Student Life

Student Development & Christian Life

The University provides a comprehensive student development program to serve and support Anderson students. Through partnership with the academic and Christian Life divisions, the Office of Student Development and its various areas seek to provide a transformational co-curricular experience for students with the goal of educating, encouraging and serving students as they develop their God-given potential and purpose at Anderson University. Several areas of Student Development work together toward this end including Career Services, the Center for Student Success, the Counseling Center, Health Services, Residence Life and Housing, Student Activities and Intramurals, and the New Student Experience.

Anderson University’s faculty and staff are committed to assisting students as they strive to develop intellectually, physically, socially, morally, and spiritually. Anderson students, whether resident or commuting, should expect to find a supportive campus environment with a wide variety of opportunities for learning, growing, and enjoying life. All students are encouraged to take an active part in the life of the university community, to join campus social and academic organizations, to participate in intramural sports, and to enjoy the various musical, theatrical, and cultural events hosted at Anderson University. The following pages highlight some of those opportunities for participation.

Student Activities and Campus Involvement

Because a student’s time is not spent solely in classes and studying, Anderson University offers a variety of extracurricular activities that provide opportunities for intellectual, physical, and social growth. Why should you get plugged into campus life at AU? The answer is simple–you will have more fun and do better as a student! Researchers have found time and time again that students who are involved meaningfully in a couple of areas outside of their academic courses are more successful than students who are not engaged in such activities. Not only that, but students who are involved in University activities outside of the classroom enjoy their college journey more than those who are not involved.

We want to make it easy for you to get plugged in on campus. Whether you are passionate about your major, missions, event planning, ministry or ultimate Frisbee there is a place for you. There are more ways to get involved at Anderson than what any one person could participate in during his or her Anderson experience! This means you will have to make choices about what you will be involved with outside the classroom during your time at Anderson.

If you have any questions about involvement opportunities please contact the Student Activities Office located in the rear of Denmark Hall or via email (studentactivities@andersonuniversity.edu).

Campus Events

One of the ways you can begin getting involved on campus is by attending one of the many campus events that occur during the year. The Student Activities staff offers over 70 campus wide events each year that are designed to provide personal development and provide opportunities to have fun with your friends. A few of the many events planned are movie nights, dances, cultural arts activities, large and small scale campus events, outdoor adventure trips, concerts and leadership training opportunities. All these events are planned and led by a group of students called the Campus Activities Team. This team is always looking for more students to be involved. Contact the Student Activities office for more information.

Campus Organizations

Opportunities for service and fellowship are offered through membership in one of over 30 Anderson University student organizations. Here are some of the available organizations: American Society of Interior Designers, Unveiled, Student Alumni Association, Rotaract, AU Psychology Club, Far Sketched, Ultimate Frisbee Club, Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), History Club, Science Club, AU Math Club, CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Art Education Club, Business Club, Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), Criminal Justice Society, Disc Golf Team, Handprints Early Childhood Club, Ceramic Artists of Anderson University, AU GOP, Student Government Association (SGA), Writers’ Block, AU Think Tank, Enactus & Kinesiology Club.

For more information about any of these groups and to express interest in joining, log into your Community account.

Christian Life at Anderson University

At Anderson, our desire is to help students enrich their college experience and their lives by providing a dynamic Christian environment and instilling Christian values in higher education.

For many young adults no other time in life is as critical as the college years, a time when they make choices and decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. Anderson University has a Christian faculty and staff, challenging spiritual programs, and strong Christian organizations - all of which come together to help students deepen their faith and grow in their relationship with God.

As an intentionally Christian institution sponsored by the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Christ-centered activities are an important facet of campus life. These activities are varied and all students - regardless of denominational affiliation - can find ways of expressing their faith and opportunities to integrate faith into their college experience.

The Journey Program is designed to bring our campus family together for worship with a special focus on the hearts and minds of students, and their relationship with God. Full-time students are required to attend eight (8) Journey events each semester.

A part of every student’s core curriculum is the requirement to complete successfully two (2) religion courses - Introduction to the Bible, and Christian Worldview and Contemporary Application.

