Title IX

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. It reads:

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX).

Title IX benefits both males and females in an effort to create gender equitable schools and universities. The law mandates that educational institutions maintain policies, procedures and programs that do not discriminate against anyone based on sex. Under the law, males and females are expected to receive fair and equitable treatment in all areas of public education including recruitment, admissions, programming and activities, course offerings and access, counseling, financial aid, employment assistance, facilities and housing, health and insurance benefits, marital and parental status, scholarships, sexual discrimination and athletics.

Troy University has a designated overall Title IX Coordinator and designated Title IX points of contact on each of the Alabama campuses. The University also has a Title IX committee that works in conjunction with the Coordinator in ensuring all aspects of the law are adhered to.

Title IX Staff/Committee

Title IX Coordinator

Grace Wagstaff
229 Trojan Center
Troy, AL 36082
334-808-6403
gwagstaff@troy.edu
titleixforms@troy.edu

Title IX Compliance

Herbert Reeves, Dean of Student Services
229 Trojan Center
Troy, AL 36082
334/670-3203
hreeves@troy.edu
titleixforms@troy.edu

Dothan Campus Title IX POC

Sandy Henry, Assoc. Dean of Student Svcs.
100 Malone Hall
Dothan, AL 36304
334/983-6556 ext. 1206
shenry@troy.edu

Montgomery Campus Title IX POC

Jim Smith, Assoc. Dean of Student Svcs.
Room 431 Whitley Hall
Montgomery, AL 36103
334/241-9532
jesmith@troy.edu

Phenix City Campus Title IX POC

Dwayne McClenton, Director, Student Success Center
318-B Riverfront Campus
Phenix City, AL
dmcclenton@troy.edu
334/448-5122

Title IX Committee

Grace Wagstaff, Coordinator
Herbert Reeves, Dean Of Student Services, Title IX Compliance
Shane Tatum, Assistant Dean of Student Services
Ashley English, Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources
Sandy Atkins, Deputy Director of Athletics for Internal Operations
Alison Hughes, Coordinator for Disability Services
Sandy Henry, Dothan Campus Point of Contact
Jim Smith, Montgomery Campus Point of Contact
Dwayne McClenton, Phenix City Point of Contact

Committee Responsibilities

The Title IX Coordinator and committee members are responsible for monitoring the University's policies in relation to Title IX law developments; implementation of grievance procedures, including notification, investigation and disposition of complaints; provision of educational materials and training for the campus community; conducting and/or coordinating investigations of complaints received pursuant to Title IX; ensuring a fair and neutral process for all parties; and monitoring all other aspects of the University's Title IX compliance related to sexual harassment and sexual violence.

It is important to preserve all evidence of sexual discrimination, especially if the description is also a criminal offense, such as sexual assault, sexual violence, stalking, domestic violence or dating violence.

Supervisors and staff members must recognize that their positions necessarily embody unequal power relationships with their subordinates and students. Because of the inherent power of differences in these relationships, the potential exists for the less powerful to perceive a coercive element in suggestions relative to activities outside those appropriate to the professional relationship. It is the responsibility of supervisors and staff members to behave in such a manner that their words or actions cannot reasonably be perceived as coercive.

Sexual Discrimination and Definitions

Troy University is committed to an environment for all faculty, staff, students and visitors that is free from sexual discrimination including sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence, stalking, domestic violence and dating violence. No form of sexual discrimination will be tolerated.

Definitions: The definitions below are simply provided as guidance for a person wishing to file a complaint. They are not all inclusive and all complaints will be reviewed by the Title IX Coordinator or a designee.

Bullying is an unacceptable habitual behavior in which coercion and intimidation are used to dominate others who are considered inferior or different. Bullying is typically not the fault of the victims as they are not usually the cause but the fault of the bullies who need to tear others down to feel superior.

Cyber Bullying shares every characteristic of the previously discussed bullying except that it is perpetrated through electronic technology and electronic communication. It usually involves threats, name calling. Harassment, humiliation, to name a few.

Dating violence is when someone you are seeing romantically harms you in some way, whether it is physically, sexually, emotionally, or all three. It can happen on a first date, or once you've fallen deeply in love. Dating violence is never your fault.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control through physical, sexual, or emotional abuse over another intimate partner.

Gender Discrimination is the unfair, biased and condescending treatment of people based on their gender. II stems from the society's assignment of roles based on whether one is male or female. This assignment presents the impression that these allocated roles cannot be swapped successfully between men and women. Hence, a gender is relegated to the background even when they possess characteristics that qualify them for roles the society has not assigned them.

