recover. What should I do?
Your school must leave it up to you and your doctor to decide when you can return to continue your studies. In addition, the school cannot have a rule that prohibits students from returning to classes for a set period of time after childbirth.
For questions and/or any concerns, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, Laura Shepherd (520) 494-5106 or titleix@centralaz.edu.
Information from National Women’s Law Center www.nwlc.org.
General Definitions for Title IX
- Complainant means an individual who is alleged to the be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment or retaliation for engaging in a protected activity.
- Formal Complaint means a document filed with the Title IX Coordinator/signed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging against a Respondent sexual harassment or retaliation for engaging in a protected activity and requesting that Central Arizona College investigate the allegation.
- Education program or activity means locations, events, or circumstances where Central Arizona College exercises substantial control over both the Respondent and the context in which the sexual harassment or discrimination occurs and also includes any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by Central Arizona College.
- Formal Grievance Process means a method of formal resolution designated by Central Arizona College to address conduct that falls within the policies included below, and which complies with the requirements of 34 CFR Part 106.45.
- Mandated (Mandatory) Reporter means an employee of Central Arizona College who is obligated by policy to share knowledge or reports of harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation with the Title IX Coordinator. Mandatory Reporter under this policy does not diminish the requirement under Arizona state law to report alleged or suspected child abuse, elder abuse, and/or abuse of individuals with disabilities to appropriate officials, through these responsibilities may overlap with those who have mandated reporter responsibility in this policy.
- Official with Authority (OWA) means an employee of Central Arizona Colleg explicitly vested with the responsibility to implement corrective measures for harassment and/or retaliation on behalf of Central Arizona College.
- Respondent means an individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute harassment or discrimination based on a protected class; or retaliation for engaging in a protected activity.
- Sanction means a consequence imposed by Central Arizona College on a Respondent who is found to have violated this policy.
- Sexual Harassment means the umbrella category including the offences of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence.
Training
All members of the Title IX team (Title IX Coordinators, Investigators, Decision-makers, and Advisors) receive annual training on the following topics:
1. The definition of sexual harassment in § 106.30,
2. The scope of CAC’s education program or activity
3. Issues of relevance, including how to apply rape shield provisions
4. The grievance process including hearings, appeals, and informal resolution processes
5. How to serve impartially, including by avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue, conflicts of interest, and bias
In addition, Title IX Coordinators receive training on:
1. How to use the Title IX Notice and Communication Templates
In addition, Decision-makers receive training on:
1. The technology to be used at a live hearing
2. Issues of relevance of questions and evidence, including when questions and evidence about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant
In addition, Investigators receive training on:
1. Issues of relevance to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence, as set forth in paragraph (b)(5)(vii) of this section
2. How to conduct a fair and neutral investigation
In addition, Advisors receive training on:
1. The role of a Title IX Advisor and how they can serve their Advisees
All materials used to train the members of the Title IX team (Title IX Coordinators, Investigators, Decision-makers, and Advisors)
1. Do not rely on sex stereotypes, and
2. Promote impartial investigations and adjudications of formal complaints of sexual harassment
Resources
Advisor FAQs (PDF)
Confidentiality and Privacy (PDF)
Determining Relevance (PDF)
Emergency Removal (PDF)
Five Step Process for Emergency Removal Documentation (PDF)
Final Title IX Investigation Template (PDF)
Formal Grievance Pool (PDF)
Inspection and Review of Evidence Procedures (PDF)
Inspection of Records Flowchart (PDF)
Jurisdiction Procedures (PDF)
Mandatory Title IX Syllabus Statement (PDF)
Final Written Determination of Responsibility Template (PDF)
NexCopy Software Setup (PDF)
Notice of Outcome (PDF)
Officials with Authority and Mandatory Report FAQ (PDF)
Officials with Authority and Mandatory Reporters (PDF)
Pre-Hearing Checklist (PDF)
Principles and Procedures for Title IX Hearings (PDF)
Principles and Procedures for Cross-Examinations (PDF)
Protocol for Emergency Removal (PDF)
Retaliation (PDF)
Secure Wizard Manual (PDF)
Inspection and Review of Evidence (PDF)
Rights of the Parties (PDF)
The Investigative Process (PDF)
Title IX Evidence Log (PDF)
Title IX Fact Pattern (PDF)
Title IX Non-Disclosure Agreement (PDF)
Title IX Privilege Log (PDF)
Title IX Record Keeping Procedure (PDF)
Using the NexCopy Software (PDF)
What You Need to Know About the New Title IX Regulations (PDF)