The goal of Anderson University Campus Ministries is to help students engage the good news of Jesus Christ and integrate it with their words and actions in ways that are meaningful and relevant. Our desire is to connect college students to the person of Jesus Christ in a way that will help them make a lifelong commitment to follow His calling in a personal relationship. Our vision is to help students discover their calling and understand God’s plans for them, as they make decisions about areas of study.

Every student is encouraged to participate in Anderson’s Campus Ministries. With ministry opportunities available throughout the week, students can find many ways to grow as disciples, worship, serve and lead.

Our Campus Ministries program includes:

• BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry)
• Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ)
• FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)
• RUF (Reformed University Fellowship)
• Mission opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally
• Ministry internships in local churches
• Women’s Ministries
• Ministry Leadership Houses (student housing)
• Special concerts/events
• Weekly Campus Worship

Other Christian activities include:

• Anderson University Choir
• Anderson University Gospel Ensemble
• Journey Teams that serve churches and community entities.
• AUthenticity worship and music group
• Other praise bands that serve on campus and in the community
• Residence hall Bible studies
• Youth ministry teams
• Other small group Bible studies on campus

In addition to mission projects sponsored by various academic departments, Campus Ministries offers several mission opportunities throughout the year. Past mission trips have taken students, faculty, and staff to work with missionaries and needy people in New Orleans, New York City, Belize, The Philippines, India, Haiti, Guatemala, Malaysia and other locations. Student teams regularly assist local ministries in thrift stores, soup kitchens, and assisted-living centers. Other projects include work with Habitat for Humanity and The Calvary Home for Children. Students are also encouraged to get involved in worship, fellowship and service through a local church during their time at Anderson University.

Sports, Intramural and Athletics

Anderson University has many intramural sports activities available to all students. Opportunities include soccer, basketball, billiards, dodge ball, flag football, ping pong, powder puff football, softball, tennis, ultimate Frisbee, and volleyball. Students are encouraged to participate in the many teams that are organized to provide fun, exercise, and spirited competition.

Students may participate in a wide range of intercollegiate sports while enrolled at Anderson University. Women may participate in cross country, track & field, soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, golf, and fast-pitch softball. Men’s teams compete in cross country, track & field, soccer, wrestling, basketball, baseball, golf and tennis. Anderson University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Division II) and the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). Also under the athletic umbrella is the club team for Cheerleading.

Facilities: Fitness Center in Abney Gym, Game Room in Student Center, and the Athletic Campus.

Student Government

The mission of the Anderson University Student Government Association is to serve the AU campus by promoting effective leadership and establishing a unified voice on behalf of the student body for the glory of God and the benefit of the campus community. The Administration and the Board of Trust of Anderson University believe that the welfare of the University is advanced by an efficient system of self-government among the students.

Every student who wants to become involved in the Student Government Association has ample opportunity regardless of his or her class standing or residential status. In addition to numerous elected positions, the Student Body president appoints members to committees under the jurisdiction of SGA. The committees work with various campus departments to enhance the student experience.

More information regarding SGA, running for office or how they are working to improve campus life, visit the SGA page in Community.

Student Publications

Anderson University students have published Ivy Leaves, the student literary journal, for over 80 years. Ivy Leaves, which is sponsored by faculty in the English and Art departments, solicits short stories, poetry, drama, and art from students across the University. The journal is published annually during the spring semester.

Anderson University Traditions

From the very early days of Anderson University, campus life was a vital part of the student experience resulting in the establishment of recurring campus traditions.

AU students have many opportunities to experience campus life and to enjoy traditions throughout the academic year. Here are just a few of the most popular AU Traditions.

Welcome Week. Beginning with New Student Move-In this week is filled with fun campus-wide events designed to help new students make connections with one another, upperclassmen, and University faculty and staff.

The Archway Walk. Families line the walkway as entering students walk through the Arch on the Alumni Lawn where President & Mrs. Whitaker greet them. This tradition signifies students’ entrance to the Anderson University family. A class photo is taken after the Walk is completed. This event is meant to serve as a “mirror” of a day some years later when students walk through the Arch as an alumna of the University at Commencement.

The Trojan Tradition. This Welcome Week event brings new students and upperclassmen together as a campus community the night before classes begin to reflect on our common purpose and our privileges and responsibilities as members of the Anderson University family.