Gender Inequity is closely related to gender discrimination except that when males and females are assigned same roles, one group is better compensated than the other not based on their performance but on their gender.

Harassment based on gender or gender identity is a form of sex discrimination. It occurs when one person harasses another person for reasons relating to their gender or the gender with which they identify.

Non-consensual sexual contact is any intentional sexual touching, however slight, with any body part or object by an individual upon another individual without consent. Intentional sexual contact includes contact with the breasts, buttocks, or groin, or touching another with any of these body parts; making another person touch any of these body parts; and any intentional bodily contact in a sexual manner.

Non-consensual sexual intercourse is sex between two parties where one person does not expressly agree to have sex.

Parenting and Pregnancy Discrimination prohibit discrimination on the basis of pregnancy and parental status-in educational programs and activities.

Rape is an aggravated sexual assault in which sexual intercourse or sexual penetration is achieved, in the presence or absence of coercion, without the victim's consent. Statutory rape occurs when the victim is not old enough to grant a legal consent to sexual relations.

Retaliation is any action taken against a person as a repercussion for speaking up against a cause or defending one that does not suit the interests of the persons taking the actions. Despite being frowned upon by the law, retaliation, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)," is the most frequently alleged basis of discrimination in the federal sector and the most common discrimination finding in federal sector cases."

Relationship Violence is the intentional, intimidating, and repetitive verbal, physical, emotional, and psychological abuse of an intimate partner by an intimate partner in order to gain total control or power over the relationship. Relationship violence is not always noticeable at the beginning of a relationship but can escalate with time.

Sexual Assault is any sexual contact or activity that occurs without the recipients willing and expressive consent. Often misunderstood, sexual assault is not narrowed down to just sex intercourse, but also to activities that suggest sex.

Sexual Harassment according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is "Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature." It could range from subtle looks to touch to expressive verbal communication.

Sexual Misconduct is the umbrella term for any misbehavior of a sexual nature. That includes the aforementioned sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Stalking is a compulsive, obsessive, usually irritating attention and monitoring by one or more persons. Under more serious situations, stalking could be a criminal offence of first or second degree depending on whether or not the victim is put in reasonable fear of death.

Pregnancy and Parenting

Troy University is obligated to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., Title IX is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and parental status—in educational programs and activities.

All public and private schools, school districts, colleges, and universities such as Troy University receiving any Federal funds (“schools”) must comply with Title IX.

Troy University is committed to create an environment that is accessible, welcoming and inclusive of pregnant and parenting students. Students may request reasonable accommodations as outline below for pregnancy and parenting. If you have any questions, please contact the campus Title IX Coordinator at the address or number below.

Below are some things you should know about your rights as outlined by the US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.

Classes and School Activities – Troy University MUST:

Allow you to continue participating in classes and extracurricular activities even though you are pregnant. This means that you can still participate in advanced placement and honors classes, school clubs, sports, honor societies, student leadership opportunities, and other activities, like after-school programs operated at the school.
- Allow you to choose whether you want to participate in special instructional programs or classes for pregnant students. You can participate if you want to, but your school cannot pressure you to do so. The alternative program must provide the same types of academic, extracurricular and enrichment opportunities as your school's regular program.
Allow you to participate in classes and extracurricular activities even though you are pregnant and not require you to submit a doctor's note unless your school requires a doctor's note from all students who have a physical or emotional condition requiring treatment by a doctor. Your school also must not require a doctor's note from you after you have been hospitalized for childbirth unless it requires a doctor's note from all students who have been hospitalized for other conditions.
Provide you with reasonable adjustments, like a larger desk, elevator access, or allowing you to make frequent trips to the restroom, when necessary because of your pregnancy.

Excused Absences and Medical Leave – Troy University MUST:

Excuse absences due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as your doctor says it is necessary.
Allow you to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before your medical leave began, which should include giving you the opportunity to make up any work missed while you were out.
Ensure that faculty members understand the Title IX requirements related to excused absences/medical leave. Your faculty may not refuse to allow you to submit work after a deadline you missed because of pregnancy or childbirth. If your teacher's grading is based in part on class participation or attendance and you missed class because of pregnancy or childbirth, you should be allowed to make up the participation or attendance credits you didn't have the chance to earn.
Provide pregnant students with the same special services it provides to students with temporary medical conditions. This includes homebound instruction/at-home tutoring /independent study.

Harassment – Troy University MUST:

Protect you from harassment based on sex, including harassment because of pregnancy or related conditions. Comments that could constitute prohibited harassment include making sexual comments or jokes about your pregnancy, calling you sexually charged names, spreading rumors about your sexual activity, and making sexual propositions or gestures, if the comments are sufficiently serious that it interferes with your ability to benefit from or participate in your school's program.

Policies and Procedures – Troy University MUST:

Have and distribute a policy against sex discrimination. It is recommended that the policy make clear that prohibited sex discrimination covers discrimination against pregnant and parenting students.
Adopt and publish grievance procedures for students to file complaints of sex discrimination, including discrimination related to pregnancy or parental status.
Identify at least one Title IX Coordinator and notify all students and employees of the name, title, and contact information of its Title IX Coordinator. These responsibilities include overseeing complaints of discrimination against pregnant and parenting students.

Helpful Tips for Pregnant and Parenting Students:

Ask your school for help—meet with your University's Title IX Coordinator or counselor regarding what your school can do to support you in continuing your education.
Keep notes about your pregnancy-related absences, any instances of harassment and your interactions with University officials about your pregnancy, and immediately report problems to your University's Title IX Coordinator, counselor, or other staff.
If you feel your school is discriminating against you because you are pregnant or parenting you may file a complaint:
- Using the University's internal Title IX grievance procedures.
- With the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), even if you have not filed a complaint with the University. If you file with OCR, make sure you do so within 180 days of when the discrimination took place.
- In court, even if you have not filed a complaint with the University or with OCR.
Some types of accommodations you may request include:
- Providing a larger desk
- Allowing breaks during class, as needed
- Permitting temporary parking
- Rescheduling tests and exams
- Excusing absences due to pregnancy or related conditions
- Submitting work after a deadline missed due to pregnancy or childbirth
- Providing alternatives to make up missed work
- Permitting a reasonable time for nursing and access to lactation spaces
- Allowing excused absences for parenting students (both male and female) who need to take their children to medical appointments or to take care of their sick children

Pregnant students will be allowed to make up any work missed due to medically necessary absences for pregnancy. Students will be offered acceptable arrangements to make up missed work. The student will not be required to complete make up work until the student's medically necessary absences for pregnancy are completed.

Contact the Title IX Coordinator or the OCR if you have any questions. We are here to help make sure all students, including pregnant and parenting students, have equal educational opportunities!

If you want to learn more about your rights, or if you believe that the University is violating Federal law, you may contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at (800) 421-3481 or ocr@ed.gov. If you wish to fill out a complaint form online, you may do so at: http://www.ed.gov/ocr/complaintintro.html or by contacting the University Title IX Coordinator, Grace Wagstaff at (334) 808-6403 or gwagstaff@troy.edu.

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights

Information for Students

How can I request pregnancy or parenting related accommodations?

Pregnant and parenting students should submit a request for accommodations by filling out the online form. Someone from the Title IX Office will contact you to discuss your pregnancy or parenting needs. You will need to submit supporting documentation (i.e. letter from your doctor) with your request for accommodations.

What types of accommodations can I request?

Students will be provided reasonable accommodations based upon their pregnancy and parenting related needs. Specific accommodations will vary from student to student. Some examples of accommodations may include:

Providing a larger desk.
Allowing breaks during class, as needed.
Permitting temporary faculty/staff parking.
Rescheduling tests or exams.
Excusing absences due to pregnancy or related conditions.
Submitting work after a deadline missed due to pregnancy or childbirth. *
Providing alternatives to make up missed work.
Permitting a reasonable time for nursing and access to lactation spaces.
Allowing excused absences for parenting students (both male and female) who need to take their children to medical appointments or to take care of their sick children.

*Pregnant students will be allowed to make up any work missed due to medically necessary absences for pregnancy. Students will be offered acceptable alternative arrangements to make up missed work. The student will not be required to complete make up work until the student's medically-necessary absences for pregnancy are completed.

Am I required to tell anyone about my pregnancy or parenting status?

Students are not required to inform anyone of their pregnancy or parenting status. However, Troy University aims to create an environment that encourages students to share this information with the Title IX Office, so that the University can provide the proper support and assistance

Can pregnant students be penalized for absences, if grades are based upon attendance?

