Title IX Website Launched After Interim Policy Reforms Announced
Administrative staff launched the Title IX website this week to reflect the new interim procedures regarding sexual misconduct, gender-based violence, relationship violence, and stalking policy.
The new website contains the full set of interim procedures, a schedule for training opportunities on campus, a comprehensive list of definitions related to Title IX issues, and a complete list of reporting options including the newest and most technologically advanced option: completing an online form.
“The whole purpose is that we are becoming more of a technologically savvy society, so we want to put more things online so the students can access it,” Title IX Coordinator Emily Caputo said in an October 23rd interview.
Caputo is most excited about the online reporting form because of its accessibility. “People are by their computers more, so it’s something they can do on their own time and when they’re ready,” she commented. “Before, you had to come in. You could send an email, but then you would have to come into the office for a follow up meeting.”
The online form allows students, professors, and staff alike to report happenings without attaching their names to it. This allows victims and survivors anonymity if they want it, but it also gives the opportunity for faculty and staff to report anything that has been divulged to them.
The goal of this, according to Caputo, is to increase report rates. “I have said since I got here that we needed to get the students more comfortable with reporting,” Caputo said. “I think this online form is going to be a big step for that.”
This form can be accessed by selecting the ‘Report an Incident’ tab on the website and scrolling to the bottom of that page. This page informs victims of all of their reporting options. The link is contained in a hyperlink under the heading ‘Anonymous Reporting.’ The link for the online reporting form can also be accessed under the ‘Policies and Forms’ tab.
The ‘Get Help’ tab on the site leads the user to a list of contact information for services both on and off campus to assist victims of gender based violence and other Title IX issues. The on-campus services include the Title IX office, the Counseling and Psychological Services Center, Brady Health, and the United Campus Ministry. Off-campus resources include the Family Crisis Resource Center, the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center, the Maryland Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, and National Hotlines for both sexual assault and domestic violence.
“It’s my hope this website proves valuable to anyone seeking information and support. Information can be empowering and I hope this new site helps to further efforts for sexual violence prevention for our community,” April Baer commented. Baer is the Deputy Title IX Coordinator and was one of the candidates for the full position.
“Frostburg State values the safety and wellbeing of all students, faculty, and staff,” Baer continued. “Through this new site and our interim policies and procedures, we can better communicate expectations for behavior and the wealth of resources provided within our campus community. I’m so appreciative that Ms. Caputo has worked so diligently to ensure this information is accessible and widely available to a variety of audiences. Most importantly, Ms. Caputo has helped to synergize existing efforts, programs, and resources to maximize the services available to the University community.”
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