Homecoming & Parent Weekend. Usually held in mid-October, Homecoming kicks off with a week filled with fun campus-wide events including the Fall Festival and Homecoming Dance. Homecoming Week culminates on Saturday as parents and alumni come to campus for a day of celebratory events and great BBQ.

Convocation Ceremony. This academic ceremony, held every August, marks the official beginning of the Academic Year. While classes are already underway when the ceremony is held, faculty, staff and students join together to celebrate Anderson University’s past and to dream about the future.

Christmas First Night. This event, hosted each year by the South Carolina School of the Arts, is presented as a gift to the Anderson community. The Christmas First Night tradition, highlighting the broad talents of Anderson University students, marks the start of the Christmas season with a celebration of praise and worship.

Founders Day. Celebrated every February, this special Campus Worship service celebrates the history of Anderson University.

Baccalaureate Service. This event is held the night before May graduation and serves as a bookend to events that occurred during Welcome Week several years earlier. Baccalaureate is hosted by the Student Government Association, Christian Life, and Student Development and serves as a time of joyful reflection on the way that your Anderson years have shaped you and your classmates and a celebration of what is ahead as you graduate.

Honors and Recognitions

Students at Anderson University are eligible for a number of awards based on academic achievement, leadership, personal character, and services to the University and the local community. These recognitions include, but are not limited to, the following: academic awards in various majors, the Denmark Society, the President’s Award, and Dean’s List.

Bookstore

The bookstore is located in the Student Center. The bookstore carries a wide selection of required and optional reading, both print and electronic formats, course supplies, clothing, and other merchandise. Follet is the contracted bookstore operation vendor for the University.

Campus Post Office

The Campus Post Office is located in the Student Center building. Each residential student is assigned a mailbox. Mailing supplies and services are available during normal hours of operation, which are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Dining Services

Anderson University food services are provided through Aramark. There are three primary food service locations on campus including the Martin Dining Room inside the Merritt Administration building, The Grill in the Student Center building, and Food for Thought in the lower level of the Thrift Library. In addition, students, faculty, and staff can choose from a selection of espresso and gourmet coffee beverages, teas, smoothies, bagels and pastries, sandwiches and salads, and more at Java City located in the lower level of Thrift Library.

All students living in University Residence Halls or in University owned ministry houses must select one of the University meal plans. Meal plans are also available for commuter students.

Campus Safety

Maintaining a safe and orderly campus community is a preeminent concern of University officials. While a university campus is an open environment and no assurance can be made of complete safety, Anderson University is committed to implementing the highest standards of safety and health in accord with its safety management plan. In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act (Clery Act), Anderson University prepares an annual report setting forth campus safety policies and campus crime statistics. This report, which also includes safety and security tips for students, faculty, and staff is available online at http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/sites/default/files/safety/annualsafety-report-2014.pdf.

The primary purpose of the Campus Safety department is to protect the property and lives of Anderson University students, faculty, staff, and guests. The department is responsible for enforcement of parking regulations. Campus Safety officers are employees of Anderson University. They are certified by the state of South Carolina, and have the same power to arrest as a deputy sheriff. One or more members of the department are on duty 24 hours a day during the time the University is in session. The officers are available any time after dark to transport students from their cars to their campus housing or from one building to another on campus.

Career Services

The Office of Career Services provides assistance to students by helping them relate their career goals to their educational plans. The staff seeks to meet students at their individual level of need in developing a self-directed career search. This may begin through discussions regarding majors, career direction, and interest inventories (Strong Interest Inventory and Myers Briggs Type Indicator). Students may participate in workshops on cover letter and resume writing, job search strategies, networking, interviewing and other topics related to career preparation. The staff is available to provide individual meetings as well as class presentations. The office maintains listings of full-time and part-time employment and opportunities for students to meet and interview with employers on campus. Students will also find information regarding graduate schools, programs and entrance exams.

Center for Student Success

The Center for Student Success offers academic support in a number of ways, including disability services, workshops and one on one academic guidance. In addition, the Center operates the Tutoring Lab and is the beginning point for students who need to withdraw from the university during an academic term.

