Title IX

Title IX

Title IX

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, HARASSMENT & NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY & PROCEDURES*

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, HARASSMENT & NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY & PROCEDURES*

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, HARASSMENT & NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY & PROCEDURES*

Northwestern College is committed to providing a working, learning and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility and mutual respect in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. This policy refers to all forms of discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to: unfair treatment based on protected class, sexual and other harassment (including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), hazing and bullying, by other students, employees or third parties.

Every member of the Northwestern College community has the right to be safe, protected and supported. Discrimination, harassment and retaliation is contrary to the standards of the college community, as it violates an individual’s fundamental rights and dignity as a person made in the image of God.

Northwestern College is committed to providing a working, learning and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility and mutual respect in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. This policy refers to all forms of discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to: unfair treatment based on protected class, sexual and other harassment (including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), hazing and bullying, by other students, employees or third parties.

Every member of the Northwestern College community has the right to be safe, protected and supported. Discrimination, harassment and retaliation is contrary to the standards of the college community, as it violates an individual’s fundamental rights and dignity as a person made in the image of God.

Northwestern College is committed to providing a working, learning and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility and mutual respect in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. This policy refers to all forms of discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to: unfair treatment based on protected class, sexual and other harassment (including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), hazing and bullying, by other students, employees or third parties.

Every member of the Northwestern College community has the right to be safe, protected and supported. Discrimination, harassment and retaliation is contrary to the standards of the college community, as it violates an individual’s fundamental rights and dignity as a person made in the image of God.

*This policy and procedures will be reviewed at regular intervals by the Title IX coordinator. The college reserves the right to make changes to this policy as necessary, and once those changes are posted online, they are in effect.

*This policy and procedures will be reviewed at regular intervals by the Title IX coordinator. The college reserves the right to make changes to this policy as necessary, and once those changes are posted online, they are in effect.

*This policy and procedures will be reviewed at regular intervals by the Title IX coordinator. The college reserves the right to make changes to this policy as necessary, and once those changes are posted online, they are in effect.




Policy on nondiscrimination

Policy on nondiscrimination

Policy on nondiscrimination

Northwestern College adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law, in admission, access to, or employment in its programs and activities except as modified by the protections of Northwestern’s religious identity, beliefs and practices found in the First Amendment, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Title IX Religious Colleges Exemption, the Title VII Religious Employers Exemption, and other federal and state legal protections for religious freedom. Northwestern College complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Acts of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To ensure compliance with these and other federal and state civil rights laws, Northwestern College has developed policies and procedures that prohibit discrimination in all of its forms.

Northwestern College's Title IX Sexual Assault & Discrimination Policy

Northwestern College adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law, in admission, access to, or employment in its programs and activities except as modified by the protections of Northwestern’s religious identity, beliefs and practices found in the First Amendment, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Title IX Religious Colleges Exemption, the Title VII Religious Employers Exemption, and other federal and state legal protections for religious freedom. Northwestern College complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Acts of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To ensure compliance with these and other federal and state civil rights laws, Northwestern College has developed policies and procedures that prohibit discrimination in all of its forms.

Northwestern College's Title IX Sexual Assault & Discrimination Policy

Northwestern College adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law, in admission, access to, or employment in its programs and activities except as modified by the protections of Northwestern’s religious identity, beliefs and practices found in the First Amendment, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Title IX Religious Colleges Exemption, the Title VII Religious Employers Exemption, and other federal and state legal protections for religious freedom. Northwestern College complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Acts of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To ensure compliance with these and other federal and state civil rights laws, Northwestern College has developed policies and procedures that prohibit discrimination in all of its forms.

Northwestern College's Title IX Sexual Assault & Discrimination Policy




What to do if you experience sexual harassment or violence

What to do if you experience sexual harassment or violence

What to do if you experience sexual harassment or violence

If you are sexually assaulted or experience other violence, your first priority is to find a safe place. Next, seek medical attention; swift medical treatment is critical for protecting you from sexually transmitted diseases and preserving evidence. In Iowa, your medical exam and follow-up visits are free, even if you don’t report the assault to the police.

