GCU Sexual Misconduct Policies

• All students can report instances of sexual misconduct for review through GCU.

• The claimant and respondent both have the opportunity to name witnesses and provide evidence.

• Both parties have the opportunity to review the investigative report and documentation materials from the investigation in the presence of the Title IX coordinator or designee.

• The claimant and respondent are both notified in writing as to the outcome of any investigation GCU conducts.

• You receive amnesty for minor student conduct violations (ex. alcohol or drug violations) in relation to the alleged incident when reporting or participating in a sexual misconduct investigation.

• All parties involved in the investigation can do so without fear of retaliation. Any instances of retaliation will be investigated and addressed by GCU.

• Campus counseling, medical, academic and spiritual services are available to all students.

• GCU assists students in reporting to local law enforcement if they request help.

• The claimant and respondent are entitled to an advisor or support person to be present at any point in the investigation.

Claimants may obtain assistance from GCU in order to feel safe and comfortable on campus. This includes, but is not limited to: no-contact orders; adjustments to academic, housing and work arrangements; and counseling. These services are offered regardless of if a formal investigation takes place.

The respondent also has the right to be informed of, and have access to, campus resources for medical, counseling and other services, as needed or requested.

GCU takes whatever measures necessary to create a safe environment for all students. During the course of the investigation and upon its completion, various measures may be taken by GCU in order to ensure the physical, mental and emotional well-being of students. You may request some of these measures be taken on your behalf, even if the university does not pursue a formal investigation; however, interim measures cannot be applied retroactively from the reporting date. These measures include, but are not limited to:

• Academic accommodations including, but not limited to:
  • Transferring to another section of a lecture or laboratory
  • Rescheduling an academic assignment or test
  • Accessing academic support (i.e. tutoring)
  • Arranging for incompletes, a leave of absence or withdrawal from campus
  • Preserving eligibility for academic, athletic or other scholarships, financial aid, internships, study abroad or foreign student visas
• Providing medical and mental health services, including counseling
• Arranging changes in campus housing and/or dining locations
• Providing assistance in finding alternative housing
• Assistance in arranging for alternative employment arrangements and/or changing work schedules
• A "no-contact" directive pending the outcome of an investigation. Such a directive serves as notice to both parties that they must not have verbal, electronic, written or third-party communication with one another.
• Providing an escort to ensure that you can move safely between school programs and activities
• Transportation accommodations or parking arrangements to ensure safety and access to other services
• Assistance identifying additional resources or assistance including off-campus and community advocacy, support and services
• In serious cases, an interim suspension may be considered in order to ensure overall campus safety

If you are in need of assistance, there are resources available to you outside of GCU. Any interactions with these community agencies remains confidential based upon their standards of privacy. Pursuing any of these resources in no way obligates you to pursue a formal investigation or otherwise act upon what happened.

If you find yourself in the position of being the initiator of sexual behavior, you owe sexual respect to your potential partner. These suggestions may help you to reduce your risk for being accused of sexual misconduct, which can impact your ability to continue in school, or result in a criminal record:

• Clearly communicate your intentions to your sexual partner and give them a chance to clearly relate their intentions to you.
• Understand and respect personal boundaries.
• Do not make assumptions about consent; about someone's sexual availability; about whether they are attracted to you; about how far you can go; or about whether they are physically and/or mentally able to consent. If there are any questions or ambiguity, then you do not have consent.
• Mixed messages from your partner are a clear indication that you should stop, defuse any sexual tension and communicate better. You may be misreading them. They may not have figured out how far they want to go with you yet. You must respect the timeline for sexual behaviors with which they are comfortable.
• Do not take advantage of someone's drunkenness or drugged state, even if they did it to themselves.
• Realize that your potential partner could be intimidated by you or fearful. You may have a power advantage simply because of your gender or size. Do not abuse that power.
• Understand that consent to some form of sexual behavior does not automatically imply consent to any other forms of sexual behavior.
• Silence and passivity cannot be interpreted as an indication of consent. Read your potential partner carefully, paying attention to verbal and non-verbal communication and body language.