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POLICY ON
SEXUAL ASSAULT
The University of
West Alabama has and will continue an active program of education for its
students regarding the dangers of sexual assault.
These programs include seminars, educational programs and other
activities that are appropriate and effective.
The Office of Student Affairs, Greek Advisors, and the Director of
Student Life and Housing will supervise this program.
The University of
West Alabama Office of Student Affairs is the primary contact office for victims
of sexual assault. This office is
responsible for counseling of victims and keeping them appraised of the progress
and conclusions of any investigations, prosecutions, and decisions including
disciplinary matters.
Proceedings of
the University Student Conduct Committee will not be open to the public;
however, the findings of that committee, including circumstances surrounding
events and the decisions rendered in cases, will be available to interested
individuals and organizations, including the media.
Appropriate
confidentiality will be maintained in all sexual assault cases.
The Director of Student Affairs will be the primary agent for release of
Student Conduct Committee proceedings.
The University of
West Alabama expects all students to be knowledgeable of the Code of Conduct,
and they should be aware that they are expected to conform to that order.
The Code of
Student Conduct and Non-Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Procedures which
governs the conduct of students in non-academic matters has been approved by the
Board of Trustees of the University of West Alabama, which has the authority to
make the rules and regulations regarding the conduct of individuals while they
are enrolled at the University of West Alabama.
This Code is effective September 17, 1985, and any questions regarding
the Code should be directed to them through the Vice president for Student
Affairs.
By enrollment at
the University, a student neither relinquishes the rights nor escapes
responsibility for compliance with local, state and/or federal laws and
regulations. Additionally, the University has a responsibility to maintain a
campus environment conducive to its educational mission while protecting the
safety, health, and well being of all students and other persons on campus.
Students and organizations are thus obligated to abide by the rules and
policies promulgated by the University. Interference, injury or the intentional
attempt to injure or interfere with the personal or property rights of any
person, whether a student, another member of the University community, visitor,
or the University itself, is strictly prohibited by University disciplinary
policy.
The Code of
Student Conduct and Non-Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Procedures applies to
individual students as well as to formal and informal groups of students and
describes the duties of University officials and outlines the procedures to be
followed in the disciplining of students and organizations.
The code is applicable to behavior of students and organizations on and
off the University campus, which is determined to be incompatible with the
educational environment and mission of the University.
The right to proceed in accordance with this Code shall in no way be
affected by the filing of criminal or civil charges in any court by any person
or government entity against the accrued student or organization.
According to
statements listed in the Student Handbook and Faculty & Staff Handbook, in
the event of sexual assault on campus, the Campus Police Department should be
called immediately at 652-3688 or extension 3601.
If for any reason that extension cannot be reached promptly, the city
emergency number should be called by dialing 911 (9-9ll) if dialing from a
campus extension). The caller
should always clearly identify the specific nature and location of the assault
so that appropriate personnel and equipment can be sent to the scene as quickly
as possible.
In instances
where a sexual assault occurs in or around the residence halls, the residence
hall staff may also be contacted if this would be more prudent.
If the sexual assault occurs on campus, but outside the residence halls,
the Office of Student Affairs, 652-3581, Webb Hall, may be contacted.
Contacting any of these offices will ensure appropriate response and
notification of other authorities that should be appraised.
Students who have
been sexually assaulted will be immediately informed of their options to notify
proper law enforcement authorities that can assist them in their efforts.
The University of
West Alabama has an arrangement with West Alabama Mental Health Center through
which counseling services can be made available to students, faculty and staff
on an as-needed basis. Referrals
may be made to the mental health center, or they may be scheduled through the
Demopolis office of the mental heal center.
Students who wish
to make use of this service should contact Danny Buckalew at 652-3581 or Melanie
Roudkovski, at the Student Development Center, 652-3651.
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