Faculty and Staff
Reporting Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Concerns
Employee Reporting Responsibilities
Concordia University, Nebraska is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive learning and working environment. Faculty, staff, and designated student employees play an important role in identifying and reporting concerns involving sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and other forms of sex discrimination.
Under university policy, faculty, staff and designated student employees, including Resident Assistants (RAs), are required to promptly report known or suspected sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator, except when acting in a role specifically recognized as confidential under applicable law and university policy. Employees should not attempt to determine whether reported conduct constitutes a Title IX violation before making a report. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for assessing the information and determining appropriate next steps.
What to Do When Someone Discloses Sexual Misconduct
If a student, employee or other individual begins sharing information about possible sexual misconduct, employees should:
- Explain reporting responsibilities. When possible, inform the individual that you are required to share certain information with the Title IX Coordinator and cannot promise confidentiality.
- Listen and respond respectfully. Allow the individual to share what they feel comfortable disclosing without pressuring them for additional details.
- Address immediate safety concerns. If someone is in immediate danger or requires emergency medical assistance, call 911.
- Report promptly. Share the information received with the Title IX Coordinator in accordance with university policy.
- Respect privacy. Do not discuss the report with individuals who do not have an appropriate need to know.
- Provide resource information. Inform the individual that confidential counseling, pastoral support and other resources may be available.
Employees should not conduct their own investigations, interview witnesses or attempt to determine whether misconduct occurred unless specifically authorized as part of their university responsibilities.
What Happens After a Report?
Receiving a report does not automatically initiate a formal Title IX investigation. The Title IX Coordinator will assess the information, determine the appropriate response under applicable university policies and law and, when appropriate, contact the individual affected to explain available supportive measures and reporting options. Supportive measures may be available without filing a formal complaint. The university prohibits retaliation against individuals who report concerns, participate in applicable university proceedings, or exercise rights protected by Title IX.
Privacy and Confidential Resources
The university respects the privacy of individuals involved in reports of sexual misconduct. Information will be shared only as appropriate to respond to the concern, provide assistance, comply with applicable law or carry out university procedures. Privacy is not the same as confidentiality. Certain university professionals, including designated mental health counselors and clergy acting within qualifying confidential roles, may be able to provide confidential assistance, subject to applicable law and professional obligations. Employees should refer individuals seeking confidential assistance to the university's designated Confidential Resources webpage.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Some university employees are also designated Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act. CSAs have additional responsibilities to promptly report certain crimes to the university's designated Clery Act reporting office, consistent with institutional procedures. Title IX reporting and Clery Act reporting are separate responsibilities. An employee may be required to report information under both processes. Employees designated as CSAs should follow the university's established Clery Act reporting procedures.
Additional Resources
Title IX Coordinator
Director of Campus Safety and Security, Title IX Coordinator