Prohibiting Sex-Base Misconduct

Sexual and Other Harassment Defined

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal,
nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature from another student, an employee or a third
party when:

1. Such conduct denies or limits a student’s ability to participate in or to receive benefits, services,
   or opportunities in the college’s programs or activities;
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for educational decisions
   affecting such individual; or
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s
   academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational
   environment.

This policy applies in all college environments (where the college has jurisdiction), whether on
campus, off campus, at college-sponsored social functions, or otherwise.

Examples of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment, as defined above, can range from unwelcome sexual flirtation to sexual
assault. The following is a list of examples of conduct that may violate this policy. It is not intended
to be an exhaustive list:

1. Direct propositions of a sexual nature
2. Physical assaults or sexual violence
3. Unwelcome and offensive physical contact such as patting or pinching
4. Unwelcome sexual flirtation
5. Sexually explicit statements, jokes, or anecdotes
6. Remarks or speculation about sexual activity
7. Direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances will be a condition of grading,
   promotion, or other educational actions
8. Sexual slurs, sexual innuendos, and other comments about a person’s body
9. Telephone calls, emails, text messages, use of social media, and other electronic
   communications of an unwelcome sexual nature
10. Deliberate touching of another’s sexual parts without consent
11. Deliberate sexual contact of another without consent
12. Deliberate constraint or incapacitation of another, without that person’s knowledge or
    consent, so as to put another at substantially increased risk of sexual injury
13. Any sexual act that occurs without the consent of the victim, or that occurs when the victim
    is unable to give knowing consent due to drug or alcohol intoxication, mental incapacity, or
    under the age of 17
14. Obscene or indecent behavior, which includes, but is not limited to, exposure of one’s sexual
    organs or the display of sexual behavior that would be reasonably offensive to others

This policy also prohibits gender-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal,
or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping, even if those
acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.

Other Forms of Harassment

Harassment on the basis of any other protected characteristic is also strictly prohibited and will be
addressed in accordance with student conduct proceedings..
Harassment means unwelcome verbal, physical, or other conduct based upon student’s race, color,
religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, or
any other characteristic protected by law that:

1. Has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational
   environment
2. Has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s academic performance
3. Otherwise adversely affects a student’s educational opportunities

Harassing conduct includes, but is not limited to: epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping;
threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts; offensive jokes; and written material that shows hostility
or aversion towards an individual or group based upon a legally protected characteristic.

Consensual Relationships

A sexual or romantic relationship between an employee and a student creates a conflict of interest
when one of the individuals has direct evaluative authority over the other. Voluntary consent to a
relationship of this nature is inherently suspect given the dynamics of the relationship. Therefore, it
is a violation of this policy for an employee to have a sexual or romantic relationship with a student
enrolled in a course being taught by the employee or whose work that employee supervises.

Relationships of this nature can affect other students, faculty, and staff because it places the
employee in a position to favor or advance one student’s interest at the expense of the others.
This relationship may also send an implicit message that obtaining benefits is contingent on a
sexual or romantic relationship.

Sex-Based Misconduct Procedures

1. Initial Discussion

   The college encourages students who have experienced sex-based misconduct to talk with
   someone about what happened so that they can get the support they need and so that the
   college can respond appropriately. Different employees on campus have different reporting
   obligations with regard to alleged sex-based misconduct. Designated Responsible Employees
   are required to report all incidents of sex-based misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator and
   all members of the College community (including students) are encouraged to report such
   incidents to the Title IX Coordinator.

2. Filing a Formal Complaint

   Any student who feels that they have been the victim (or complainant) of sex-based
   misconduct of any type by another student, an employee, or a third party may submit a formal
   written complaint to the:
   Title IX Coordinator (815) 921-4284,email: RVC-DeanofStudents@RockValleyCollege.edu
   located in the: Dean of Students Office, Main Campus, Student Center, 2nd Floor room 2130
   3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61114 
   Written complaints must be signed and, to the extent possible, should state in detail the time,
   place, pertinent facts, and circumstances of the alleged harassment along with any witnesses.
   Written complaints must also state the remedy or relief being sought.

3. Initiating a Complaint

   All complaints of sex-based misconduct are taken seriously and will be investigated
   promptly. The Title IX Coordinator, or their designee, will inform and seek consent from the
   complainant before beginning an investigation. If the complainant requests confidentiality
   (and/or insists that his or her name or other identifiable information not be disclosed to the
   alleged perpetrator, or respondent), the Title IX Coordinator, or their designee, will inform the
   complainant that the college’s ability to respond may be limited and that the college may be
   required to act regardless in the interest of the safety of the campus and community.
   The Title IX Coordinator or their designee will also inform the complainant that this policy
   prohibits retaliation, and the college will not only take steps to prevent retaliation, but also
   take strong responsive action if retaliation occurs. The Title IX Coordinator or their designee
   will inform the complainant that the college cannot ensure confidentiality.
      The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether the alleged violation of the college
   policy has occurred. In making this determination, the college uses the preponderance of
   evidence standard, i.e., whether it is more likely than not that the sex-based misconduct
   occurred.

4. Supportive Measures

   Once the Title IX coordinator or their designee receives the report and then communicates
   with the complainant, they will discuss supportive measures that the complainant may have
   access to, which includes but is not limited to the following examples:
   • Counseling and mental health support;
   • Extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments;
   • Leaves of absence;
   • Changes to academic, living, dining, transportation and/or working schedules or
   situations;
   • Increased security and monitoring of certain areas of campus;
   • Issuance and enforcement of mutual campus no contact orders; and
   • Enforcement of an order of protection or no contact order entered by a State civil or
   criminal court.

5. Grievance Process

   Once the complainant has spoken with the Title IX coordinator, if they choose to file a formal
   complaint, the college will start the grievance process in accordance with the Federal Title IX
   Formal Grievance Procedures. A formal complaint is a document filed by the complainant or
   signed by the Title IX Coordinator, alleging a Sex-Based Misconduct Violation and requesting
   the college to investigate. At the time of filing, the complainant must be participating in, or
   attempting to participate in the college’s programs or activities as a student or employee.
   Within 10 business days of signing a formal complaint, The Title IX Coordinator will provide
   written notice to all parties involved to inform them of the following information:
   • The Grievance Process
   • The Allegations
   • Acknowledgement that the respondent is not currently responsible, and a final
   determination is made at the conclusion of the process
   • Awareness that parties may have an advisor of their choice (can be an attorney,
   but doesn’t have to be)
   • Acknowledgement that parties may inspect and review directly related evidence
   that is part of the investigation
   • Review of the College Code of Conduct provision(s) that prohibit submitting
   false statements/information
   The college will provide written notice if they investigate allegations not included in the
   original written notice of allegations.

6. Informal Resolution:

   After the initial notice of allegations, both parties may agree to participate in the Informal
   Resolution Process. The Complainant and Respondent must provide voluntary written
   consent participate and may withdraw from this process at any time before a finalized signed
   agreement is reached. If one party withdraws from the informal resolution process, the
   college resumes the grievance process as a formal complaint. Informal Resolutions are not
   permitted for cases involving Sex-Based Misconduct by a college employee toward a student.

7. Consolidation/Dismissal of Formal Complaints:

   The Title IX Coordinator may consolidate related formal complaints that come from the same
   facts or circumstances.
   The Title IX Coordinator may dismiss an investigation if Title IX regulations are not applicable.
   If this occurs, the college will inform parties of this action and will give directives regarding
   other college policies and procedures that may be used to resolve the concern. A Title IX case
   may also be dismissed if the complainant requests in writing that the case be withdrawn,
   the respondent is no longer enrolled in and/or employed by the college or if specific
   circumstances prevent the college from gathering evidence needed for a determination.

8. Investigation of a Formal Complaint:

   The Title IX Coordinator will assign a trained investigator to investigate the complaint.
   They will gather evidence and witness information from each party. Both parties may be
   accompanied by an advisor of their choice, but the advisor’s role is limited to providing
   support, guidance, and conducting cross-examination during the live hearing. The advisor
   may not speak on behalf of the party during the meeting and must comply with the
   investigator’s rules and expectations. If these procedures are violated in any way, that advisor
   may be prohibited from further participation.
   Each party will receive a notice in writing with the date, time, location, participants and
   purpose of the investigative meeting. Three (3) Business days’ notice will be given to the
   parties by the investigator.
   At the end of the investigation, the investigator will send each party (and advisor, if relevant)
   the evidence collected in electronic format. The parties will have 10 days to submit a written
   response to the evidence for the investigator to consider before completing their report.
   After completing their report, the investigator will forward a copy to the Title IX coordinator.
   The Title IX Coordinator will schedule a hearing. At least 10 business days prior to the hearing,
   the Title IX Coordinator will Provide both parties with written notice of the hearing date, time,
   location, participants (including the name of the appointed Hearing Officer) and purpose of
   the hearing. They will also send to each party (and the party’s advisor, if any) the investigative
   report [in electronic format or hard copy] for their review and written response.