In the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault, you may not know whether you will eventually want to press charges. Taking care to preserve and collect evidence does not commit you to reporting anything. It’s important that you not shower, bathe, urinate, douche, smoke, brush your teeth or drink anything before going to the emergency room. It’s best if you don’t change your clothes, but if you do, the clothes you were wearing should be brought to the ER in a paper bag (not plastic). If you suspect you have been drugged, either refrain from urinating or urinate in a clean container and bring it with you to the ER. Leave the assault scene as is so you don’t inadvertently destroy evidence before you’ve had time to make a decision about reporting the assault.

Local Area Hospital: Orange City Area Hospital | 712-737-2000

We also recommend and encourage victims involved in such incidents to seek counseling and/or identify a support person. A support person plays an important role in providing personal encouragement to a victim in a crisis situation. Information regarding counseling options, both on campus and in the community, can be obtained from the Wellness Center (located in the Rowenhorst Student Center,) or the Student Life Office (Ramaker Center, 2nd floor).

Complainants may also contact the following:

  • Family Crisis Center | 800-382-5603
  • CAASA (Centers Against Abuse & Sexual Assault) | caasaonline.org | 877-362-4612
  • Iowa Victim Service Call Center | 800-770-1650 | survivorshelpline.org | text "IowaHelp" to 20121

If you are sexually assaulted or experience other violence, your first priority is to find a safe place. Next, seek medical attention; swift medical treatment is critical for protecting you from sexually transmitted diseases and preserving evidence. In Iowa, your medical exam and follow-up visits are free, even if you don’t report the assault to the police.

In the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault, you may not know whether you will eventually want to press charges. Taking care to preserve and collect evidence does not commit you to reporting anything. It’s important that you not shower, bathe, urinate, douche, smoke, brush your teeth or drink anything before going to the emergency room. It’s best if you don’t change your clothes, but if you do, the clothes you were wearing should be brought to the ER in a paper bag (not plastic). If you suspect you have been drugged, either refrain from urinating or urinate in a clean container and bring it with you to the ER. Leave the assault scene as is so you don’t inadvertently destroy evidence before you’ve had time to make a decision about reporting the assault.

Local Area Hospital: Orange City Area Hospital | 712-737-2000

We also recommend and encourage victims involved in such incidents to seek counseling and/or identify a support person. A support person plays an important role in providing personal encouragement to a victim in a crisis situation. Information regarding counseling options, both on campus and in the community, can be obtained from the Wellness Center (located in the Rowenhorst Student Center,) or the Student Life Office (Ramaker Center, 2nd floor).

Complainants may also contact the following:

  • Family Crisis Center | 800-382-5603
  • CAASA (Centers Against Abuse & Sexual Assault) | caasaonline.org | 877-362-4612
  • Iowa Victim Service Call Center | 800-770-1650 | survivorshelpline.org | text "IowaHelp" to 20121

If you are sexually assaulted or experience other violence, your first priority is to find a safe place. Next, seek medical attention; swift medical treatment is critical for protecting you from sexually transmitted diseases and preserving evidence. In Iowa, your medical exam and follow-up visits are free, even if you don’t report the assault to the police.

In the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault, you may not know whether you will eventually want to press charges. Taking care to preserve and collect evidence does not commit you to reporting anything. It’s important that you not shower, bathe, urinate, douche, smoke, brush your teeth or drink anything before going to the emergency room. It’s best if you don’t change your clothes, but if you do, the clothes you were wearing should be brought to the ER in a paper bag (not plastic). If you suspect you have been drugged, either refrain from urinating or urinate in a clean container and bring it with you to the ER. Leave the assault scene as is so you don’t inadvertently destroy evidence before you’ve had time to make a decision about reporting the assault.

