September 17, 2015

Student policy revision approved

The President's Executive Team has approved significant revisions to policy 8.16 Sexual Assault because of amendments by the Federal Government to Title IX and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act for prevention and response to incidents of sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking involving students. Accordingly, the policy has been renamed 8.16 Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence and Stalking Policy for Students.

Students are encouraged to read the full policy at http://webs.wichita.edu/inaudit/ch8_16.pdf and be familiar with the content. All related cases will now be processed under the new policy.

- Policy separates out sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking from other Code of Conduct violations to create a process that limits the number of individuals who will have knowledge of an incident, and therefore, increases privacy for these sensitive matters.

- Removes the formalized hearing aspect from the resolution process to avoid re-victimization and better align with other civil rights violation resolution processes.

- Provides equal rights for Respondents and Complainants, including the right to have an advisor of the student's choice, and the right to appeal the decision.

- Allows amnesty for personal alcohol and drug use for Respondents, Complainants and Witnesses in an incident falling under this policy.

- Includes a detailed list of possible sanctions for students and/or organizations.

- Outlines possible interim measures for protection, assistance and support for both the Respondent and Complainant.

- Prohibits Retaliation against anyone filing a complaint or participating in an investigation.

- Explains the difference between confidential and non-confidential resources on campus and within the community.

- Clarifies jurisdiction both on and off-campus.

Students with questions about the new policy are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, 170 Grace Wilkie Annex, 316-978-6681 or email Mandy Hambleton, director of Student Conduct and Community Standards at mandy.hambleton@wichita.edu.