Title IX is the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination at colleges and universities that receive federal funding. Sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, is a prohibited form of discrimination.
The College has a responsibility to:
Investigate allegations of sexual harassment
Stop any harassing conduct
Remedy its effects, and
Prevent its recurrence.
Dr. Jerri Howland, Vice President for Student Affairs and Interim Title IX Coordinator (jdhowland@smcm.edu)
We work closely with a Deputy Title IX Coordinator and other Title IX Team members from across campus, including Human Resources, Student Affairs, Athletics, Public Safety, and the Wellness Center.
Office of Title IX Compliance and Training
www.smcm.edu/title-ix
The Title IX Office is located in the Lucille Clifton House, across the street from the River Center.
As a faculty member, you have a responsibility to share with the Title IX Office any report of sexual harassment (including sexual violence, stalking, and relationship violence) that you may receive. This allows the Title IX office to reach out to the affected person, determine if any supportive measures are needed, and address any community-wide safety concerns.
Please see this resource card for more information about your responsibility.
You will be required to complete a brief online training module that will be assigned shortly if you haven't been assigned already. If you have any questions or concerns about this training, please reach out to the Title IX Office.
Visit our website (https://www.smcm.edu/title-ix/) and follow us on Instagram (@smcmtitleix)!
You can also email Dr. Jerri Howland, Interim Title IX Coordinator, (jdhowland@smcm.edu) to discuss more about our campus policies and procedures.
Please consider including this suggested language on your syllabus to inform students of your responsibilities under Title IX:
The College prohibits sexual or gender-based harassment, discrimination, and misconduct. This includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, relationship violence, and stalking. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, you may contact the Title IX Office (www.smcm.edu/title-ix) for more information about resources and options. Faculty members are required to share reports of sexual harassment with the Title IX Office. This requirement helps the College address the health and safety needs of our community. When a report is made to the Title IX Office, you are in control of what happens next. If you choose to share your experience, your disclosure will be taken seriously and you will be treated with dignity. Confidential support is also available through the Wellness Center (www.smcm.edu/wellness).
Our office facilitates a variety of prevention activities informed by current best practices, CDC recommendations, and evidence-informed initiatives. This includes in-person and online Title IX training, social norms campaigns on campus and via social media, community events in partnership with national organizations like the One Love Foundation and A Call to Men, and activities for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault awareness months in October and April, respectively. You can find more information about our prevention activities on our website.