Counseling

The mission of Anderson University Counseling Center is to provide a confidential, caring, and supportive environment in which students can grow academically, personally, and spiritually. Our counselors challenge students to reach their full potential helping them to create a more satisfying lifestyle and experience success at Anderson University. Individual confidential counseling is available to students, as well as group counseling opportunities. Referral services are also available for those with needs that cannot be met by the University Counseling Center. The University Counseling Center is located in the basement of the Village.

Health Services

The goal of the Health Services Center is to provide a Christ-centered clinic that will provide care to enhance students’ educational experience by removing or modifying barriers to learning, and to promote an optimal level of wellness in the Anderson University community. The Center promotes a healthy environment on campus and encourages healthy lifestyle choices for students. Through health education opportunities students will be empowered in health prevention and health restoration.

The Health Center is located on the bottom level of the Village residence hall. Two Registered Nurses staff the Center who treat students or refer them to a physician if needed. Services at the Health Center are available to all students (residential & commuter). The hours of operation are 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday with designated drop-in times posted in the Clinic & on the Health Center webpage.

New Student Experience Program

The purpose of the New Student Experience program is to help students make a successful transition into the University community. New students are placed in small groups led by upper class students that provide support, encouragement, and guidance throughout a student’s transition. In addition, the New Student Experience staff provides programs and events geared to answering student questions and helping them develop connections across campus. Programming is also provided to assist parents as they support their students during this transition. The New Student Experience encompasses Base Camp Summer Orientation, Welcome Week and Alpha Group/First Year Experience (FYE) programming.

Residential Life and Housing

The Residence Life staff makes every effort to ensure harmonious and enjoyable living conditions that enhance the educational mission of the University. Full-time, professional residence directors and student resident advisors staff the residence halls. The professional and paraprofessional staff members provide guidance and support to students while encouraging the development of healthy community within the residence halls.

Anderson University housing includes convenient single sex residence halls. Students who wish to live in a residence hall must maintain a minimum academic load of 12 semester hours. Believing that students benefit in personal growth and educational opportunity from residential living, Anderson University requires all undergraduate students enrolled in the traditional program to live on campus for at least four semesters. Students who meet one of the following criteria may elect to live off campus prior to fulfilling the four-semester requirement.

• Married
• Live locally with a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian
• 21 years of age prior to the beginning of the semester
• Transfer student who has attended four (4) semesters of college, excluding dual enrollment during high school

Students found to be living off campus that do not meet the proper criteria may be subject to disciplinary action and held financially responsible for the semester housing charge.

All residence halls are closed to students during the Christmas holidays. Although personal belongings may remain in rooms during this period (unless a room change has been requested), students must vacate the area within 24 hours after their last exam for the semester has been taken. Residence halls will not re-open until two days prior to the start of the spring semester. Residence halls and apartments remain open during all other holidays and during Fall Break and Spring Break.

Residing in campus housing is a privilege. Resident students are expected to maintain a clean and healthy living environment. Students who fail to meet the standards and expectations outlined in the Student Handbook may lose the privilege of campus housing. The University reserves the right to make all room assignments. No student is guaranteed the same room assignment each year. The University may choose to move a student into another room assignment at any time in the semester if it is deemed in the best interest of the University community.

Community Life and Expectations

Anderson University is a Christ-centered community that presents Jesus as the Christ and as the ultimate model for personal behavior. The unifying principle of Anderson University is a Christian vision of life in which community participants are encouraged to develop a Christian worldview and strive toward the high calling of the great commandments which tell us to love God with our hearts, with our minds, and with our souls, and to love others as ourselves (Luke 10:27). We seek to build an academic community where men and women can be lovingly and gracefully introduced to an understanding of God, His creation and grace, and to humanity’s place of great privilege and responsibility in God’s world.

All Anderson University students are expected to abide by the Christ-Centered values of our community. Membership in the community also requires certain responsibilities including:

• Care for the rights and needs of others
• An understanding of how our actions impact others and the community
• A responsibility to hold one another accountable for community standards

Community life at Anderson University involves both privilege and responsibility, which may at times require restrictions on our personal and collective freedoms, and which concurrently necessitates both internal and external restraint for the benefit of all members of our educational community. From this perspective, community life requires first self-discipline, but it is also the responsibility of all community members to hold one another accountable (Matthew 18: 15-17) to ensure a safe and healthy environment conducive to our pursuit of learning as a Christian educational community.