Local Area Hospital: Orange City Area Hospital | 712-737-2000

We also recommend and encourage victims involved in such incidents to seek counseling and/or identify a support person. A support person plays an important role in providing personal encouragement to a victim in a crisis situation. Information regarding counseling options, both on campus and in the community, can be obtained from the Wellness Center (located in the Rowenhorst Student Center,) or the Student Life Office (Ramaker Center, 2nd floor).

Complainants may also contact the following:

  • Family Crisis Center | 800-382-5603
  • CAASA (Centers Against Abuse & Sexual Assault) | caasaonline.org | 877-362-4612
  • Iowa Victim Service Call Center | 800-770-1650 | survivorshelpline.org | text "IowaHelp" to 20121



Who do I tell?

Who do I tell?

Who do I tell?

Northwestern College encourages persons who have experienced any form of discrimination, harassment or retaliation to report the incident promptly, to seek all available assistance, and where appropriate, to report the incident to local law enforcement.

If you have experienced discrimination, harassment, sexual violence and/or retaliation, you should notify a Northwestern College employee (immediately in the case of sexual assault). You can tell any faculty or staff member—including your RD—and she or he will then notify the college's Title IX coordinator, deputy coordinator or an investigator that an incident has been reported. All college employees have a duty to report Title IX violations shared with them except those identified under "Confidential reporting" below. You can also make a report online through the Raider Reporting Center (you must be logged in to MyNWC to access the form).

Northwestern College encourages persons who have experienced any form of discrimination, harassment or retaliation to report the incident promptly, to seek all available assistance, and where appropriate, to report the incident to local law enforcement.

If you have experienced discrimination, harassment, sexual violence and/or retaliation, you should notify a Northwestern College employee (immediately in the case of sexual assault). You can tell any faculty or staff member—including your RD—and she or he will then notify the college's Title IX coordinator, deputy coordinator or an investigator that an incident has been reported. All college employees have a duty to report Title IX violations shared with them except those identified under "Confidential reporting" below. You can also make a report online through the Raider Reporting Center (you must be logged in to MyNWC to access the form).

Northwestern College encourages persons who have experienced any form of discrimination, harassment or retaliation to report the incident promptly, to seek all available assistance, and where appropriate, to report the incident to local law enforcement.

If you have experienced discrimination, harassment, sexual violence and/or retaliation, you should notify a Northwestern College employee (immediately in the case of sexual assault). You can tell any faculty or staff member—including your RD—and she or he will then notify the college's Title IX coordinator, deputy coordinator or an investigator that an incident has been reported. All college employees have a duty to report Title IX violations shared with them except those identified under "Confidential reporting" below. You can also make a report online through the Raider Reporting Center (you must be logged in to MyNWC to access the form).

TITLE IX COORDINATOR

Mindy Stichka
Director of Human Resources 
712-707-7223 (o)
515-783-4176 (m)

DEPUTY TITLE IX COORDINATOR
(in the event the coordinator acts as an investigator)

Andy Van Ommeren
Director of Campus Safety & Security 
712-707-7475 (o)
712-395-1077 (m)

TITLE IX INVESTIGATOR

Julie Elliott
Vice President for Student Life 
712-707-7204 (o)
484-318-9063 (m)

TITLE IX INVESTIGATOR

Marlon Haverdink
Dean of Residence Life
712-707-7205 (o)
712-454-0328 (m)

TITLE IX COORDINATOR

Mindy Stichka
Director of Human Resources 
712-707-7223 (o)
515-783-4176 (m)

DEPUTY TITLE IX COORDINATOR
(in the event the coordinator acts as an investigator)

Andy Van Ommeren
Director of Campus Safety & Security 
712-707-7475 (o)
712-395-1077 (m)

TITLE IX INVESTIGATOR

Julie Elliott
Vice President for Student Life 
712-707-7204 (o)
484-318-9063 (m)

TITLE IX INVESTIGATOR

Marlon Haverdink
Dean of Residence Life
712-707-7205 (o)
712-454-0328 (m)

