Faculty and Staff Resources
Required Reporting
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act, signed in 1990, defines a“Campus Security Authority” as an official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student housing, student discipline and campus judicial proceedings. An official is defined as any person who has the authority and the duty to take action or respond to particular issues on behalf of the institution.
Additionally, the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University requires all employees (faculty and staff) to report knowledge they have regarding incidents of sexual misconduct, see Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy, Section VIII, B. Employee Reporting Obligations.
To report information about any incident of sexual misconduct, which includes sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, contact the Title IX Office at 320-363-5943.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the requirement to report incidents to the Title IX office?
- The primary purpose of the report is to be able to serve the complainant in the best capacity possible by allowing trained employees to offer support, accommodations, resources, and referrals. Reporting to the Title IX Office does not automatically activate a complaint process or obligate the complainant to participate in any process.
- CSB and/or SJU have a legal obligation to respond in a timely and appropriate manner.
- In most cases, any decisions about how to move forward with a formal complaint will be up to the complainant. There are instances where the institutions determine they must move forward without the complainant’s participation. For example, if the safety of other members of the community is at risk, CSB and/or SJU have a responsibility to act in pursuit of the overall safety of the community.
Are any employees exempt from that requirement?
Only specifically designated employees in the Well-Being Center are considered confidential resources and therefore are not required to report.
Are monastics required to report?
Members of the monastic community who hold positions within the College/University or serve a role within the institutions are required reporters. The only exception is for a priest providing the sacrament of confession in their official ministerial role. In this case, the information shared with the clergy member is protected by the seal of confession.
Are students required to report?
In general, students are not required reporters under Clery, Title IX or VAWA. Some students, who serve in positions with significant responsibility for student and campus activities, such as RAs, are required reporters. If a student hears of an incident of sexual misconduct while in their role as an employee of CSB and SJU, the student would be required to report the information to the Title IX office.
Can a student report information anonymously?
Yes, a student can file a report using the online reporting system without filling in their name. Please be aware that we will be limited in the follow-up and response that can be done without being able to identify the reporting party.
Do students get in trouble for alcohol and/or drug use that may be part of a sexual misconduct incident?
CSB and SJU strongly encourage students to report instances of Sexual Misconduct. Therefore, any student who makes a good faith report about Sexual Misconduct and/or who participates in a Complaint Resolution Process will not be disciplined by CSB or SJU for any violation of the institutions’ drug, alcohol, or open house policies in which they might have engaged in connection with the reported incident, except as outlined in the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy, Section VIII.H. Waiver of Drug, Alcohol or Open House Policy Violations. CSB or SJU may still require the individual to participate in educational or restorative action. In addition, a waiver may not be extended in instances where the conduct constituting a violation of the Institutions’ drug, alcohol, or open house policies causes harm to any individuals or where the conduct constitutes a felony crime. In such cases, the Institutions may still pursue disciplinary action for the alleged violation of the Institutions’ drug, alcohol, or open house policies.
Do CSB or SJU report sexual assault incidents to law enforcement?
No, the decision to report to law enforcement will be left up to the victim. The only exceptions would be for cases involving abuse of minors or for victims who are at risk of harming themselves or someone else.
If a faculty/staff is harmed by a student or another faculty/staff member, is it the same policy/procedure?
Yes, the same sexual misconduct policy and procedure applies to all students, staff, and faculty at CSB and SJU.
What if the perpetrator is not affiliated with CSB or SJU or is an alumnus of CSB or SJU but the victim is a part of the CSB and SJU community?
There would be limited actions that the institutions could take if the perpetrator is not an active member of the CSB or SJU community. You would still want to report the information to the Title IX Coordinator so that they can offer the victim on and off campus support and resources.
What if the victim/survivor is not affiliated with CSB or SJU?
If a non-member of the CSB or SJU community is harmed by a member of the CSB or SJU community, they are able to make a report to the Title IX Coordinator and participate in the complaint process.
What if the student coming to me is not the student who experienced the unwanted contact but a friend or acquaintance?
Your responsibility and roles remain the same. If the student does not disclose their friend’s name, encourage that student to give their friend information on the support and resources available to them. Encourage them to have their friend contact the Title IX Office at 320-363-5943 to talk about their options for reporting, support, and resources. Reporting to the Title IX Office does not automatically activate a complaint process or obligate the complainant to participate in the complaint process.
Does it matter if the student lives on or off campus? Does it matter if the incident happened on or off campus?
Since the primary reasons for reporting are to offer appropriate resources to the student and to help guide you on how to handle the situation, it does not matter where the student lives or where the incident happened.
What if a student shares something from long ago that did not happen while they were enrolled at CSB or SJU?
