Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 ("Title IX") prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. Sexual harassment, which includes sexual assault and other sexual misconduct, is a form of sex discrimination.
Under the College Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy, the College prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct including, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking and retaliation.
Title IX and the College's Policy also applies to acts of domestic or dating violence, also known as intimate partner domestic violence., stalking and retaliation, some of which may constitute prohibited conduct under Title IX. As a recipient of federal funds, St. Elizabeth College of Nursing complies with Title IX and has appointed Julie Wells-Tsiatsos, Dean of Students & Faculty, as its Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overall Title IX compliance, including oversight of the College's centralized review, investigation, and resolution process for matters arising under the College Sexual Misconduct Policy. Julie Wells-Tsiatsos can be reached on campus at 2215 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501, Room 109, via telephone (315) 801-3078, or via email jwells-tsiatsos@secon.edu.
Any student, employee or applicant for employment or admission to the College who believes that they have been discriminated against on the basis of sex, in violation of Title IX, or has been a victim of sexual misconduct under the College's Sexual Misconduct Policy, may file a complaint with the Title IX Coordinator identified above. The Title IX Coordinator is a College resource who can: discuss with Complainants and Respondents the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a formal complaint; consider the Complainant's and Respondent's wishes with respect to available supportive measures; explain to the Complainant the process for filing a formal complaint; and explain to the Respondent the process following the filing of a formal complaint. The Title IX Coordinator will assist the Complainant in identifying the appropriate College policy (with its grievance procedure) to resolve the complaint in a prompt and equitable manner. The Title IX Coordinator may consult with other College administrators, as needed, to resolve the complaint in the most effective manner.
In addition to contacting the Title IX Coordinator, any student, employee or applicant for employment or admission to the College who believes that they have been discriminated against on the basis of sex, in violation of Title IX, or has been a victim of sexual misconduct under the College's Sexual Misconduct Policy, may file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights.
- Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
- Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;
- Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure from the institution;
- Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
- Be treated with dignity and to receive from the institution courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
- Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
- Describe the incident to as few institutional representatives as practicable and not to be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident.
- Be protected from retaliation by the institution, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;
- Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
- Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process;
- Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the College.
Office of Civil Rights, New York Office
U. S. Department of Education
32 Old Slip, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10005-2500
Telephone: (646) 428-3800
Facsimile: (646) 428-3843
Email: OCR.NewYork@ed.gov
Title IX complaints may be made in person, over the phone, in writing or submitted via email to the contact information listed below.
Title IX Coordinator
Julie Wells-Tsiatsos, MSN, RNC-OB, MNN, C-EFM
Dean of Student & Faculty Development
Phone: (315) 801-3078
E-Mail: jwells-tsiatsos@secon.edu
The complete policy is located by clicking on the following link:
