Sexual Assault and VAWA Crimes
Sexual assault is a significant concern on American college campuses, including Gardner-Webb University. In compliance with the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act, the University responds to all reports of dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. In compliance with Title IX, the University responds to all reports of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, nonconsensual sexual contact, non-consensual sexual intercourse, and sexual exploitation, in a prompt and unbiased manner. The Gardner-Webb University Police department, Dean of Students Office, Human Resources department, and Counseling Services are responsible for programs to prevent and to provide appropriate response to reports of sexual assault involving University community members.
Gardner-Webb University is dedicated to providing information and resources to the University community about sexual assault prevention and awareness, intimate partner violence prevention and awareness, stalking resources and prevention. The following programs are offered to all students enrolled at Gardner-Webb University.
During new student orientation, prior to the start of each semester, new students on the traditional campus are provided information about various in person and online resources that the University provides, to include who to report to and how.
Throughout the year the staff in Residence Education implements programs in the residence halls on healthy relationships, sexual harassment, and alcohol and drugs.
Title IX training included information on how and why to report, to whom to report, and discussions of case studies was provided to:
To help ensure that incidents of sexual violence, dating and domestic violence, and other forms of violence are promptly and correctly addressed for the safety of the Gardner-Webb community, Gardner-Webb University has policies in place that encourage those who become aware of such incidents to report them. To protect personal rights, the policies do not require the victims or survivors to report. The University also works to ensure that members of the Gardner-Webb community are aware of the need to report sexual assault and other crimes of violence to help increase campus safety. The Office of Christian Life and the Office of Counseling Services are confidential reporting resources who do not report any personally identifiable information or specific details, but report only the date/time, nature of the crime/prohibited behavior, and location. This information is necessary so that the University can be aware if there are particular patterns of crime/prohibited behavior which must be addressed (such as increased patrols at certain times or places).
Reports of prohibited conduct under the University Sexual Misconduct Policy may be made through the LiveSafe app or in person, by phone or email to:
Ms. Lesley VillaroseVice President of Student Development and Dean of StudentsInterim Title IX Coordinator and ADA CoordinatorTucker Student Center #243[email protected](704) 406-2081
Gardner-Webb University is committed to maintain a safe and healthy education and work environment in which no one is excluded from participation, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination or harassment in any University program or activity on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. Members of the Gardner-Webb community (students, staff, faculty, volunteers, vendors, and visitors) have the right to be free from sexual harassment and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner in accordance with this policy. Sexual harassment violates the dignity of individuals and will not be tolerated. The University seeks to eliminate sexual harassment through education and by encouraging everyone to report concerns or complaints, including third parties when the accused is a member of the University community. The University is committed to stopping sexual harassment, preventing its recurrence, eliminating any hostile environment, and remedying its discriminatory effects.
This policy applies to all allegations of sexual harassment that take place on University property or at University-sponsored events, including athletic events, and theatre, music, or other performances. The policy applies regardless of the medium used including, but not limited to: physical, verbal, visual, online/electronic/social media. This policy is not intended for, and will not be used to, infringe on academic freedom.
The University has a compelling obligation to address allegations and suspected instances of sexual harassment. The University may take actions it deems appropriate, including informing the accused individual(s) of the allegations and pursuing an investigation. The University’s disciplinary response may be limited if the accused is a visitor, other third-party, or is not subject to the University’s jurisdiction such as a student who is no longer enrolled or a former employee.
It is a violation of this policy for anyone to knowingly or with reckless disregard for the truth make false allegations of sexual harassment. Corrective action or sanctions may be imposed on individuals who do so. The absence of a finding of a policy violation is not equivalent to a false allegation.
Decisions affecting an individual’s employment or academic status, based on allegations of sexual harassment may be considered only if they have been addressed through a hearing under this policy/procedure, a court of law, or other legal administrative proceeding.
The University will:
Please access the full policy for detailed information on how the University achieves each of these steps, more complete information on resources and alternatives, and examples of prohibited conduct.
The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 requires colleges and universities to issue a statement informing the campus community where law enforcement information may be obtained concerning registered sex offenders. Sex offenders are required to register in a State and to provide notice of each higher education institution in that State, at which the person is employed, carries a vocation, or is a student. This registry, in North Carolina, is available via the internet and may be used only for the purposes of the administration of criminal justice, screening of current or prospective employees, volunteers or otherwise for the protection of the public in general and children in particular. Use of this information for the purpose of intimidating or harassing another is an unlawful, prohibited and a willful violation shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
