Reporting Options (Confidential and Nonconfidential Resources)

 

We have outlined our outreach and VAWA brochure here: included is a list of confidential and nonconfidential resources, information on evidence preservation, the difference between the criminal justice system and the student judicial process, and a simplified version of the student conduct process under Title IX. A hard copy is available upon request.

Introduction
MEMBERS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE COMMUNITY—students, employees, and guests—should expect to be free from sexual misconduct, behavior that is inherently abusive of the humanity that each of us brings to the campus community. Sexual misconduct is against University policy and will not be tolerated at St. Lawrence.
This guide explains the University's resources and options available for addressing sex-based harassment including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

When a person reports, they have options. They can 1) pursue healing options only that do not require reporting to the University, 2) do nothing until they are ready, 3) pursue University supportive measures, 4) a University informal resolution, 5) pursue a Formal Investigation and Adjudication, 6) initiate criminal proceedings, and/or 7) initiate a civil process against the accused. A reporting person can also explore a combination of options that best suits them.

When accused students are found to have violated this policy, proportionate sanctions will be imposed. This policy is intended to define community expectations and to establish a mechanism for determining when those expectations have been violated. The sexual orientation and/or gender identity of individuals engaging in sexual activity is not relevant to allegations under this policy.

“All members of the Laurentian community, including students, faculty, and staff, have a responsibility to ensure that our campus is a safe and inclusive environment. It is our collective responsibility to realize our shared commitment to a campus environment free from sexual violence and from all forms of discrimination.”
—PRESIDENT KATHRYN A. MORRIS

Reporting resources
If you wish to report confidentially: Your identity will not be revealed to University officials
On-Campus Confidential Resources
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Diana B. Torrey ’82 Health and Counseling Center (315-229-5392)
(for St. Lawrence University students only)
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The Chaplain (315-229-5256) (for St. Lawrence University students only)
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International Student Services Coordinator (Tsewang Lama, 315-229-5552) and Advisor (Megan Putney, 315-229-5141) (for St. Lawrence University students only)
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St. Lawrence University Advocates Program, www.stlawu.edu/advocates, (for students in the academic year only) (315-244-5466)
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Athletic Trainers
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Director of Wellness Education (Laura Lavoie), 315-229-5866 (for students only)
Off-Campus Confidential Resources
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Renewal House (3 Chapel Street, Canton) (315-379-9845) (for all)
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New York State Office of Victim Services (1-800- 247-8035) (for all); More information can be found at http://www.ovs.ny.gov/files/ovs_rights_of_cv_booklet.pdf,
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Reachout 24/7 Crisis Hotline (315-265-2422) (for all)
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Employee Assistance Program (800-327-2255) (for SLU employees)
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AIDS Community Resources (315-386-4493) (for all)
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Planned Parenthood of NNY (315-386-8821) (for all)
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Canton-Potsdam Hospital (315-265-3300) (for all)
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Claxton-Hepburn Mental Health Services (315-393-3600) (for all)
All other employees fall into one of two categories:
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Mandatory Reporter: All non-student employees and Community Assistants and Graduate Assistants are Mandatory Reporters. These employees must report information they hear directly or indirectly to the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will reach out to provide resources and options, but an impacted person can choose whether to respond, meet, or initiate a University process. Even St. Lawrence University offices and employees who cannot guarantee confidentiality will maintain your privacy to the greatest extent possible. The information you provide to a nonconfidential resource will be relayed only as necessary for the Title IX Coordinator to investigate and/or seek a resolution.
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Required Referrer: Include all student employees, other than CAs, GAs, and Advocates. These individuals will provide contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and information on how to make a Complaint.
If you wish to connect with the Title IX Coordinator or law enforcement directly
■ Lindsey Tropper (Cohen), Title IX Coordinator, and Sexual Wellness Educator, lcohen@stlawu.edu (315-229-5334), 302 Sullivan Student Center
■Law Enforcement Official Resources
You have the right to file a report with local law enforcement, the Canton Police department (386-4561 or 911)(or the New York State Police Sexual Assault Hotline (844) 845-7269. While you are not required to report instances of sexual misconduct to law enforcement, you are encouraged to do so.

