Reporting Procedures

Reporting Procedures for the University

Individuals are encouraged to report all sexual offense incidents immediately either to Security, the health center, the counseling center or the respective dean of students on their campus.  An incident report will be written and the dean of students or another designated University administrator will provide necessary assistance, information     on medical and counseling resources and information related to formal reporting procedures.  The victim may notify the Fordham Security department whether or   not he/she goes to the hospital for a rape examination. However, a hospital visit is necessary in order to collect evidence, through a rape examination, in the event that the victim decides to file criminal charges.  Personal information about the victim and records will remain confidential insofar as it does not interfere with the University’s right to investigate allegations of misconduct and take corrective action where appropriate.

Victims of a sexual offense(s) by another student(s) are encouraged to report the incident(s) and use the resources of the dean of students on the campus where the incident occurred or one of the administrators identified on the resource list in the back of this brochure.  An initial discussion will give the victim the opportunity to recount what has taken place and discuss how best to proceed.  The dean or administrator will review the University’s formal reporting procedures and possible sanctions, the formal reporting procedures of the local police agency and available medical and counseling resources. In addition, options for, and available assistance in,           changing academic and living situations can be discussed and provided if so requested, and such changes are reasonably available. It is at all times the victim’s decision whether to file a complaint or to continue with any form of resolution.  Confidentiality will be respected insofar as it does not interfere with the University’s right to investigate allegations of misconduct and take corrective action where appropriate.

If a victim elects to initiate a formal complaint against another student or group of           students, the information should be put in writing and filed with the dean of students. Such a complaint would be handled in accordance with the University judicial procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. The victim and the student against whom the complaint is lodged must represent themselves during the judicial process. However, a member of the student affairs staff (either male or female) can be assigned to both parties, if so desired, to act as a support person throughout the process. While this person may be present during individual interviews conducted by the dean of students, no active participation is permitted. Possible sanctions for persons found in violation of sexual offense policies range up to and include suspension and/        or expulsion from the University. Both the victim and the student against whom the complaint is lodged shall be informed of the final outcome of a judicial investigation alleging a sexual offense violation, which constitutes a violation of the University Code of Conduct. Please refer to the Student Handbook for more information regarding reporting procedures and the University judicial process.

It should be clearly understood that a victim of a sexual offense always has legal            recourse outside the University. If civil or criminal proceedings are filed, the University        reserves the right to conduct its own investigation and proceedings notwithstanding the status or resolution of any civil or criminal proceedings.