8. Reporting - Making a Complaint - Confidentiality
Any person may report sex discrimination, sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, via telephone, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator having knowledge of a potential policy violation. The report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by phone, electronic mail, or by mail to:
Renee Field Hall, Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Associate Dean of Instruction
MACC Columbia – Room 115
601 Business Loop 70 West, Suite 216
Columbia, MO 65203
(660) 263-4100 ext.12160
reneef@macc.edu
A report (verbal, in writing, or otherwise communicated) of a potential violation of this policy does not always trigger an evaluation of the complaint which may result in an investigation. In the instance of a report, MACC will notify the complainant of their opportunity to file a complaint and explain the grievance process. MACC will also offer appropriate supportive measures.
A complaint (verbal, in writing, or otherwise communicated) of a potential violation of this policy does trigger an evaluation of the complaint which may result in an investigation. In the instance of a complaint, MACC will provide explanation of the grievance process and provide appropriate supportive measures.
Response to an allegation of sex discrimination, sexual misconduct or sexual harassment occurs upon MACC having knowledge of the allegation. The College will keep confidential the identity of complainants, respondents, and witnesses, except as may be permitted by FERPA, or as required by law, or as necessary to carry out a Title IX proceeding.
Responsible Employees (Mandated Reporters)
All MACC employees are considered responsible employees (i.e., mandated reporters), and as such are expected to promptly contact the Title IX Coordinator when they become aware of an incident of sexual misconduct, regardless of whether the recipient is an employee, a student, a volunteer, or a visitor to the College.
When an individual tells a responsible employee about an incident of sexual misconduct, the individual has the right to expect that the responsible employee will notify the Title IX Coordinator. To the extent possible, information reported to a responsible employee will be shared only with people responsible for handling the College’s response to the report.
Before an individual reveals any information about sexual misconduct to a responsible employee, the employee should ensure that the individual understands the employee’s reporting obligations, and, if the individual wants to maintain confidentiality, direct the individual to confidential resources. If the individual wants to tell the responsible employee what happened but also maintain confidentiality, the employee should tell the individual that they are required to report the details of the incident (including names of the individuals involved) to the Title IX Coordinator. In many instances, it may not be possible for the employee to explain their requirements to report prior to a disclosure. Failure to be able to explain reporting requirements does not change the employees mandate to disclose the information to the Title IX Coordinator.
The information reported to the Title IX Coordinator may also be used (without the victim’s name) to issue timely warnings, which are required by the Clery Act. If applicable, the incident must be reported in the Annual Security Report (anonymously, as a statistic), which is also mandated by the Clery Act.
Privileged and Confidential Communications
MACC encourages victims of sexual misconduct to talk about their experience so they get the support they need. Should an individual decide not to pursue the incident by criminal or institutional processes, an individual can and should contact a confidential source to seek guidance.
Professional licensed counselors and pastoral counselors as well as non-professional counselors and advocates who provide mental health counseling or services to members of the school community (and including those who act in that role under the supervision of a licensed counselor) are not required to report any information about an incident to the Title IX Coordinator without a victim’s permission. MACC does not offer on-site professional or pastoral counseling services; however, these confidential services are available off-site through the College’s Employee/Student Assistance Program or through community agencies, such as those identified in Section II of this policy.