A student may not be penalized for absences known to be due to pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical conditions. A professor cannot reduce a pregnant student's grade because of attendance or participation points that the student missed during excused absences due to her pregnancy-related conditions. The professor must give the student a reasonable opportunity to earn back the credit missed due to pregnancy.

Are there any designated areas on campus for mothers to address breastfeeding related needs?

No, but provisions will be made upon request.

How can I report harassment or discrimination due to pregnancy or parenting?

Troy University prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex. Pregnant or parenting students who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed because of a qualifying condition may file a complaint with the Title IX Coordinator by clicking on the link provided below to report a Title IX incident.

Title IX Pregnancy and Parenting Accomodations Form

Information for Faculty and Staff

What do I do if a student tells me they're pregnant?

Ask them if they need any accommodations, and if they have met with the Title IX Coordinator. If they have not, refer them to the Pregnancy and Parenting accommodation form located on the Title IX webpage.

What do I do if a student tells me they need to miss class due to a pregnancy?

We excuse all medically necessary absences for pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery. This includes doctor appointments. Via the Title IX Office, faculty members should excuse those absences deemed medically necessary by the appropriate medical professional. Students should be referred to the Title IX Office for the purpose of documenting medical needs.

Can I ask a student to prove they're pregnant or provide a doctor's note?

Faculty cannot ask for doctor's notes. Please refer the student to the Title IX office for documentation and support.

What do reasonable accommodations look like for a pregnant student?

Reasonable accommodations could be allowing frequent bathroom breaks, a larger desk or different chair if needed. The length of time needed for medically required absences can vary depending on the student's situation.

General Principles

Privacy and confidentiality: All activities under these grievance procedures shall be conducted with due regard for any legitimate privacy and reputational interests of those involved. It is expected that any materials and information prepared or acquired under these grievance procedures will be shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know. Disclosure of such information may also be made if it is permitted by law and the University Title IX Coordinator determines in his or her judgment: (1) that such disclosure is necessary to protect the health, safety, or well-being of members of the Troy community; or (2) that such disclosure advances the interests of those involved in the process and/or the University and outweighs the interest in confidentiality. While the University Title IX Coordinator will take into account any requests made by a complainant for confidentiality or that a Title IX grievance not be investigated, the University Title IX Coordinator must take appropriate steps to respond to the grievance consistent with the requirements of Title IX.

Retaliation: Retaliation against any person in the University community either for alleging discrimination prohibited by Title IX or for cooperating in these grievance procedures is strictly prohibited.

Standard of Evidence: The University Title IX Coordinator shall review allegations of discrimination prohibited by Title IX by applying a preponderance of the evidence standard.

Right of Appeal and Review of Disciplinary Proceedings: The University Title IX Coordinator does not make a determination on or review a disciplinary process's factual findings, conclusions, or imposed penalty. Any appeal rights in that regard which may exist are referenced in applicable student, faculty and staff policies and procedures. If a complainant wishes to appeal the decisions of the Title IX Coordinator or a University Conduct Board he/she may make a written appeal as outline in University policies and procedures.

Grievance Procedure

Complainants who are considering bringing a formal grievance may at any time meet with the University Title IX Coordinator, who will discuss the matter and describe the formal grievance process. Alternatively, a complainant may choose to submit a written grievance to the University Title IX Coordinator (including via use of the available Title IX grievance form).

A formal grievance process is initiated when a complainant submits a written statement alleging discrimination prohibited by Title IX to the University Title IX Coordinator. In the statement, the complainant is encouraged to request any relief sought from the University. Prompt submission of formal grievances is encouraged.

The University Title IX Coordinator will consider the written grievance, and may dismiss the grievance without further process or review if the University Title IX Coordinator determines that the grievance on its face is frivolous, not credible, clearly without merit, or outside the scope of these grievance procedures.

If the grievance is not dismissed, the University Title IX Coordinator will interview the individual who submitted the written statement. Depending on the circumstances, the University Title IX Coordinator also may interview others with relevant knowledge, review documentary materials, and take any other appropriate action to gather and consider information relevant to the grievance.

The University Title IX Coordinator will determine whether the complainant was excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination on the basis of sex under any University program or activity, using a preponderance of the evidence standard. The University Title IX Coordinator will consult with other University offices as necessary in reaching a decision regarding the written grievance. The University Title IX Coordinator will prepare a written report setting forth findings, conclusions, and actions to be taken, if any, and will determine with whom to share the report.

