Title IX Rights, Options, and Supportive Measures

Albany State University is committed to maintaining an educational and working environment free from sex-based discrimination. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all University education programs and activities.

Title IX protections include, but are not limited to, matters involving:

  • Sexual harassment and sexual misconduct

  • Dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking

  • Pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy loss, lactation, and related medical conditions

  • Parenting status when sex-based discrimination or gender stereotypes affect access to education or employment

The University provides supportive measures and resolution options regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed.

Rights of the Parties

All individuals involved in a Title IX matter, including complainants and respondents, have the right to:

  • Be treated with respect, dignity, and sensitivity

  • A prompt, fair, equitable, and impartial process

  • Be informed of available supportive measures and resources

  • Receive written notice of meetings, interviews, hearings, and outcomes

  • Present information, including relevant evidence and witnesses

  • Review relevant evidence prior to a determination

  • Be accompanied by an advisor of their choice for support

  • Be free from retaliation, intimidation, threats, or coercion

  • Request recusal of any decision-maker or investigator based on bias or conflict of interest

  • Receive regular updates regarding the status of the matter

  • Preservation of privacy to the extent permitted by law

These rights apply to students, faculty, and staff involved in Title IX matters.

Supportive Measures

Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered to restore or preserve access to the University’s education programs and activities.

Supportive measures may be provided with or without the filing of a formal complaint.

Examples of supportive measures may include:

  • Academic adjustments or flexibility

  • Excused absences

  • Extensions of deadlines or rescheduled exams

  • Changes to class, work, or housing arrangements

  • Counseling or health referrals

  • Mutual restrictions on contact

  • Adjustments related to pregnancy, parenting, or lactation needs

Supportive measures are coordinated through the Office of Title IX and provided at no cost to the parties.

Pregnancy and Parenting Protections Under Title IX

Students and employees who are pregnant, parenting, or experiencing pregnancy-related conditions are entitled to reasonable adjustments to ensure equal access to education and employment.

These protections include, but are not limited to:

  • Excused absences for pregnancy-related medical needs

  • Reasonable academic or workplace adjustments

  • Lactation accommodations, including access to clean, private, non-bathroom spaces

  • Leave of absence with reinstatement to the same academic or employment status

Medical documentation may only be requested if required of all individuals with temporary medical conditions.

Reporting Options

Individuals may choose from several reporting options. Participation in one option does not preclude the use of another.

University Reporting

Reports may be made to the Office of Title IX. The Title IX Coordinator can explain options, supportive measures, and resolution processes. Click to submit a report to the ASU Title IX Office.

Privileged and Confidential Resources

Individuals may report to privileged or confidential employees, such as licensed counselors or healthcare professionals, without triggering a University investigation.

Law Enforcement

Individuals may choose to report to local law enforcement. The University process and criminal justice process are separate and may proceed simultaneously.

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Complaints may be filed with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights by calling (404) 974-9406 or emailing OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov.

Investigation and Resolution Process

When a formal complaint is filed, the University will conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation conducted by trained personnel.

Key elements of the process include:

  • Written notice of allegations

  • Opportunity for both parties to present evidence and witnesses

  • Review of relevant evidence prior to determination

  • Application of the preponderance of the evidence standard

  • Written determination issued simultaneously to both parties

Sanctions, if imposed, are based on the specific circumstances of the case and may range from educational interventions to suspension, termination, or expulsion.

Advisors

Both parties have the right to select an advisor of their choice to provide support throughout the process. Advisors may consult privately with their advisee but may not speak on behalf of the party unless permitted by policy.

Amnesty for Alcohol and Drug Use

Students who report sexual misconduct while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be eligible for amnesty from University alcohol or drug policy violations related to the incident. This policy is intended to encourage reporting and does not protect against criminal or civil liability.

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against any individual for reporting concerns, participating in a Title IX process, or supporting another individual is strictly prohibited. Allegations of retaliation will be addressed promptly.

Privacy and Confidentiality

The University will protect the privacy of all parties involved to the extent permitted by law. Information will be shared only with individuals who have a legitimate need to know.

Appeals

Where permitted by policy, parties may have the right to appeal a determination based on procedural irregularity, new evidence, or conflict of interest or bias.

For more information, please contact: Christina Kidd McNeese, Title IX Coordinator
at (229) 500-3302 or e-mail TitleIX@asurams.edu.