Title IX at PVCC: What you should know

With four more schools added to now more than 100 colleges and universities under investigation for the handling of sexual violence reports, students might be wondering where PVCC stands on being prepared to handle these and other types of incidents on campus.

      PVCC President Frank Friedman leads and manages 5,500 students and 182 full-time faculty and staff. PVCC’s Human Resources Manager, Jennifer Atkins says, “President Friedman takes everyone’s safety very seriously and is a strong supporter of Title IX.” All staff and faculty have been trained in Title IX during convocation in January 2015. More training and guidelines will be available by July 2015 and legislative changes are being closely followed. How it will be taught to all PVCC students is also being addressed.

Title IX is as important to PVCC’s campus as it is to every U.S. college campus. Its purpose is to create an environment where members of all genders can learn and participate in activities without discrimination or harassment. Found on PVCC’s website under College Policies, Title IX prohibits discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and retaliation and outlines procedures for how these types of allegations are reported and investigated.

Atkins, PVCC’s Title IX coordinator, wants students to know that these types of incidents can be reported to her verbally or, preferably, in writing — via an online form on PVCC’s website. The Title IX Coordinator along with the Title IX committee is responsible for overseeing the prompt, fair and impartial investigation of complaints filed with the college. Students or prospective students who believe they have witnessed or experienced discriminatory conditions or discriminatory acts inclusive of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, or sexual harassment should report their concerns to Atkins in person (Room 810-A) or email (jatkins@pvcc.edu) or by phone (434.961.6567). Title IX policy options are presented to the person reporting an incident at the first meeting. Subsequent meetings may include referrals to community services as necessary.

Use of alcohol or drugs should not deter reporting of an incident. Though PVCC does not condone underage drinking, the college’s primary focus will be on the reported allegation, not on alcohol and drug violations.

Title IX policies include specific guidelines about what to do immediately if anyone has experienced sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking. Writing down all  details or telling someone as soon as possible and not destroying any physical or electronic evidence are among the important recommendations listed. Anyone who wants to be proactive and prepared for incidents such as these should become familiar with all the procedures listed under section M. Sexual and Domestic Violence Procedures.

Though PVCC is smaller than larger colleges, it has an exemplary annual security report on its website under Department of Public Safety and Campus Police. Faculty, students and staff are encouraged to sign up for Text and Email alerts on the college website. Putting Campus Police contact numbers in cell phones is a wise choice. Office: 434.961.5319 and Officer: 434.981.6362.