How to Report an Incident

Individuals can report prohibited conduct to the Title IX Coordinator in-person, by phone, email, or mail using the following contact information:

Contact the Title IX Coordinator Directly

Michelle Walters, Title IX Coordinator
Email: titleixcoordinator@setonhill.edu
Phone: (724) 552-2923
Office Address: Performing Arts Center -G07 or Administration 314AA (by appointment)

Make a Report Online

Additionally, Seton Hill has established an online reporting system to receive complaints of sexual harassment and sexual violence, and the system has the option of reporting anonymously. If you would like to submit an online report, click here.

Other Ways to Report

Individuals can also report prohibited conduct in-person, by phone, email, or mail to investigators (listed previously) and other staff listed on the Resources Page. After business hours (5:00 pm – 8:00 am), the Resident Director on duty can be contacted at (724) 433-3942 and can receive and respond to reports, even if the individual(s) affected is not a resident of University housing. Individuals also have the right to file a complaint through the criminal justice system. 

Privacy throughout the Title IX Sexual Harassment and Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Grievance Process

Parties sometimes request confidentiality, or that no investigation or disciplinary action be pursued.  In such cases, the Title IX Coordinator will inform the person that honoring the request may limit Seton Hill’s ability to respond fully and that these policies and the law prohibit retaliation.  If the person still requests confidentiality, or that no investigation or disciplinary action be pursued, the Title IX Coordinator will determine whether or not Seton Hill can honor such a request while still providing a safe and nondiscriminatory environment.

Seton Hill will respect the privacy of participants involved in these processes by sharing information only with those who need to know the information, including information related to Supportive Measures. The privacy of student information is protected by Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), and these policies and processes should be interpreted consistent with FERPA. Official records regarding complaints filed will be securely and confidentially maintained by the Title IX Coordinator and only shared in accordance with these policies.  

Where a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment or Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Complaint is filed, during the process, names and evidence will be shared with the Parties, with some exceptions for privileged information, such as documents protected by medical and attorney-client privilege.  While Seton Hill encourages participants in these processes to consider privacy and confidentiality, Seton Hill does not restrict Parties from discussing the case or gathering evidence. With respect to the evidence that the University provides to the Parties and their advisors, Parties and their advisors may not photograph, disseminate or otherwise copy the evidence provided by SHU for their inspection and review.  The exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment does not constitute retaliation.  However, threatening to publicize or make evidence or a written determination public for the purpose of retaliation is strictly prohibited.

Reports will trigger a response by the Title IX Coordinator, including outreach and offering of Supportive Measures.  

Notification of Rights

Seton Hill University is committed to supporting victims of sexual misconduct regardless of whether a formal complaint or criminal charge is filed.

Supportive Measures

Supportive Measures are non-punitive, non-disciplinary, individualized services and measures provided without charge that may include (but are not limited to) separating the Parties, placing limitations on contact between the Parties, or providing alternative workplace, housing, co-curricular, extracurricular or academic arrangements where reasonable and feasible.  Supportive Measures are designed to restore equal access without unreasonably burdening the other Party and are available regardless of whether a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment or Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Complaint is filed.  Both Complainants and Respondents have the right to receive Supportive Measures. Failure to comply with the terms of Supportive Measures may be considered a separate violation of these policies. Supportive Measures may be put in place anytime after a report is made and does not require the filing of a Formal Complaint. 

If you are interested in pursuing Supportive Measures, reach out to the Title IX Coordinator. 

Accommodations

SHU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and support to qualified students, employees, or others with disabilities to ensure equal access to the Title IX Sexual Harassment or Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy processes. Students needing such accommodations or support should contact the University Office of Disability Services, who will review the request and, in consultation with the person requesting the accommodation and the Title IX Coordinator, determine which accommodations are appropriate and necessary for full participation in the process. Employees should contact University Human Resources to engage in the same process detailed above.

Protective Measures

Separate from the University Title IX Sexual Harassment or Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy processes, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides victims with the opportunity to obtain various types of protective orders through law enforcement, such as a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA), Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO), or Protection from Intimidation Order (PFI). For more information on these options, visit the Pennsylvania Office of Victim Services website.

 If an individual chooses to obtain one of these orders, the individual should submit it to SHU Campus Police who will keep the order on file and share it with local enforcement. SHU Campus Police reviews these orders regularly to track their expiration dates.

If an individual would like assistance in navigating these resources, please reach out to the Title IX Coordinator.