Nota Bene: Title IX

On April 4, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights issued the "Dear Colleague Letter" to every institution of higher education defining our responsibilities under Title IX. Whether we are a member of the student body, faculty or staff, understanding our roles in matters involving Title IX is a priority for each of us.

On July 1, 2015, three Virginia Campus Sexual Assault Bills were signed into law by Virginia Governor, Terry McAuliffe. The laws include:

o Va. Code § 23-9.2:15. Reporting of acts of sexual violence (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title23/chapter1/section23-9.2:15/) requires responsible employees to report any information about an act of sexual violence to the Title IX coordinator “as soon as practicable” after addressing the victim’s immediate needs.

o Va. Code § 23-9.2:18. Academic transcripts; suspension, permanent dismissal, or withdraw from institution (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title23/chapter1/section23-9.2:18/) requires that academic transcripts indicate with “a prominent notation” if a student has been suspended or dismissed because of an offense involving sexual violence, or voluntarily withdraws from the college during an investigation of such an alleged offense. The notation shall be removed if the student has been found not to have committed an offense of sexual violence under VWC policy or completes the suspension, returns to the college and is in good standing.

o And finally, Va. Code § 23-234. Powers and duties; jurisdiction; mutual aid agreements; memoranda of understanding (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title23/chapter17/section23-234/) requires notification to the commonwealth’s attorney of a law enforcement investigation of a felony sexual assault occurring on campus, in a non-campus building or property, or on public property, within 48 hours of beginning an investigation.

 

Mandatory training related to Title IX is being provided to our campus community.

The following topics associated with Title IX are addressed:

1. What is Title IX?

2. Dear Colleague Letter

3. Sexual Misconduct Offenses

4. Reporting Incidents

5. New Virginia laws as of July 1, 2015

6. Q&A Session (Please contact one of our Title IX Coordinators provided below.)

Should you have any questions directly related to Title IX, you may contact:

Mrs. Karla Rasmussen

Director of Human Resources

Title IX Coordinator
757-455-3316

krasmussen@vwc.edu

Mrs. McCarren Caputa

Associate Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life

Deputy Title IX Coordinator
757-233-8709

mcaputa@vwc.edu

Mr. Jason Seward

Dean of Freshmen & Director of the Jane P. Batten Student Center

Deputy Title IX Coordinator
757-455-2124

jseward@vwc.edu