Title IX

Under Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity operated by the University of Rio Grande or the Rio Grande Community College (“Rio Grande”). Title IX ensures equal access to those programs and activities for our students and employees of all gender identities.

Rio Grande is dedicated to providing a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff. For that reason, Rio Grande has implemented a comprehensive program to comply with Title IX, and provide an environment free from sex-based discrimination, including sex-based harassment. The Rio Grande Title IX Program sets out the policies against sex-based discrimination, defines prohibited conduct, identifies the Title IX Committee and each team member’s responsibilities, details procedures for the filing and investigation of any formal complaints made by or against students or employees, including potential sanctions, and establishes training and awareness programs. Questions about our Title IX Program may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at TitleIXCoordinator@rio.edu or (740) 245-7228. To see our complete Title IX Program, visit http://www.rio.edu/titleix, the Student Handbook, or the Policy and Procedure Manual.

When Rio Grande has actual knowledge of sexual harassment in its education program or activity against a person in the United States, it must respond promptly in a manner that is not deliberately indifferent. Rio Grande only has actual knowledge, as defined in 34 CFR § 106.30(a), when its Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator receives notice of sexual harassment or allegations of sexual harassment.  Notice includes, but is not limited to, a report of sexual harassment to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report. This standard is not met when the only official of the recipient with actual knowledge is the respondent. Alleged misconduct that falls outside the scope of this program may be addressed through other Rio Grande policies and rules, including the Community Code and Residence Life Code, collective bargaining agreements, and Human Resources policies. This Policy is designed to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Rio Grande reserves the right to modify or deviate from this program, when, in its sole discretion, it determines it is necessary to protect the rights of the parties or to comply with Rio Grande’s legal obligations.

Furthermore, Rio Grande’s policies and practices relating to housing, academic and social life, and employment are applied without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, disability, age, marital status, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, socioeconomic status, military or veteran status, political affiliation, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law. Questions about this Policy may be directed to the Office of the President.