Immediate safety and support
Go to a safe place as soon as you are able—your own room, a friend’s room, or anywhere you will feel safe. Safety and Security can assist in securing a safe room.
To discuss confidentially
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If you wish to maintain your confidentiality at this point, call a close friend, your roommate, or an Advocate (315-244-5466). Advocates are St. Lawrence University students committed to providing a safe and confidential resource for individuals in need of support and information around sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence and other personal violations. They are available 24/7.
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You can also contact a counselor. Counselors are confidential resources who can help you sort through your immediate needs, provide emotional support, and help you to connect with other emergency resources. All members of the counseling staff have training and experience with individuals in crisis. There is always a counselor on call through Safety and Security, (315-229-5555). Simply say “I need a counselor on call.” You don't need to disclose the nature of your emergency; provide a phone number at which you can be reached.
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An off-campus confidential resource, if you feel more comfortable talking to them is the Renewal House (315-229-5256). The St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House is an empowering resource for survivors and families of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Renewal House has a 24/7 hotline as well as resources in their center. Office hours are 8am-5pm. The Renewal House's services are free and confidential for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Renewal House can assist with providing information about preserving evidence, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and about sexual assault forensic examinations. Renewal House can also assist with initiating legal proceedings in family court and civil court, including obtaining an Order or Protection, understanding an Order of Protection, and explaining the consequences for violating an Order of Protection. They may also be able to facilitate safe housing.
Medical Attention
■ If you may be injured, and/or if you would like to collect possible evidence of an assault, you may seek medical care as soon as possible. We encourage you to get medical attention even if you do not want to have evidence collected. Confidential pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, and/or testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted illnesses for all genders are services available at Torrey Health Center.

Evidence Preservation
■ Preserving evidence can be critical to potential criminal prosecution to obtaining restraining/protective orders, and it is particularly time sensitive. While there should be no charge for a sexual assault forensic examination, commonly referred to as a “rape kit”, there may be a charge for medical or counseling services off campus and, in some cases, insurance may be billed for services. You are encouraged to let hospital personnel know if you do not want your insurance policyholder to be notified about your access to these services. The New York State Office of Victim Services (1-800-247-8035) may be able to assist in compensating victims/survivors for health care and counseling services, including emergency funds.

Evidence Preservation: for all types of sex-based harassment
■ Evidence in the form of text, voice, or social media messages can be lost, especially if the impacted person changes their phone number
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It is helpful to make a secondary recording of voice messages and take screenshots or video recordings of any text or social media messages (i.e. Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook).
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Save copies of emails and social media correspondences, including notifications related to account access alerts
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Document instances where requests for no contact have taken place and/or not been respected

Evidence Preservation: for instances of sexual assault
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Considering a SANE exam. Even if you are not sure about reporting your experience or pressing charges, you may wish to preserve the option of reporting later by having evidence collected. It is best to go for a SANE exam within 24 hours of an incident, but evidence can still be collected up to 120 hours after an incident.
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A sexual trauma exam (or "Rape Kit") is an option and should be done immediately following an experience of sexual trauma, because certain kinds of evidence collection, including rape drug testing, are time-sensitive. A sexual trauma exam is conducted by a SANE, or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, who is a professional with special training in working with individuals who may have experienced sexual trauma. A SANE can care for injuries, test for sexually transmitted infections and/or pregnancy, and collect evidence (if requested). You do not have to be certain that you were sexually assaulted to request a SANE exam or any other kind of medical or emotional care. A SANE exam rape kit must be done at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, which has the legal facilities necessary. SANE exams are free of charge. The evidence from a sexual trauma exam, however, is not processed by authorities unless criminal charges are filed with the police.
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Arranging to meet with a SANE. If you need to meet with a SANE while Torrey Health and Counseling Center is open, please call Torrey at 315-229-5392, and the staff will arrange to connect you with the SANE as soon as possible. If you need to meet with a SANE after hours, the SANE is generally on call and may be able to meet you at the Health Center. Campus Safety and Security staff will transport you to Canton-Potsdam hospital and will not require you to disclose the reason you are seeking medical care.
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Before a medical exam, try to preserve the evidence. Resist the urge to cleanse yourself before you seek treatment. It may be difficult to keep from washing yourself, but if you do you may destroy evidence that could be useful should you decide to report the experience. Do not wash, change clothes, eat, drink, smoke, brush your teeth, go to the bathroom, or brush your hair. Bring a change of clothing with you to the exam, since your clothes may be collected as evidence.