If a student is bringing up abuse that they have experienced in the past, they may be in need of resources or there may be other policies (such as the Child Protection Policy) that might apply. We encourage students who experience sexual misconduct to begin the complaint process as soon as possible following an alleged incident. We also understand that delayed reporting is very normal when an individual experiences abuse or assault. If a complaint is brought forward more than three (3) calendar years after an alleged incident, the Title IX Coordinator(s) or their designee(s), in their discretion, may decline to process a complaint under the sexual misconduct policy, but reserve the right to take other administrative action as appropriate, depending on the specific circumstances of the complaint. Complaints brought forward more than three (3) calendar years after the alleged incident will generally be addressed under the sexual misconduct procedures if the complaint involves a party who is still a member of our community.
Who do I contact if I have more questions about the sexual misconduct reporting requirement and process?
Title IX Office: 320-363-5943
What do I do if someone is not ready to fully disclose after I tell them I am a required reporter?
They have the right to not fully disclose. Share with them that you are obligated to report the information you do have and explain why (see What Is the Primary Purpose of the Report above). Encourage them to seek confidential support.
What if I am hearing rumors or talk of sexual misconduct happening to students?
You are not required to report rumors or talk; however, there are suggestions on how to handle these situations found here:
- Project EMBRACE Faculty Resources
Support and Prevention Resources:
- Bias and Hate Reporting
- Project EMBRACE
- CERTS
- Well-Being Center
- Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center
- Anna Marie’s Alliance
- Family-friendly Resources
How to Support a student
Providing Support to a Student Disclosure
Below is a list of simple things you can do to support a student who chooses to disclose to you. All the information below will help the student begin their healing journey in a healthy way.
Listen without judgement
Listening is one of the most important things you can do to support the student. Often, survivors fear being judged. Let them decide how much information to share with you, do not pressure them to share more details. You have an awesome opportunity allow them to begin their healing journey.
Validate how they are feeling
There are many possible feelings they may share, and all feelings are valid. There is no right or wrong way to feel. They may wonder if they are overreacting or may be confused by how they feel. Let them know any feeling is normal.
Believe what they are saying
Letting them know that you believe them is very important. Often, survivors fear no one will believe them. Victim-blaming contribute to this fear. Victims/survivors are never to blame for what happened and letting them know that will help them in their healing journey.
Thank them for sharing
It takes a lot of courage for someone to share a very personal experience. Let them know having the strength to share will be an asset to their healing journey.
Keep it confidential
Let them know you will not share their information with anyone else, other than to report as a required reporter (see – could link to “how to report” or flowsheet, and/or faculty resources to be developed for PE website). Disclosure is not an easy thing for survivors, and it is important that they can trust you to keep it confidential.
Discuss safety options
Ask the student if they feel safe. If safety is a concern, let them know there are resources to address safety. If the disclosure involves stalking or relationship violence, it is important that they talk with someone about safety planning. The Title IX office can offer safety planning support and resources.
Support their decision on how to proceed
Aside from your obligation as a required reporter, support them in making their own decisions related to filing a formal complaint, reporting to law enforcement, and/or seeking medical attention. This can allow them to take back the power they have lost from the incident.
Ask permission to follow up with them
After sharing with them your obligation to report to Title IX, if applicable, ask them if they would like you to follow up with them to check in on how they are doing. It can be validating to them when you let them know you take their disclosure seriously and care about their wellbeing.
Provide resources and information
There are several resources and options available to them. Refer them to the Title IX or Project EMBRACE website. The Title IX office will provide resources and information as well.
Take care of yourself
Supporting someone during a disclosure can be hard on you. There are resources available through Title IX, Project EMBRACE, and Human Resources. Utilize the supports so you can keep yourself healthy!
Additional tips on what to avoid
- Avoid unsolicited contact
- Avoid making comments about the alleged perpetrator
- Avoid sharing personal information
- Avoid asking too many questions
- Avoid making promises about the outcome
Examples of what you can say
- I believe you
- I am sorry this happened to you
- I can imagine this has been difficult
- It is not your fault
- How can I help you?
How to let them know you are a required reporter
It is very important to let the student know as soon as possible if you are a required reporter on campus. Here is an example of how you could share this:
“I apologize for interrupting, but I feel it is important for me to let you know that I am required to report your disclosure to the Title IX office. Our goal is to ensure you receive the support and resources you may need. There are confidential resources available, and I can share those with you, if you would like. You can choose how the Title IX office gets the information, you can contact them on your own, I could go with you to their office, or I can share it with them directly. As a part of my obligation as a required reporter, if you decide to go to their office on your own, I will have to follow up with them in about a week to make sure you met with them.”
For additional information: Project EMBRACE