Following such review, the University's Title IX Coordinator will, as necessary, take appropriate action to ensure that the University comes into compliance with Title IX in a manner which is prompt and equitable to the complainant. For example, the University Title IX Coordinator may assure that appropriate changes to housing, academic programs or working conditions are implemented. While the action taken by the Title IX Coordinator may impact third parties, such action is not intended to be punitive (or constitute disciplinary penalty) with respect to these third parties.

The decision of the University Title IX Coordinator is the final resolution of the grievance, unless the individual who filed the grievances wish to appeal the decision through the appropriate University outlined appeal policies and procedures.

While the time it may take to investigate and resolve a Title IX grievance will depend on a variety of factors, including the nature and scope of the allegations, the University Title IX Coordinator will seek to resolve the grievance within 45 working days of receipt of the grievance. Throughout the process, the University Title IX Coordinator will, as appropriate, keep the participants informed of the status of the grievance process.

Reporting a Title IX Incident or Concerns

If you want to report discrimination, harassment, sexual assault or violence or incident of retaliation, and the alleged offender is:

an employee (faculty member, staff member, graduate assistant, or other student employee)
another student
a vendor, visitor or anyone else

Contact:

The Student Services Office in Troy
Trojan Center
334/670-3203

The Human Resources Office in Troy
University Park
334/670-3710

The designated Title IX POC for your campus

Any member of the Title IX Committee

The University Police on your respective campus.

If you wish to obtain information or ask questions about Title IX compliance:

Contact:

The Student Services Office in Troy
Trojan Center
334/670-3203

The Human Resources Office in Troy
University Park
334/670-3710

The designated Title IX POC for your campus

Obtain free and confidential counseling (including for sexual harassment, sexual violence or assault), advocacy, and support services and to learn more about reporting options:

Contact:

Student Counseling Center
113 College Drive
334/670-3700

Title IX Incident Report Form

Informal Resolution

In many instances, counseling, advice, or informal discussion may be useful in resolving concerns about allegations of discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Complainants who wish to resolve their concerns informally should bring them to the attention of the University Title IX Coordinator.

In working to resolve the matter, the University Title IX Coordinator ordinarily will interview the complainant and, as appropriate, others who may have knowledge of the facts underlying the grievance. At any point, including while the informal process is ongoing or afterward, the complainant may elect to end the informal process in favor of filing a formal grievance.

Although Troy welcomes informal resolution of grievances when appropriate, it will not use mediation between a complainant and alleged perpetrator or any other informal resolution mechanism to resolve grievances pertaining to non-consensual sexual contact or non-consensual sexual penetration, as defined by the University Policy on Sexual Misconduct.

2024 Title IX Committee Training

Husch Blackwell Title IX Training

Student Counseling Center

College is often an exciting but stressful time for students. It is not uncommon for problems to arise that may interfere with an individual's academic and personal success. Troy University provides free, confidential mental health counseling to students currently enrolled in at least 1 credit hour, on-site at Troy University's Troy campus. The staff at the counseling office has worked with many different types of issues that may arise while in college. Some of these issues include:

Family Problems
Adjusting to College Life
Stress
Anxiety
Trouble with Roommates or Friends
Anger Management
Sexual Assault
Relationship Problems
Substance Abuse
Mental Illness
Grief/Loss of Loved One
Eating Disorder
Sexuality Concerns
Domestic Violence

Other Resources

Troy University is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment where individuals are free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and retaliation (collectively “sexual misconduct”).

On this page you will find links and information on response resources available to the Troy University community. Additionally, you will find information about prevention at Troy University.

The following is a quick list of University and community counseling, mental health, reporting resources and services for victims of sexual misconduct.

Resource/Service	Phone Number
Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission	1 (800) 541-9388
Director of Student Involvement/Leadership	(334) 670-3204
Dean of Students	(334) 670-3203
Employee Assistance Program	(334) 670-3710
Human Resources	(334) 670-3710
East Central Mental Health	(334) 566-6022
Title IX	(334) 808-6403
Troy Regional Medical Center	(334) 670-5000
Troy University Counseling Center	(334) 670-3700
Troy University Police Department	(334) 670-3215
Troy University Student Health Center	(334) 670-3452
Troy University Adaptive Needs Program	(334) 670-3221

Report alarming/threatening behavior having the potential to negatively impact the Troy community and the alleged offender is anyone

