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Title IX/Sexual Misconduct
What is Title IX?
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 education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
As an equal opportunity educational institution and employer, Arcadia University is committed to providing learning, living and working environments that are free from discrimination on the basis of sex for students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors. The University provides guidance for students, faculty and staff according to Arcadia’s Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct.
Policies
- For incidents that occurred prior to 8/14/2020:
- For incidents that occurred after 8/14/2020:
Policy against Retaliation
University policy expressly prohibits retaliation against faculty, staff, or students who in good faith make reports of violations of this policy. In addition, knowingly and intentionally making a false report of a violation of this policy is prohibited. Members of the Arcadia community who take adverse action against someone who reports a violation of this policy, intimidates, threatens or otherwise engages in retaliation is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of their employment or expulsion from the University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concerning the Arcadia University Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct.
Read our Frequently Asked Questions
Rights of Complainants and Respondents
Persons who make a complaint and those who are responding to complaints have the following rights:
- The option to notify law enforcement;
- The option to have an advisor present during interviews that are part of a University-initiated investigation;
- To be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding;
- To be notified of counseling and support services available;
- To be notified of options to change academic, living, or work arrangements.
Where Can I Find Help?
The following campus resource offices also are available to assist members of Arcadia’s community and visitors to the campus and provide information regarding options for support and counseling as well as options for where to file a grievance or complaint. Regardless of where or when an incident of sexual misconduct occurred, there are people in place to inform any individual about the resources, supports and options available.
- Emergency Situations: Contact Public Safety and/or law enforcement if you are in any immediate danger.
- Arcadia University Department of Public Safety
Phone: 215-572-2999 or Extension 2999 from any campus phone - Cheltenham Township Police Department
Emergency: 911
Phone: 215-885-1600
Location: 8230 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027
Confidential Resources
While all individuals are encouraged to consider making a report to Arcadia and/or law enforcement, the University recognizes that an individual who has experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or stalking may choose to seek only confidential support and resources. Confidential resources will not share information with the University nor will speaking with a confidential resource trigger action by the University unless there is an immediate threat to self or others, or if a minor is involved. Those resources include the following:
Medical Attention
Abington Memorial Hospital
- Phone: 215-481-2000 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
- Location: 1200 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001
- Abington Memorial Hospital can conduct a medical exam through a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE). You are encouraged to bring a support person to accompany you during the exam. Public Safety is also available to transport you to a medical exam. A medical exam will treat any injury or trauma and address concerns about sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. If you choose to have a forensic medical exam, you should not bath, douche, brush your teeth or hair, drink, eat, change your clothing or wash your bedding to preserve evidence. If you need to change your clothing, you should place them in a paper bag.
Student Health Services
- Phone: 215-572-2966 or x2966 from any campus phone
- Location: Heinz Hall, Ground floor
- Medical staff hours (academic year business hours)
- Student Health Services (SHS) is staffed by certified nurse practitioners, part-time physicians and secretarial support. Students are assessed and treated for illness and injuries by nurse practitioners with physician consultation and referral when necessary. Sexual health information and/or counseling and birth control options are available through SHS.
- Emergencies are seen immediately during our hours of operation. After-hour emergencies or those which cannot be handled at Student Health Services are sent to area hospitals using private transportation or ambulance as necessary.
Counseling
Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, Inc.
- 24 hour Crisis Hotline: 888-521-0983
- VSC provides advocacy and counseling for all who have been affected by sexual violence and other crimes against the person.
Arcadia Counseling Services (academic year business hours)
- Phone: 215- 572-2967 or x2967 from any campus phone
- Counseling staff hours
- Emergencies are seen immediately during regular counseling hours. If a psychological emergency occurs outside of regular counseling hours, please contact Public Safety (x2999) who can connect you with resources and contact the Student Affairs Administrator on call.
Requests for Confidentiality
Conversations with the Title IX Coordinator and/or Deputies are kept as confidential as possible, but information about incidents of sexual misconduct must be shared with relevant administrators if the University needs to take action for reasons of community safety. In all cases, the wishes of the person initiating the conversation are given full consideration.