What will happen if I report an incident to the university?
By reporting the incident to the university, we can connect you to a number of support options available on campus including assistance with academic concerns, class schedules, financial aid, housing arrangements, transportation, and assistance in receiving health and counseling services. You are NOT required to provide additional information about the incident or participate in a university investigation in order to receive services. Our primary goal is to help, and we will always respect your decision to share, or not share, any aspect of your situation with us.
If you report information to a counselor in Counseling and Psychological Services or Counseling for Faculty and Staff, that employee does not have an obligation to report the information to the Title IX Coordinator. To provide accommodation(s) requested by an involved party, confidential employees may need to share limited information with those involved with implementing the accommodation(s).
When a Mandatory Referrer receives information about an incident, the Mandatory Referrer is required to share information with the Title IX or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. The university has a responsibility to respond based on the information provided and take action to prevent its reoccurrence.
If the person who subjected you to Title IX and Sex/Gender-Based Misconduct is not affiliated with Appalachian State University, the university’s response to the report of an incident will be focused primarily on providing services and accommodations to the Complainant and addressing any potential safety issues on campus.
If I tell the university what has happened to me and pursue a resolution process, will my friends, family, co-workers, professors, etc. find out?
As a university, we attempt to keep investigations as confidential as possible by only alerting those individuals who are involved in the investigation process or can provide resources to a party. Confidentiality depends on the involved parties interviewed as well. All parties are encouraged not to discuss the matter except with an investigator, case manager, counselor or other resources. We cannot prevent individuals from discussing the matter with others although it may affect the credibility of the involved parties if they choose to discuss the incident with others.
If I report to the university, will I be forced to press criminal charges if the conduct involves criminal conduct (example - non-consensual sexual activity)?
If you are over the age of 18 you have the right to choose if you want to participate in a criminal case. You will not be required to press criminal charges or speak with law enforcement if you don't want to. You will not be forced to cooperate with any criminal investigation.
Can I report anonymously?
Yes. If the university receives an anonymous report, we will work with the appropriate university officials on the most appropriate means to respond. While Appalachian will work to appropriately respond and remedy the alleged report anonymously, please be advised Appalachian's response may be limited.
What are my external reporting options for Title IX/Discrimination complaints?
The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR), is designated as an external reporting agency for the educational community and complaints related to Title IX or other forms of discrimination. However, you may also report to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
What will happen if I report to law enforcement?
If you want to report to law enforcement, an officer will come and meet with you and take a report. Based on your wishes, they may start an investigation that could include talking with any witnesses and the alleged offender. The police officer can also help plan for your safety and filing a report can help document the situation that can later be used if you decide to press charges. If you report to App State Police, they will notify and share your report with the Title IX Coordinator.
Reporting to law enforcement may initiate an investigation, arrest, and prosecution of the Respondent.