Office of Non-Discrimination Initiatives

: Title IX/Sexual & Gender-Based Misconduct

Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct

The Springfield College mission calls our community “to educate the whole person in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.” To maintain an environment that is consistent with our mission and values, Springfield College (the “College”) is committed to the prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based misconduct which unreasonably interferes with the academic and professional experiences of any member of the Springfield College community. Consistent with this commitment, the College complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the College’s education programs and activities; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”), which prohibits sex discrimination in employment; as well as relevant and applicable state laws, including MGL Chapter 6, Section 168E, pertinent to preventing sexual violence and discrimination in education and employment. The College also complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”), as amended by provisions of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (“VAWRA”) and the Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024.

The Springfield College Sexual and Gender-based Misconduct Policy (“SGBM Policy”) prohibits acts of sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and retaliation as well as discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or pregnancy or related conditions (collectively referred to throughout this policy as “sexual and gender-based misconduct” or “SGBM”) in all College programs and activities. This policy applies to programs and activities such as recruitment, admissions, financial aid and scholarships, course offerings, athletics, employee hiring and retention, and employee benefits and leave policies.

Any individual can report a violation of this policy using this form.

  • Resources for Individuals Impacted by SGBM

    The College is committed to treating all individuals with dignity, care, and respect. Any individual affected by SGBM, whether as a complainant, a respondent, or a third party, will have access to support services through the College. The College recognizes that any individual involved in an incident of SGBM may have questions and we encourage College community members to seek the support of campus and community resources. The College can provide guidance in making decisions about resources, obtaining information about available resources, and assisting either party in the event that a complaint is pursued. Individuals are encouraged to use all available resources, regardless of whether the incident occurred recently or in the past.

    Sexual & Gender-based Misconduct Resources for Students

    Confidential Resource Advisor Info Sheet

    YWCA Victim Advocate Services on Campus

  • Resources for Responsible Employees

    The College recognizes that a student or employee may choose to report SGBM to any trusted employee of the College. For example, a student may choose to confide in a resident assistant, faculty member, or a coach, all of whom are considered responsible employees. Under this Policy, responsible employees must report the incident to the Title IX coordinator or a deputy Title IX coordinator. An employee may choose to confide in a supervisor, also considered a responsible employee. Under this Policy, any employee (who has not been designated as a confidential resource) who receives a report of SGBM must share the report with the Title IX coordinator or a deputy Title IX coordinator.

    All College employees, including faculty, staff, and administrators, except confidential resources, are identified as “responsible employees,” and have a responsibility for student and employee welfare. Responsible employees are required to share with the Title IX coordinator any report of SGBM and/or any information that could reasonably constitute SGBM they receive or of which they become aware. Failure of a responsible employee to report an incident of SGBM or retaliation of which they become aware will be reported to Human Resources for a disciplinary response.

    Some student employees may also be considered responsible employees and have the responsibility to report information regarding SGBM of which they become aware while acting in official capacities, including:

    • Resident assistants and community directors
    • Graduate fellows and associates

    All College community members, even those who are not obligated by this Policy, are strongly encouraged to report information regarding any incident of SGBM to the Title IX coordinator or a deputy Title IX coordinator. All information reported will be shared only with those College employees who will assist in the investigation and/or resolution of the complaint.

    All information reported will be shared only with those College employees who will assist in the investigation and/or resolution of the complaint.

    Responsible Employee Resource Sheet

Denim Day 2023

Protect the PRIDE through Bystander Intervention

While it is important to know that you are never responsible for the mental, emotional, or physical health of a person who has experienced sexual violence, often, the most valuable advice comes from a friend, roommate, parent, or community member that person knows and trusts. If someone you know in the Springfield College community has experienced sexual misconduct, we can help connect you to resources that you can share, as well as support you through the process.

To learn more about how you can make an impact as a bystander, please visit springfield.edu/inclusion/titleix/help-a-friend.