9. Hearings

   A hearing will be conducted by a Hearing Officer appointed by the college. Both parties will
   have the opportunity to request a substitution if the selected Hearing Officer poses a conflict
   of interest. A party wishing to request a substitution must contact the Title IX Coordinator
   within three (3) business days after the party’s receipt of the notice of hearing to make such a
   request.
   At the request of either party, the college will arrange for the live hearing to occur with the
   parties located in separate rooms, with technology enabling the Hearing Officer and parties
   to simultaneously see and hearing the party or witness answering questions. This request
   is made by contacting the Title IX Coordinator at least three (3) business days in advance
   of the hearing. The college may conduct any live hearing virtually, with the participants in
   one or more separate geographical locations, and with technology enabling participants
   simultaneously to see and hear each other.
   At the live hearing, each party’s advisor will be permitted to ask the other party and any
   witnesses all relevant questions and follow-up questions, including those challenging
   credibility. Such cross-examination will be conducted directly, orally, and in real time by the
   party’s advisor of choice and may never be conducted by a party personally.
   If a party does not have an advisor who is available to conduct cross-examination on behalf
   of that party at the live hearing, then the college will provide the party with an advisor of
   the college’s choice, free of charge, to conduct cross-examination on behalf of that party.
   To invoke this right, the party must notify the Title IX Coordinator at least three (3) business
   days in advance of the hearing that the party does not have an advisor to conduct
   cross-examination. A party who fails to notify the college that they do not have an advisor
   within the required three (3) business day timeframe will waive the right to request that an
   advisor be appointed.
   Only relevant questions, as determined by the Hearing Officer, may be asked of a party or
   witness. Questions and evidence about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior
   sexual behavior are not relevant and will not be permitted, except where:
   1. The questions and evidence about the complainant’s prior sexual behavior are offered
   to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the conduct alleged by
   the complainant; or
   2. The questions and evidence concern specific incidents of the complainant’s prior sexual
   behavior with respect to the respondent and are offered to prove consent.
   If a party or witness does not submit to cross-examination at the live hearing, either due to
   absence from the hearing or due to the party’s or witness’s refusal to answer
   cross-examination or other questions, the Hearing Officer will not rely on any statement
   of that party or witness in reaching a determination regarding responsibility; however,
   the Hearing Officer will not draw an inference about the determination regarding
   responsibility based solely on a party’s or witness’s absence from the live hearing or refusal
   to answer cross-examination or other questions.
   The college will make all evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly
   related to the allegations raised in the formal complaint available for the parties’ inspection
   and review during the hearing. In addition, the college will create an audio or audiovisual
   recording, or transcript, of the live hearing, which the Title IX Coordinator will make available
   to the parties for inspection and review upon request.

10. Determination Regarding Responsibility

    Within ten (10) business days after the conclusion of the hearing, the Hearing Officer will
    make a decision regarding responsibility. The Hearing Officer will apply a preponderance of
    the evidence standard when determining responsibility. Within seven (7) business days of
    reaching their decision, the Hearing Officer will issue a written determination to both parties
    simultaneously. The written determination will include:
    1. Identification of the allegations potentially constituting sexual harassment as defined
    in 34 C.F.R. § 106.30 (Title IX) and/or constituting sexual violence, domestic violence,
    dating violence or stalking pursuant to the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher
    Education Act;
    The new Title IX regulations require the college to provide parties with at least 10 days to
    submit a written response to the evidence, and they require the investigator to consider
    those responses before completing the report.
    2. A description of the procedural steps taken from the receipt of the formal complaint
    through the determination, including any notifications to the parties, interviews with
    parties and witnesses, site visits, methods used to gather other evidence, and hearings
    held;
    3. Findings of fact supporting the determination;
    4. Conclusions regarding the application of the College Code of Conduct or other conduct
    standards to the facts;
    5. A statement of, and rationale for, the result as to each allegation, including a
    determination regarding responsibility, any disciplinary sanctions the college imposes
    on the respondent, and whether remedies designed to restore or preserve equal
    access to the college’s education program or activity will be provided by the college to
    the complainant; and
    6. The procedures and permissible bases for the complainant and respondent to appeal.

