Regis University updates policies and procedures in Equal Opportunity and Title IX

  • August 19, 2020
  • Faculty and Staff Students

The U.S. Department of Education has mandated that, as of August 14, 2020, all universities update their policies and disciplinary processes. In line with new regulations, Regis University has revised its process for adjudicating cases of sexual misconduct. Regis continues to enforce affirmative consent and prohibit all forms of sexual misconduct.

Title IX is a federal law that states, “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.” The law also pertains to cases of what Regis calls “sexual misconduct,” which an umbrella term for all forms of sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking or other offenses sexual in nature.

The required changes are significant and sweeping, and Regis University must comply. However, in line with our mission and Jesuit values, we have chosen to take steps beyond the scope of the regulations to ensure an appropriate response to all allegations of sexual misconduct and to provide support for survivors.

Required changes

The new regulations narrow the scope of complaints that universities are required to investigate. For example, sexual harassment is now defined as “unwelcome conduct” that is “so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to education.” Regis will continue to prohibit and address behavior that falls outside of Title IX via the Office of Community Standards and Care for students and Human Resources for faculty and staff.

The new regulations also narrow the jurisdiction of the University’s Title IX response. Per the new regulations, Title IX may only cover incidents that are in the United States and areas where the University has “substantial control” over the context and the respondent. This means Title IX no longer covers incidents that occur during study abroad, or that occur off campus (unless it’s during a University-sponsored trip or event). Regis will continue to prohibit and address behavior that falls outside of Title IX via the office of Community Standards and Care for students and Human Resources for faculty and staff.

According to the new law, a formal complaint regarding sexual misconduct will include a live hearing closed to the public. Each party must have an advisor present during the live hearing. Each party’s advisor will have an opportunity to question the other party and any witnesses.

What hasn’t changed

Though in some instances no longer required to by law, Regis will act in accordance with its mission and values to continue the below practices:

  • Confidential resources are available to students, faculty, and staff, regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed

  • Discrimination based on an actual or perceived protected class is prohibited

  • Sexual misconduct is prohibited

  • Retaliation for reporting discrimination or sexual misconduct is prohibited

  • Consent is an affirmative, actively given, unambiguous, and voluntary agreement to engage in a specific sexual activity during a sexual encounter

  • Parties involved in Title IX proceedings have the right to an advisor of their choice

  • All faculty, staff, and some student employees who are not deemed confidential resources are “Responsible Employees,” meaning they must report discrimination and sexual misconduct to the EO and Title IX Coordinator. 

  • Supportive Measures (such as excused absences or extended deadlines on assignments) are available through the EO and Title IX Coordinator without making a formal complaint.

Regis University remains committed to promoting violence prevention through training and programming available to the Regis community throughout the year and upon request. 

Regis University’s updated Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct and Retaliation policy and procedures, as well as training materials, are available to the public. 

Resources

For questions about the policy or to report discrimination, sexual misconduct, or retaliation, please contact:

Carole Goddard (she/her/hers)

Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator

Main Hall 204

303.964.6435

cgoddard001@regis.edu

Report Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation 

Equal Opportunity & Title IX Webpage

For confidential support in cases of sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence (dating/relationship violence) or stalking, please contact:

Alison McCarthy (she/they)

Assistant Director, Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention

Coors Life Directions Center 124 B

303.458.4029

720.307-4809 (can text)

amccarthy001@regis.edu 

Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention

For after-hours confidential support, please contact:

The Blue Bench (24-hour sexual assault hotline): 303.322.7273

Safehouse Denver (24-hour domestic violence hotline): 303.318.9989

Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners (24-hour mental health support): 844.493.8255