If the situation is an emergency or presents an imminent threat, immediately call 911

More Title IX Information

General Principles

Privacy and confidentiality: All activities under these grievance procedures shall be conducted with due regard for any legitimate privacy and reputational interests of those involved. It is expected that any materials and information prepared or acquired under these grievance procedures will be shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know. Disclosure of such information may also be made if it is permitted by law and the University Title IX Coordinator determines in his or her judgment: (1) that such disclosure is necessary to protect the health, safety, or well-being of members of the Troy community; or (2) that such disclosure advances the interests of those involved in the process and/or the University and outweighs the interest in confidentiality. While the University Title IX Coordinator will take into account any requests made by a complainant for confidentiality or that a Title IX grievance not be investigated, the University Title IX Coordinator must take appropriate steps to respond to the grievance consistent with the requirements of Title IX.

Retaliation: Retaliation against any person in the University community either for alleging discrimination prohibited by Title IX or for cooperating in these grievance procedures is strictly prohibited.

Standard of Evidence: The University Title IX Coordinator shall review allegations of discrimination prohibited by Title IX by applying a preponderance of the evidence standard.

Right of Appeal and Review of Disciplinary Proceedings: The University Title IX Coordinator does not make a determination on or review a disciplinary process's factual findings, conclusions, or imposed penalty. Any appeal rights in that regard which may exist are referenced in applicable student, faculty and staff policies and procedures. If a complainant wishes to appeal the decisions of the Title IX Coordinator or a University Conduct Board he/she may make a written appeal as outline in University policies and procedures.

Procedures

Any Community Member who believes that he/she has been subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title IX, or that the University has failed to meet its Title IX obligations, may bring the concern to the attention of the University Title IX Coordinator. While the University Title IX Coordinator welcomes an informal presentation of such allegations, and is available to address concerns through counseling, advice, and informal resolution, the University Title IX Coordinator is fully prepared to receive and address such allegations through formal grievance procedures.

The University Title IX Coordinator has the authority to investigate allegations of discrimination prohibited by Title IX even absent the filing of a formal grievance, or its subsequent withdrawal. In addition, the University Title IX Coordinator may proceed with investigating a formal or informal grievance even if a complainant specifically requests that the matter not be pursued. In such a circumstance, the University Title IX Coordinator will take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the matter in a manner which is informed by the complainant's articulated concerns.

In most circumstances, the University Title IX Coordinator will coordinate his/her activities with other University offices charged with responsibilities for student, faculty and staff conduct and discipline and for enforcing the University's policies and procedures generally.

Informal Resolution

Grievance Procedures for Formal (i.e. Written) Grievances

Allegations of Student-on-Student Sexual Harassment and/or Discrimination

Regardless of whether student disciplinary proceedings or a criminal charge are pending or being investigated pertaining to an allegation of student sexual misconduct, and irrespective of their outcome, Troy University shall take steps to meet its responsibility to provide an environment where no member of its community is, on the basis of sex, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity. In addition to the procedures described above, the following additional procedures apply in allegations of student-on-student sexual harassment and/or discrimination.

The University Title IX Coordinator shall be available as a resource to any dean or other Troy faculty or staff member who receives an allegation of student-on-student sexual harassment and/or discrimination, and the University Title IX Coordinator shall be promptly informed of any such allegation.

As indicated above, following appropriate investigation and review, the University Title IX Coordinator or the campus Point of Contact shall determine and promptly implement any remedies that he/she believes are necessary to maintain an environment free from harassment and/or discrimination and to protect the safety and well-being of community members. Such remedies may include, but are not limited to, no-contact orders, academic accommodations, housing accommodations, counseling services, campus escorts, and educational or outreach initiatives. Adjustments to a student(s)' educational environment may be taken on an interim or permanent basis. Any adjustments in that regard would not be punitive, and, as such, would not appear on any student disciplinary record.

At any point during an informal or formal Title IX grievance procedure, the University Title IX Coordinator may, at his/her discretion, inform other University officials of the possibility that a violation of the University's Code of Conduct and/or disciplinary policies may have taken place.

These procedures do not replace the University's student disciplinary processes, including the appeal processes specified therein. While the University Title IX Coordinator will review grievance claims as to whether the University has fulfilled its obligations under Title IX, including whether student disciplinary processes were conducted in a manner free of discrimination, it is not the function of the University Title IX Coordinator to hear appeals from, rehear or otherwise resolve student discipline matters based on their content.