11. Appeals

    Both parties will have the right to appeal any determination regarding responsibility, and any
    dismissal of a formal complaint or allegations therein, to the Vice President of Student Affairs
    or designee. An appeal must be based on one or more of the following grounds:
    1. A procedural irregularity occurred;
    2. New evidence or information exists that could affect the outcome of the matter;
    3. The Title IX Coordinator, Investigator or Hearing Officer had a conflict of interest or
    bias for or against complainants or respondents generally, or the individual complainant
    or respondent, that affected the outcome of the matter; and/or
    4. The sanction is disproportionate with the violation.
    A party who wishes to appeal a determination regarding responsibility or a dismissal of a
    formal complaint or allegations therein must submit a written appeal request to the Title IX
    Coordinator within seven (7) business days of the party’s receipt of the written determination
    or written dismissal notice. The written appeal request must identify the ground(s) on which
    the party seeks to appeal the determination or dismissal.
    Within seven (7) business days of the Title IX Coordinator’s receipt of an appeal request, the
    Title IX Coordinator will forward the appeal request to the Vice President of Student Affairs
    or designee and will notify the other party in writing that an appeal has been filed. Before
    reaching a determination regarding the appeal, the Vice President of Student Affairs will
    afford both parties an equal opportunity to submit a statement in support of, or challenging,
    the determination or responsibility or dismissal that is the subject of the appeal. Within
    seven (7) business days after the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee has concluded
    their review of the appeal, the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee will issue a written
    decision simultaneously to both parties, describing the outcome of the appeal and the
    rationale for the outcome. The Vice President of Student Affairs or designee’s decision
    is final.

12. Confidentiality

    The college will strive to protect the confidentiality of the parties and records to the extent
    permitted by law. However, the college cannot ensure confidentiality in every situation. The
    college will evaluate requests for confidentiality in the context of its responsibility to provide a
    safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students. Accordingly, the college may weigh
    the request for confidentiality against the following factors: the seriousness of the alleged
    harassment; the complainant’s age; whether there have been other harassment complaints
    about the same individual; and the alleged harasser’s rights to receive information about the
    allegations if the information is maintained by the school as an “education record” under the
    Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99.15.

13. Retaliation

    Retaliation means adverse action taken against a student because they have, in good
    faith, reported harassment or provided information in support of a harassment complaint.
    Retaliation violates the college’s policy and is also illegal. A person engaging in retaliatory
    conduct will be subject to corrective action, up to and including expulsion or termination.

14. Reprisal Against Alleged Harasser

    It is against this policy to take into account the filing of a complaint against an employee or
    a student when making determinations such as reappointment, tenure, promotion, grades,
    merit, or any other evaluation, unless a final determination has been made that the employee
    or student did in fact violate this policy. The fact that a complaint has been filed is not proof of
    the prohibited conduct and should not be treated as such.

15. False Claims

    Allegations of harassment are extremely damaging by their very nature. All claims of
    harassment must be made in good faith. Any claims that are brought while knowingly
    false, with malicious intent, or out of retaliation are a violation of this policy. Students who
    violate this policy will be disciplined and subjected to corrective actions, up to and including
    expulsion.

16. External Complaints

    While the college encourages individuals to use the college’s internal procedures to resolve
    harassment, discrimination or sexual violence concerns, students also have the right to file
    a complaint with various external agencies. They may file in addition to or in lieu of filing an
    internal campus complaint. Students may also file a criminal complaint with the RVC Police
    Department or the Rockford Police Department. No retaliation shall be taken against a
    student for filing an external complaint.

At any time during the course of the investigation, hearing, and/or appeal, students and
employees with questions about Title IX or those who believe they have been subjected to sexual
misconduct or retaliation may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR):

Chicago Office - Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Education
John C. Kluczynski Federal Building

230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor

Chicago, IL 60604

Phone: (312) 730-1560 | Fax: (312) 730-1576
Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov
OCR Website: https://www.ed.gov/

Sexual misconduct or retaliation based thereon in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, 42
U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., may file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) or
the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):

Illinois Department of Human Rights
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 10-100, Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 814-6200 | TTY: (866)740-3953
Website: www2.state.il.us/dhr

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 

Chicago District Office 

JCK Federal Building

230 S Dearborn Street (Suite 1866)

Chicago, Illinois 60604

Phone: (312) 872-9744

Website: https://www.eeoc.gov/field-office/chicago/location

Sexual and Intimate (Domestic) Violence Terms

Bystander Intervention: includes without limitation the act of challenging the social norms
that support, condone, or permit sexual discrimination, harassment and or misconduct including
domestic and dating violence, stalking. A bystander may observe an emergency or a situation that
looks like someone could use some help. They must then decide if they are comfortable stepping
in and offering assistance. A bystander may be a third party in receipt of information about an
incident that has already occurred, an actual witness to, and whom may or may not know the
impacted party.