Our Process: Simplified
The University via its Title IX Coordinator can assist with a variety of resolution options.
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Supportive Measures only: Unless an imminent and serious threat to a reporting individual or the wider University community exists, an individual can decline to pursue University action and only seek supportive measures. A person could also choose only supportive measures, and, at a later point, pursue a University process. Examples of supportive measures include
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Facilitated access to counseling
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Academic support such as leeway in assignment deadlines or grace in class participation
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Educational programming for an organization
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No contact orders: No contact-orders involve the responding party (we call that person the “Respondent”). A no-contact order will prohibit your mutual contact. Neither party, nor anyone acting on their behalf, are to have avoidable contact with the other party. A no-contact order prohibits contact in person, by phone, email, text messaging, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, other social networking, or otherwise.
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Informal resolution: A reporting party may seek an informal resolution, where they outline terms they would like an accused person to follow. The accused, or the "Respondent" may agree to some, all, none of the terms, or propose alternative terms. The process is entirely voluntary, and either party or the University may terminate the process. No investigation is required under an informal resolution. Until an agreement is reached, a person can choose to pursue a Formal Investigation and Adjudication instead. Once an agreement has been reached by both parties, then the matter is considered closed.
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Formal Investigation and Adjudication: A reporting party may initiate a Formal Complaint and pursue an investigation. Investigator(s) will interview parties, witnesses, collect evidence, write an investigation report, and provide parties an opportunity to respond to the report. After the investigation, follow up meetings,  conference(s), or hearing(s) may take place to determine whether the accused is responsible or not responsible for a violation of the University's policy. These proceedings are student conduct proceedings, not criminal ones. Moreover, at any point in the process, you can withdraw your Formal Complaint. In some cases, based on the nature of the allegations, we may have to override a complaining party’s wishes under the factors set forth in our policy and may need to investigate to the best of our ability. In a situation where the University determines that an investigation must proceed, you have the option to participate in the investigation or not.
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Pursue criminal charges. You may choose to pursue a criminal case. Importantly, the criminal justice process utilizes different standards of proof and evidence (e.g. "beyond a reasonable doubt standard" compared to "preponderance of the evidence standard"). Therefore, questions about whether a specific incident violated the penal law should be addressed to law enforcement or to the district attorney. The Title IX Coordinator and/or Safety and Security can facilitate this conversation and/or report.

Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Can I report an incident to get access to resources only, without filing a Complaint/pursuing an investigation?
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A: Yes, individuals may only want supportive measures and the Title IX office will work to put supportive measures in place that best serve an impacted person's needs. In some circumstances, if there is a concern for a person's safety and/or the safety of the community, the Title IX Coordinator may need to sign a Formal Complaint for an investigation. Even in these circumstances, an impacted person will not be forced to participate in the investigation.
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Q: If I am involved in a case as either a Complainant or Respondent (person making a report or the person accused) will I need to work with a lawyer?
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A: Lawyers are not required in the process. Both Complainant(s) and Respondent(s)have the right to an advisor of their choice, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney.
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Q: Is there a time limit on reporting?
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A: No. There is no time limit on reporting. We understand that it may take time for somebody to report. If a Respondent has graduated, is no longer enrolled, or is no longer employed by the University, the University may be limited in its investigation and sanctioning ability.

Q: Will my parents or guardian be contacted about a report or Complaint?
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A: Unless someone is a minor or there is an emergency situation, no. Your parents or guardian will not be told, unless you tell them. The University's primary relationship is to you, the student. However, in the event of major medical, or disciplinary jeopardy, we strongly encourage students to speak with their parents/ guardian.
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Q: Will I get in trouble for drinking underage or using illegal drugs?
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A: No. New York State and the University provides an amnesty policy, which can be found on the bottom of the next page.
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Q: Can I make a Complaint and not reveal my identity to the Respondent?
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A: If you file a Complaint through the University process, the Respondent (person accused) has the right to know the complainant/ reporting person's identity in order to participate in the investigation. You will be informed about such notification to the Respondent before such notice is made.
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Q: What constitutes retaliation?
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A: Examples of retaliation include, but are not limited to: threats, intimidation, pressuring, social aggression, damage to property, abuse, violence, the sharing of private information in a manner intended to harm or embarrass another individual or in a manner that would recklessly do so regardless of intention, or maliciously interfering with an individual’s academic or professional career or reputation. Retaliation can occur through various modes, including in-person and electronic communication.
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Q: What do I do if I am accused of sexual misconduct?
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A: Do NOT contact the Complainant (reporting party). You may contact the Title IX Coordinator, who can explain St. Lawrence University's policy and procedures for addressing allegations. You may also wish to talk to a confidential counselor or identify an advisor to support you through the process.
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Q: What happens if I disclose an incident during a Public Awareness event, such as Take Back the Night?
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A: Information shared at public awareness or advocacy events like Take Back the Night, are not considered notice to the university. The University will nonetheless use information learned at these events to monitor patterns of behavior, but outside an imminent and serious threat to the health or safety of an individual of the community, information learned at these events will not result in a response from the University.
Information adapted from materials provided by the Association of Title IX Administrators

The health and safety of every student at the St. Lawrence University is of utmost importance. St. Lawrence University recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. The University strongly encourages students to report domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to institution officials. A bystander acting in good faith or a reporting individual acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to St. Lawrence University officials or law enforcement will not be subject to St. Lawrence University's code of conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.