As members of the Anderson University community, students and employees enjoy the benefits and privileges accompanying such membership. As community members, students are also expected to abide by all University polices and guidelines as well as local, state, and federal laws. Students are expected to act responsibly and to avoid conduct that is detrimental to himself or herself or the University, both on-campus and away from campus.

The Conduct Process

The student conduct process exists to provide a redemptive and transformative approach to maintaining a safe and comfortable learning environment for all Anderson University members. Our goals in the conduct process are to be first redemptive (Romans 8:1) and then for students to be restored to the community and to one another.

Familiarity with the academic and community conduct guidelines of the University are the responsibility of every member of the campus community. This includes all matters governing academic programs and policies, graduation requirements, community conduct policies, housing and residence life policies and guidelines, and Campus Safety policies and guidelines. This University catalog, various academic program handbooks, the Student Handbook, and official University publications, whether in print or in electronic form, exist for the purpose of conveying essential information concerning policies and expectations. Student conduct guidelines and responsibilities are located in the Student Handbook, published each year and made available online for all community members at: http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/campus/student-handbook.

Harassment & Sexual Misconduct Policy

Note: The University will be updating this policy frequently because of the rapid evolution of “best practices” in this area and ongoing changes in the regulatory environment. Students and employees are encouraged to review this section regularly in order to remain current on these important policies.

Anderson University is a Christ-centered community, committed to providing and maintaining a learning and working environment that is free from sexual, racial, and other forms of harassment and misconduct. Anderson University believes its students, faculty members, employees, and campus guests should be able to enjoy an environment free from sexual misconduct and from harassment based on an individual’s race, sex, age, national origin, disability, military service, or any other legally protected status.

In compliance with federal and state laws, it is the policy of Anderson University to prohibit unlawful harassment and sexual misconduct by any person and in any form. As a Christian institution of higher education, Anderson University reserves the right to take its religious tenets into consideration when making employment decisions.

No student, faculty member, supervisor, employee, or other individual shall engage in sexual misconduct, threaten, or harass any other individual or insinuate harassment toward another individual through their conduct, or through any communication of any nature. Anderson University will investigate all complaints of harassment or sexual misconduct, formal or informal, verbal or written, and take appropriate action or discipline against any person who is found to have violated this policy.

Anderson University recognizes that it may be difficult to specifically define what constitutes harassment under the law. As a result, Anderson University will not tolerate any type of inappropriate behavior that may lead to forms of illegal harassment. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to, unwanted physical contact; foul language; sexually oriented explicit pictures, cartoons, or other materials such as graffiti that may be offensive to another employee or student; ethnic jokes or racial slurs; and teasing about religious or cultural observance. Because many of the above may be considered offensive to another individual, these activities are prohibited at Anderson University.

A. Statement of Compliance with Title IX

It is the policy of Anderson University to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct or violence) based on sex in the University’s educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discrimination, harassment, or misconduct.

Anderson has designated the Vice President for Student Development as the Title IX Coordinator and has appointed four individuals to serve as Deputy Coordinators who will collectively insure the University’s compliance with Title IX. The University will also train faculty or staff to serve as investigators in potential Title IX violations. The Title IX Coordinator’s responsibilities include the development, implementation, and monitoring of meaningful efforts to comply with Title IX legislation. At Anderson University, the Title IX Coordinator oversees monitoring of University policy, implementation of grievance procedures, including notification, investigation and disposition of complaints; distribution of educational materials and training for the campus community; conducting and/or coordinating investigations of complaints received pursuant to Title IX and ensuring a fair and neutral process for all parties.

Title IX Deputies are appointed by the University President to assist with the implementation of the Title IX policy and education. Investigators are also appointed by the President to coordinate all investigations regarding potential Title IX violations.

