Statement of Rights for Complainants and Respondents
In addition to the rights stated in the Student Handbook, both complainants (alleged victims) and respondents (alleged perpetrators) will be afforded the following rights under this policy. The following list will be provided to all parties in writing:
To be treated with respect by University officials
To take advantage of campus support resources (such as Counseling Services and University Health Services for students, or EAP services for employees)
To experience a safe educational and work environment
To have an advocate present throughout the process
To have the right to a formal resolution process
To be free from retaliation
To have complaints heard in substantial accordance with these procedures
To reasonable and necessary participation in the process
A person who experiences sexual discrimination, harassment, misconduct, or assault may respond to the experience in many different ways, including feeling confused, vulnerable, out of control, embarrassed, angry, or depressed. The University provides a variety of resources to assist individuals who have experienced discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct; both to address the effects of the incident, and to help them determine whether and how to make a formal complaint about the incident. Victims of alleged dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking should follow the following procedures:
Go to a safe place and speak with someone you trust. Tell this person what happened. If there is any immediate danger, call the University police department if you are on-campus and/or 911 if you are not.
Consider contacting the Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center for professional support to assist you in the crisis. On campus counseling is also available to all current students Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For your safety and well-being, immediate medical attention is encouraged. The medical centers, both on and off campus, provide treatment of injuries, STI screenings, and pregnancy testing. If you wish to have an evidence kit collected ("rape kit"), you can do so at any local hospital. If possible, do not shower, brush your teeth, urinate, eat, drink or change clothes until after evidence is collected.
Consider your reporting and support options. No survivor of sex-based discrimination, harassment, misconduct, or assault is required to report or take legal action. However, you can choose to report to the Title IX Coordinator and/or local law enforcement. If you contact the Title IX Coordinator, that person can assist you with University concerns, such as no-contact orders or other protective measures, and/or provide you with a full list of support services and options. Either the Title IX Coordinator or the University police department can assist you in contacting law enforcement, if you desire, and will comply with your request. The Title IX Coordinator and University Policy can be contacted here: