Mar 19, 2024  
Official Catalog Spring 2023 
    
Official Catalog Spring 2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Life



Policies and Procedures

Non-Discrimination Policy

Consistent with its obligations under governing laws, Bryant & Stratton College prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, perceived gender identity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by governing law in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other College-administered programs.

It is the policy of Bryant & Stratton College to comply with:

  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and its regulations, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. It is also the policy of Bryant & Stratton College to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Accordingly, Bryant & Stratton College does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, educational programs and activities. In addition, Bryant & Stratton College abides by its obligation to provide academic adjustments with auxiliary aids and services as are necessary for qualified students with disabilities as required by Section 504 and/or the ADA.
  • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its regulations, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions such as childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery therefrom. This requirement not to discriminate extends not only to students but to applicants to Bryant & Stratton College. Moreover, this policy of non-discrimination includes a prohibition on sexual harassment and sexual violence.  Inquiries about the application of Title IX to the College may be referred to the designated campus Title IX Coordinator or to the Assistant Secretary for Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Education, or both. 
  • The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and its regulations, which prohibit certain discrimination on the basis of age. Accordingly, Bryant & Stratton College does not illegally discriminate on the basis of age.

An individual may contact either the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) / 504 Coordinator or the Grievance Coordinator with matters related to compliance with disabilities laws. For matters related to compliance with other anti-discrimination provisions individuals may contact the Grievance Coordinator. See the Civil Rights and Other Non-Academic Grievances Directory posted to the College website at www.bryantstratton.edu.

If the individual has a complaint regarding a matter related to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, perceived gender identity, disability, or religion, students may elect to use these grievance procedures.  Individuals also may contact the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights by email at OCR@ed.gov or first class mail at U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100.

Adjustments for Pregnancy or Pregnancy Related Conditions

Bryant & Stratton College recognizes and accepts its responsibilities under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act (1972) and its implementing regulations to not exclude a student’s participation in, deny a student the benefits of or subject a student to discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy or a pregnancy related condition such as childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery therefrom.  The College recognizes that students who are pregnant or who have a pregnancy related condition may be in need of a reasonable adjustment to a College policy so the student may continue to pursue their educational endeavors.  The College seeks to create an environment that encourages voluntary sharing of information so that support can be provided to students in need.  To that end, although students are not required to inform the College of their pregnancy or pregnancy related condition, they are encouraged to do so in the event a reasonable adjustment is necessary.

What Types of Adjustments May Be Requested

Students may request adjustments or accommodations necessitated by pregnancy or a pregnancy related condition such as childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery therefrom.  Some examples of adjustments such a student may require could be:

  • Modified seating arrangement for class (i.e., a larger desk or different chair/table);
  • Accessible parking;
  • Breaks during class (i.e., more frequent breaks);
  • Bringing food or drink into class;
  • Adjustments to course-related deadlines;
  • Excused absences (when medically necessary);
  • Excused leave of absence for the period of time deemed medically necessary and a return to the same academic status as pre-leave (note that changes in program requirements or availability could impact academic status upon return);
  • Limited lifting, standing or other restrictions (when medically necessary);
  • Access to appropriate lactation space.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and a student in need of a reasonable adjustment is encouraged to initiate and engage in the interactive process outlined below so that support can be provided by the College where available and appropriate.

Requesting a Reasonable Adjustment

A student in need of a reasonable adjustment to a College policy due to pregnancy or a pregnancy related condition must contact their Title IX Coordinator and submit their request in writing.  Requests for adjustments may be made at any time, are considered on a case-by-case basis and responses will depend on need, academic requirements, reasonableness and availability of the adjustment requested.  Upon submitting a request to the Title IX Coordinator, receipt of the student’s request will be acknowledged in writing and the student will be asked to engage in an interactive process alongside the Coordinator and other administrative staff as may be necessary in order to determine whether the request can be granted, to arrange for the requested adjustment (if granted) or identify an alternative.  Medical documentation may be required in order to demonstrate that a requested adjustment is medically necessary.

Submission of a request does not guarantee its approval.  Not all requests can be granted by the College.  A request that would require a fundamental alteration of course or program requirements, or that would place an undue administrative or financial burden on the College, may be denied.  The interactive process between the student, the Title IX Coordiantor and other necessary staff is important in order to identify whether more reasonable accommodation(s) may be possible in the event the College is unable to grant the initial request.  To that end, students who are pregnant or dealing with a pregnancy related condition are encouraged to contact their Title IX Coordinator as soon as possible so that future needs may be considered in advance as the student’s pregnancy (or recovery from the pregnancy related condition) progresses.

If possible, a student in a clinical degree program who is in need of an adjustment related to their clinical participation should contact their Program Director (or designee) prior to selection of clinical/internship sites.  Students are reminded that requests for adjustments may be made at any time.  As with classroom expectations, clinical/internship participation and outcome expectations are a required component of all clinical degree programs at the College.  Requests for adjustments related to clinical participation also will be considered on a case-by-case basis through an interactive process with the student, Title IX Coordinator and Program Director (or designee).  The execution of an authorization for the release of information related to the request may be needed so that the request can be discussed with the potential clinical/internship site(s) in order to determine whether the requested adjustment will be acceptable to the site.  If the requested accommodation is not acceptable to any potential clinical/internship site, the College will work with the student to determine whether there is a viable alternative that would not require fundamental alteration of course or program requirements and to arrange for completion of clinical participation requirements when the student is able, if there is no viable alternative.

As part of the interactive process, the student will be informed in writing by the Title IX Coordinator (and/or Program Director or designee in the event of a clinical student’s request for a clinical participation adjustment) of the College’s decision on the requested adjustment, along with any other pertinent information (such as future adjustments as determined to be necessary and arranged for in advance).  Please note that adjustments are not effective until the interactive process, described above, is complete and you receive a communication stating that your request for an adjustment has been granted.  Submitting your request and any necessary additional documentation or information does not guarantee your specifically requested adjustment and does not immediately put that adjustment into place.

Grievance Procedures Related to Requests for Adjustments

If a student feels their request for an adjustment was not satisfactorily considered, addressed or handled, or was wrongly denied, the student is encouraged to utilize the College’s Grievance Procedures outlined herein to submit a formal grievance to the appropriate Grievance Coordinator for consideration of the handling of the initial adjustment request and any decision related to the same.  Students who wish to submit a formal grievance must do so within thirty (30) days of the event that is complained of.  The College’s Grievance Procedures will include investigation by the Grievance Coordinator, an opportunity for submission of evidence and any other steps to ensure a prompt, equitable and thorough investigation of the student’s complaint.  The Grievance Coordinator will issue a written disposition of the complaint after investigation.  An appeal of that written disposition may be made to the Campus Director within ten (10) business days of receipt of the written disposition.  The decision of the Campus Director is final.  Students in Virginia dissatisfied with the decision of the Campus Director may contact staff at the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia as a last resort at 101 N. 14th Street, Richmond, VA 23219.

In certain situations, a pregnancy, pregnancy related condition or complication may be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  If that is the case, the student may instead request a reasonable accommodation under the ADA pursuant ot the process outlined below.  In either the case of an adjustment or an accommodation, it is both the right and responsibility of students to identify their need for services and to engage in an interactive process with the College to address those needs.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Bryant & Stratton College recognizes and accepts its responsibility to provide a broad range of services to qualified students with disabilities in an effort to ensure them equal opportunity and full participation in their educational efforts. To that end, Bryant & Stratton College maintains institutional policies and procedures that govern the provision of accommodations to students with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations are available to students with disabilities who provide documentation by a qualified professional and are ‘otherwise qualified’ for admission to the College. The student must demonstrate that they possess the ability to meet the academic standards of the curriculum. Each student’s eligibility for accommodations is considered and determined on a case-by-case basis dependent on the supporting medical and/or psychological documentation provided. It is both the right and responsibility of students to determine their need for services.

Students seeking accommodations must complete and submit a Request for Accommodation form for review by the campus ADA/504 Coordinator. A complete list of the ADA/504 coordinators can be found on the college website of www.bryantstratton.edu.  While students may discuss requested accommodations with faculty members if they so choose, students should be aware that members of the faculty are not authorized to grant such accommodations.  Students are encouraged to discuss with the ADA/504 Coordinator reasonable accommodations appropriate to support the student.

Student Code of Conduct/Dismissal Policies

Academic and Non-Academic Code of Conduct Policy, Exclusive of Incidents of Sexual Misconduct

Students should conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the College’s educational mission. The term “student” includes all persons enrolled and taking courses at the College, either full-time or part-time. This Student Code of Conduct applies to students at all locations of Bryant & Stratton College including students of Online Education. Students at the College are expected to conduct themselves honestly, ethically, and meet the highest standards of personal integrity and to comply with the Student Code of Conduct. Conduct in violation of this Code either on-campus or at school-related activities, including online activities, which threatens the safety or well-being of the Bryant & Stratton College community regardless of the location of the conduct is subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Policies and procedures related to sexual misconduct and other related offenses are outlined in separate Sexual Misconduct Policy Guides for New York State and Online Campuses and Outside of New York State Campuses. These documents are an addendum to this Student Code of Conduct, Grievance, and Dismissal Policy and Procedure.

Prohibited Conduct

Students may be subject to discipline up to suspension or dismissal from Bryant & Stratton College for poor conduct including but not limited to:

Cheating - The term “cheating” includes, but is not limited to: (1) inappropriate collaboration or carrying out conduct which the student knew or should have known provided him with an unfair advantage in the course; (2) using any course materials for which distribution and use has been specifically prohibited by the instructor. This includes but is not limited to, materials found on crowdsourcing source sites, such as Course Hero, Grade Buddy, and Koofers, which contain materials such as graded quizzes and exams, homework answers, etc., along with any questions that are or might be intended for future quizzes and exams; (3) sabotage; (3) falsification; (4) bribery; (5) the use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (6) use of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; (7) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the College faculty or staff; (8) theft of another student or person’s academic work; and (9) engaging in any behavior specifically prohibited by a faculty member in the course syllabus or class discussion.

Plagiarism - The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to: (1) “self-plagiarism,” which includes a student reusing significant, identical, or nearly identical portions of his or her own work without acknowledging that one is doing so or without citing the original work; (2) the use of purchased reports or other material represented as the student’s work; (3) the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear attribution; and (4) the unattributed use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.

Other forms of prohibited behavior:

  • Illegal downloading or unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using the College’s information technology system. The College’s procedures for addressing students’ unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials and an explanation of the sanctions to be imposed for copyright infringement are set forth in this Catalog.
  • Furnishing false information to any College official.
  • Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College document, record, or instrument of identification.
  • Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings or other College activity, (including an on or off campus service function, an authorized non-college event held on the college premises or online). Examples of such activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • Participating in an on-campus or off-campus demonstration, riot, or activity that disrupts the normal operations of the College or infringes on the rights of other members of the College community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled or normal activities within any campus building or area. This includes such activities carried out on the online environment such as online posting of defamatory content about the Bryant & Stratton community.
    • Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on College premises or at College-sponsored or supervised functions.
    • Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on College premises including the Bryant & Stratton College online environment, or at functions sponsored by, or participated in by, the College or members of the academic community. This includes but is not limited to: any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio, video, digital, or any other electronic record of any person while on College premises, including the Bryant & Stratton online environment, without his/ her prior knowledge or effective consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress. An example of such conduct is surreptitiously taking photos of another person in a gym, locker room, or restroom.
    • Drunken or disorderly behavior on College property or at functions sponsored or supervised by the College.
    • Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person including oneself, on College property, including the Bryant & Stratton online environment, or at functions sponsored or supervised by the College. This includes, but is not limited to:
      • Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, and/or other conduct which threatens, harasses, intimidates, humiliates, or endangers any person regardless of the geographic location of such activity. This includes, but is not limited to, any violation of the College’s Non-Discrimination, Non-Harassment and Non-Retaliation policies and the above-listed conduct carried out in social media and other online environments.
      • Hazing that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or other members of the College community, or the destruction or removal of public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or a condition for continued membership in, group or organization. The express or implied consent of the victim will not be a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts; they are violations of this rule.
      • Bias related crimes where a member of the College community is singled out because of their perceived age, disability, or sexual orientation. Under the New York State Hate Crimes Act of 2000 (Section 485.05 of the NYS Penal Code), in addition to the criminal charges and the penalties a perpetrator must face for the “crime” element of a hate crime, the law allows for additional charges for the “hate” element as well. This significantly increase the crime the perpetrator is charged with as well as the penalties and time of imprisonment if convicted.
      • Causing or creating fire;
      • The illegal use, possession of, or tampering with safety measures or devices, including, but not limited to alarm systems, fire exit signs, emergency telephone systems, smoke or heat detectors, fire hoses, security systems, doors, etc.
      • Failing to conform to safety regulations, including, but not limited to falsely reporting or circulating a false report of an incident (e.g. bomb, fire, or other emergency), falsely reporting the use or possession of a firearm or explosive, or failing to evacuate facilities in a timely fashion in emergency situations or in response to fire alarms.
      • Smoking in any indoor College buildings except in private suites and rooms in the residence halls that are duly designated as “smoking” Smoking is also prohibited within thirty feet (30f) of exterior ventilation intake, within ten feet (10f) of College building entrances and open windows, and in all exterior stairwells.  Federal law prohibits all use, possession, and/or cultivation of marijuana at U.S. educational institutions.  Federal law requires any institution of higher education that receives federal funding to have policies in place that prohibit possession, cultivation and/or use or marijuana on campus - this includes Bryant & Stratton College.  Therefore, the use, possession and/or cultivation of marijuana is not permitted on any Bryant & Stratton College property, facility, location, campus, building, residence hall or off-campus apartment obtained through Bryant & Stratton College, regardless of state law permissions.
      • Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives or other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on College premises. In the event a student is licensed or otherwise permitted to carry a firearm and is required to carry a firearm even while off duty as a condition of his or her employment or service, prior to coming to campus with the firearm, the individual should present evidence of the licensure and evidence of the requirement to carry the firearm even while off-duty, so that the College can validate such a request.
      • Failure to report to the Campus Director, Dean or local law enforcement agencies any knowledge of criminal activity on campus, including but not limited to murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, or motor vehicle theft. Such a report shall be provided in a manner that is timely and that will aid in the prevention of similar occurrences.
    • Unauthorized use and misuse or abuse of College property, including, but not limited to the following:
      • Attempting to leave the library with library materials that have not been properly borrowed, unauthorized use of computer equipment, or misuse of College telephones.
      • Attempted or actual theft of or damage to College property or property of a member of the College community, or other personal or public property either on or off College premises. The term “College premises” includes the Bryant & Stratton College online environment, all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).
      • Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any College premises or unauthorized entry to or use of College premises including the Bryant & Stratton College online environment

Theft or other abuse of the College’s electronic or computer facilities and resources, including but not limited to:

  • Unauthorized entry into a file.
  • Unauthorized transfer of a file.
  • Use of another individual’s identification and/or password.
  • Use of electronic or computing facilities and resources to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or College Official.
  • Use of electronic or computing facilities and resources to send obscene or abusive messages.
  • Use of electronic or computing facilities and resources to interfere with normal operation of the College computing system..
  • Use of electronic or computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws.
  • Any violation of the College’s Computer Use Policy or the Copyrights Abuse policy.
  • Use of electronic or computing facilities and resources for purposes other than education, academic, administrative, or research purposes of the College.
  • Theft, damage, or misuse of library or computer resources.
  • Violation of the College’s Student Information Technology Resources Policy or related policies.

Failure to abide by applicable rules and policies, including but not limited to the following:

  • Failure to comply with directions of College officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
  • Failure to comply with safety and/or health policies, protocols or requirements in place at the campus including, but not limited to, those that pertain to not only the physical safety and health of oneself, but those that pertain to the physical safety and health of other members of the College Community.
  • Placing other members of the College Community in harm’s way or at risk in any manner including, but not limited to, actions or inactions that may cause or contribute to causing physical harm, injury, illness or damage to property.
  • Violation of any College published policy, rule, or regulation.
  • Violation of any federal, state, or local law.
  • Violations of the conditions of a sanction imposed through College disciplinary procedures.

Failure to abide by residence hall policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations.

Any abuse of the College student judicial (Student Code of Conduct, Grievance and Dismissal, Sexual Misconduct, ADA/Accommodations etc.) system, including, but not limited to:

  • Failure to obey the directive of a judicial body or College official;
  • Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a judicial body; Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding;
  • Knowingly instituting a judicial process without cause;
  • Attempting to discourage or obstruct an individual’s proper participation in, or use of the judicial system;
  • Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse or obstruction of the judicial system.
  • Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a hearing or grievance proceeding;
  • Verbal or physical harassment or intimidation of a member of a judicial body or witness prior to, during, or after a judicial proceeding;
  • Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Bryant & Stratton College Code of Student Conduct, Grievance, and Dismissal Policy.

Improper or Illegal Use or Abuse of Controlled Substances Including, but not Limited to the Following:

  • Use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, or other controlled substances prohibited by law.  Federal law prohibits all use, possession and/or cultivation of marijuana at U.S. educational institutions.  Federal law requires any institution of higher education that receives federal funding to have policies in place that prohibit possession, cultivation and/or use of marijuana on campus - this includes Bryant & Stratton College.  Therefore, the use, possession and/or cultivation of marijuana is not permitted on any Bryant & Stratton College property, facility, location, campus, building, residence hall or off-campus apartment obtained through Bryant & Stratton College, regardless of state law permissions.
  • Use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, or public intoxication. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • Engaging in conduct that reflects poorly upon the College.

The following individuals have been identified by their Campus Director as the Grievance Coordinator/Judicial Officer at their campus. Unless otherwise noted, the Grievance Coordinator and Judicial Officer titles are interchangeable.

Campus Grievance Coordinator/Judicial Officer/Title
Albany Dean of Student Services
Buffalo Dean of Instruction
Amherst Dean of Instruction
Greece Dean of Instruction
Henrietta Dean of Instruction
Southtowns Dean of Instruction
Syracuse Dean
Syracuse North Dean
Akron Dean of Instruction
Solon Dean of Instruction
Parma Dean of Instruction
Richmond Senior Academic Advisor
Virginia Beach Dean of Student Services
Hampton Dean of Student Services
Wauwatosa Dean of Student Services
Bayshore Dean of Student Services
Racine Dean of Student Services
Online Dean of Student Services

Retaliation Policy

Any attempt by a student, faculty, or staff member to retaliation, intimidate, threaten, coerce, or otherwise discriminate against a person who makes a report of or who is otherwise involved in reporting, an investigation of, or a hearing for alleged violations of the College’s conduct policy, is prohibited. Persons who believe that they have been retaliated against for making a complaint/report or for cooperating in an investigation or hearing should immediately contact the College’s Grievance Coordinator. Any person who retaliates against a person who has cooperated in an investigation and/or hearing is in violation of College policy and will be subject to disciplinary action.

Complaint Resolution

Disciplinary Procedures versus Grievance Procedures

Individuals with complaints regarding discrimination may have their concerns addressed in two different manners-a “grievance” or a “disciplinary “procedure. These are distinct procedures that serve different functions. The grievance procedure is used when a student has a complaint of discrimination, harassment, or some other offence against a member of the faculty or administration. However, these procedures do not apply in disputes about a grade assigned because a faculty member’s evaluation of the quality of a student’s work is final. Unless it is alleged that the determination of the grade resulted from unlawful discrimination. Moreover, these procedures do not apply to any matter inherent in the academic freedom of an instructor, such as, for example, in regard to the syllabus or contents of a course of instruction. Any student may initiate a grievance.

A disciplinary procedure, however, is initiated by the College’s Grievance Coordinator and is used when there is an allegation of misconduct by another student. While a student may report a matter that may lead to a disciplinary action, only the Grievance Coordinator may initiate one.

The resolution in a grievance can include a variety of remedies depending on the facts alleged, but it is only a disciplinary procedure that can result in student suspension or expulsion.

Claims of sexual misconduct (dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking), whether raised in the context of a grievance or a disciplinary procedure will be referred to the Title IX Coordinator who will investigate and hear the matter through the disciplinary process outlined in the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policies instead of these grievance procedures. Allegations of sexual misconduct are handled with special considerations for the alleged victim and the accused as detailed in the Sexual Misconduct Policies.

Student Disciplinary Procedure

This section describes the procedures that are followed when a Grievance Coordinator/Judicial Officer finds just cause to initiate a disciplinary proceeding resulting from an allegation of a student’s violation of the Code of Conduct or another application student conduct policy by a member of the faculty or the administration.

These procedures apply year-round regardless of whether an alleged code violation occurs on campus or off-campus, including Bryant & Stratton College online environment; to functions sponsored or supervised by the College; and to any conduct that threatens the safety or well-being of the Bryant & Stratton community regardless of the location of the conduct.

These procedures are not intended to provide constitutional due process to students as would be required to be provided by a public institution. Bryant & Stratton will attempt to resolve all disciplinary matters, promptly, fairly, and impartially. Students may expect full resolution to take at least one month and possibly longer depending on the circumstances. Any deadline set forth below may be extended for good cause with written notices to the Charged Student and the accusing student of the delay and the reason for the delay.

Filing a Disciplinary Complaint

Any member of the College community may submit a report alleging a student’s violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct/Grievance Policy carried out by a member of the faculty or administration. Any report should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place, preferably within fourteen (14) days. The report should be prepared in writing and directed to the Grievance Coordinator, who will oversee the matter, unless otherwise noted. The Judicial Officer will then conduct an investigation of the allegations. The Grievance Coordinator may not have a conflict of interest or bias against the accuser or the accused student. If the Grievance Coordinator determines that the allegations can be disposed of administratively by mutual consent of the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the Grievance Coordinator, the Grievance Coordinator will dismiss the matter with proper record of the parties’ consent. Such disposition shall be final and there shall be no subsequent proceedings. The Grievance Coordinator will provide timely notice of meetings at which the charged student or the accusing student, or both may be present. The charged student and the accusing student will have timely and equal access to information that will be used during any disciplinary hearing or any informal disciplinary meeting.

Charging Letter

If the charges are not admitted or cannot be disposed of by mutual consent and the Grievance Coordinator concludes that the allegations, if proven true, would justify disciplinary action, the Grievance Coordinator then carries out any additional investigation required and prepares a Charging Letter. If the accusing student alleges sexual harassment or sexual assault, the Grievance Coordinator should obtain the written consent of the accusing student to identify him or her to the accused student. The Charging Letter informs the Charged Student of the allegations against him or her and the nature of the evidence of the allegations including the name of the accusing student. The Charging Letter must also contain:

  • The provision(s) of the Code of Conduct alleged to be violated;
  • The date, time, location, and factual allegations concerning the alleged violation;
  • The sanctions possible if the accused if found to have violated the provision of the Code of Conduct sited;
  • The date by which the Charged Student may respond in writing to the charges against him or her;
  • The date by which the Charged Student must notify the Code of Conduct Committee of his or her desire for a hearing. (This may be the same date as the student’s written response is due should the student opt to submit a response).
    • Notice that any such written response should be sent to the Code of Conduct Committee which will be considering the evidence and conducting the hearing;
    • Notice that a decision that the Student Code of Conduct was violated or the failure of the Charged Student to respond (by submission of a written response and/or by participation at a hearing) could result in adverse action against the Charged Student up to and including expulsion; and
    • Notice that should the Charged Student request a hearing, he or she will be required no later than three (3) calendar days before the hearing to deliver to the Committee a copy of all documents, other evidence, and the name and addresses of the witnesses it wishes to present at the hearing.

Such Charging Letter should be delivered to the Charged Student in a manner that requires the Charged Student to acknowledge receipt, such as certified mail or e-mail, return receipt requested or hand delivery with a signed receipt. The Charging Letter will give the Charged Student 10 (ten) calendar days to submit a written response to the allegations in the letter unless the Grievance Coordinator determines that circumstances warrant a shorter or longer period of time. A Charged Student who fails to timely submit a response or timely request a hearing will be deemed to have waived the response or hearing and the Committee will respond without the response and/or hearing.

Code of Conduct Committee Process

Upon issuance by the Grievance Coordinator of a Charging Letter, the Campus Director will promptly appoint one or three individual to a Code of Conduct Committee to investigate the validity of the allegations. The Code of Committee will include individuals who have no prior involvement with the subject matter of the charge(s) or persons involved in the Charge. Where feasible, the Code of Conduct Committee will be comprised of a campus administrator, a faculty member, and a student adviser employed by the College who is not advising the person who filed the Charge or the Charged Student. The campus administrator appointed to the Committee will serve as the Chair.

The Code of Conduct Committee’s first order of business is to identify factual disputes between and among the parties (the Grievance Coordinator and the Charged Student) and witnesses, including the accuser. Committee members should remain neutral as the evidence is gather and presented. In carrying out this duty, the Code of Conduct Committee will review the Charge, the Charging Letter, and gather additional evidence, including but not limited to, germane documents and written statements of witnesses. In addition, the Committee may, in its discretion, interview the accuser, the accused student, and any witnesses it believes may have relevant information. The Committee may collect statements from any or all of these parties.

Any time after the Campus Director is notified of a possible Code of Conduct violation, he or she has the discretion to impose an interim suspension on the Charged Student. An interim suspension is the removal of a Charged Student from class, the campus (including the Bryant & Stratton online environment), or school-related activities.

Interim suspension may be imposed only: 1) to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the College community or preservation of College property; 2) to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or 3) if the student poses an ongoing threat of disruption of, or interference with, the normal operations of the College.

During the interim suspension, a student shall be denied access to the residence halls and/or campus (including campus-based and online classes) and/or all other College activities or privileges the Campus Director determines to be appropriate. The interim suspension does not replace the regular process, which shall proceed on the normal schedule, up to and through a Code of Conduct Committee hearing, if required. The Campus Director should notify the Charged Student in writing of this action and the reasons for the interim suspension. The notice should include the time, date, and place of a meeting with the Campus Director at which the student may show cause why his or her continued presence on the campus does not constitute a threat.

Regardless of whether the Charged Student is given an interim suspension, the Committee will continue its review and when it has completed such review, the Code of Conduct Committee will send the Charged Student with a Notice of Hearing that includes the date, time, and location of the hearing. The Committee should attempt to schedule a hearing date no later than fourteen (14) calendar days after receipt of the Charging Letter from the Grievance Coordinator.

Unless the Chair of the Code of Conduct Committee designates another date, no later than fourteen (14) calendar days before the hearing, each party will deliver to the Committee and to each other a copy of all documents, other evidence, and the name and addresses of the witnesses it wishes to present at the hearing. The witness list must also contain a summary of the testimony the witness is expected to present and indicate whether the party presenting the list wishes to cross-examine the witnesses of the other party. Absent unusual circumstances, cross-examination of parties where sexual harassment or assault is alleged will not be permitted. The Committee’s decision on whether cross-examination will be permitted will be final.

Both the Charged Student and the Grievance Coordinator may present witnesses with information relevant to the charges. In addition, the Code of Conduct Committee may call additional witnesses it believes would aid in the resolution of the matter. If it decides to call additional witnesses, it will notify the parties no later than five (5) calendar days before the hearing of the names of those witnesses. The Code of Conduct Committee will ensure the orderly presentation of witnesses and evidence and will have the authority to determine the admissibility of testimony and other evidence. In addition, Committee members may ask questions of any of the witnesses.

The hearing will be closed to the public. The hearing may be held by teleconference. At the hearing, both the Charged Student and Grievance Coordinator will each have an opportunity to make a brief opening statement. The entire hearing will be audio recorded and such recording will be preserved and maintained for at least five (5) years. In cases involving more than one charged student, the Code of Conduct Committee will decide whether the hearing is to be conducted separately or jointly. If the Charged Student, with notice, does not appear before a Code of Conduct hearing, the information in support of the charges shall be presented and considered in the absence of the Charged Student. Except in cases of alleged dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as outlined in the Sexual Misconduct Policies, a charged student does not have the right to counsel at the hearing but may have his or her counsel submit a brief for the review of the Code of Conduct Committee before the hearing.

If the Code of Conduct Committee has decided to permit cross-examination, each party will be given an opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses of the other party and of any witnesses presented by the Committee. Each party will be entitled to present a brief opening statement. The Grievance Coordinator has the burden of production and of persuading the Committee that there exists substantial evidence that the Charges in his or her Charging Letter constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct and that they did in fact take place. Formal rules of process, procedure, and technical rules of evidence, are not used in Code of Conduct hearings.

The Code of Conduct Committee may accommodate concerns for the personal safety, well-being, or fears of confrontation of any witness or the Charged Student during the hearing by providing separate facilities, using a visual screen, or permitting participation by telephone, videophone, closed circuit television, video conferencing, videotape, audio tape, written statement, or other means, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

Upon conclusion of the hearing, the Code of Conduct Committee will meet in a closed session to deliberate based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing and charges contained in the Charging Letter. The closed session will not be recorded. A decision will be reached on a majority vote in cases where there are three persons on the Committee and in cases where there is a single person on the Committee, he or she will be the sole decision maker.

Upon reaching its decision, absent exigent circumstances, the Code of Conduct Committee will, no later than twenty (20) calendar days after conclusion of the hearing, notify both parties in writing of its determination. The determination should include a written statement detailing the factual findings supporting the determination and the rationale for any sanction imposed. The determination should be sent within ten (10) calendar days after the conclusion of the hearing unless it is impracticable to do so and it must include the date of determination and date any sanctions go into effect. The decision will be delivered to the Charged Student in a manner that requires the Charged Student to acknowledge receipt, such as certified mail or e-mail, return receipt requested or hand delivery with a signed receipt. The Committee may 1) Dismiss the case for insufficient evidence; 2) find that no violation of the Code of Conduct occurred; or 3) find that a violation did occur. If the Code of Conduct Committee concludes that no violation occurred, it will so state in its written decision together with its Findings of Fact with the evidence upon which it relied. The Charged Student’s permanent record will be expunged of reference to the matter if the Committee finds no violation.

If the Committee decides that substantial evidence exists to support a conclusion that the student violated the Code of Conduct, its decision will so state and will include an identification of the provision(s) violated by the Charged Student, Findings of Fact with the evidence upon which it relied, a Conclusion, and the sanction it will impose for the violation.

Sanctions

In determining the appropriate sanction, the Committee will consider the nature and seriousness of the offense, extenuating circumstances, and prior violations. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Warning - A notice in writing to the student that the student is violating or has violated institutional regulations
  • Probation - A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations which places the student in a probationary status for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to violate any institutional regulations(s) during then probationary period.
  • Loss of Privileges - Denial of specified privileges for a designated period
  • Separation for the victim
  • Discretionary Sanctions - Work assignments, essays, or other related discretionary assignments
  • Residence Hall Suspension - Separation of the student from the residence halls for a definite period, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may by specified.
  • Residence Hall Expulsion - Permanent separation of the student from the residence hall.
  • College Suspension - Separation of the student from the College for a definite period of time after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
  • College Expulsion - Permanent separation of the student from the College.
  • Revocation of Admission and/or Degree, Diploma or Certificate - Admission to or a degree, diploma or certificate awarded from the College may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violations of College standards in obtaining the same, or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation or completion.
  • Withholding Degree, Diploma or Certificate - The College may withhold awarding a degree, diploma or certificate otherwise earned until the completion of the process set forth in this Student Conduct Code, including the completion of all sanctions imposed, if any.

More than one of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation.

Appeals Process

The Charged Student and the victim or other reporting individual have the right to appeal the decision to the Campus Director or designee by submitting a written Appeal Letter within ten (10) business days of receiving the Code of Conduct Committee’s decision. The Appeal Letter must provide a complete explanation of the basis for the appeal with reference to the evidence presented to the Code of Conduct Committee. The Charged Student may not rely on evidence not presented at the hearing in the appeal.

Except as stated below, the Campus Director or designee will base his or her decision solely on the evidence presented to the Code of Conduct Committee. In considering the appeal, the Campus Director or designee will consider whether the Code of Conduct Committee hearing was conducted fairly in light of the charges and information presented, and in conformity with prescribed procedures. Deviations from designated procedures will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless significant prejudice results.

In ruling on the appeal, the Campus Director or designee should consider the following:

  • Whether the decision reached regarding the Charged Student was based on substantial evidence, that is, whether the evidence presented at the hearing was evidence that a reasonable mind could accept as adequate to support the conclusion that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct occurred.
  • Whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation of the Student Code Conduct that the student was found to have committed. In considering this, the Campus Director or designee may conclude that the sanction was appropriate, inappropriately excessive, or inappropriately lenient. In cases where the Campus Director or designee concludes that the sanction was inappropriate, he or she may impose a different sanction but not a more severe sanction except as outlined below.

The Campus Director or designee may consider new information not presented at the hearing only when such information is sufficient to alter a decision and where such information was not brought out in the original hearing, because such information and/or facts were not known to the person appealing at the time of the Code of Conduct Committee hearing. Where the Campus Director or designee considered new information on appeal, he or she may impose either a lesser of more severe sanction as the new information warrants.

If an appeal is upheld by the Campus Director or designee, the Campus Director or designee will issue his or her revised decision and revised sanction if necessary. The Campus Director or designee may conclude that additional fact finding is necessary in which case he or she will return the matter to the original Code of Conduct Committee and Grievance Coordinator for re-opening of the Code of Conduct hearing in accordance with the Director’s instructions.

If an appeal is not upheld, the matter shall be considered final and binding upon all involved.

The appeals decision will be provided to the accused and the victim or reporting individual and will include findings of fact, the decision and the sanction, if any, as well as the rationale for the decision and sanction. In all cases of appeal, rights afforded to either the accused or victim or reporting individual will be afforded to the other party.

Changes to Determination

Should the appeal result in changes to the determination or sanctions, the Code of Conduct Committee will provide simultaneous notification to both parties of any such changes,

Grievance Procedures

Students (and other individuals in the case of age and disability-related discrimination and harassment) may use these procedures to seek resolution of claims of discrimination and other non-academically-related grievances against members of the faculty or administration, including those that may arise where a student is also an employee of the college. This includes claims of:

  • Discrimination or harassment based on sex/gender (including pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions such as childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery therefrom), perceived gender identity, race, color, national origin, age, religion, or disability;
  • Denial in whole or in part of a requested service, accommodation, or modification of a Bryant & Stratton College practice or requirement that was requested due to a disability;
  • Inability to access a Bryant & Stratton College program or activity due to a disability; or
  • Other non-academic grievances, e.g. refund dispute, etc.

All sexual misconduct allegations are heard through the disciplinary process outlined in the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policies. Concerns regarding grades may be brought under the Grade Appeal Procedures.

Formal Grievance

In cases where an attempt at informal resolution is not successful, informal resolution is not practicable or inappropriate, or the grievant prefers to skip the informal resolution process, the grievant may initiate a formal grievance.

A formal grievance is initiated by submitting a written complaint within 30 calendar days of the event complained of to the Grievance Coordinator who will then investigate the complaint. [NOTE: If the Grievance Coordinator is the subject of the complaint, the complaint should be submitted to the Campus Director who will designate a substitute to conduct the investigation and serves as the Grievance Coordinator]. The complaint shall be signed by the grievant and include 1) the grievant’ s name and contact information; 2) the facts of the incident or action complained about; 3) the date of the incident or action giving rise to the complaint; 4) the type of discrimination alleged to have occurred; 5) efforts taken to resolve the complaint, if any; 6) the specific relief sought; and 7) the name of any witnesses and other evidence. The grievant should state in his or her complaint where he or she will be assisted by a representative and, if so, the name of the representative. For purposes of these procedures, an attorney is not an appropriate representative for any party.

Upon receipt of the complaint, the Grievance Coordinator will notify the person who is the subject of the complaint and provide him or her with the opportunity to response in writing and identify any witnesses and other evidence within five (5) business days.

The Grievance Coordinator will make an effort to complete this on their investigation of the complaint within 30 business days following the submission of the written complaint. The investigation shall include an interview of the relevant parties and any known witnesses, a review of relevant evidence, including any evidence submitted by the parties, and any other steps necessary to ensure a prompt, equitable and thorough investigation of the complaint. Interviews of parties and witnesses will be carried out in a manner that is conducive to fair resolution of the matter, minimization of conflict, and prevention of intimidation. In cases of allegations of harassment, the Grievance Coordinator will not interview the grievant and the person who is the subject of the complaint together.

The grievant and the person against whom the complaint has been brought may present to the Grievance Coordinator relevant evidence throughout the investigation. Each party will have an equal opportunity to present such witnesses and evidence consistent with the requirements and restrictions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Both parties will be given periodic updates of the status of the investigation as warranted.

The Grievance Coordinator will issue a written disposition of the complaint and make an effort to do so within 10 business days of the completion of the investigation. The disposition will be determined using a standard. If a substantial preponderance of the evidence supports the claim of the grievant, the Grievance Coordinator will issue a disposition in support of the grievant.

Copies of the disposition will be given to the grievant and the person who is the subject of the complaint. Both parties will be sent the decision at the same time. The disposition will be carried out promptly.

Appeal

If either the grievant or the person who is the subject of the complaint is not satisfied with the decision of the Grievance Coordinator, he or she may file a written appeal to the Campus Director within 10 business days from the receipt of the written disposition. The appeal must contain a complete explanation of the grounds for appeal. The Campus Director or his/her designee shall respond to the appeal, in writing, within 20 business days of the date of the appeal. Except in exceptional circumstances, as decided by the Campus Director or his or her designee, an appeal that is not timely submitted will be rejected as untimely. Copies of the response shall be provided to both the grievant and the person who is the subject of the complaint.

The decision of the Campus Director is final.

Students in Virginia dissatisfied with the decision of the Campus Director may contact staff at the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia as a last resort at 101 N. 14th Street, Richmond, VA 23219.

Grievance Coordinator

Each Bryant & Stratton College campus has a Grievance Coordinator whose responsibility is to administrator these procedures. The Grievance Contact Directory for all Grievance Coordinators at each campus is available at https://www.bryantstratton.edu/pdf/BSCGrievanceContactDirectory2023.pdf

Each campus of Bryant & Stratton College also has an ADA/504 Coordinator who is responsible for ensuring the College’s compliance with laws related to individuals with disabilities. However, it is the Grievance Coordinator, and not the ADA/504 Coordinator, who administers these procedures when a complaint regarding disability discrimination is brought.

Informal Resolution

With the exception of misconduct allegations, a grievant who believes that he/she has been discriminated against based on sex, race, color, national origin, age, religion, or disability by a member of the faculty or administration of Bryant & Stratton College, is encouraged, but is not required, to discuss the matter informally with the Grievance Coordinator. [NOTE: If the Grievance Coordinator is the subject of the complaint the grievant may instead, contact the Campus Director who will designate a substitute to serve as the Grievance Coordinator.] The Grievance Coordinator shall verbally convey his/ her findings to both the grievant and the person who is the subject of the complaint within 10 business days. The Grievance Coordinator will document his verbal findings and the date they were conveyed.

In addition, any grievant who has initiated the informal resolution process may stop it at any time and initiate the form resolution process.

Engagement in the informal resolution process does not extend the deadline (below) to file a formal grievance unless, upon the student’s request, the Grievance Coordinator extends the deadline in writing.

SARA Student Complaint Process

Any Bryant & Stratton College student - campus-based, dedicated online and hybrid students - having a complaint or grievance against the College they wish to have addressed must first follow the Grievance Procedures outlined above.  These procedures apply to all students regardless of modality, and regardless of the context of the complaint.  Dedicated online students (located in states and U.S. territories other than New York, Ohio, Virginia or Wisconsin) who have pursued the above processes first and whose consumer protection complaint or grievance remains unresolved may submit a complaint for consideration to the New York State SARA Portal Entity Contact at the below address.  All consumer protection complaints related to SARA must go through the College’s internal Grievance Procedures outlined above prior to being submitted to the New York State SARA Portal Entity Contact for consideration.  The New York State SARA Portal Entity Contact has final authority in SARA complaints.  Note that grade appeals and appeals related to proceedings under the College’s Official Student Code of Conduct and/or Sexual Misconduct Policy are not allowed to be addressed to the SARA Portal Entity Contact.

New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234
 
Information on complaint procedures pursuant to NC-SARA is available here
 
Information on New York State Education Department complaint procedures is available here

Education Records

Other than College expulsion or revocation or withholding of a degree, disciplinary sanctions shall not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record, unless sanctions relate to crimes of violence noted above under Transcript Notations. They shall become part of the student’s disciplinary record. Upon graduation, the student’s disciplinary record may be expunged of disciplinary actions other than residence hall expulsion, College suspension, College expulsion, of revocation or withholding of a degree, upon application to the Campus Director or his or her designee. Cases involving the imposition of sanctions other than residence hall expulsion, College suspension, College expulsion or revocation or withholding of a degree shall be expunged from the student’s confidential record six years after final disposition of the case.

In general, disciplinary records are considered “education records” under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and thus may be protected from disclosure. For this reason, such records should not be disclosed without consulting the College’s legal counsel.

Student Code of Conduct - Sexual Misconduct Policy Applicable to All Campuses and Online Education

Bryant & Stratton College (“Bryant & Stratton” or “the College”) condemns and prohibits sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and all forms of discrimination relating to one’s sex or perceived gender identity (hereinafter referred to “sexual misconduct”). Sexual misconduct is prohibited whether the misconduct occurs on or off campus. Acts of sexual misconduct are contrary to the College’s educational mission and values, are harmful to others, and will not be tolerated at the College.

The College seeks to create a climate free from sexual misconduct. In response to any report that a member of the Bryant & Stratton College community has engaged in sexual misconduct, the College will take all appropriate steps to eliminate the misconduct, prevent its recurrence and address its effects. These steps are set forth in the Bryant & Stratton College Sexual Misconduct Policy Applicable to All Campuses and Online Education (hereinafter “Bryant & Stratton College Sexual Misconduct Policy”).

The Bryant & Stratton College Sexual Misconduct Policy applies to all College community members, including students, faculty, staff, other employees and independent contractors. The College will receive and address reports received from any individual, whether or not he or she is affiliated with Bryant & Stratton College, that a College community member has violated this policy.

Bryant & Stratton College recognizes that discrimination or harassment related to an individual’s sex or perceived gender identity, which is prohibited by the Bryant & Stratton College Sexual Misconduct Policy, can occur in conjunction with discrimination or harassment related to an individual’s race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, sex/gender (including pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions such as childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery therefrom), perceived gender identity or any other legally protected characteristics (“protected characteristics”). Targeting individuals on the basis of any protected characteristics violates the College’s policy. When the misconduct alleged includes an allegation relating to a person’s sex or perceived gender identity, the College will apply the applicable provisions of the Bryant & Stratton College Sexual Misconduct Policy in carrying out the Disciplinary or Grievance Procedures outlined in that policy, or other applicable policies.

This policy describes the position, policies and procedures of the College regarding incidents of sexual misconduct affecting students and associates attending or employed at the College’s locations, including Online Education.

Some of the language used herein is explicit and some people may find it uncomfortable, but it is important that certain terms are defined so that their meaning is clear.

Section 1:  Statement of Purpose

Bryant & Stratton College is committed to promoting a learning and working environment where all members of the College community feel safe and respected.  Acts of sexual misconduct are contrary to the College’s educational mission and values, are harmful to others, and will not be tolerated by Bryant & Stratton.  This policy prohibits sexual discrimination in the forms of sexual violence, sexual harassment, retaliation, and other behavior prohibited in this policy.  Collectively, these forms of misconduct will be referred to in this policy as “sexual misconduct.” 

Conduct prohibited by this policy may also violate federal and/or State laws enforced through the criminal justice system.  Individuals are free to pursue action under this policy and through the criminal justice system simultaneously. The College takes seriously all reports of sexual misconduct and promises to promptly and fairly respond to all reports of misconduct in a manner intended to eliminate the misconduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its impact on affected individuals and the College community.  All College proceedings conducted in regard to alleged violations of this policy will be done so in a timely and equitable manner that provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity for all parties to be heard.

Section 2:  Scope of this Policy

This policy addresses conduct prohibited under federal laws, including Title IX of the Civil Rights Act (“Title IX”), the Clery Act, and the Violence Against Women Act, as well as under State law.  This policy applies to all College community members - including students, College “associates” (i.e., faculty, staff, and other employees of the College), and independent contractors - attending, working, or otherwise interacting with the College’s campuses.  The College will receive and address reports received from any individual, whether or not he/she is affiliated with Bryant & Stratton College, that a College student or associate has violated this policy.  Vendors, contractors, visitors, and others who conduct business with the College or on College property are likewise expected to comply with this policy.  The prohibitions and protections in this policy apply regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction.

The prohibitions and protections in this policy apply to locations, including any building owned or controlled by a student organization that the College officially recognizes, events, and circumstances over which the College exercises substantial control when it also exercises such substantial control over both the accused and the context in which the alleged sexual misconduct occurs.  Consequently, this policy applies to on and off-campus activities and electronic and online activities so long as this substantial control test is met.  Furthermore, if the alleged conduct did not occur against a person physically in the United States, this policy does not apply.

In the State of New York only, however, this policy will apply based on identity of the reporting individual and/or accused/respondent, not based on the geographic location of the alleged violation.  Specifically, in New York the provisions of this Policy shall apply regardless of whether the violation occurs on campus or off campus.  In the event an incident occurs that would fall under the scope of coverage for New York campuses, but not fall under the “substantial control” scope test stated above, any such violation will be considered under New York State law and the terms of this Policy but will not be considered under Title IX.  Students in the Online Division will be considered to be under the scope of New York State law.

College associates and students who carry out behavior prohibited by this policy will be disciplined pursuant to the terms of this policy.  This policy describes protections specifically for students and associates who are subjected to sexual misconduct as well as disciplinary procedures specifically relevant to students and associates who carry out such misconduct. 

The actions the College is empowered to take against an individual who violates this policy may vary or be limited when that individual is not a member of the College community; however, whenever a member of the College community is subjected to sexual misconduct, regardless of the status of the individual who committed it, the College will continue to provide support, resources, and protection to the affected community member.  Bryant & Stratton College will cooperate with and assist in law enforcement investigations as legally appropriate.

Section 3: Terminology and Definitions

Certain definitions within this Section contain very graphic language and may be disturbing to some individuals.

Due to the sensitive and sometimes violent nature of incidents involving sexual misconduct, the following definitions are provided for informational use by students and associates and for guidance in the investigation and processing of alleged violations.  It is possible that a particular action may constitute sexual misconduct even if not specifically mentioned in these definitions. 

If you have any questions about what these terms mean or whether they apply to certain situations, please feel free to talk to your campus Title IX Coordinator.  If you are not sure who your campus Title IX Coordinator is, a list of all campus Title IX Coordinators is provided in this Section below.  Any questions about whether a specific incident violates State criminal laws should be addressed to law enforcement or to the local district attorney.

1.  Sexual Activity

Sexual activity has the same meaning as “sexual acts” and “sexual contact” as provided in U.S.C. 2246 (2) and U.S.C. 2246 (3).These terms are defined as follows:

  • Sexual act
    • Contact between the penis and the vulva or between the penis and the anus, and for purposes of this subparagraph contact involving the penis occurs upon penetration, however slight;
    • Contact between the mouth and the penis, mouth and the vulva, or the mouth and the anus.
    • Penetration, however slight, of the anal or genital opening of another person by a hand, or finger, or by any object, with the intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person; or
    • Intentional touching, not through clothing, of the genitalia of another person who has not attained the age of 16 years with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
  • Sexual contact
    • Intentional touching, either directly or through clothing, of the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, arouse, or gratify the sexual desire of any person

2.  Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct is a broad term that encompasses a range of behaviors constituting sexual discrimination.  Sexual misconduct can occur between people who know each other, people who have an established relationship, people who have engaged in consensual sexual activity before, and people who do not know each other.  Sexual misconduct can be committed by persons of any gender or gender identity, and it can occur between people of the same sex or different sex.  Sexual misconduct includes but is not limited to:

A.  Sexual coercion
Using verbal pressure to compel another person to engage in sexual activity that he/she would otherwise not consent to, including but not limited to telling lies, threatening to spread rumors, and engaging in verbal abuse.
 
B.  Sexual exploitation
Engaging intentionally in exploitive behavior including but not limited to:
  • Observing another person when that person is nude, in their undergarments, partially clothed, or engaged in sexual activity without the knowledge and consent of the person observed, or allowing another to observe consensual sexual activity without the knowledge and consent of all parties involved;
  • Making, sharing, posting, streaming, or otherwise distributing any image, photography, video, or audio recording depicting or otherwise recording another person when that person is nude, in their undergarments, partially clothed, or engaged in sexual activity without the knowledge and consent of the person depicted or recorded;
  • Exposing one’s genitals to another person without the consent of that person;
  • Exposing another person to a sexually transmitted infection without the knowledge and consent of the person exposed;
  • Causing another person to become incapacitated with the intent of making that person vulnerable to non-consensual sexual activity or sexual exploitation.
C.  Gender-based harassment
Unwelcome conduct of a non-sexual nature based upon a person’s actual or perceived sex, including conduct based on gender identity, gender expression, and non-conformity with gender stereotypes.  This includes, but is not limited to, harassment or unwelcome conduct related to one’s pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions such as childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery therefrom.
D.  Hate crime
Any crime that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the perpetrator’s bias against the victim.  For the purposes of this policy, the categories of bias include the victim’s (actual or perceived): race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, or disability.
E.  Sexual harassment
Conduct on the basis of sex that constitutes one or more of the following activities:
 
i.  Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to a College program or activity.
Conduct that may, under certain circumstances, meet this standard could include, depending on the circumstances, but is not limited to:
  • Unwelcome sexual flirtations or propositions for sexual activity;
  • Unwelcome demands or suggestions of sexual favors, including but not limited to repeated unwelcome requests for dates;
  • Sexual exploitation (as defined above);
  • Graphic verbal comments about an individual’s body or appearance;
  • Spreading sexual rumors;
  • Touching an individual’s body or clothing (including one’s own) in a sexual way, such as grabbing, brushing against, patting, pinching, bumping, rubbing, kissing, fondling, etc.;
  • Displaying or sending sexually suggestive drawings, images, pictures, written materials, cartoons, letters, notes or objects in the work/educational environment, regardless of medium;
  • Cornering or blocking of normal movement.
ii.  Quid Pro Quo Harassment
A College associate conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the College on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.  Examples of quid pro quo sexual harassment include:
  • Offering employment or educational benefits in exchange for sexual favors;
  • Threatening or taking negative action in the event of having sexual advances denied and/or after having sexual advances denied, such as a professor threatening to fail a student unless the student agrees to date the professor.
iii.  Sexual assault
Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.  This includes:
  • Rape: The penetration, no matter how slight, of a person’s vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
  • Fondling: Touching the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without that person’s consent, for the purpose of sexual gratification.
  • Incest: Intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
  • Statutory rape: Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the legal age of consent.
iv.  Dating violence
Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: 1) The length of the relationship; 2) The type of relationship; and 3) The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
 
v.  Domestic violence
Felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of a person, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.
 
vi.  Stalking
Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.
F.  Sex discrimination and/or gender discrimination
Treating an individual unfavorably or adversely based upon that individual’s sex and/or gender (including pregnancy or a pregnancy related condition such as childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery therefrom) or gender identity in the context of educational or employment activities, programs, or benefits, such as in admissions, hiring, selection for and/or participation in projects, teams, or events, provision of wages or benefits, selection for promotions, etc.
G.  Retaliation
Intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by this policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this policy.

Intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination, including charges against an individual for violation of this policy or any part of the College’s Code of Conduct that do not involve sex discrimination or sexual harassment, but arise out of the same facts or circumstances as a report or complaint of sex discrimination, or a report or Formal Complaint of sexual harassment, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by this policy constitutes retaliation.

The exercise of any rights protected under the First Amendment does not constitute retaliation.  Charging an individual with a violation of this policy or a Code of Conduct violation for making a materially false statement in bad faith in the course of a proceeding under this policy does not constitute retaliation.  However, a determination regarding responsibility, alone, is not sufficient to conclude that any party made a materially false statement in bad faith.

3.  Affirmative Consent

In assessing whether alleged sexual activity was consensual, Bryant & Stratton College will require that the consent be affirmative to consider it consensual.  Affirmative consent is the knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity.  Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create clear permission regarding willingness to engage in the sexual activity.  Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does not demonstrate consent.  The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Additional guidance regarding consent:
  • Consent to any sexual act or prior consensual sexual activity between or with any party does not necessarily constitute consent to any other sexual act.
  • Consent is required regardless of whether either person involved in the act is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
  • Consent may be initially given but withdrawn at any time.
  • Consent cannot be given when a person is incapacitated, which occurs when an individual lacks the ability to knowingly choose to participate in sexual activity.  Incapacitation may be caused by the lack of consciousness or being asleep, being involuntarily restrained, or if an individual otherwise cannot consent. Depending on the degree of intoxication, someone who is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants may be incapacitated and therefore unable to consent.
  • Consent cannot be given when it is the result of any coercion, intimidation, force, or threat of harm.
  • When consent is withdrawn or can no longer be given, sexual activity must stop.

4.  Supportive Measures

Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services the College offers victims and the accused as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge before or after the filing of a Formal Complaint or where no Formal Complaint has been filed. Such measures are designed to provide equal access to the College’s education program or activity without causing an unreasonable burden, including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties or the College’s educational environment, or deter sexual harassment.  Supportive measures may include informal counseling, extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, campus escort services, mutual restrictions on contact between the parties, changes in work or housing locations, leaves of absence, increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus, and other similar measures.  The College will maintain as confidential any supportive measures provided to the victim or accused, to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the ability of the College to provide the supportive measures.  The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the effective implementation of supportive measures.

5. Title IX Coordinator

The Title IX Coordinator is the associate responsible for coordinating the College’s prevention of and response to sexual misconduct, as well as for addressing any questions or inquiries regarding how Bryant & Stratton College applies federal Title IX law and regulations.  In New York, the College’s Title IX Coordinator also coordinates the College’s response to acts of sexual misconduct as required by New York State’s “Enough Is Enough” law (Education Law 129-B). Each location has a Title IX Coordinator.

Title IX Coordinators or their designees have many responsibilities as part of his/her job of ensuring the College complies with the law.  The Title IX Coordinator has the primary responsibility for:

  • Receiving reports and Formal Complaints regarding sexual misconduct;
  • Signing a Formal Complaint where the victim is unwilling or unable to do so in cases where a Formal Complaint is necessary to ensure equal access to the College’s program and activities;
  • Providing information to students and associates about resources and support services available;
  • Directing investigations into incidents of sexual misconduct;
  • Issuing supportive measures;
  • Carrying out restorative remedies to Complainants when directed to do so upon conclusion of a Sexual Misconduct Hearing;
  • Overseeing the Sexual Misconduct investigation and hearing process in a neutral and impartial fashion;
  • Collecting statistics regarding the prevalence of sexual misconduct on campus;
  • Conducting surveys of the campus community regarding sexual misconduct, as required; and
  • Overseeing education and training programs relating to sexual misconduct. 

The Title IX Coordinator for each location is as follows:

Location Title IX Coordinator Other Campus Role Address Contact Information
Albany Jeff Brown Academic Advisor
1259 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12205
Email:  jmbrown@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  518-437-1802, ext. 3717
Amherst Adam Patterson Dean of Instruction
3650 Millersport Highway
Getzville, NY 14068
Email:  arpatterson@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  716-625-6300, ext. 2329
Buffalo Adam Patterson Dean of Instruction
3650 Millersport Highway
Getzville, NY 14068
Email:  arpatterson@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  716-625-6300, ext. 2329
Greece Melissa Kamens Registrar
854 Long Pond Road
Rochester, NY 14612
Email:  mdkamens@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  585-625-5635
Henrietta Melissa Kamens Registrar
1225 Jefferson Road
Rochester, NY 14623
Email:  mdkamens@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  585-625-5635
Southtowns/Orchard Park Adam Patterson Dean of Instruction
3650 Millersport Highway
Getzville, NY 14068
Email:  arpatterson@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  716-625-6300, ext. 2329
Syracuse Andrea Pallone Dean of Student Services
953 James Street
Syracuse, NY 13203
Email:  ampallone@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  315-652-6500, ext. 228
Syracuse North Andrea Pallone Dean of Student Services
7805 Oswego Road
Liverpool, NY 13090
Email:  ampallone@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  315-652-6500, ext. 228
Akron Frankie Faulkner Dean of Instruction
190 Montrose West Avenue
Akron, OH 44321
Email:  ffaulkner@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  440-510-1118
Parma Frankie Faulkner Dean of Instruction
12955 Snow Road
Parma, OH 44130
Email:  ffaulkner@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  440-510-1118
Solon Frankie Faulkner Dean of Instruction
33001 Solon Road
Solon, OH 44139
Email:  ffaulkner@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  440-510-1118
Hampton Lisa Sellers Dean of Student Services
5030 Kilgore Avenue
Hampton, VA 23666
Email:  srsellers@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  757-499-7900, ext. 2
Richmond
(Non-Nursing Students)
Deborah Merritt Senior Academic Advisor
8141 Hull Street Road
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Email:  djmerritt@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  804-745-2444, ext. 8524
Richmond
(Nursing Students)
Michael Adams Senior Academic Advisor
8141 Hull Street Road
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Email:  mtadams@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  804-745-2444, ext. 8525
Virginia Beach Lisa Sellers Dean of Student Services
301 Centre Pointe Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Email:  srsellers@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  757-499-7900, ext. 228
Bayshore Brian Sporleder Dean of Student Services
500 W. Silver Springs Drive, Suite K340
Glendale, WI 53217
Email:  brsporleder@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  414-635-6676
Racine Brian Sporleder Dean of Student Services
1320 W. Warwick Way
Mount Pleasant, WI 53406
Email:  brsporleder@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  414-635-6676
Wauwatosa Brian Sporleder Dean of Student Services
10950 W. Potter Road
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Email:  brsporleder@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  414-635-6676
Online Campus Jennifer Welch Dean of Student Services
200 Redtail Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127
Email:  jawelch@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  716-677-8800, ext. 5473
System Office Laura Shopp System Director of Curriculum
200 Redtail Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127
Email:  lashopp@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  716-677-7923

All of the campus Title IX Coordinators are supervised by the Campus Director (or his/her designee) at their local campus.

6.  Confidentiality and Confidential Resources

As mentioned above, the Title IX Coordinator is the person to whom you would report incidents regarding sexual misconduct.  You can privately report to the Title IX Coordinator incidents of sexual misconduct even if you do not want to file a Formal Complaint, but the Title IX Coordinator cannot offer confidentiality.  You can also disclose those incidents to other College associates, if you prefer. 

  • All College associates - except those designated as “Confidential Resources” as described in this Section - are required to notify the Title IX Coordinator when a member of the College community discloses an incident of sexual misconduct to them so that the Title IX Coordinator can reach out to the victim to offer help, support, and information about filing a Formal Complaint if the victim desires to do so and in order to protect the safety of other people on campus.  Those College associates would only provide the Title IX Coordinator with the necessary information, and the victim’s privacy would be maintained at all times. 

  • Confidentiality can be offered by a College associate who is not required by law to report known incidents of sexual assault or other crimes to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or any other College associates.  College associates, who are designated as “Confidential Resources” are not required to notify the Title IX Coordinator when a student discloses an incident of sexual misconduct to them.  Each campus has access to at least one Confidential Resource with whom students can report an incident of sexual misconduct confidentially.  The Title IX Coordinator will maintain student privacy to the greatest extent possible, but is not a Confidential Resource, given the nature of their duties.  While Confidential Resources generally honor requests for confidentiality, it is important that reporting individuals understand that a request for confidentiality may limit the College’s ability to meaningfully investigate the incident and pursue disciplinary action against the accused. Although rare, there are times when the Confidential Resource may not be able to honor requests for confidentiality in order to provide a safe, non-discriminatory environment for all members of the College community.  In those circumstances, all information would still be treated with the utmost privacy.

  • The Confidential Resource for each campus is as follows:

Location Confidential Resource Other Campus Role Office Address Contact Information
Albany Shawn Kampa Acting Campus Director
1259 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12205
Email:  stkampa@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  518-576-7687
Amherst Paul Bahr Campus Director
3650 Millersport Highway
Getzville, NY 14068
Email:  pcbahr@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  716-625-6300, ext. 2181
Buffalo Jeff Tredo Market Director
110 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14203
Email: jptredo@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 716-677-9500, ext. 3103
Greece Michael Mariani Campus Director
854 Long Pond Road
Rochester, NY 14612
Email:  mamariani@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  585-720-0660
Henrietta Michael Mariani Campus Director
1225 Jefferson Road
Rochester, NY 14623
Email:  mamariani@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  585-292-5627
Southtowns Jeff Tredo Market Director
180 Redtail Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127
Email:  jptredo@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  716-677-9500, ext. 3103
Syracuse Sue Cumoletti Market Director
953 James Street
Syracuse, NY 13203
Email:  skcumoletti@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  315-652-6500, ext. 225
Syracuse North Sue Cumoletti Market Director
7805 Oswego Road
Liverpool, NY 13090
Email:  skcumoletti@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  315-652-6500, ext. 225
Akron Lisa Mason Campus Director
190 Montrose West Avenue
Akron, OH 44321
Email:  lmmason@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  216-265-3151
Parma Lisa Mason Campus Director
12955 Snow Road
Parma, OH 44130
Email:  lmmason@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  216-265-3151
Solon Paul Wehrum Market Director
33001 Solon Road
Solon, OH 44139
Email:  phwehrum@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  440-527-6389
Hampton Jeff Thorud Campus Director
5030 Kilgore Avenue
Hampton, VA 23666
Email:  jsthorud@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  757-498-7900, ext. 240
Richmond Beth Murphy Campus Director
8141 Hull Street Road
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Email:  bmmurphy@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  804-745-2444
Virginia Beach Jeff Thorud Campus Director
301 Centre Pointe Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Email:  jsthorud@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  757-498-7900, ext. 240
Bayshore Greg Brandner Market Director
500 W. Silver Springs Drive, Suite K340
Glendale, WI 53217
Email:  gdbrandner@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  414-635-6680
Racine Greg Brandner Market Director

1320 W. Warwick Way

Mount Pleasant, WI 53406

Email:  gdbrandner@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  414-635-6680
Wauwatosa Greg Brandner Market Director

10950 W. Potter Road

Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Email:  gdbrandner@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  414-635-6680
Online Campus Scott Traylor Vice president, Online Operations, Marketing and Admissions
200 Redtail Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127
Email:  sotraylor@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  716-677-7810
System Office
(Associates Only)
Bill Wright
System Director of Academic Operations
and Student Affairs
200 Redtail Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127
Email:  bwright@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  716-250-7500, ext. 1236
 
  • Professionals and off-campus advocates, with no affiliation with the College, may also serve as important resources to members of the College community who seek confidential assistance.  Examples of non-College-affiliated individuals who can offer confidentiality include:

    • Medical providers
    • Lawyers providing legal advice
    • Licensed mental health counselors, psychologists, and social workers
    • Pastoral counselors (e.g., priests and other clergy members)
    • Local rape crisis centers and other confidential community resources can be found in the Annual Fire and Security Report at https://www.bryantstratton.edu/pdf/SecurityPolicies.pdf or in Section 7.
    • In New York, see Section 7 for a list of local community resources near your campus, or call the NYS Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906 (available 24/7/365) to be connected to your local rape crisis center.
  • While these off-campus counselors and advocates may maintain a victim’s confidentiality by not informing the College, other obligations under State law may limit their ability to provide full confidentiality. 

  • As noted above, when a victim speaks only to a campus Confidential Resource or an off-campus individual offering confidentiality, the College may be unable to conduct an investigation into the particular incident or pursue disciplinary action against the accused.  In those circumstances, confidential counselors and advocates, including the campus Confidential Resource, will still assist the victim in receiving other necessary protections and support, such as victim advocacy services, academic support or campus accommodations, disability services, health or mental health services, and changes to living, working, or course schedules (i.e., “supportive measures”).

  • At any time, a victim who initially requests confidentiality may also decide to file a Formal Complaint with the school and/or report the incident to campus security, law enforcement, and/or State Police.  In all cases where a victim submits a Formal Complaint to the College, the College will investigate the allegations.  

  • If the College determines that the accused poses a serious and immediate threat to the College community, law enforcement may be called upon to issue a timely warning to the community.  Any warning to the community would not include the victim’s name or any information that identifies the victim. 

7.  Privacy

Privacy (rather than confidentiality) can be offered by a College associate who is unable to offer confidentiality due to their legal obligation to report known incidents of sexual assault or other crimes to the Title IX Coordinator.  College associates and the Title IX Coordinator who cannot guarantee confidentiality will, nevertheless, maintain your privacy to the greatest extent possible.  The information you provide to a non-confidential resource will be relayed only as necessary for the Title IX Coordinator or designee to investigate and/or seek a resolution.

8.  Accused

A person accused of sexual misconduct or another violation of this policy is referred to as the “accused” until a Formal Complaint, if any, is submitted at which time the “accused” is referred to as the “Respondent.”

9.  Victim

An individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual misconduct or other activity that would constitute a violation of this policy is referred to as the “victim” until he or she submits a Formal Complaint, if any, at which time the “victim” is referred to as the “Complainant.”

10.  Bystander

Bystander includes any person who witnesses or learns about sexual misconduct or another violation of this policy who is not themselves the victim or person subjected to the sexual misconduct.  Bystanders are welcome and encouraged to report incidents of sexual misconduct that they have witnessed or learned about.  If your friend is a victim of sexual misconduct, please encourage them to reach out for help. 

A list of on-campus and off-campus resources available to victims can be found in Section 7.

11.  Complainant

An individual who submits a “Formal Complaint” alleging sexual misconduct or another violation of this policy whether he or she is alleged to be the victim of such alleged activity.

12.  Respondent

A person accused in a “Formal Complaint” of sexual misconduct or another violation of this policy.  Before such a Complaint is submitted, this individual is referred to as the “accused.”

13.  Formal Complaint

A document filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual misconduct against a Respondent and requesting that the College investigate the allegation(s).  At the time of filing a Formal Complaint, a Complainant must be participating in or attempting to participate in an education program or activity of the College including, but not limited to, attending as a student or being employed by the College.  A Formal Complaint may be filed with the designated Title IX Coordinator for the College location  in person, by mail, or by electronic mail, by using the contact information listed in this policy.  As used in this paragraph, the phrase “document filed by a Complainant” means a document or electronic submission (such as by electronic mail or through an online portal provided by the College in this policy below) that contains the Complainant’s physical or digital signature, or otherwise indicates that the Complainant is the person filing the Formal Complaint.  Where the Title IX Coordinator signs a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator is not a Complainant or otherwise a party under this policy. 

In instances where there exist allegations of sexual misconduct or another violation of this policy against more than one Respondent or by more than one Complainant against one or more Respondents, or by one party against the other party, the Title IX Coordinator may consolidate Formal Complaints if the allegations of sexual misconduct or other violation arise out of the same facts or circumstances.

Section 4:  Training

Title Coordinators and their designees, Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee members, any investigators other than the Title IX Coordinator, members of Appeal panels, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process will receive training on the following:

  • The definition of “sexual harassment” specifically and “sexual misconduct” more generally as defined in this Policy;
  • The scope of the College’s education or activity, i.e., the locations, events, and circumstances over which the College exercises substantial control and any buildings owned or controlled by any student organizations that the College officially recognizes;
  • How to properly conduct an investigation of sexual violence including how to interview victims of sexual assault, the effects of trauma, and the rights of the Respondent, including the right to a presumption that the Respondent is “not responsible”;
  • How to conduct a Sexual Misconduct hearing including appeals, and the informal resolution process.  This also includes training on how to serve in their capacities impartially and avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue, conflicts of interest, and bias.
  • Technology used at live hearings; and
  • How to assess relevance of questions and evidence, including when questions about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant.

Title IX Coordinators specifically and anyone designated to investigate allegations of misconduct will receive training on issues of relevance when creating an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence.  The materials used to train Title IX Coordinators and their designees, any investigators, Sexual Misconduct Committee members, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process will not rely on sex stereotypes and will promote impartial investigations and adjudications of Formal Complaints of Sexual Misconduct. 

Section 5:  Prohibited Behavior

Bryant & Stratton College is a place of academic learning, and its community members are expected to behave accordingly.  The following behaviors are considered specific and serious violations of this policy.  Within the scope of this policy, as stated in Section 2, violations of this policy can occur both on-campus and off-campus. 

Prohibited Behavior:

  • Sexual misconduct as defined in this policy;
  • Attempting to commit sexual misconduct;
  • Aiding another person in committing sexual misconduct;
  • Knowingly violating an interim measure or sanction imposed by the College pursuant to this policy, such as a “no contact” order, suspension, or other measures and/or sanctions deemed appropriate under the circumstances;
  • Knowingly filing a false report of any prohibited behavior;
  • Retaliation as defined in this Policy.

The above forms of sexual misconduct are defined in Terminology and Definitions in Section 3 of this policy.

Section 6:  How to Report Incidents of Sexual Misconduct

A victim has the right to report any instance of sexual misconduct to the College’s Title IX Coordinator, to campus security, to local law enforcement, to the State police, to any combination of these authorities, or to not report the incident at all.  (College associates, other than confidential resources defined above, are obligated to report all instances of sexual misconduct.  See Section 6.2 below.) 

To report an instance of sexual misconduct to the College specifically, any person (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of the alleged conduct) may report sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed above for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report.  Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address, listed above for the Title IX Coordinator.

1.  Reporting Versus Filing a Formal Complaint

Sometimes a victim wishes to tell someone about an incident of sexual misconduct but is not yet sure whether they wish to see official action taken against the individual who committed it.  Victims have the option to report (tell someone about) an incident without being obligated to file a Formal Complaint.  The Formal Complaint form can be accessed at: www.bryantstratton.edu/utilities/enoughisenough.

Whether a victim chooses to report or chooses to file a Formal Complaint about an incident, the victim has the right to be protected by the College from retaliation and the right to receive assistance and Supportive Measures from the College. 

It should be emphasized here that anyone can report sexual misconduct, even third parties. Reports are not required to be in writing.  However, if the victim is not identified, the College will not be able to provide Supportive Measures.  The College will maintain confidential:

  • the identity of any individual who has made a report or Formal Complaint;
  • any individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of sexual misconduct (an “accused”);
  • any Respondent; and
  • any witness.

However, this confidentiality may be limited as may be permitted by FERPA, or as required by law, or to carry out the purposes of the Title IX of the Civil Rights Act regulations, including the conduct of any investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding arising under those regulations.  

When the Title IX Coordinator becomes aware of an incident of sexual misconduct, the Coordinator will promptly contact the victim, if he or she is known, or other reporting individual to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures, consider the victim’s wishes with respect to Supportive Measures, provide information of the availability of Supportive Measures with or without the filing of a Formal Complaint, and explain the process for filing a Formal Complaint.

The Title IX Coordinator is the person with whom a victim would file a Formal Complaint regarding sexual misconduct, if the victim wishes to do so.  The Coordinator will ensure that at the time of filing the Formal Complaint the victim is participating or attempting to participate in the College’s education program or activity in the capacity as a student or as an associate.  Upon receiving a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will investigate the incident to determine whether the alleged conduct, if proven to be true, would constitute “sexual misconduct.”  If the Title IX Coordinator determines that the alleged conduct, if proven, does not constitute “sexual misconduct,” as defined in this policy, then the Coordinator will dismiss the Complaint.  If, however, the alleged conduct constitutes “sexual misconduct,” the Coordinator will investigate and commence the Sexual Misconduct hearing process against the accused, if that individual is a student or associate.  The College reserves the right to have someone other than the Title IX Coordinator conduct the investigation, The Title IX Coordinator will also offer the victim Supportive Measures as defined in this policy. 

Victims can also report sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator even if they do not want an investigation to occur.  Such a report can be submitted anonymously or not anonymously.  However, if the victim reports anonymously, the College will not be able to provide the victim Supportive Measures.  If the victim reports without anonymity, the Title IX Coordinator will nevertheless maintain the confidentiality of any Supportive Measures provided to the victim (and the accused if such measures are provided to him or her) to the extent maintaining such confidentiality will not impair the ability of the College to provide such measures. 

All victims who report sexual misconduct will be offered Supportive Measures and instructions on how to file a Formal Complaint should he or she decide to do so.  Although the Title IX Coordinator is not a Confidential Resource, reporting an incident to the Title IX Coordinator while expressing one’s wish for no investigation to occur is known as a “confidential report” to the Title IX Coordinator.  In these cases, the Title IX Coordinator will first ask the victim’s permission before beginning an investigation and commencing the appropriate disciplinary process. 

If the victim declines to give permission to the Title IX Coordinator to investigate the matter, the Title IX Coordinator will honor the victim’s decision and will not investigate the report, except in circumstances where failing to investigate would prevent the College from providing a safe and non-discriminatory environment for all members of the College community.  In those cases, the Title IX Coordinator could file a Formal Complaint and commence an investigation and, if appropriate, a Sexual Misconduct disciplinary process, as well.  In these situations, the victim would not be obligated to participate in the investigation or the disciplinary process.  In cases where the Title IX Coordinator, rather than the victim, files a Formal Complaint, the Coordinator will nevertheless treat the victim as a party to the process.  Whatever the victim decides, the Title IX Coordinator will still offer the student Supportive Measures.  More information about how to make this type of “confidential report” is provided below in this Section.

2.  Reporting Sexual Misconduct to Someone Other than the Title IX Coordinator

Incidents can also be disclosed to College associates other than the Title IX Coordinator, if the victim prefers to do so.  College associates who are not designated as “Confidential Resources” are required to notify the Title IX Coordinator when an incident of sexual misconduct is disclosed to them, in order to protect the safety of other people on campus and so that the Title IX Coordinator can reach out to the victim to offer help, support, and information about filing a Formal Complaint if the victim desires. 

If the victim reports the incident to the College associate anonymously, the College will not be able to provide the victim Supportive Measures.  If the victim reports the incident to the College associate without anonymity, the Title IX Coordinator will nevertheless maintain the confidentiality of any Supportive Measures provided to the victim (and the accused if such measures are provided to him or her) to the extent maintaining such confidentiality will not impair the ability of the College to provide such measures.  The information disclosed will be limited to only the information needed to conduct an investigation (if the victim permits) and to ensure victim safety.  More information about privacy is provided in Section 3 (“Terminology and Definitions”). 

Certain College associates are not required to notify the Title IX Coordinator when an individual discloses an incident of sexual misconduct to them.  These College associates are known as “Confidential Resources”.  Each College location has one Confidential Resource with whom victims may speak with confidentiality.  Confidential Resources can help victims obtain assistance and resources without sharing a victim’s  confidential information with anyone else.  Speaking to a Confidential Resource will not result in a Formal Complaint being made.  More information about confidentiality and a list of the Confidential Resources for each campus is provided in Section 3.  

Victims can also disclose incidents to non-College officials, such as a local rape crisis center or a mental health counselor.  A list of some local rape crisis centers and other community resources is provided in Section 7 and in the Annual Fire and Security Report found on the College’s website at https://www.bryantstratton.edu/pdf/SecurityPolicies.pdf and in the Dean’s office of each College location.  You can also find local rape crisis centers and other community resources by dialing 2-1-1 or, in New York, by calling the New York State Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (1-800-942-6906).  These types of non-College officials provide confidentiality and can offer support and referrals to helpful services and resources.  These persons are not affiliated with the College and have no obligation to notify the Title IX Coordinator about the incident.  Consequently, if the College is not informed of the incident, victims should not expect the College to investigate the matter.  However, the College will investigate allegations contained in a Formal Complaint with the College.

3.  Submitting a Report or Formal Complaint to a Title IX Coordinator Confidentially and/or Anonymously

In addition to the options described above with regard to privately or confidentially submitting a report of an incident of sexual misconduct, victims also have several options for making a Formal Complaint.  If the victim chooses to do so, the student may file a Formal Complaint with the Title IX Coordinator.  Formal Complaints  can be made to the Title IX Coordinator by submitting to the Title IX Coordinator in-person, via email, or via the online incident report form as described in Section 3.  The Title IX Coordinator’s contact information is listed in Section 3.  The Formal Complaint form can be accessed at: www.bryantstratton.edu/utilities/enoughisenough.

  • Reports: Those reporting instances of sexual misconduct - whether they are the victim, an associate, a friend, or a witness/bystander - can also make confidential and/or anonymous reports if they prefer to do so. 
    • Confidential Reports can be made by telling the Title IX Coordinator that you do not want an investigation to occur, or, if submitting the report online, by checking the boxed on the online incident report form labeled “I do not want an investigation to occur.”
      • While this reporting method is known as a “confidential report”, due to the nature of their responsibilities, the Title IX Coordinator is not a “Confidential Resource.”  As noted above, all information provided will be handled with the utmost “privacy” as defined in Section 3.
      • When a reporting individual reports an incident of sexual misconduct but expresses that he/she does not wish for the College to conduct an investigation, the College will typically honor that request.  However, sometimes the College will be obligated to weigh such a request against the College’s duty to ensure the safety of others on campus.  Some of the factors the College may consider in weighing a request to not investigate may include:  whether the accused has a history of violent behavior or is a repeat offender; whether the incident represents escalation in unlawful conduct by the accused; the increased risk that the accused individual will commit additional acts of violence; whether the accused used a weapon and/or force; whether the victim is a minor; whether the institution possesses other means to obtain evidence (e.g., security footage); and whether available information reveals a pattern of perpetration at a given location or by a particular group.  If the Title IX Coordinator determines that a victim’s confidentiality cannot be maintained and that an investigation is necessary, the victim will be notified in writing, prior to the start of an investigation and will, to the extent possible, only share information with the people responsible for handling the College’s response.  The Title IX Coordinator will remain ever mindful of the victim’s well-being and will take ongoing steps to protect the victim from retaliation or harm and work with the victim to create a safety plan.  Retaliation against the victim, whether by students or College associates, will not be tolerated.  In these cases, should the Title IX Coordinator decide to commence a Sexual Misconduct disciplinary proceeding against the accused, the Coordinator will nevertheless treat the victim as a party to the process and offer the victim supportive measures. 
    • Anonymous Reports can be made by not including your name or email address when submitting the online incident report form.
      • Individuals who wish to anonymously report an incident should be aware that their anonymity may inhibit the College’s ability to conduct a full investigation of the incident, provide Supportive Measures, and/or update the victim regarding actions taken.

Regardless of how a victim chooses to disclose the alleged misconduct, the College will not require a victim to participate in any investigation or disciplinary proceeding.

In the event that sexual misconduct has been committed by a non-member of the College community (including an unknown person or stranger), victims may still report the incident to the College and receive Supportive Measures and protection.  For a list of on-campus and off-campus resources and support services near your campus, see Resources, Support Services, and Protection for Victims in Section 7.

4.  Reporting to Local Law Enforcement

Victims also have the option to make a report to law enforcement, either in addition to or as an alternative to making a report to the College.  In addition to calling 911, you may make a report to law enforcement by contacting the following resources in your State or local area.

Locations Local Law Enforcement
NY - Albany
New York State Police, Troop G, 518-783-3207
City of Albany Police Department, 518-462-8015
Albany County Sheriff, 518-765-2352
City of Schenectady Police Department, 518-382-5201
Schenectady County Sheriff, 518-388-4300
City of Troy Police Department, 518-270-4446
Rensselaer County Sheriff, 518-462-7451
NY - Buffalo
New York State Police, Troop A, 716-297-8730
City of Buffalo Police Department, 716-851-4471
Erie County Sheriff, 716-858-7608
NY - Amherst
New York State Police, Troop A, 716-297-8730
Town of Amherst Police Department, 716-689-1351
Erie County Sheriff, 716-858-7608
NY - Greece New York State Police, Troop E, 585-398-4107
City of Rochester Police Department, 585-428-6720
Town of Greece Police Department, 585-865-9200
Monroe County Sheriff, 585-753-4177
NY - Henrietta New York State Police, Troop E, 585-398-4107
City of Rochester Police Department, 585-428-6720
Monroe County Sheriff, 585-753-4177
NY - Southtowns
New York State Police, Troop A, 716-297-8730
Town of Orchard Park Police Department, 716-662-6444
Erie County Sheriff, 716-858-7608
NY - Syracuse
New York State Police, Troop D, 315-366-6004
City of Syracuse Police Department, 315-442-5250
Onondaga County Sheriff, 315-435-3044
NY - Syracuse North
New York State Police, Troop D, 315-366-6004
City of Syracuse Police Department, 315-442-5250
Village of Liverpool Police Department, 315-457-0722
Village of North Syracuse Police Department, 315-458-9870
Onondaga County Sheriff, 315-435-3044
OH Locations
Akron Police Department, 330-375-2552
Cleveland Police Department, 216-623-5000
Parma Police Department, 440-885-1234
Solon Police Department, 440-248-1234
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, 216-619-6194 (will help file police report)
Rape Crisis Center of Medina & Summit County, 330-764-8635; 330-374-0740
Lake County Crisis Center, 541-947-2449
VA Locations Virginia State Police Department: 804-674-4655; http://www.vsp.state.va.us.
WI Locations Milwaukee County Criminal Division: 414-278-4538

5.  Amnesty Policy for Student Alcohol and/or Drug Use

Students should not be afraid to report an incident of sexual misconduct merely because they were drinking alcohol or using drugs at the time of the incident, whether they were a victim, witness, or bystander.  Bryant & Stratton College has adopted an amnesty policy for alcohol and/or drug use in regard to incidents of sexual misconduct.  The health and safety of every member of the College community is of utmost importance.  Bryant & Stratton College recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct.  Bryant & Stratton College strongly encourages students to report domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to the Title IX Coordinator or College associates.  A student-bystander acting in good faith or a reporting individual acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to the College or law enforcement will not be subject to the College’s Student Code of Conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the sexual misconduct. 

6.  Disclosures During Advocacy Events

Individuals occasionally disclose information regarding sexual misconduct during a public awareness and/or advocacy event, such as candlelight vigils, protests, survivor speak-outs, Clothesline Project events, Take Back the Night events, Day of Unity events, and other similar public events.  These events typically serve the purpose of empowering survivors and raising awareness about issues related to sexual violence, as opposed to serving as a forum in which an allegation of sexual misconduct is reported.  Accordingly, the College may not investigate allegations disclosed at these events.  However, individuals always remain free to report such conduct with the College and the College will investigate all allegations in a Formal Complaint.  The College may use information provided at such events to inform its efforts for additional education and prevention efforts regarding sexual misconduct.

7.  Campus Alerts

When certain crimes occur in certain areas on and/or near campus that represent a serious or continuing threat to the campus community, the College is obligated under federal law to issue a timely warning, in order to protect the safety of others.  Crimes triggering a timely warning might include, for example, a rapist who is still present on campus.  When a timely warning is issued, the warning will never identify any victims or reporting individuals.  See the Bryant & Stratton College Annual Fire and Security Report for more information on the Campus Emergency Notification System. This report can be found on the Bryant & Stratton College website at:  https://www.bryantstratton.edu/pdf/SecurityPolicies.pdf.

8.  Campus Crime Data

When the Title IX Coordinator receives reports of sexual misconduct and certain other crimes that occur in certain locations on and/or near campus, federal and State laws require the Title IX Coordinator to count the number of those reports for inclusion in the College’s Jeanne Clery Campus and Security Survey and inclusion in the College’s Annual Fire and Security Report.  This is merely an anonymous tally - neither the identity of the reporting individual nor the specifics of the crime are included in these reports. 

Section 7: Resources, Supportive Measures and Protection for Victims

“Supportive Measures,” as defined in Section 3, are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services the College offers victims and the accused as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge before or after the filing of a Formal Complaint or where no Formal Complaint has been filed.  Bryant & Stratton College is committed to supporting victims and survivors of sexual misconduct, regardless of when, where, or who committed the acts in question.  In this Section as well as Section 3, the College has collected information and resources that may be helpful.  If there are other resources that you or a friend might need, the College encourages you to reach out to your campus Title IX Coordinator, who can help obtain those resources.  A list of all campus Title IX Coordinators is provided in Section 3 of this policy.  If you are in immediate danger at any point, call 911.

1.  Obtaining Immediate Medical Attention

If you have been the victim of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, or dating violence and are in need of immediate medical attention, please call 911 and/or consider visiting a hospital, urgent care center, or medical provider.  Below is a list of emergency medical facilities and other medical providers near each campus.  Some State law requires that all hospitals in the State offer forensic rape examinations (sometimes also called ‘forensic sexual assault examinations or simply ‘rape kits’).  Some states require hospitals to notify the victim that they can choose to have the forensic rape exam and its related charges billed to the Victim Services at no cost to the victim.  After the exam, you might receive other medical services or counseling services for which the hospital might charge you or bill your health insurance; if your insurance plan is through someone else (such as your parent), you are encouraged to tell hospital staff if you do not want your insurance policyholder to be notified about your access to these services. 

Especially in incidents of rape or sexual assault, it may be important to receive a forensic examination as soon as possible in order to preserve evidence and/or to receive protection from sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.  To best preserve evidence, you should avoid showering, washing, changing clothes, discarding clothes, combing hair, or otherwise altering your physical appearance until the exam is complete, and you should seek an exam as soon as possible.  Even if you don’t want evidence to be collected, it is still recommended that you get examined by a doctor in order to address physical injuries, potential pregnancy, and possible exposure to sexually transmitted infections. 

All  Locations: For more information about what to do after an assault, visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center website at www.nsvrc.org or the local resources listed in Section 7.

New York: In New York, please call the NYS Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906 (available 24/7/365) to be connected to your local rape crisis center. 

Medical facilities in locations are listed below:

Location Medical Facility
Albany
St. Peter’s Hospital, 315 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208
Albany Memorial Hospital, 600 Northern Boulevard, Albany, NY 12208
Albany Medical Center Hospital, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208
Ellis Health Center, 600 McClellan Street, Schenectady, NY 12304
Ellis Hospital, 1101 Nott Street, Schenectady, NY 12308
St. Mary’s Hospital, 1300 Massachusetts Avenue, Troy, NY 12180
Samaritan Hospital, 2215 Burdett Avenue, Troy, NY 12180
Buffalo Buffalo General Hospital, 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, 818 Ellicott St. , Buffalo, NY 14203
Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, 565 Abbott Road, Buffalo, NY 14220
Sisters of Charity Hospital, 2157 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214
Erie County Medical Center, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY 14215
Amherst
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, 1540 Maple Road, Williamsville, NY 14221
DeGraff Memorial Hospital, 445 Tremont Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Kenmore Mercy Hospital, 2950 Elmwood Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217
St. Joseph Hospital, 2605 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Erie County Medical Center, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY 14215
Greece Unity Hospital, 1555 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626
Rochester General Hospital, 1425 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621
Highland Hospital, 1000 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620
Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620
Henrietta
Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620
Highland Hospital, 1000 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620
Rochester General Hospital, 1425 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621
Unity Hospital, 1555 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626
Southtowns/Orchard Park
Mercy Ambulatory Care Center, 3669 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park, NY 14127
Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, 565 Abbott Road, Buffalo, NY 14220
St. Joseph Hospital, 2605 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Buffalo General Hospital, 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, 219 Bryant Street, Buffalo, NY 14222
Erie County Medical Center, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY 14215
Syracuse
St. Joseph’s Hospital, 301 Prospect Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13203
Upstate Medical Center, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210
Crouse Hospital, 736 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210
Upstate Hospital Community Campus, 4900 Broad Road, Syracuse, NY 13215
Syracuse North
St. Joseph’s Hospital, 301 Prospect Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13203
Upstate Medical Center, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210
Crouse Hospital, 736 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210
Upstate Hospital Community Campus, 4900 Broad Road, Syracuse, NY 13215
Akron
Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital, 1 Akron General Avenue, Akron, OH
Summa Health System, 1 Park West Boulevard, Akron, OH 44320,
Summa Health System - St. Thomas Campus, 444 N. Main Street, Akron, OH 44310
Western Reserve Hospital, 1900 23rd Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Parma
MetroHealth Parma Medical Center,  12301 Snow Road, Parma, OH 44130
University Hospitals Parma Medical Center,  7007 Powers Boulevard, Parma, OH 44129
Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195
Louis Stokes VA Hospital,  10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106 
Solon
St. Vincent Charity Medical Center,  33001 Solon Rd., Solon, Ohio 44139
University Hospital, 34055 Solon Rd., Solon, Ohio 44139
Virginia Beach
Sentara Princess Anne,  2025 Glenn Mitchell Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456,
Sentara Leigh Hospital, 830 Kempsville Road, Norfolk, VA 23502
Richmond
Chippenham Hospital, 7101 Jahnke Road, Richmond, VA 23235
Johnston Willis Hospital, 1401 Johnston Willis Drive, Richmond, VA 23235
Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, 5801 Bremo Road, Richmond, VA 23236
Hampton Sentara Careplex Hospital, 3000 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 2366
Wauwatosa and Bayshore
Froedtert Hospital,  900 N 92n Street, Milwaukee 53226   
Sexual Assault Treatment Center in Milwaukee, 414-219-5555
Racine
Ascension All Saints Hospital, 3801 Sprint Street, Racine WI 53405, 262-687-401

More information regarding forensic examinations and sexually transmitted infections, as well as other resources are available through your campus Title IX Coordinator.  In New York, you may also contact the New York State Office of Victim Services, which is available through your campus Title IX Coordinator or by contacting the New York State Office of Victim Services directly: 1-800-247-8035 or https://ovs.ny.gov/contact-us.

2.  On-Campus and Off-Campus Resources and Support Services

Individuals who have been subjected to sexual misconduct also often need other types of support.  Even if you think you are okay and that you don’t need help, the College encourages you to reach out to someone.  The College’s on-campus resource is the Title IX Coordinator.  In addition, there are various off-campus resources that you can use if you prefer not to seek help from on-campus resources.  Below is a list of on-campus and off-campus resources for each Bryant & Stratton College location, including counselors, advocates, and community resources. If you have any questions or aren’t sure where to go, your campus Title IX Coordinator can help point you in the right direction. 

Location On-Campus Resources Off-Campus Resources
Albany
Title IX Coordinator/Academic Advisor:
Jeff Brown
Email: jmbrown@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 518-437-1802, ext. 3717
Albany County Crime Victim & Sexual Violence Center
112 State Street, Room 1118, Albany, NY 12207
518-447-7100 (office)    518-447-7716 (24 hour hotline)
Provides free and confidential services for Albany County residents of all genders and ages who have been affected by a crime, including resources for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and resources for LGBTQ persons.
 
Equinox Domestic Violence Services
95 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206
518-432-7865  www.equinoxinc.org
Provides free domestic violence services, including safe shelters and transitional housing, counseling, support groups, and legal services, to victims and their children.
 
The Legal Project’s Campus Violence Legal Connection
24 Aviation Road, Suite 101, Albany, NY 12205
518-435-1770  www.legalproject.org
Or contact Program Coordinator, Brittni Galotti directly: bgulotty@legalproject.org
Provides free legal consultation and pro bono (free) legal representation in family court matters.
 
In Our Own Voices
245 Lark Street, Albany NY, 12210
518-432-4341  www.inourownvoices.org
Offers a variety of free programs designed to serve the LGBTQ community, including domestic violence and crime victim services, health services and HIV education, support groups, and legal services.
 
YWCA of Northeastern New York
44 Washington Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12305
518-374-3394  www.ywca-northeasternny.org
Provides domestic violence services, including counseling, support groups, and safe housing options.
 
Unity House
2431 Sixth Avenue, Troy, NY 12180
518-274-2607 (office)
518-272-2370 (24-hour anonymous hotline)  www.unityhouseny.org
Provides services regarding domestic violence and stalking, including counseling, support groups, emergency shelter and safe housing, and legal assistance, to victims and their children.

Buffalo

Amherst

Southtowns

System Office-
Orchard Park
Buffalo
Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Instruction: Adam Patterson
Email: arpatterson@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 716-625-6300, ext. 2329
 
Amherst
Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Instruction: Adam Patterson
Email: arpatterson@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 716-625-6300, ext. 2329
 
Southtowns
Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Student Services: Adam Patterson
Email: arpatterson@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 716-625-6300, ext. 2329
 
System Office-Orchard Park
Title IX Coordinator/System Director of Curriculum: 
Laura Shopp
Email: lashopp@bryantstratton.edu
Phone:  716-677-7923
 
 
Haven House Child & Family Services
330 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
716-842-2750 (office)716-884-6000 (24-hour hotline)
www.cfsbny.org
Providing a crisis hotline, safe housing, supportive counseling and support groups, and advocacy for victims of domestic violence.

 

Crisis Services
100 River Rock Dr., Suite 300, Buffalo, NY 14207
716-834-2310 (phone)  716-834-3131 (24 hour hotline)
Providing confidential services to survivors of rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence, including counseling and access to forensic examinations, as well as emergency and intervention services to persons in emotional distress or mental health crisis.

 

Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project
438 Main Street, 7th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202
Providing free legal services on family law issues, including child support, divorce, custody, and guardianship.

Greece/Henrietta

Greece
Title IX Coordinator/Registrar: Melissa Kamens
Email: mdkamens@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 585-625-5635
 
Henrietta
Title IX Coordinator/Registrar: Melissa Kamens
Email: mdkamens@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 585-625-5635
Planned Parenthood of Central & Western NY
114 University Avenue, Rochester, NY 14605
585-546-2595   www.plannedparenthood.org
Providing sexual health services and information, including HIV testing, emergency contraception, abortion services, birth control, pregnancy testing, and STD testing & treatment regardless of whether you have health insurance.
 
Restore Sexual Assault Services & Rape Crisis Center
1 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14605
585-546-2777 (24 hour hotline)  www.restoresas.org
Providing free and confidential intervention & support services, including campus advocates and access to counselors and legal resources, for survivors of sexual assault
and domestic violence and their families.
 
Willow Domestic Violence Center
Rochester, NY
585-222-7233 (24-hour hotline)  www.willowcenterny.org
Providing free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence and their families, including emergency shelter, safe affordable housing, safety planning, court companions, counseling and support groups, children’s services, and pet shelters.

Syracuse

Syracuse North

Syracuse
Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Student Services: Andrea Pallone
Email: ampallone@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 315-652-6500, ext. 228
 
Syracuse North
Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Student Services: Andrea Pallone
Email: ampallone@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 315-652-6500, ext. 228
Vera House
723 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203
315-425-0818 (office)   315-468-3260 (24 hour hotline)
www.verahouse.org
Providing comprehensive services for survivors of sexual violence and domestic violence, including emergency shelter, forensic exams, counseling, group therapy, LGBTQ services, youth and teen services, services for persons with disabilities, pet foster care, and advocacy on legal, medical, and social services issues.
 
Cayuga-Seneca Community Action Agency
89 York Street, Suite 1, Auburn, NY 13021
315-255-6221 (24-hour confidential hotline)  www.cscaa.com
Providing confidential assistance for survivors of domestic violence, including intervention services, emergency shelter, safety planning services, counseling and support groups, transportation, referrals to community resources, child care, relocation assistance, emergency food and clothing, and advocacy on legal, medical, and financial issues.
 
Help Restore Hope Center
www.helprestorehopecenter.org
Providing survivors of domestic violence and rape/sexual assault with free confidential services including emergency housing, crisis intervention, counseling, support groups, and assistance with and companions for medical exams and legal proceedings.
Akron
 
Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Instruction:  Frankie Faulkner
Email: ffaulkner@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 440-510-1118
Battered Women’s Shelter of Medina and Summit County
120 West Washington Street, Suite 3E1, Medina, OH 44256
877-906-7273
 
Rape Crisis Center (Sexual Assault Hotlines and Counseling)
974 East Market Street, Akron, OH 44305, 330-434-7273
 
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (National Sexual Assault Hotline)
1220 L Street Northwest, Suite 505, Washington, DC20005
800-656-4673
Parma
Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Instruction:  Frankie Faulkner
Email: ffaulkner@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 440-510-1118
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
1228 Euclid Avenue, #200, Cleveland, OH 44115
216-619-6194
 
Westlake Rape Crisis Center
27887 Clemens Road, Westlake, OH 44145
 
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (National Sexual Assault Hotline)
1220 L Street Northwest, Suite 505, Washington, DC20005
800-656-4673
Solon
Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Instruction:  Frankie Faulkner
Email: ffaulkner@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 440-510-1118
Rape Crisis Center
8334 Mentor Ave #100,  Mentor Ohio 44060
1-440-354-7364
Hampton
Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Student Services:  Lisa Sellers
Email: srsellers@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 757-499-7900, ext. 228
Rape Crisis Center:
The Center for Sexual Assault Survivors
718 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601
Phone: 757-599-9844
24-hour phone number: 757-236-5260
https://visitthecenter.org/
 
YWCA South Hampton Roads
500 East Plume Street, Suite 700, Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 625-4248
24-hour phone number: 757.251.0144
https://www.ywca-shr.org/
 
Response Sexual Assault Support Services Hotline
757-622-4300
 
Samaritan House’s Safe Harbor Hotline
757-430-2120
 
Spousal Abuse Friend & Educator Program (S.A.F.E.)
757-664-7647
 
Family Services/Sexual Trauma Team
757-664-7079 or 757-664-7000;
Counseling Services: 757-467-7707;
 
Families United-Human Potentials
757-624-3837
 
Center for Child and Family Service, Inc.
757-838-1960 or Toll Free: 1-800-311-2927
 
Clinical Counseling, VB
757-622-7017
Virginia Beach
Title IX Coordinator/ Dean of Student Services:  Lisa Sellers
Email: srsellers@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 757-499-7900, ext. 228
Rape Crisis Center: Samaritan House
2620 Southern Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Office: 757-631-0710
24-hour phone number: 757-430-2120
https://samaritanhouseva.org/resources/
 
Response Sexual Assault Support Services Hotline
757-622-4300
 
Spousal Abuse Friend & Educator Program (S.A.F.E.)
757-664-7647
 
Family Services/Sexual Trauma Team
757-664-7079 or 757-664-7000
 
Counseling Services
757-467-7707
 
Families United-Human Potentials
757-624-3837
 
Center for Child and Family Service, Inc.
757-838-1960 or Toll Free: 1-800-311-2927
 
Clinical Counseling, VB
757-622-7017
Richmond
Non-Nursing Students
Title IX Coordinator/Senior Academic Advisor:  Deborah Merritt
Email: djmerritt@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 804-745-2444, ext. 8524

 

Nursing Students
Title IX Coordinator/Senior Academic Advisor: 
Michael Adams
Email: mtadams@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 804-745-2444, ext. 8525
Rape Hotline
804-643-0888
 
Crisis Services/Domestic Violence
1-800- 799-723
 
VA Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-838-8238
 
Domestic and Sexual Violence: YWCA Office
Richmond 804-643-0888 or
Chesterfield 804-796-3066
Wauwatosa
Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Student Services:  Brian Sporleder
Email: brsporleder@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 414-635-6676 
Sexual Assault and Treatment Center
414-219-5555
Bayshore
Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Student Services:  Brian Sporleder
Email: brsporleder@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 414-635-6676
Sexual Assault and Treatment Center
414-219-5555
Racine
Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Student Services:  Brian Sporleder
Email: brsporleder@bryantstratton.edu
Phone: 414-635-6676
Sexual Assault and Treatment Center
414-219-5555

A list of additional local resources is available from the Title XI Coordinator at your campus location.

Bryant & Stratton College also maintains a brochure entitled “Sexual Assault: Knowledge and Prevention” which is available upon request.  It includes information on the nature of sexual assaults, prevention of sexual assaults, and other relevant information.  Additional information is available in each location’s Academic or Student Services Offices or in the Student Counselor’s office at locations that have such a counselor. 

The above is only a brief listing of the resources available to you.  You can find many more resources by dialing 2-1-1 for free, confidential help finding an extensive list of resources, including law enforcement & public safety assistance, legal services, hospitals that conduct sexual assault forensic exams, confidential counseling services, and more. 2-1-1 is available 24/7, and many of the resources to which they can refer you also are available 24/7, are confidential, and are low-cost or free of charge. 

3.  Provision of Supportive Measures

In addition to the above on-campus and off-campus resources, the College is prepared to offer all victims of sexual misconduct, whether reported with or without a Formal Complaint, certain protections and reasonable campus accommodations, known as “supportive measures,” as defined in Section 3 of this policy.  The accused and Respondents may also seek and receive supportive measures. 

Of course, in cases where a victim chooses to report anonymously, the College will not be able to provide supportive measures.  

Below is a list of supportive measures that may be available, if appropriate. To request any of the below protections and/or campus accommodations, please contact your campus Title IX Coordinator.  Your Title IX Coordinator will then make the necessary arrangements, including coordinating with other campus offices as needed, in order to maintain your privacy.  (If you are not sure who your campus Title IX Coordinator is, a list of all campus Title IX Coordinators is provided in Section 3).

  • No Contact Orders
    • Having the College issue a one-way “no contact” order against the accused or a mutual no-contact order against both the accused and the victim.  A no-contact order can be formulated appropriately as the circumstances warrant. The no-contact can range from prohibited communication to prohibiting physical contact.
    • A one-way “no contact” order requires a fact-specific inquiry to determine whether imposition of such an order would be punitive, disciplinary, or unreasonably burdensome to the other party.  In cases where a one-way no-contact order would help enforce a restraining order, preliminary injunction, or other court-mandated protective order or if such an order would not unreasonably burden the other party, a one-way no-contact order may be appropriate. 
    • When a one-way no-contact order is issued, if the accused, victim, or reporting individual observes each other in a public place, it will be the responsibility of the accused to avoid contact with the victim, leave the area immediately and without directly contacting the reporting individual and/or victim.  If necessary, the College may establish a schedule for the accused and the victim to access College buildings and property at separate times.  Violating the “no contact” order could subject the accused to additional consequences and/or the involvement of law enforcement.
    • Both the accused and the victim will, upon request and consistent with these policies, be afforded a prompt review, reasonable under the circumstances of the need for and terms of the ‘no contact’ order, including potential modification and will be allowed to submit evidence in support of their his or her request.
  • Assistance from College associates in obtaining an order of protection or restraining order from law enforcement against the accused individual.
    • Orders of protection and restraining orders are similar to “no contact” orders, except that they are imposed by a court, not by the College.  If an accused individual violates an order or protection or restraining order, they could be arrested.  The College reserves the right to impose consequences on accused individuals who violate orders of protection and restraining orders, such as imposing additional conduct charges and/or subjecting the accused to interim suspension.
  • Assistance from College campus security in calling on and assisting law enforcement in effecting an arrest when the accused individual violates an order of protection.
    • College campus security is available to assist victims and Complainants in instances where an accused or Respondent fails to comply with an order of protection.
  • Interim Suspension
    • When the accused individual or victim is a student determined to present a continuing threat to the health and safety of the community, to subject the accused or victim to interim suspension pending the outcome of the Sexual Misconduct disciplinary process consistent with the law and the College’s policies and procedures.  After carrying out an individualized safety and risk analysis, in cases where the College determines that an accused or Respondent student presents an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student or other individual arising from the allegations of violation of this Policy, the College may find that removal of a student is justified.  If the accused or Respondent is a College associate, the College may place the associate on administrative leave if it deems such action necessary.
    • Both the accused or victim and the reporting individual shall, upon request and consistent with the College’s policies and procedures, be afforded a prompt review, reasonable under the circumstances, of the need for and terms of an interim suspension or administrative leave, including potential mediation, and shall be allowed to submit evidence in support of his or her request.
    • Determinations of whether an accused poses a continuing threat to the health and safety of the College community are made by Title IX Coordinators at each campus. In making such determinations, these Coordinators act in good faith and take into consideration,
      • Whether the accused individual has a history of violent behavior or is a repeat offender;
      • Whether the victim or Complainant is a minor;
      • The nature of the allegation in question;
      • Subsequent behavior occurring after the allegation;
      • The potential risk of harm or disruption to the campus community and the victim  or Complainant;
      • Other relevant factors, such as whether the alleged behavior represents an escalation in behavior from past incidents, the possession and/or use of a weapon and/or force, whether the College possesses other means to obtain evidence (e.g. security footage), whether available information reveals a pattern of perpetration at a given location or by a particular group and whether alternatives to interim suspension or administrative leave are available;
      • And/or use of a weapon, and whether alternatives to interim suspension are available.
    • When the threat posed implicates mental health issues, the victim will be required to provide the College with documentation from an appropriate healthcare provider in order to return to campus.  Additional safety precautions may also be taken where the College deems it necessary.
    • When certain crimes occur in certain areas on and/or near campus that represent a serious or continuing threat to the campus community, the College is obligated under federal law to issue a timely warning, in order to protect the safety of others.  Crimes triggering a timely warning might include, for example, a rapist who is still present on campus.  When a timely warning is issued, the warning will never identify any victims, reporting individuals, or Complainants. 
  • Obtaining reasonable and available interim measures and accommodations for changes in the individual’s academics, housing, employment, transportation, or other applicable arrangements in order to help ensure safety, prevent retaliation, and avoid a hostile environment consistent with the College’s policies and procedures.   Other protections, services, and accommodations that may be appropriate including, for example, counseling, extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, campus escort services, mutual restrictions on contact between the parties, changes in work or housing locations, leaves of absence, increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus.

    • While a matter is being investigated or during the pendency of a hearing, a victim, Complainant, accused, or Respondent may seek interim measures.

Section 8:  Sexual Misconduct Disciplinary Process

1.  Presumption of Not Responsible

In cases where this Policy is applicable as set forth in Section 2 above, when an accused commits or is believed to have committed sexual misconduct or other conduct prohibited by this policy - whether committed against another student or associate, other member of the campus community, or non-member of the campus community - the accused may face conduct charges and be subjected to the College’s Sexual Misconduct disciplinary process.  All accused who are subjected to the disciplinary process are entitled to a presumption of “not responsible” (not guilty) conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the disciplinary process.  All processes will be conducted in a fair, impartial, thorough, and timely manner.  However, there may circumstances where prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary  proceedings, the College deems it necessary to carry out interim measures, such as interim suspension of a student or placing an associate on administrative leave. 

2.  Burden of Proof

At all times, the burden of proof and the burden of gathering evidence is on the College to establish that the alleged violation of this policy was committed by the Respondent.  The standard of evidence required in both the Sexual Misconduct Hearing and in the Appeal Hearing, if one is sought, is a preponderance of evidence.  “Preponderance of evidence” means that the relevant Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee must decide in favor of the party that, as a whole, has the stronger evidence that the violation was or was not committed, however slight the edge over the other party’s evidence may be.  “Preponderance of evidence” is sometimes described as “more likely than not” or “51% probability.”  The evidence should be sufficient to incline a fair and impartial mind to one side of the issue over the other, but it is not necessary for that mind to be completely free from all reasonable doubt.  “Preponderance of evidence” is a different and lesser standard of evidence than that used in criminal proceedings; rather, it is the standard of evidence often used in civil court proceedings.  This standard will be used for Formal Complaints against both students and associates, including faculty.

3.  Informal Resolution Process

At any time prior to a Sexual Misconduct Committee reaching a determination, a Complainant may, but is not required to, seek informal resolution of his or her Formal Complaint.  This informal process is not available when the accused is a College associate and both parties must voluntarily consent in writing to the informal resolution process or such a process will not be permitted.  An informal resolution avoids a full investigation and Committee hearing and allows the parties to mediate a resolution.  The informal resolution process is not available unless a Formal Complaint has been submitted.  If a Complainant seeks an informal resolution, both the Respondent and the Complainant will be sent a written notice disclosing:

  • That if the parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution to which they agree in writing, the Complainant will be prevented from resuming a Formal Complaint arising from the same allegations;
  • Any party who has not agreed in writing to a mutually acceptable resolution has a right to withdraw from the informal resolution process and resume the Formal Complaint process.
  • Should a party withdraw from the informal resolution process, all records resulting from the informal resolution process that could have been maintained by the College or shared with the College or the other party will be shared or maintained in the Formal Complaint process. 

4.  Sexual Misconduct Investigation and Hearing Process

Reporting without Submission of a Formal Complaint
In cases where a Formal Complaint has not been submitted by a Complainant, victims who have reported an incident of sexual misconduct - whether done so privately, confidentially, or anonymously - have the option of requesting that the College not conduct an investigation; however, under certain circumstances, the College may determine that an investigation is necessary to protect the health and safety of other students and/or the College community.  When the College determines that an investigation is necessary, the victim will be treated as a party in any Sexual Misconduct proceeding.  Victims who have anonymously submitted a report regarding an incident of sexual misconduct should be aware that their anonymity may inhibit the College’s ability to conduct a full investigation of the incident and/or communicate with the victim regarding actions taken.  In addition, such anonymity will inhibit the ability of the College to provide the victim supportive measures.
Formal Complaint Process
  • Reports of potential and actual violations of this policy, as listed and described in Prohibited Behavior in Section 5 above, will be processed as follows. All written notifications referenced below will be provided by the College to the parties in a manner that requires the parties to acknowledge receipt, such as certified mail or email, return receipt requested or hand delivery with a signed receipt. 
  • All sexual misconduct incident reports will be reviewed by the Title IX Coordinator.
  • The Title IX Coordinator may not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against the Complainant or the Respondent specifically or for or against Complainants or Respondents generally.  A designee for the Title IX Coordinator will be appointed if a conflict exists.
  • In all cases where a Formal Complaint is submitted by a Complainant or signed by a Title IX Coordinator, the Title IX Coordinator (or his/her designee) will conduct an investigation into the incident reported.  Upon the submission of a Formal Complaint, the victim will be referred to as the “Complainant” and the accused will be referred to as the “Respondent.”
  • When a Formal Complaint is submitted, within 10 days, the Title IX Coordinator will provide a written notice to both the Complainant (if known) and the Respondent containing:
    • A description of the Sexual Misconduct Hearing process, including the informal resolution process;
    • The allegations of sexual misconduct with sufficient details known at the time the notice is drafted including the description of the allegations including the identities of the parties involved in the incident, if known, the conduct allegedly constituting sexual misconduct as defined in this policy, and the date and location of the alleged incident, if known;
    • A statement that the Respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct and that a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the Sexual Misconduct Hearing;
    • A statement that the parties may have an advisor of their choice, who may be, but is not required to be an attorney.  In addition, a statement that if the party has no advisor at their hearing, the College will provide one of the College’s choice who is not required to be an attorney.  The notice will further state that the College’s obligation to provide a party an advisor is limited to the initial hearing only and not any appeal hearing;
    • Notice that the parties may inspect and review evidence;
    • The College’s prohibition of knowingly making false statements or knowingly submitting false information during the Sexual Misconduct disciplinary process.
  • During the course of any investigation, if investigation is pursued about allegations of either a Complainant or a Respondent that were not included in this notice, the College will provide notice of those allegations to the parties whose identities are known.

  • Any investigation conducted will be done so in a fair, impartial, thorough, and timely manner and a good faith effort will be made to complete the investigation within 45 days.  If the investigation requires additional time, the parties will be notified with an estimate of the additional time required to complete the investigation.  The burden of gathering the evidence will be on the College and not on the parties.  However, the College may not access, consider, or otherwise use a party’s records that are: 1)  made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting in their professional’s or paraprofessional’s capacity, or assisting in that capacity, and 2) which are made and maintained in connection with the provision of treatment to the party.  However, the College may access, consider, and use these records if the College obtains that party’s (or the party’s parent’s, if necessary) voluntary, written consent to do so for a Sexual Misconduct Hearing. 

  • The parties will be provided equal opportunity to inspect and review any evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly related to the allegations in the Formal Complaint, including evidence that the College does not intend to rely upon in reaching a determination regarding responsibility.  This includes such evidence that is inculpatory (evidence indicating culpability) or exculpatory (evidence indicating lack of culpability whether it was obtained from a party or another source).  Such access will be provided to ensure that the parties are able to meaningfully respond to the evidence at the conclusion of the investigation.

  • To this end, before the investigative report is completed, the College will send to each party and the party’s advisor, if any, the evidence subject to inspection and review in an electronic format or a hard copy, and the parties will be provided 10 days from receipt of the evidence to submit a written response.  Any such responses will be considered prior to completion of the investigative report.  At any hearing that follows, this evidence will be made available to the parties and both parties will have equal opportunity to refer to such evidence during the hearing, including for purposes of cross-examination.

  • Should investigative interviews or meetings be necessary or should an individual’s participation at the hearing be requested, written notice will be provided to the individual with the date, time, location, participants, and the purpose of the interview, meeting, or hearing (as applicable).  Such notice will be provided with at least 5 days prior notice or as soon as possible but with sufficient time for the participant to prepare for the interview, meeting, or interview.

  • Upon completion of the investigation, an investigative report will be prepared which fairly summarizes the relevant evidence.  If it is decided that the Respondent should be subject to proceedings under the  Sexual Misconduct hearing process, each party and any advisor will be provided a copy of the report in an electronic format or a hard copy at least 10 days before any hearing (if a hearing is required) or other time if determination regarding responsibility.  Both parties will be given an opportunity to submit a written response to the report which will be due no later than 3 business days before the hearing.

  • Upon completion of the investigation, if the Title IX Coordinator determines: 1) that the conduct alleged in the Formal Complaint would not constitute “sexual harassment” as defined in this Policy even if proved; 2) that the alleged conduct does not fall within the scope of this policy as set forth in Section 2; or 3) that the alleged conduct did not occur against a person when that person (the victim) was physically located in the United States, the Coordinator will dismiss the Formal Complaint with respect to a claim of violation of Title IX, but may continue the proceeding if the Coordinator believes there is other conduct that, if proven, would violate another provision of this policy. The Coordinator may also dismiss the Formal Complaint if at any time during the investigation or the hearing: 1) the Complainant notifies the Title IX Coordinator in writing that he or she would like to withdraw the Formal Complaint or any allegations in it; 2) Respondent is no longer enrolled or employed by the College; or 3) specific circumstances prevent the College from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination as to the Formal Complaint or allegations in it.  If the Formal Complaint is dismissed, the College will send written notice of the dismissal within 10 days of the determination that dismissal is necessary and the reasons for the dismissal simultaneously to all of the parties. 

Charges and Notice of Hearing
  • If upon the completion of the investigation, it is determined that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a hearing, at least 10 days before the date of the hearing, written notice will be provided to the Respondent, Complainant, and any other party whose participation is invited or expected.  Such notice will include:

    • The facts of the allegations made against the Respondent;
    • The specific College policy violation allegedly committed by the Respondent;
    • The time and date on which the violation allegedly occurred;
    • Possible consequences and/or sanctions against the Respondent for such violation;
    • Information regarding how the Respondent can dispute the violation alleged (including the date, time, and location of a Sexual Misconduct Hearing at which the Respondent will be entitled to present evidence);
    • What (if any) temporary measures will be imposed upon the Respondent while the Sexual Misconduct Hearing is in progress (e.g., interim suspension or administrative leave); and
    • The right of both parties to be accompanied at the Sexual Misconduct Hearing by an advisor of his/her choice.
    • The date, time, location, participants, and the purpose of the hearing.  The date selected by the Title IX Coordinator will be timely in that it will provide the Respondent a reasonable amount of time to prepare for the Hearing while also not constituting an unreasonable delay in resolving the charges.
    • When an alleged violation involves more than one victim or more than one Complainant, or when more than one violation is alleged to have been committed by the Respondent, the Title IX Coordinator may determine, in his/her discretion, to schedule separate Hearings.
Misconduct Hearing
  • The Sexual Misconduct Hearing will be conducted in a fair, impartial, and thorough manner and presided over by a Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee, which will be composed of impartial individuals selected by the Title IX Coordinator.  The Title IX Coordinator may not serve on the Committee.  Committee members may not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against Complainants or Respondents generally or an individual Complainant or Respondent specifically.
  • The Committee will hear all evidence presented on the alleged violation.  During the Sexual Misconduct Hearing, the parties will have the opportunity to present evidence and to inspect and review evidence.
  • Both parties will have the right to be accompanied by an advisor of his/her choice.  The College will be responsible for providing without fee an advisor to the parties only at the Sexual Misconduct hearing if necessary.  Such advisors may be, but is not required to be, an attorney.  In proceedings and meetings other than the initial hearing, the parties have the right to an advisor, but not the right for the College to provide such an advisor.  Such advisor may accompany the party not only at the hearing but also at any interview or meeting. However, the Title IX Coordinator, when acting as the investigator and the Committee may establish restrictions on the extent to which the advisor may participate in the hearing, interview, or meeting.  Such restrictions will apply equally to both parties. 
  • During the hearing, the Committee will objectively evaluate all of the relevant evidence-including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence.  The Committee will not make credibility determinations based on a person’s status as a Complainant, Respondent, or witness.
  • The Sexual Misconduct Hearing will not require, allow, rely upon, or otherwise use questions or evidence that constitute, or seek disclosure of, information protected under a legally recognized privilege, unless the person holding such privilege has waived the privilege.
  • During the course of the Sexual Misconduct Hearing, the College will not restrict the ability of either party to discuss the allegations under investigation or to gather and then present relevant evidence.  The parties will be given an equal opportunity to present witnesses, including fact and expert witnesses, and other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence.
  • The Sexual Misconduct Hearing will be live (in-person) with the following procedural rights and restrictions:
    • The Sexual Misconduct Committee will decide on the location of the hearing.  If either party so requests, the hearing will be carried out with the parties located in separate rooms with technology, such as video conferencing, which enables the Code of Conduct Committee and the parties to simultaneously see and hear the party or witness answering questions.  In addition, depending on the circumstances, the Committee may, on its own, decide to hold the hearing with all parties physically present in the same geographic location or it may decide to have any or all parties, witnesses, and other participants to appear at the live hearing virtually, with technology enabling participants simultaneously to see and hear each other.  An audio or audiovisual recording, or transcript, of any live hearing will be made available to the parties for inspection and review.  This record will be maintained for seven years.
    • The Sexual Misconduct Committee will permit each party’s advisor to cross-examine the other party and any witnesses’ relevant questions and follow-up questions, including those that challenge credibility.
    • If a party does not have an advisor present at the live hearing, the College will provide without fee or charge to that party, an advisor of the College’s choice, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney, to conduct cross-examination on behalf of that party;
    • All cross-examination will be conducted directly, orally, and in real time by the party’s advisor and never by the party personally.  Only relevant cross-examination and other questions may be asked of a party or witness.  The party or individual being examined by the other party’s advisor will await a relevancy determination from the Committee Chair before answering each question.  Should the Committee Chair exclude the question, the Chair will explain the reason for the exclusion;
    • If a party or witness does not submit to cross-examination at the live hearing, the Sexual Misconduct Committee may nonetheless rely on any prior statement of that party or witness in reaching a determination regarding responsibility.  For example, the Committee may consider statements made by the parties and witnesses during the investigation, emails or text exchanges between the parties leading up to the alleged sexual harassment, and statements about the alleged sexual harassment that are relevant, regardless of whether the parties or witnesses submit to cross-examination at the live hearing.  The Committee may also consider police reports, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner documents, medical reports, and other documents even if those documents contain statements of a party or witness who is not cross-examined at the live hearing.  However, the Committee will not draw an adverse inference from a complainant’s or respondent’s decision not to participate or remain silent during the process.  An investigator or the Committee, in the investigation or the hearing respectively, will reach findings and conclusions based on the information available.
    • Questions and evidence about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant, unless such questions and evidence about the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior are offered to prove that someone other than the Respondent committed the conduct alleged by the Complainant, or if the questions and evidence concern specific incidents of the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the Respondent and are offered to prove consent.
  • After all evidence has been presented in the Sexual Misconduct Hearing, the Committee will render a decision as to whether the Respondent is “responsible” (guilty) or “not responsible” (not guilty) for the violation and will impose consequences and/or sanctions on the Respondent if found “responsible”, if appropriate.  If the Respondent fails to or declines to attend the Sexual Misconduct Hearing, the hearing will be held without the Respondent present and the Committee may reach a decision of “responsible” and impose consequences and/or sanctions even in the Respondent’s absence.  However, the Committee will not make a determination based solely on the absence of the Respondent.

  • Upon conclusion of the Sexual Misconduct Hearing, the Committee will privately deliberate and will issue a written determination applying the preponderance of the evidence standard.

  • The written determination will be simultaneously sent to both parties within 5 business days of the conclusion of the Sexual Misconduct Hearing and will include:

    • A summary of the allegations including which provisions of this Policy were alleged to be violated;
    • A summary of the procedural steps the College carried out from receipt of the Formal Complaint through the determination, including notifications to the parties, any interviews with parties and/or witnesses, any site visits, other methods used to gather evidence, and hearings held.
    • Findings of fact supporting the determination;
    • Conclusions regarding the application of this Policy to the facts;
    • With respect to each allegation, a statement of the determination of responsibility, any disciplinary sanctions imposed, and whether any restorative remedies will be provided to the Complainant; and
    • A description of the process and permissible bases for either the Complainant or the Respondent to appeal. 
    • Committee will not make a determination based solely on the absence of the Respondent.
  • Either the Respondent “responsible” or the Complainant may commence his/her appeal by following the procedures described in the paragraphs titled “Appeals Process” below.  In the event an appeal is requested, the Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee’s  decision will be protected from public release by the College until the Appeals Process is complete and final, unless the law requires otherwise.  However, the parties involved may choose whether or not to discuss or disclose the outcome of the Code of Conduct Hearing.
  • If a party does not commence an appeal within at least 10 days from receiving written notification of the Sexual Misconduct t Hearing Committee’s decision, then the Committee’s decision will be final.
Appeals Process
  • Any Respondent found “responsible” by a Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee and any Complainant following a dismissal or finding of “not responsible” may appeal the Committee’s decisions, including its determination of responsibility and/or the consequences/sanctions imposed.

  • Any party seeking an appeal of the Committee’s decision(s) (“Appellant”) must submit a written request for an appeal to the Title IX Coordinator within 10 days of receiving written notification of the Committee’s  decision. The written request for appeal must include a brief statement of the basis of the appeal.  Permissible bases for appeal are:

    • A procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter;
    • New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the Committee made the determination regarding responsibility or dismissal, which could affect the outcome of the matter;
    • The Title IX Coordinator, investigator (if different than the Title IX Coordinator), or a member of the Sexual Misconduct Committee had a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents, in general, or the individual Complainant or Respondent specifically that affected the outcome of the matter;
    • The burden of proof was met or was not met but the Committee concluded otherwise;
    • The Appellant objects to the Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee’s determination of responsibility, the imposed consequences/sanctions, or both.
  • Upon receiving the Appellant’s written request for appeal, the Title IX Coordinator will schedule the date for an Appeal Hearing at a campus location or virtually within 10 days of receipt of the appeal, to be held no later than 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for appeal.  Upon scheduling the Appeal Hearing, the Title IX Coordinator will provide written notification of the location, date, and time to both the Appellant and the other party.  

  • The Appeal Hearing will be conducted in a fair, impartial, and thorough manner.  The Appeal Hearing will be presided over by a panel of impartial individuals selected by the Title IX Coordinator.  The Title IX Coordinator, any individual who served on the Sexual Misconduct Hearing or the investigator (if different than the Title IX Coordinator) may not serve on the Appeal Hearing panel.  In addition, no member of the Appeal Hearing panel may have a conflict of interest or bias for or against Complainants or Respondents, in general, or the Complainant or Respondent specifically.  When such an appeal is submitted, the non-appealing party will be notified in writing of the appeal and these procedures will be applied equally to both parties.  Both parties will be given the opportunity to submit a written statement in support of or challenging the outcome of the Committee’s determination before the Appeal Hearing.  Such written statements must be submitted no later than 10 days before the Appeal Hearing.

  • The Appeal Hearing panel will hear all arguments presented in regard to whether the Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee’s decisions were appropriate.  After all arguments have been presented, the Appeal Hearing panel will render a written decision on the appealed issues and, if appropriate, impose revised consequences/sanctions on a party.  Within 10 days of the Appeal Hearing, the parties will simultaneously be sent written notification of the Appeal Hearing panel’s decision and the rationale for such decision.  The Appeal Hearing panel’s decisions are final and are not subject to further appeal.

Timeframes

Any of the deadlines in this policy may be extended upon the showing of good cause.  When considering whether to grant an extension, the absence of a party, a party’s advisor, or a witness, concurrent law enforcement activity, or the need for language assistance, or accommodation of disabilities will be considered.  Where extensions are granted, the Complainant and Respondent will be provided written notice of the extension or delay and the reasons for the action.

Possible Sanctions

The following possible sanctions may be imposed as a result of a Sexual Misconduct Hearing and/or an Appeal Hearing.  In addition, if at any point (whether during or prior to any such hearing) the presence of a student or College associate on campus creates a threat to the health, safety, and/or well-being of other students or other members of the College community, the College reserves the right to immediately remove that individual from campus until the time of the Sexual Misconduct Hearing and/or Appeal Hearing as discussed in Section 7 above. 

The following list of the range of possible consequences/sanctions is not exhaustive, and these consequences/sanctions may be imposed singularly or in any combination.  Different and/or additional consequences or sanctions may be imposed by a Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee and/or Appeal Hearing panel as deemed appropriate.  Pursuant to individual State law, all parties involved - both the Complainant and the Respondent - will receive written notice of any imposed consequences/sanctions and the rationale in support of such consequences/sanctions.

  • No Consequences/Sanctions:  Where the Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee (and/or the Appeal Hearing panel, in the event an appeal is sought) determines that a Respondent is “not responsible”, the Sexual Misconduct charges against the Respondent will be dismissed and the Respondent’s name will be cleared.
  • Written Warning:  A notice in writing that the Respondent is violating or has violated institutional regulations.
  • Probation:  A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations which places the Respondent in a probationary status for a designated period of time.  Violation of any College rules or policies during a probationary period may result in the imposition of additional and/or more severe disciplinary sanctions.
  • Discretionary Sanctions:  Work assignments, essays, or other discretionary assignments.
  • Loss of Privileges:  Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.
  • Restitution:  Financial reimbursement for damages to property.
  • Community Service:  A stated number of hours, set in writing, of donated service.
  • Permanent “No Contact Order”:  A permanent “no contact” order (effective for the duration of the student’s enrollment at the College or the College associate’s employment) requiring the Respondent found “responsible” to stay away from the Complainant against whom he/she has committed misconduct.  This may be imposed in addition to any interim “no contact” order already issued.
  • Residence Hall Suspension:  Separation of a Respondent student from the residence halls for a defined period of time, after which the Respondent student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
  • Residence Hall Expulsion:  Permanent separation of the Respondent student from the residence halls.
  • College Suspension:  Separation of the Respondent student from the College for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return.  Conditions for readmission may be specified.  This sanction automatically results in a Transcript Notation sanction.
  • Disciplinary Dismissal or Expulsion from the College:  Permanent termination of status as a student or associate of the College.  This sanction, if imposed on a student, automatically results in a Transcript Notation sanction.
  • Transcript Notation:  For crimes of violence carried out by a Respondent student, including, but not limited to sexual violence, defined as crimes that meet the reporting requirements pursuant to the federal Clery Act established in 20 U.S. C. 1092(f)(1)(i)(l) -(viii), Bryant & Stratton will make a notation on the  transcript of students found responsible after a disciplinary hearing that they were  “Suspended after a finding of responsibility for a Code of Conduct violation” or “Expelled after a finding of responsibility for a Code of Conduct violation,” as appropriate.  For a Respondent who withdraws from the College while such charges are pending, and declines to complete the disciplinary process, Bryant & Stratton will make a notation stating, “Withdrew with conduct charges pending.”  Transcript notations regarding expulsion, suspension and withdrawal shall be permanent.  Suspended Respondent students may appeal such notation and seek its removal after one year after conclusion of the suspension.  A Respondent student subjected to suspension or expulsion, and by extension subjected to an automatic transcript notation, may appeal this sanction by commencing the appeals process within the required timeframe (see paragraphs entitled “Appeals Process” above).  If a finding of responsibility is vacated for any reason, any such transcript notation shall be removed.
  • Other consequences and/or sanctions as deemed appropriate by the Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee and/or Appeal Hearing panel. 

Section 9:  Student Rights

The following rights are guaranteed to all Bryant & Stratton College students.  Please read them carefully.  If you have any questions, you can always ask your campus Title IX Coordinator.  If you are not sure who your campus Title IX Coordinator is, a list of all campus Title IX Coordinators is provided in Section 3. The rights listed in the Student Bill of Rights will also be discussed with you and/or provided to you when you disclose or report an incident of sexual misconduct to any College associate, whether they are a Confidential Resource or an associate who cannot assure confidentiality, but can assure privacy.

Student Bill of Rights

All students have the right to:

  1. Make a report to local law enforcement and/or the State Police;
  2. Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;
  3. Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the Sexual Misconduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure by the College;
  4. Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
  5. Be treated with dignity and to receive from the College courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
  6. Be free from any suggestion that the victim or Complainant is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
  7. Describe the incident to as few College associates as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;
  8. Be protected from retaliation by the College, any student, the accused and/or their friends, family, and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the College;
  9. Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
  10. Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, or accused individual, throughout the Sexual Misconduct process, including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; and
  11. Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or student conduct process of the College.

Additional Rights

All reporting individuals are further advised of their rights to:

  • Notify College campus security, local law enforcement, and/or State Police;
  • Have emergency access to a Title IX Coordinator or other College associates trained in interviewing victims of sexual assault who will be available upon the first instance of disclosure by the reporting individual to provide information regarding options to proceed and, where applicable, the importance of preserving evidence and obtaining a sexual assault forensic examination as soon as possible; to explain that the criminal justice process utilizes different standards of proof and evidence and that any questions about whether a specific incident violates State criminal laws should be addressed to law enforcement or to the local district attorney; and to explain whether he/she is able to offer the reporting individual confidentiality or privacy and to inform the reporting individual of other reporting options;
  • Disclose confidentially the incident to College associate, who may offer privacy and/or confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws, as appropriate, and who can assist in obtaining services and resources for reporting individuals;
  • Disclose confidentially the incident and obtain services from the State or local government;
  • File a report of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking;
  • Have the right to consult the Title IX Coordinator and other appropriate College associate for information and assistance; and have the right to have reports investigated in accordance with College policy, including the right that the reporting individual’s identity will remain private at all times if the reporting individuals wishes to maintain privacy;
  • Disclose, if the accused is a College associate, the incident to the College’s Head of Human Resources and/or have the right to request that a College associate assist in reporting the incident to the Head of Human Resources;
  • Receive assistance from College associates in initiating legal proceedings in family court or civil court;
  • Withdraw a complaint or withdraw from involvement in the College student conduct process at any time;
  • The right to request that Sexual Misconduct charges be filed against the accused in proceedings governed by the Sexual Misconduct procedures established by the College in this policy.

Section 10:  Recordkeeping

The College will maintain records of the following for seven years:

  • Each investigation of alleged violations of this Policy including any determination regarding responsibility and any audio or audiovisual recording or transcript of a Sexual Misconduct Hearing;
  • Disciplinary sanctions imposed on the Respondent, and any remedies provided to the Complainant to restore or preserve equal access to the College’s programs and activities;
  • Any appeal and the results of that appeal;
  • Any informal resolution and the results of that informal resolution;
  • All materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, investigators, Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee members or members of Appeal Panels, and individuals who facilitate an informal resolution process.  These training materials will be made available on the College’s website;
  • Supportive measures taken in response to a report or Formal Complaint alleging violation of this policy and the basis for the College’s conclusion that its response was not deliberately indifferent and how such measures were designed to restore or preserve equal access to the College’s program and activities;
  • The reasons why supportive measures for a Complainant were not provided in cases where they were not provided and why the lack of such measures was not clearly unreasonable in light of the known circumstances.

Student Information Technology Resources Policy

I.  Introduction

Bryant & Stratton College (“the College”) owns and operates a variety of devices, networks, services, computing systems and computing laboratories (“Information Technology Resources”) that are or may be made available to its Students (hereinafter referred to as “Users”) in support of the administration of the College and each User’s pursuit of their education and completion of their coursework at the College.  Access to the information resources of the Internet on campus also is provided in order to assist Users with their studies and is considered to be a component of the Information Technology Resources provided by the College.  The provision of these assets, systems and tools require the commitment of considerable College resources and come with obligations and expectations of all Users.  By using any Information Technology Resources provided by the College, Users agree to the contents of this policy.

Users must be sensitive to the nature of these shared resources.  Behavior reflects both upon the individual and the College.  The College’s Information Technology Resources only should be used in accordance with this, and related College policies including, but not limited to, this Official Catalog and Student Code of Conduct.

Any negligent, reckless and/or intentional behavior with respect to the College’s digital environment and/or Information Technology Resources that interferes with those resources, or with the activities of the College or other Users, will be regarded as unethical and may lead to disciplinary action or involvement of law enforcement.  The appropriate, ethical and lawful use of these resources and services is necessary in order to ensure that the College maintains an environment that safeguards information, protects its resources from harm and promotes the appropriate treatment of each member of the College community.

II.  Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the expectations of each User within the College Community with regard to the appropriate and acceptable use and operation of the College’s Information Technology Resources, together with the College’s other policies as outlined in this Official Catalog and other College publications including, but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct.

III.  College Networks, Systems and Services

Users are responsible for maintaining an environment free of illegal, negligent, reckless or malicious acts.  Use of the College’s resources implies the User agrees to never use a College Network to perform an illegal, negligent, reckless or malicious act.  Any attempt by a User to increase their level of access, deprive or interfere with other authorized Users of resources, or improperly access any of the College’s networks, systems or services shall be regarded as malicious and may be treated as an illegal act.

Users shall not attempt to access, monitor, or alter data being transmitted through the College’s networks or files on any computer connected to the networks without the College’s permission.  No User may access another User’s account or network resources.

Users shall not deliberately waste or overload network or service resources.  The computer network is a shared resource for staff, faculty and students.  Due to its shared nature, one should not abuse this resource by using too much bandwidth.  If this policy is abused, all others attempting to use the network will suffer from poor performance.  Examples include, but are not limited to, downloading large files, streaming of any media, use of any streaming services, or the like.  Printing services provided on campus, likewise, are a shared resource and should not be abused by printing large quantities of materials and/or materials unrelated to a User’s coursework.

Users shall not disable, defeat or circumvent any computer or network security feature such as a firewall, proxy or Internet screening program.

All Users shall take proper precautions to keep their account credentials secure, shall ensure their College passwords comply with all minimum requirements set by the College and shall promptly change their password when prompted or directed to do so by the College.  Passwords are not to be shared with anyone including, but not limited to, any students, faculty, staff or non-students.  Users also shall comply with the Student Code of Conduct with regard to credential/password protection.

IV.  Internet

The College provides access to the information resources of the Internet to help Users complete their coursework.  This policy on Internet usage is designed to help Users understand the College’s expectations for the use of this resource.  Users are expected to conduct themselves honestly and appropriately on the Internet, respect copyrights, software licensing rules, property rights and the privacy of others.

The Internet offers a variety of User benefits while at the same time creating risks to the College’s resources, informational assets, internal networks and systems, if security protocols are not followed.  Users are expected to abide by all that is delineated within this policy - and others applicable - and will specifically be held accountable for violations of this and related policies.

A.  Management and Administration

The College’s software and systems monitors all Internet usage.  Internet activity will be reviewed and usage patterns will be analyzed as deemed necessary by the College.  All copyright laws must be followed.

The displaying, archiving, storing, distributing, editing or recording of sexually explicit images (or documents) on any College-Owned Device, College Network or within any College-provided system or platform is prohibited.  Doing so is a direct violation of this policy as well as the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.  The College uses independently supplied software to identify and monitor inappropriate or sexually explicit Internet sites.  Such sites will have access blocked from within our networks.  Should a User find themselves connected to such a site, they must disconnect immediately and notify campus IT staff.

The College’s Internet facilities must not be used to violate the laws or regulations of the United States, any state, city, province or local jurisdiction, or that of any nation.

Users shall not use College Information Technology Resources to knowingly download or distribute stolen software or data, or software/data not legally owned by the User (even if obtained via a third-party).

Users shall not ust the College’s Information Technology Resources to knowingly, negligently or recklessly propagate any virus, work, Trojan horse, trap door program code or other software, tool, program or code the user knows or reasonably should know could result in compromise to any of the College’s Information Technology Resources.

Users will not knowingly use the College’s Information Technology Resources to disable or overload any College-Owned Device or System.

Users will not utilize Information Technology Resources to play games and/or wager on the Internet, with the exception of authorized Users for College-sanctioned eSports teams and residents of College-owned dormitories.

B.  Technical

The College prohibits the sharing of credentials.

Video and audio streaming and downloading technologies represent significant data traffic, that causes network congestion.  Video and audio streaming and/or downloading are prohibited, unless sanctioned by the College.  Residents of on-campus dormitories are exempt from this prohibition.

C.  Security

The College has installed a variety of firewalls, proxies, Internet screening programs and other security systems to assure the safety and security of the College’s networks.  Users who attempt to disable, defeat or circumvent any College security facility may be subject to immediate dismissal.

V.  College-Owned Devices, Services and Computer Labs

A.  Use of College-Owned Devices, Equipment and Services

Computers, printers, and other equipment are available to Users on campus to support their academic studies.  Users agree to take reasonable care when using campus equipment to prevent injury to themselves or others, and damage to the equipment.  Modifying, changing or upgrading internal components, or adding unapproved accessories is prohibited as these could damage or interfere with the proper operation of the equipment.

The College provides access to software on campus computers as necessary to support the Users’ academic studies.  All software installed on campus computers must be properly obtained and/or licensed.  Software may not be installed on campus computers unless authorized by a faculty member (as part of a course) and by campus IT staff.  Users agree not to alter, remove, export or circumvent any software installed on campus computers.

The College provides e-mail access to all students.  College e-mail accounts are property of the College and it is expected that these accounts will be used responsibly and for education-related endeavors, only.  Students should not use these e-mail accounts as their primary and/or personal e-mail accounts for matters unrelated to their studies.  While not an exhaustive list, the following uses of e-mail are considered inappropriate and unacceptable by the College.  E-mail shall not be used for the initiation or re-transmission of:

  • Chain mail (i.e., e-mail sent repeatedly from user to user, with requests to send to other users).
  • Harassing or hate mail - Any threatening or abusive e-mail sent to invidiuals or organizations that violates College rules, regulations and/or the Student Code of Conduct.
  • Virus(es) or virus hoaxes.
  • Spamming or e-mail bombing attacks - Intentional e-mail transmissions that disrupt normal e-mail service.
  • Junk mail - Unsolicited e-mail that is not related to College business and is sent without a reasonable expectation that the recipient would welcome receiving it.
  • False identification - Any actions that defraud another or misrepresent or fail to accurately identify the sender.

All e-mail messages sent, received or saved on the e-mail platform and service provided by the College are property of the College.  The College reserves the right to access messages as outlined in the Operational Security section of this policy as deemed necessary by the College or as may be required by operation of law.

B.  Use of Personal Devices on Campus

Users may utilize personal computing devices on campus subject to the following terms.  Personal devices may be connected to the appropriate wireless network for Internet access only and may be subject to additional security measures, authentication, and validation in order to do so.  Use of the campus Internet connection on personal devices is subject to the same policies and terms as campus computers.  The College will not provide any support, repairs, accessories or supplies for personal devices.  The College is not liable for damage to personal devices, the contents thereof, or any consequential damages that may occur when connected to the College’s network.

C.  Support and Service

Non-functional, damaged or missing equipment must be reported to campus IT staff.  Users are not authorized to perform repairs on College equipment.  Missing or needed software pertaining to a course must be requested through campus IT staff.  Students may seek IT support from designated campus staff and/or submit support tickets through the College Help Desk.

D.  Operational Security

To maintain the security and integrity of the College’s systems, the IT Department may utilize one or more methods or services to monitor and record information related to files and User activity on any College network(s), system(s), platform(s), device(s), storage device(s) or designated storage service(s).  Documents, e-mails, messages and other files stored on College devices, internal file servers, internal storage services, and designated third-party storage services may be inspected, examined, copied and/or removed by the College at any time, or by an authorized third-party on its behalf.  The College’s Information Technology Department, or an authorized third-party on its behalf, may perform password cracking or guessing on a periodic or random basis.  If a password is cracked or guessed during such a scan, the password owner will be notified and required to change it.  If the password owner does not change the password as requested, the Information Technology Department will force a reset of the User’s password.  Users have no reasonable expectation of privacy when utilizing College computing devices, systems or services.

The College also may monitor the activity and accounts of individual users of College Information Technology Resources, including individual log-in sessions and the content of individual communications, without notice, when:

  • The user has voluntarily made them accessible to the public, as posting to a listserv, web page or social media platform;
  • It reasonably appears necessary to do so to protect the integrity, security or functionality of any of the College’s Information Technology Resources;
  • There is reasonable cause to believe that the User has violated or is violating this policy, any other College policy, rule or regulation or any law;
  • A User appears to be engaged in unusual or unusually excessive activity;
  • It is otherwise required or permitted by law.

VI.  Sanctions

Violators of this policy may be subject to immediate suspension of services and to the existing disciplinary procedures of Bryant & Stratton College.  Sanctions may include the loss of access to the College’s Information Technology Resources and/or administrative dismissal.  Illegal acts involving the College’s Information Technology Resources may also subject the Users to subpoena and/or prosecution by commercial enterprises, local, state and/or federal authorities.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

All Bryant & Stratton College students shall have the right to inspect and review their educational records, to request corrections or deletions, and to limit disclosure of the records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, also referred to as the Buckley Amendment. Specifically, students have the right to:

  1. inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the day the College received a written request for access. A student should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the education record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Under no circumstances will students be permitted to review their education records off campus or in a public campus setting. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
  2. request the amendment of their education records that s/he believes are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. A student who wishes to ask the College to amend a record should write the academic manager who will consult the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed. An informal conference will be scheduled to attempt to resolve the matter. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will notify the student in writing of the decision, the right of the student to place a statement in the record explaining his or her point of view, and the student’s right to a formal hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
  3. provide written consent before the College discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. For example, the College discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to College officials with legitimate educational interests. A College official is a person employed by the College in administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College had contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using College employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Directors; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another College official in performing his or her tasks. A College official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the College. Upon request, the College also discloses education records without consent to official of another College in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer. There is also other circumstances in which FERPA permits disclosure without consent of the student and such circumstances are available to the student upon his or her request.
  4. Students looking to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education regarding FERPA must use a FERPA complaint form provided the Department available here.  The completed complaint form must be completed and either submitted electronically to FERPA.Compliants@ed.gov or may be mailed to U.S. Department of Education, Student Privacy Policy Office, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-8520.

 

Bryant & Stratton College will generally release certain student directory information to the public. Such information could include some or all of the following data: student’s name, address(es), phone listing, e-mail address, date and place of birth, major field of study (program), enrollment status (e.g. undergraduate, full-time, or part-time), dates of attendance, photograph, post-graduation employer and job title, participation in activities and recognition received, and the most recent previous secondary and postsecondary institution attended by the student. Students who do not wish to have any part or all of this information released should inform the College of their wishes in writing no later than the end of the add/drop period. Students who do not wish to permit the release of directory information should complete an Opt-Out form provided by the campus. Additionally, Bryant & Stratton College reserves the right to release to police agencies and/or crime victims’ certain records or information pertinent to a crime which has occurred on campus, including the details of and disciplinary action taken against the alleged perpetrator of the crime.

Disciplinary Records

Other than College expulsion or revocation or withholding of a degree, disciplinary sanctions shall not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record. They shall become part of the student’s disciplinary record. Upon graduation, the student’s disciplinary record may be expunged of disciplinary actions other than residence hall expulsion, College suspension, College expulsion, or revocation or withholding of a degree, upon application to the Campus Director or his or her designee. Cases involving the imposition of sanctions other than residence hall expulsion, College suspension, College expulsion or revocation or withholding of a degree shall be expunged from the student’s confidential record six years after final disposition of the case.

In general, disciplinary records are considered “education records” under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and thus may be protected from disclosure with certain exceptions set forth in these policies. For this reason such records should not be disclosed without consulting the College’s legal counsel.

Information regarding the sanction, if any, issued as a result of a disciplinary proceeding against the accused student may be revealed to the complaining student only consistent with FERPA.

First, a school is permitted to disclose to a student who has been sexually harassed, a victim of dating violence, domestic violence or stalking, information about the sanction imposed upon a student who was found to have engaged in these types of violations when the sanction directly relates to the complaining student. This includes an order that the harasser stay away from the complaining student, or that the harasser is prohibited from attending school for a period of time, or transferred to other classes or another residence hall. Disclosure of other information in the student’s “education record,” including information about sanctions that do not relate to the complaining student, is not permitted.

Further, when the conduct complained of involves a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, FERPA permits Bryant & Stratton College to disclose to the alleged victim the final results of any disciplinary proceeding against the alleged perpetrator, regardless of whether Bryant & Stratton College concluded that a violation was committed.

Additionally, Bryant & Stratton College may disclose to anyone-not just the alleged victim-the final results of a disciplinary proceeding if it determines that the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, and, with respect to the allegation made, that the student has committed a violation of the institution’s rules or policies. The disclosure of the final results only includes: the name of the alleged perpetrator, the violation committed, and any sanction imposed against the alleged perpetrator. The disclosure must not include the name of any other student, including a victim or witness, without the written consent of that other student.

Student Right-to-Know

In compliance with the Department of Education’s Right-to-Know Act, Bryant & Stratton College offers an electronic SRK Directory with the required performance results, policies and information. Prospective students, enrolled students and staff will find the SRK Directory on the College’s website at www.bryantstratton.edu.

Facilities and Educational Services

See the College’s website at www.bryantstratton.edu for information about the facilities and educational services readily available to students at the various campus locations.

Campus Security

In compliance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, information about Bryant & Stratton College’s campus security policies and procedures and crime statistics is made available to students and to employees on an annual basis, and upon request, to any applicant for employment or enrollment. The Campus Report can also be found on the College’s website at www.bryantstratton.edu. Campus crime statistics can be obtained by visiting the website of the United States Department of Education at https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/institution/search. Bryant & Stratton College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of the campus community. Information on campus crime is available in the Admissions Department and is published and issued each fall. Students and employees on a particular campus may also call the Campus Director.

Substance Abuse Policy

Bryant & Stratton College recognizes that the misuse of drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco is a serious problem with legal, physical, emotional and social implications for the entire College community. Therefore, the consumption, sharing, distribution, selling, use, possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, illegal, counterfeit and designer drugs, or paraphernalia for the use of such drugs is prohibited at any College sponsored event or on College property at all times.*  The inappropriate use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs is also prohibited. Persons shall be banned from entering College grounds or College- sponsored events when exhibiting behavioral, personal, or physical characteristics indicative of having used or consumed alcohol or drugs (illegal or through the inappropriate use) or other substances. The College’s Student Code of Conduct outlines the disciplinary measures for students in violation of the Substance Abuse Policy.

* Federal law prohibits all use, possession and/or cultivation of marijuana at U.S. educational institutions.  Federal law requires any institution of higher education that receives federal funding to have policies in place that prohibit possession, cultivation and/or use of marijuana on campus - this includes Bryant & Stratton College.  Therefore, the use, possession and/or cultivation of marijuana is not permitted on any Bryant & Stratton College property, facility, location, campus, building, residence hall or off-campus apartment obtained through Bryant & Stratton College, regardless of state law permissions.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

Drug Free Campus and Workplace

Bryant & Stratton College agrees to provide a drug-free campus/workplace and hereby publishes a statement notifying students/employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at this school.*  In addition, the College herewith informs its students/employees of the specific actions that will be taken against students/employees for violation of such prohibition. A copy of this notification is being provided to you in accordance with Federal regulations implementing the Drug-free Workplace Act of 1988, 34 CFR Part 85, Subpart F.

Students/employees are notified that, as a condition of enrollment/employment, the school requires each student/employee certify that he/she has been informed of the College’s policy to maintain a drug-free campus/workplace as stated in the above “Notice to Students/Employees”; that he/she agrees to abide by the terms of the above Notice; and that he/she agrees to notify the school in no later than five days after such conviction. Students/employees who are found to be in violation of this agreement are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of enrollment/employment.

Any student/employee who needs assistance in regards to a substance abuse problem is encouraged to contact their academic dean or supervisor. Such contact will be held in complete confidence. The dean/supervisor will help to put you in contact with local agencies that assist individuals with substance abuse problems. Students /employees may be granted a temporary leave of absence during their treatment period at the discretion of the dean/supervisor.

All students/employees certify that, as a condition of enrollment/employment, he/she will make a good-faith effort to maintain a drug-free campus/workplace and will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance during the period covered by his/her stay of enrollment/employment. He/she is aware of the dangers of drug abuse and further understand that violation of this prohibition will subject him/her to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of enrollment/employment. All employees certify to this statement each year through the benefit enrollment process and students during the financial aid process.

A copy of these documents is available to employees and students upon request in the Business Offices of Bryant & Stratton College.

The College’s Student Code of Conduct policies outline the disciplinary measures for students in violation of the Drug and Alcohol policy, Drug and Alcohol Amnesty policy and rules for bystanders acting in good faith. Bryant & Stratton College is committed to taking all actions consistent with federal, state and local law and individual privacy rights to eliminate illegal and prohibited drugs on its campuses and to deal firmly and fairly with individuals found in violation of this policy including, but not limited to, referral of the offending student or associate to criminal prosecution and/or imposing disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. These policies are located in the College Catalog and in the Student Code of Conduct Sections of the Annual Fire and Security Report as well as on the College’s website in the Student Right to Know https://www.bryantstratton.edu/pdf/SecurityPolicies.pdf#page=15

Please refer to this link for additional information on the effects of alcohol and drugs, resources available to students and associates as well as certain state and federal criminal sanctions for the unlawful possession, use, abuse or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol.

* Federal law prohibits all use, possession and/or cultivation of marijuana at U.S. educational institutions.  Federal law requires any institution of higher education that receives federal funding to have policies in place that prohibit possession, cultivation and/or use of marijuana on campus - this includes Bryant & Stratton College.  Therefore, the use, possession and/or cultivation of marijuana is not permitted on any Bryant & Stratton College property, facility, location, campus, building, residence hall or off-campus apartment obtained through Bryant & Stratton College, regardless of state law permissions.

Servicemembers and Veterans

Facts for Veterans

Bryant & Stratton College is a Principles of Excellence school and approved for participation in various veteran aid programs including Military Tuition Assistance and GI Bill® for the training of U.S. veterans and their families. Military students and their families should contact their Department of Veterans Affairs representative for more information on a veteran’s benefit eligibility.  “GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.  College policies, procedures and/or available benefits may vary.  Students should contact their campus representative with specific questions about this or any of the following content.

Transfer Credits for Veterans

It is mandatory that Bryant & Stratton College receives all official college and military transcripts, for review, for students receiving military and/or veteran benefits by the end of the student’s first semester at Bryant & Stratton College. The Dean or designee must work closely with the applicant to request all college and military transcripts. This may include processing the written request and requesting payment for transcript(s), if necessary. Military transcripts available through Joint Services (JST) may be requested online by the students or the Dean or designee with the student’s permission. Recipients of military/veteran benefits are obligated to receive the transfer credit review by the College.  If transfer credits are possible, the credits must be awarded, unless the campus receives approval in writing from the grantor of any military/veteran funding that the student is approved to retake a course, for which transfer credit was possible.    

Bryant & Stratton College will notify the student, via email, of all accepted transfer credits.   

Joint Services military transcripts (i.e., Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corp., and Navy) can be requested by the student at the following website:https://jst.doded.mil/smart/signin.do

Please refer to the Academic Information/Transfer of Credits section of this catalog for more information.   

Financial Obligation

Bryant & Stratton College will defer all tuition and other financial obligations with Bryant & Stratton College until the student’s educational assistance under Chapter 31, 33 or 35 can be processed and credited to his/her account, assuming the student provided a certificate of eligibility for assistance under these chapters to the College, as required by the appropriate approving agency.  

Additionally, Bryant & Stratton College will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or impose a requirement that the students borrow additional funds to cover any outstanding balance due to a delayed disbursement of a payment of Chapter 31, 33 or 35 benefits, unless the student is less than 100% covered.

Student must apply for their financial assistance prior to the start date of each term.  Term start dates can be found at:  https://www.bryantstratton.edu/financial-aid/military-aid.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Bryant & Stratton College is participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®(Chapter 33). Your Financial Services Advisor can advise you on your available benefits. The VA determines eligibility for education benefits. You are responsible for applying for your benefits. Additional information on these resources is available at www.bryantstratton.edu/admissions/military/benefits.

Principles of Excellence

Bryant & Stratton College is a participating institution in the Principles of Excellence Program and complies with the written guidelines and standards. In addition, the College has a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Defense agreeing to meet all Principles of Excellence Standards and therefore allowing Active Duty Service Members to utilize Tuition Assistance if qualified.

8 Keys to Veterans’ Success

Bryant & Stratton College is committed to, and is a published participant for The 8 Keys to Veterans’ Success (8 Keys). This is a voluntary initiative through the Departments of Education and Veterans Affairs. They highlight ways that colleges and universities can support veterans as they pursue their education and employment goals.

Military Tuition Assistance

Military Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expense of its members. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process and restrictions.  The best place to start is by contacting your local education office. This money is usually paid directly to the College by the individual service.  Please visit the College’s website for links to important resources to help you get started.  https://www.bryantstratton.edu/admissions/military/resources.

Bryant & Stratton College is Non-LOI (Letter of Instruction) and does not upload your course schedule into GAE.  You must contact your Education Service Officer (ESO) for detailed information and request approval by the ESO 7-to-14 days prior to the first day of class, depending on your education office requirements.  The first day of class for the January 2023 semester is January 11, 2023 and for the March 2023 semester (Online only) is March 8, 2023.

Important Information Related to the Tuition Assistance (TA) Program for Service Members

Reimbursement criteria for non-successful course completion (effective for courses starting on or after September 6, 2014).

For the purpose of reimbursement, a successful course completion is defined as a grade of “C” or higher for undergraduate courses, and a “Pass” for “Pass/Fail” grades.

An institution may not receive Tuition Assistance Programs funds for students with grade point average that are less than 2.0 after completing 15 semester hours (or the equivalent) in their undergraduate studies. Tuition Assistance requests for reimbursement must be approved before the start date of the class.

Return of Unearned Tuition Assistance funds.

The Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Defense requires schools to determine the amount of TA funds that recipients earn if they withdraw from school using the same method to calculate the return of Title IV funds required by United States Department of Education. This return of funds requirement applies to students who officially withdraw from school as well as those who are administratively withdrawn for non-attendance as outlined in the Attendance section of this catalog. When you withdraw during your payment period or period of enrollment, the amount of TA funds that you have earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If you receive (or the College receives on your behalf) more assistance than you earned, the excess funds must be returned by Bryant & Stratton College and/or you to the Department of Defense. The amount of assistance that you have earned is determined on a prorated basis. For example, if you completed 30% of your payment period of period of enrollment, you earn 30% of the TA assistance you were originally scheduled to receive. Once you have completed more than 60% of the payment period or period of enrollment, you earn all the assistance that you were scheduled to receive for that period. If the College is required to return a portion of your TA funds as a result of your withdrawal from the College, you may be left with a balance due the College. Please contact your Financial Services Advisor if you have any questions on this requirement.