In order to take appropriate corrective action, officials at Anderson University must be aware of harassment, sexual misconduct, or related retaliation. Therefore, any member of the Anderson University community who believes that he or she has been the subject of or has witnessed any form of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or related retaliation should promptly report such behavior to a University official as outlined below. Additionally, anyone in a supervisory, advisory or evaluative role (e.g. supervisors, managers, department chairs or faculty members) who experiences, witnesses or receives a written or oral report or complaint of harassment, sexual misconduct, or related retaliation shall promptly report it to the appropriate University official as outlined in the “Reporting Harassment or Sexual Misconduct” section of this policy.

Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Jim Fereira
Vice President for Student Development
Location: First Floor Merritt Administration Office
Phone: 864-231-2075
Email: HYPERLINK “mailto: jfereira@andersonuniversity.edu

B. Sexual Harassment & Sexual Misconduct

Anderson University is committed to encouraging and maintaining an educational, working, and living environment reflective of our Christian faith and characterized by civility and mutual respect. Sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, in any form, does not reflect the high standards and ideals of our community and will not be tolerated at Anderson University. As an institution of higher education, Anderson University has adopted this sexual harassment and sexual misconduct prevention and response policy in an effort to eliminate sexual misconduct and sexual harassment on our campus through education, training, clear policies, and serious consequences for violations of these policies. The University’s Title IX Coordinator has responsibility for ensuring compliance with Anderson’s policies regarding sexual misconduct.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which violates federal and state law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and South Carolina state law.

“Sexual harassment” is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Unlawful sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, physical, electronic or digital conduct or communication of a sexual nature, when submission to or rejection of the conduct explicitly or implicitly affects a person’s employment or education, unreasonably interferes with a person’s work or educational performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working, learning, or living environment. Sexual violence or sexual assault is an extreme form of sexual harassment, which may also constitute criminal conduct.

Sexual harassment includes incidents in which the harasser either provides or denies an employment or educational benefit in exchange for sexual favors, or makes an adverse employment or educational decision on the basis of rejection of sexual advances.

Sexual harassment also occurs when the working, learning, or living environment is made hostile or abusive. An abusive or hostile environment is one that is reasonably and actually perceived by the complaining party as abusive such that it makes it difficult to perform job duties or to pursue one’s education.

Sexual harassment is defined by the perception of the person who feels harassed: that is, whether it involves sexual conduct unwelcome to that person. In other words, harassment is subjective and it is “in the eye of the beholder.” Conduct can be sexual harassment whether or not any harassment or hostile feelings were intended.

Examples of sexual harassment may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Pressure for a dating, romantic, or intimate relationship
• Unwelcome touching, kissing, hugging, or massaging
• Pressure for or forced sexual activity
• Unnecessary references to parts of the body
• Remarks about a person’s gender or sexual orientation
• Sexual innuendoes or humor
• Obscene gestures
• Sexual graffiti, pictures, or posters
• Sexually explicit profanity
• Bullying (conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating)
• Stalking or cyber-bullying that is based on gender or sex
• E-mail, texting (“sexting”) and Internet use that violates this policy
• Sexual misconduct (sexual violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking)

A hostile environment can exist by virtue of a combination of individual incidents that would not, individually, constitute sexual harassment. Even one serious incident may, however, constitute hostile environment harassment.

Both women and men are protected from sexual harassment under these policies, whether the harassment is perpetrated by a member of the same or the opposite sex. Sexual harassment may be committed by a male or a female toward either a male or a female.

Sexual Misconduct

Members of the Anderson University community, including students, staff, faculty, and guests, have the right to be free from sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct is nonconsensual sexual activity and is a violation of Title IX. Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to, sexual violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating and domestic violence. Anderson University will not tolerate sexual misconduct of any form. Such conduct violates the values and principles of our community and disrupts the living, learning, and working environment for students, faculty, staff and guests.

Students and employees are expected to comply with the University’s policies on discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, and stalking whether on or off campus. Any student or employee who violates these University’s policies on or off campus is subject to disciplinary sanctions.

Definitions for the Policy

Consent is affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. Past consent does not imply future consent. Silence or absence of resistance does not imply consent. Consent must be clearly demonstrated through mutually understandable words and/or actions. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Consent to one form of sexual activity cannot be assumed to be consent to any other form of sexual activity. Relying on non-verbal communications can lead to misunderstandings. Whether consent has been given will be determined contemporaneously with the activities in question.

If the victim is mentally or physically incapacitated or impaired so that the victim cannot understand the fact, nature or extent of the sexual situation, and the condition was or would be known to a reasonable person, there is no consent. This includes conditions due to alcohol or drug consumption, or being asleep or unconscious.

Sexual assault is any form of sexual contact directed against another person that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient, including sexual acts committed against a person who is incapable of giving consent (e.g., due to the individual being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or because an intellectual or other disability prevents the individual from having the capacity to give clear, unambiguous consent). Sexual assault may occur through the use of verbal, emotional, or physical force, intimidation, or coercion. Sexual assault includes sexual activities such as forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, statutory rape, attempted rape, and non-consensual sexual contact. It also includes any intentional sexual touching, however slight, with any object or body part, by a man or a woman upon a man or a woman, without explicit consent of that individual. Sexual assault can be committed by students, university employees, or third parties visiting or working on the Anderson University campus.

Under South Carolina criminal law, sexual assaults may be prosecuted as Assault and Battery or under the prohibitions of the Criminal Sexual Conduct laws. Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree occurs when the assailant sexually batters a victim with one or more of the following aggravating circumstances: 1) the assailant used aggravated force to accomplish the sexual battery; 2) the victim submits to sexual battery after being a victim of forcible confinement, kidnapping, trafficking in persons, robbery, extortion, burglary, housebreaking, or other similar act; or 3) the assailant causes the victim to become mentally incapacitated or physical helpless by administering, distributing, dispensing, delivering, or causing to be such a controlled substance or intoxicating substance. Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree occurs where the assailant uses aggravated coercion as defined as threats to use force or violence of a high and aggravated nature, where the victim reasonably believes the assailant has the ability to carry out the threat, or where the assailant threatens to retaliated in the future by infliction of physical harm, kidnapping or extortion. Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Degree occurs when the assailant the assailant uses force or coercion to accomplish the sexual battery or the assailant has reason to know the victim is mentally defective, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless.

Non-consensual sexual contact includes any form of sexual touching, however slight, with any object or body part, by a man or a woman upon a man or a woman, without the consent of that individual. It may include, but is not limited to, sexual assault or sexual violence as described above.

Domestic Violence is defined under state criminal law as “physical harm, bodily injury, assault or the threat of physical harm” directed toward “persons who have a child in common, and persons cohabiting or formerly cohabiting.” Domestic violence may also include a pattern of abusive or violent used by one partner in a domestic relationship to gain or maintain power and control over another partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone. (U.S. Department of Justice)

Dating Violence occurs when one person intentionally hurts or scares someone they are dating and includes physical, emotional, and sexual violence.

• Physical abuse may include hitting, shoving, kicking, biting, or throwing objects.
• Emotional abuse may include yelling, name-calling, bullying, embarrassing, preventing interaction with friends, telling someone that they deserve the abuse, or providing gifts to “make up” for the abuse.
• Sexual abuse and violence is forcing someone to engage in a sexual activity or engaging in sexual activity when one of the persons is unable to consent due to use of alcohol or drugs.

Stalking is defined as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that involves repeated (two or more occasions) visual or physical proximity, nonconsensual communication, or verbal, written, or implied threats, or a combination thereof, that would cause a reasonable person fear. Stalking behaviors may include persistent patterns of leaving or sending the victim unwanted items or presents that may range from seemingly romantic to bizarre, following or laying in wait for the victim, damaging or threatening to damage the victim’s property, defaming the victim’s character, or harassing the victim via the Internet by posting personal information or spreading rumors about the victim. South Carolina criminal law defines stalking as a “pattern of intentional, substantial and unreasonable intrusion into the private life of a targeted person that causes the person and would cause a reasonable person in their position to suffer mental distress.”

C. Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy

Anderson University provides education on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct, including sexual assault, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking to all members of the University community through mandatory training, campus programs, printed educational materials, and official campus policies. In addition, mandatory training for all new students is provided at the start of the school year to educate students about sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. All students are required to participate in this training.

