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Policies and Procedures

Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence

The College is obligated to investigate all allegations of sexual violence, even if the alleged victim chooses not to file a formal complaint and/or participate in the investigation. Additionally, a complaint filed in another forum, including a criminal or civil complaint, shall not delay the college’s investigation of a complaint of sexual violence. The college shall promptly and thoroughly investigate all such allegations in accordance with the Policy on Affirmative Action’s Complaint Procedure and shall provide the victim with periodic updates on the status of the investigation.

Procedures to Follow for Victims of Sexual Assault domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.

Ensure Safety

Call the Boston Police Department by dialing 911. It is imperative to ensure your safety and avoid remaining in a dangerous situation.

Seek Medical Care

Seek immediate medical treatment. It is important to receive medical attention, even if you feel you were not physically hurt. The survivor has the right to accept or reject any part of the medical exam. If you were the victim of a sexual assault, sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) are specially trained to care for survivors of sexual violence and to perform sexual assault evidence collection kits. The SANE program serves seven hospitals in the greater Boston area:

•         Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

•         Brigham and Women’s Hospital

•         Boston Medical Center

•         Cambridge Hospital

•         Children’s Hospital

•         Massachusetts General Hospital

•         Newton-Wellesley Hospital

Preserve Evidence

It is important to preserve evidence in cases of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, if possible. Victims should take certain actions promptly to preserve evidence for criminal prosecution and/or to obtain a protective order.

Victim Identification

Personal identifiable information about a victim will be treated as confidential and only shared with persons with a specific need to know and/or who are investigating and/or adjudicating the complaint, delivering resources or support services to the victim or as public safety requires.

The College does not publish the names or other identifiable information of victims. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a victim may request that no directory information maintained by the college be released without their prior written consent.

Report the Incident

In addition to contacting local law enforcement, you may also file a complaint with the college. A college complaint (Sexual Misconduct Complaint) may be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator at 617-449-7380 or titleix@urbancollege.edu. Ultimately, it is the student’s choice whether or not to make a report and to decline to notify any of the above-listed entities.

Written Notification

UCB will provide written notification to students and employees who report sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, and other services available on and off campus. UCB will further provide written notification to survivors about options requesting changes to academic or working situations, as well as how to request protective measures.

Disciplinary Actions

After a final determination has been made regarding sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking policies, UCB is authorized to impose a sanction. In determining the appropriate sanction, UCB shall consider the severity of the violation, the safety of the complainant and the community, and the education or changes needed from the respondent.

Possible sanctions for students include: a disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, disciplinary suspension, disciplinary expulsion, required participation in educational seminars or programs, domestic violence education or treatment programs, restitution, directed study of a related topic, and no contact orders, as well as criminal prosecution.

Possible sanctions for employees include: a disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, suspension from employment, termination of employment, required participation in educational seminars or programs, domestic violence education or treatment programs, restitution, directed study of a related topic, and no contact orders, as well as criminal prosecution.

Protections for Victims of Sexual Violence

A person subjected to sexual violence shall:

  • Be provided with a copy of the college’s Sexual Violence – Victim’s Rights and Information Advisory, which shall include information concerning counseling, health, and mental health services, victim advocacy and support, law enforcement assistance, and other services available on and off campus;

  • Have the right to pursue, or not pursue, assistance from campus administration officials or campus law enforcement;

  • Not be discouraged by college officials from reporting an incident to both on- campus and off-campus authorities;

  • Be provided assistance in contacting local law enforcement if requested and have the full and prompt assistance and cooperation of campus personnel should a civil and/or criminal complaint be pursued;

  • Be free from any suggestion that they somehow contributed to or had a shared responsibility in the violent act;

  • Receive the same level of support at any proceeding before college officials as is permitted to the accused party, including the presence of a personal advisor during any disciplinary proceeding and the right to be notified in a timely manner of the outcome of such proceedings and any appeal right available;

  • Receive full and prompt cooperation from college personnel in obtaining and securing evidence (including medical evidence) necessary for any potential criminal proceedings;

  • Have access to existing college advising, support services, and to obtain referrals to off- campus counseling and support services if desired;

  • Be permitted to attend classes, work and participate in college activities free from unwanted contact or proximity to the respondent insofar as the College is permitted and able;

  • Be permitted to request changes to an academic schedule if such changes are requested by the alleged victim and are reasonably available; and

  • Be informed of any no-contact or no-trespass orders issued to the respondent by the college and the college’s commitment to honor any court-issued restraining or protective orders, to the extent permitted by law.

Interim Protective Measures

Title IX requires the college to take reasonable steps to ensure equal access to its education programs and activities and protect individuals from Prohibited Conduct, including taking interim protective measures before the final outcome of an investigation. The college shall take these steps promptly once it has notice of an allegation of Prohibited Conduct, including sexual violence.
Examples of interim protective measures include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • access to counseling services and assistance in scheduling an appointment, on or off campus;

  • imposition of an interim suspension or on-campus “no-contact” order;

  • rescheduling of exams and assignments;

  • providing alternative course completion options;

  • changing class schedules, including withdrawing from a course without penalty;

  • changing work schedules or job assignments;

  • limiting access to certain college facilities or activities pending resolution of the matter;

  • voluntary leave of absence;

  • providing an escort to ensure safe movement between classes and activities; and/or

  • providing academic support services, such as tutoring.

Amnesty

Students may be hesitant to report sexual violence out of concern that they, or witnesses, might be charged with violations of the college’s drug/alcohol policies. While the college does not condone such behavior, it places a priority on addressing allegations of sexual violence. Accordingly, the college may elect not to pursue discipline against a student who, in good faith, reports, witnesses or possesses personal knowledge of an incident of sexual violence.

Retaliation

UCB prohibits retaliation against any person who presents a formal or informal complaint of sexual violence or who testifies or offers evidence connected with a complaint. Retaliation is a violation of this policy whether or not the underlying claim of sexual violence is confirmed.

Programs & Prevention

Resources for Survivors of Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking Current contact information on rape crisis centers in Massachusetts can be found at the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ Website under Consumer Information at http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/.