Comprehensive Policy: the policy created and implemented by a higher education institution,
including Rock Valley College to address student allegations of sexual violence, domestic violence,
dating violence, and stalking.

Confidential Advisor: means a person who is employed or contracted by a higher education
institution to provide emergency and ongoing support to student survivors of sexual violence
with the training, duties, and responsibilities specific to addressing such concerns. Confidential
advisors receive 40 hours of training. The confidential advisor for Rock Valley College is Rockford
Sexual Assault Counseling (RSAC).

Confidential Communication: Confidentiality exists in the context of laws that protect certain
relationships, including with medical and clinical care providers, mental health providers,
licensed professional counselors, and ordained clergy, all of whom may engage in confidential
communications under Illinois law. In the event of imminent threat or danger, this confidential
communication may need to be shared to provide assistance for mental health, medical or
other services. Confidential resources employees (Counselors) are not required to report any
information about an incident to the Title IX Coordinator or others at the college without an
individual’s permission.

Consent: is freely given agreement to the act of sexual penetration or sexual conduct in question.
Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission by the survivor resulting from the use of force
or threat of force by the accused shall not constitute consent. A person’s manner of dress does
not constitute consent. A person’s consent to past sexual activity does not constitute consent to
future sexual activity. A person who initially consents to sexual penetration or sexual conduct is
not deemed to have consented to any sexual penetration or sexual conduct that occurs after he
or she withdraws consent during the course of that sexual penetration or sexual conduct. (See the
comprehensive policy for full definition.)

Dating Violence: is violence committed by a person:
1. who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the survivor;
and
2. where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the
length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between
the persons involved in the relationship.

Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence: involves a person knowingly, without
justification, causing bodily harm to any family or household member, or making physical contact
of an insulting or provoking nature with them. A family or household member includes spouses,
former spouses, parents, children, stepchildren, and other persons related by blood or by present
or prior marriage, persons who share or formerly shared a common dwelling, persons who have or
allegedly have a child(ren) in common, person who share or allegedly share a blood relationship
through a child, persons who have or have had a dating or engagement relationship, persons with
disabilities and their personal assistants, and caregivers as defined in Section 12-4.4a of the Illinois
Domestic Violence Code.

Immunity: Any student who reports, in good faith, an alleged violation of the Rock Valley College
comprehensive policy to a responsible employee, or other college official, so that the reporting
student will not receive a disciplinary sanction for a student conduct violation, such as underage
drinking, that is revealed in the course of such a report, unless the incident or action is determined
to be egregious, including without limitation an action that places the health or safety of any
other person at risk.

Private Communication: Privacy means that information related to a report of violations of the
policy or incident will be shared with a limited circle of college employees who “need to know” in
order to assist in the assessment, investigation, and resolution of the report. Professional staff may
share information without revealing any personally identifying information about an incident to
the college.

Responsible Employee: is someone who has the authority to redress sexual discrimination,
harassment or misconduct, who has the duty to report incidents of such or other student
misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority. They are required to
report to Title IX Coordinator.

Sex Discrimination: Discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender-related
identity. Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence.

Sexual Violence:
• refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will, or where a person is incapable
of giving consent. Consent must be given freely and voluntarily. It must be active and cannot
be passive; silence or an absence of resistance, does not imply consent. A person may not give
consent if they are unconscious, under the age of 17, incapacitated due to the use of alcohol or
drugs, or have an intellectual or other disability. Past consent does not imply future consent,
consent can be withdrawn at any time. Coercion, force, or threat of either; invalidates consent.
Examples of sexual violence includes; rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion.
All such acts are forms of sexual harassment covered under this policy.
• involves the use of force or threat of force to sexually touch or sexually penetrate the victim’s
body or forcing the victim to touch or penetrate the offender’s body. Threats of death or use of
a weapon increases the severity of criminal charges. According to Illinois law, sex crimes can be
prosecuted even if the victim knew the attacker; the victim did not fight back; the victim had
consensual sex with the attacker previously; or the victim was intoxicated or unconscious.

Stalking: is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that involves repeated (two or more
occasions) visual or physical proximity, nonconsensual communication, or verbal, written, or
implied threats, or a combination thereof, that would cause a reasonable person fear. Stalking
behaviors include defaming character, use of Internet and e-mail (cyberstalking) to harass and
spread rumors about an individual, damaging or threatening to damage one’s property and
following or lying in wait for an individual. Stalking is a crime under law in the state of Illinois.

Survivor: means a student who has experienced sexual violence, domestic violence, dating
violence, or stalking while enrolled at RVC.

Assistance for Survivors of Sexual or Interpersonal Violence

We take sexual misconduct seriously and provide support for on- and off-campus incidents. If
you have been the survivor of a sexual, domestic or stalking concern, we encourage you to report
it immediately to the appropriate campus official. The following protections and options are
available for you.

Reporting: You have several options for disclosing on- or off-campus
incidents: Title IX Coordinator, or their designee; RVC Personal & Success Counselor; Responsible
Employee (RE) or Campus Security Authority (CSA); Confidential Advocate/Advisor or RVC Police
Department. RE’s, CSA’s and RVC Police are obligated to report incidents of sexual and domestic
violence to the Title IX Coordinator. See the website and/or the comprehensive policy for each of
their individual roles and obligations.

Title IX Coordinator Role: provide assistance by discussing options available at the college
including: assistance with support services, confidentiality, college procedures, implementing
interim measures or administrative measures, option to involve law enforcement and providing
answers to questions or concerns.

Investigations: The Title IX Coordinator, or their designee, will provide investigation of campus
policy violations, if the student chooses. We will evaluate a survivors request of confidentiality
and choosing not to want to participate in the investigation. This may limit our ability to respond.
However, there may be times that we have to act in the best interest of the parties involved and/or
in the best interest of the college community.

Sanctions: Sanctions for students found responsible for sexual misconduct may range from
disciplinary warning or probation to suspension or expulsion from the college. Please visit the
website (RockValleyCollege.edu) for the 2019-2020 Title IX comprehensive policy for a full list of
sanction options.

Rock Valley College Police Department (RVCPD): The Chief of the Rock Valley College Police
Department, or their designee, will inform the survivor of their reporting obligations and the
survivor’s right to speak with the Title IX Coordinator in lieu of an RVC Police investigation and
offer resources. If warranted and appropriate, the Chief of Police or designee will complete a
campus report and explain to the student their options for pursuing the complaint through the
legal system. The Rock Valley College Police Department can also assist with the needed hospital
treatment (or other appropriate agency) and investigation of the complaint. It is important to have
prompt, thorough medical care after a sexual assault. The primary medical concerns are physical
injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy. At the time of the medical examination,
testing will also be done to collect evidence that can be used to prosecute the individual who
committed the assault. For this reason, sexual assault victims should not bathe or change their
clothing after an assault, because it could destroy evidence.

The RVC Police Department will notify college officials and will report the complaint to the Title
IX Coordinator for determination of the need for campus adjudication to take place regardless of
prosecution through the legal system.

Referral and Counseling: RVC provides referral to off campus resources and counseling
assistance on campus, as appropriate. Referrals can be provided by the Title IX Coordinator and/
or the RVC Personal and Success Counselor (located second floor of the Student Center Main
Campus). An RVC Counselor may provide confidential response to obtain resources, discuss
options and help navigate the process. For absolute privilege and confidential, advisor, a survivor
may contact Confidential Advocate/Advisor Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling.

Any case of sexual assault referred to the Title IX Coordinator will be investigated. Sanctions for
students found responsible of sexual assault may range from disciplinary warning or probation to
suspension or expulsion from the college.

A survivor may report directly to an RVC Personal and Success Counselor for immediate
confidential response to obtain resources, discuss options, and to help navigate the process.

Resources / Crisis Centers

Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling, Inc. (RSAC)

https://www.rockfordsexualassaultcounseling.org/

815-636-9811

RSAC 24/7 Crisis Hotline with Free and Confidential services for survivors of sexual assault and/or abuse. Serving Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties

Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA)

Additional sexual assault information and crisis center locations are available at https://icasa.org/

Phone number in Springfield, IL: (217) 753-4117

Remedies

https://www.remediesrenewinglives.org/

215 Easton Parkway, Rockford, IL 61108

24 hour Domestic Hotline (815) 962-6102

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

https://www.thehotline.org/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=domestic_violence

PO Box 90249 Austin, TX 78709

Phone 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

2.1.1 Get Connected. Get Help

Call 211 for help

https://www.211.org/