TITLE IX COORDINATOR

Mindy Stichka
Director of Human Resources 
712-707-7223 (o)
515-783-4176 (m)

DEPUTY TITLE IX COORDINATOR
(in the event the coordinator acts as an investigator)

Andy Van Ommeren
Director of Campus Safety & Security 
712-707-7475 (o)
712-395-1077 (m)

TITLE IX INVESTIGATOR

Julie Elliott
Vice President for Student Life 
712-707-7204 (o)
484-318-9063 (m)

TITLE IX INVESTIGATOR

Marlon Haverdink
Dean of Residence Life
712-707-7205 (o)
712-454-0328 (m)




Confidential reporting

Confidential reporting

Confidential reporting

If you want to keep your incident confidential—or if you're unsure at first whether you want to keep your incident confidential—then you should report your incident to one of these campus employees who won't report your incident unless or until you want it reported:

If you want to keep your incident confidential—or if you're unsure at first whether you want to keep your incident confidential—then you should report your incident to one of these campus employees who won't report your incident unless or until you want it reported:

If you want to keep your incident confidential—or if you're unsure at first whether you want to keep your incident confidential—then you should report your incident to one of these campus employees who won't report your incident unless or until you want it reported:

NWC WELLNESS CENTER

Jenna Visser, Director of Counseling Services
On-campus therapists

NWC CAMPUS MINISTRIES

Rev. Kristin Brouwer, Director of Discipleship
Mark DeYounge, Vice President for Christian Formation
Patrick Hummel, Director of Missions

NWC WELLNESS CENTER

Jenna Visser, Director of Counseling Services
On-campus therapists

NWC CAMPUS MINISTRIES

Rev. Kristin Brouwer, Director of Discipleship
Mark DeYounge, Vice President for Christian Formation
Patrick Hummel, Director of Missions

NWC WELLNESS CENTER

Jenna Visser, Director of Counseling Services
On-campus therapists

NWC CAMPUS MINISTRIES

Rev. Kristin Brouwer, Director of Discipleship
Mark DeYounge, Vice President for Christian Formation
Patrick Hummel, Director of Missions

All of the above-listed individuals will maintain confidentiality when acting under the scope of their licensure, professional ethics and/or professional credentials, except in extreme cases of immediacy of threat or danger or abuse of a minor or individual with a disability, or when required to disclose by law or court order.

All of the above-listed individuals will maintain confidentiality when acting under the scope of their licensure, professional ethics and/or professional credentials, except in extreme cases of immediacy of threat or danger or abuse of a minor or individual with a disability, or when required to disclose by law or court order.

All of the above-listed individuals will maintain confidentiality when acting under the scope of their licensure, professional ethics and/or professional credentials, except in extreme cases of immediacy of threat or danger or abuse of a minor or individual with a disability, or when required to disclose by law or court order.




What will happen?

What will happen?

What will happen?

If you report an alleged Title IX violation, Northwestern College initiates a prompt initial assessment to determine the next steps the college needs to take.

Northwestern College will initiate at least one of three responses:

  1. Provide the complainant with assistance and support only, based on the complainant's request that the college not take action, where that request is not clearly unreasonable and/or consistent with the college's obligations under law;
  2. Determine the circumstances satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of Title IX at 34 CFR 106.45 and resolve the complaint under informal or formal "Process A" resolution procedures;
  3. Determine the circumstances do not satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of Title IX at 34 CFR 106.45 and dismiss the complaint under Title IX, but resolve the complaint under informal or formal "Process B" resolution procedures, or other policies and procedures, as applicable.

Specifically, Process No. 1 procedures apply only to qualifying allegations of sexual harassment under Title IX (including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, as defined below and in the policy) involving students, staff, administrators or faculty members. If they do not, they must or may be “dismissed” per the Title IX policy (found at the link above).

