Notice to campus community on Title IX & sexual and interpersonal violence

February 21, 2018 - 10:54am

To all members of the SUNY Oswego campus community,

What is Title IX? How are sexual and interpersonal violence prevention, education and response administered at SUNY Oswego? What does the Title IX Coordinator do? How do you report a violation? What are your rights? How can you learn more or get involved?

Answers to these questions and more are offered below and provide all members of our campus community with important information regarding Title IX and the federal anti-discrimination law.  Additional information regarding sexual and interpersonal violence prevention education and response is located on SUNY Oswego’s Title IX website

What is Title IX?

Title IX is the federal anti-discrimination law that states: "No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal aid." (Title IX 1972 Education Amendments). Title IX bans sex discrimination throughout our college and campus community -- in all programs and activities including, but not limited to, academic and athletic programs, financial aid, student records, health and counseling services and residence life programs. Title IX also prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Our policy also includes the requirements of Article 129B (Enough is Enough), Clery Act and Violence Against Women Act related to sexual and interpersonal violence. Brief descriptions about related laws can be found on our definitions page. 


What does the Title IX Coordinator do? 

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for monitoring overall Title IX implementation for the institution and coordinating compliance within all areas and departments.  The Title IX Coordinator provides ongoing training, prevention programming, consultation, and technical assistance on Title IX (and related laws) for students and employees.  Title IX Investigators assist the Title IX Coordinator in responding to and investigating reports of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault/violence, stalking, dating violence and domestic violence. 


How do I report a violation? 

Contact the Title IX Coordinator, Lisa Evaneski at 315-312-5604 (private voicemail) or lisa.evaneski@oswego.edu (private e-mail).  You may also contact the police in the jurisdiction where it happened. Our webpage has additional reporting options, including confidential resources and anonymous reporting.  


What happens when a report is made?

Services are offered to the reporting individual and can include available medical services, counseling, and academic support services whether on or off-campus. In addition, the availability of orders of protection, no contact orders, and interim remedies, including options for and assistance with changing academic, living, transportation, and employment situations if requested and reasonably available.  


Where can I find 24 hour and confidential resources?

Services to Aid Families is the certified rape crisis and domestic/dating violence center in Oswego County.  The 24 hour confidential hotline is 315-342-1600.  SUNY has also developed a resource to help you find services all over New York and on our campus. Our website also has information about evidence preservation, what SAF advocates can do, and other resources.  


What are my rights?

Both reporting individual (victim/survivor) and accused/respondents rights are outlined in the full policy and the Students' Bill of Rights. You have the right to make a report to University Police, local law enforcement, and/or State Police or choose not to report; to report the incident to SUNY Oswego; to be protected by SUNY Oswego from retaliation for reporting an incident; and to receive assistance and resources from SUNY Oswego. Additional information is also included in the full policy and the Annual Fire and Security Report


How can I file a complaint? 

To file a complaint against a student, contact Student Conduct (conduct@oswego.edu) and refer to the Student Handbook. To file a complaint against an employee, contact Human Resources (hr@oswego.edu) and refer to the complaint procedure. To file a complaint against a third party, contact the Title IX Coordinator to get assistance in another jurisdiction.  Disciplinary procedures are fair, prompt and include impartial investigation and resolution.  This includes timely notice of meetings where the parties may be present, equal access to information and conducted by officials who receive annual training. Both the accused and victim are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during the institutional disciplinary process. Additional information about sanctions and protective measures are included in the policy.  


How can I get involved?

Our prevention education programs are outlined on the Title IX web page. Please fill out the interest form on that page if you would like to be contacted for upcoming volunteer opportunities and programs.  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LakerLife and Twitter @ItsOnOz where you can learn more about our It's On Us campaign, Escalation Workshops, #LoveBetter, Yards for Yeardley and other events throughout the year. 


How can I learn more?

Sign up for an informational session.  Student organization members and officers can choose from multiple programs and sign up there as well.  


Give us feedback

We'd like your opinion on how we can improve the effectiveness of our campus policies and procedures that address sexual and interpersonal violence. We encourage any member of the college community to share suggestions and/or feedback by making an appointment with Lisa Evaneski, Title IX Coordinator by calling 315-312-5604 or send your feedback via email: lisa.evaneski@oswego.edu.  You can also fill out our feedback form.