Jurisdiction/scope of Title IX is limited to:

  • Complainants engaged in a college educational program or activity (i.e. students, employees or applicants),
  • Alleged conduct that happened in the United States,
  • Alleged conduct that happened in a context that the college has substantial control over, and
  • Alleged conduct involving a respondent that the college has substantial control over, such as a student, employee or applicant.

If you report an alleged Title IX violation, Northwestern College initiates a prompt initial assessment to determine the next steps the college needs to take.

Northwestern College will initiate at least one of three responses:

  1. Provide the complainant with assistance and support only, based on the complainant's request that the college not take action, where that request is not clearly unreasonable and/or consistent with the college's obligations under law;
  2. Determine the circumstances satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of Title IX at 34 CFR 106.45 and resolve the complaint under informal or formal "Process A" resolution procedures;
  3. Determine the circumstances do not satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of Title IX at 34 CFR 106.45 and dismiss the complaint under Title IX, but resolve the complaint under informal or formal "Process B" resolution procedures, or other policies and procedures, as applicable.

Specifically, Process No. 1 procedures apply only to qualifying allegations of sexual harassment under Title IX (including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, as defined below and in the policy) involving students, staff, administrators or faculty members. If they do not, they must or may be “dismissed” per the Title IX policy (found at the link above).

Jurisdiction/scope of Title IX is limited to:

  • Complainants engaged in a college educational program or activity (i.e. students, employees or applicants),
  • Alleged conduct that happened in the United States,
  • Alleged conduct that happened in a context that the college has substantial control over, and
  • Alleged conduct involving a respondent that the college has substantial control over, such as a student, employee or applicant.

If you report an alleged Title IX violation, Northwestern College initiates a prompt initial assessment to determine the next steps the college needs to take.

Northwestern College will initiate at least one of three responses:

  1. Provide the complainant with assistance and support only, based on the complainant's request that the college not take action, where that request is not clearly unreasonable and/or consistent with the college's obligations under law;
  2. Determine the circumstances satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of Title IX at 34 CFR 106.45 and resolve the complaint under informal or formal "Process A" resolution procedures;
  3. Determine the circumstances do not satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of Title IX at 34 CFR 106.45 and dismiss the complaint under Title IX, but resolve the complaint under informal or formal "Process B" resolution procedures, or other policies and procedures, as applicable.

Specifically, Process No. 1 procedures apply only to qualifying allegations of sexual harassment under Title IX (including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, as defined below and in the policy) involving students, staff, administrators or faculty members. If they do not, they must or may be “dismissed” per the Title IX policy (found at the link above).

Jurisdiction/scope of Title IX is limited to:

  • Complainants engaged in a college educational program or activity (i.e. students, employees or applicants),
  • Alleged conduct that happened in the United States,
  • Alleged conduct that happened in a context that the college has substantial control over, and
  • Alleged conduct involving a respondent that the college has substantial control over, such as a student, employee or applicant.



Title IX definitions & examples

Title IX definitions & examples

Title IX definitions & examples

+
Discriminatory harassment
+
Sexual harassment
+
Sexual assault
+
Dating violence
+
Domestic violence
+
Stalking
+
Consent
+
Other prohibited offenses
+
Retaliation



Title IX training

Title IX training

Title IX training

Section 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(10)(i)(D) of Title IX requires institutions to make publicly available on their website materials used to train Title IX coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process. Links to materials for training sessions those individuals have attended are below. (Note that the materials may not be viewable while using Internet Explorer. We recommend viewing with a different browser.)

Section 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(10)(i)(D) of Title IX requires institutions to make publicly available on their website materials used to train Title IX coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process. Links to materials for training sessions those individuals have attended are below. (Note that the materials may not be viewable while using Internet Explorer. We recommend viewing with a different browser.)

Section 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(10)(i)(D) of Title IX requires institutions to make publicly available on their website materials used to train Title IX coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process. Links to materials for training sessions those individuals have attended are below. (Note that the materials may not be viewable while using Internet Explorer. We recommend viewing with a different browser.)