Reporting Sexual Harassment or Sexual Misconduct

Any member of the staff or faculty, or any guest, who believes he or she has been the victim of sexual misconduct or harassment based on an individual’s sex, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, military service, or any other legally protected status by a student, faculty member, member of the staff, or other university personnel, or who has knowledge of or has observed such behavior, should immediately report the alleged acts to an appropriate individual who, depending on the circumstances, may be, the chief administrator in his/her division, the Title IX Coordinator or one of the deputy coordinators.

If any member of the Anderson University community believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual misconduct, discriminated against, or harassed by the person to whom he or she would normally report the incident, then the report should be made to one of the other officials listed below.

Any student who believes that he or she has been the victim of sexual misconduct or harassment based on the student’s sex, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, military service, or any other legally protected status by another student, faculty member, member of the staff, guest, or any other University personnel, or who has knowledge of or has observed such behavior, should immediately report the alleged acts to an appropriate individual who, depending on the circumstances, may be a faculty member, their residence director, a student development dean or staff member, the Title IX Coordinator, or one of the Deputy Coordinators. A report can also be made to any one of the other officials listed below:

Title IX Coordinator
Vice President for Student Development, Dr. Jim Fereira
Location: First Floor Merritt Administration Office
Phone: 864-231-2075
Email: HYPERLINK “mailto: jfereira@andersonuniversity.edu

Title IX Deputy Coordinators

• Dr. Dianne King, Dean of Student Success
• Robyn Sanderson, Dean of Student Development
• Rose Mariee Allison, Director of Human Resources
• Bill D’Andrea, Director of Athletics
• Dr. Timothy Smith, Provost

Investigating Sexual Misconduct or Sexual Harassment

In accord with the Anderson University policy concerning harassment and sexual misconduct, the University will thoroughly investigate and review the facts and circumstances of each allegation of harassment or sexual misconduct involving a student, faculty member, staff member or campus guest. The University may impose a sanction against the accused individual that is appropriate for the act committed. In accordance with Title IX of the education amendments of 1972, Anderson University will make every effort to conduct investigations that are prompt and equitable and intended to eliminate sexual misconduct on our campus.

Confidentiality

Anderson University understands that many victims have a strong desire for their report of sexual violence to be treated confidentially. If a person requests that his or her name not be disclosed to the accused person or that the University not investigate or take disciplinary action against the accused person, the University will carefully consider the request and honor it if possible.

If the University determines that it can keep a report confidential, it will still take all reasonable steps to respond to the complaint consistent with the request for confidentiality. For example, it may be helpful to make changes to a victim’s housing situation, class schedule, etc. Any request for confidentiality can be withdrawn at any time, in which case the university will proceed to investigate the report and take appropriate action.

However, honoring a request not to reveal a victim’s name to the accused person, not to conduct an investigation, or not to punish the accused person will limit the University’s ability to respond fully to the assault and take any appropriate disciplinary action. There are situations in which the University must override a request for confidentiality in order to meet its obligations under federal law to provide an educational environment that is safe and free from sexual violence. If the person accused has been accused before of committing similar acts or if the circumstances indicate that the accused person is likely to harm others, the University may have to investigate a report and take appropriate action to make the campus safe. If an investigation must take place, any information reported to the University will be shared only on a need-to-know basis.

A student or employee who wants to be assured that a report will be kept confidential can report the assault to a therapist, doctor, minister, or attorney who is legally obligated to maintain patient or client confidentiality. Confidential reports of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct may also be made to the following Anderson University staff members:

• Erin Maurer, University Counseling center
• Carlene Roberts, University Counseling Center
• Deb Taylor, University Health Services
• Sarah Forsythe, University Health Services
• Greg Allgood, Campus Ministries
• Becky Walker, Campus Ministries

All other Anderson University staff and faculty members are required by University policy to report observations or actual knowledge of incidents of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct. In addition, reports made to other employees may have to be disclosed in criminal or civil court proceedings.

A student or employee who makes a confidential report of an assault is encouraged to allow the person to whom the report is made to notify the University without including any facts that would reveal the student’s or employee’s identity. While the University will probably not be able to take any disciplinary action against the accused person, university officials will have a better picture of crime on the campus and may be able to warn the campus community about methods or patterns of attacks.

Whether or not a student or employee requests confidentiality, Anderson University is committed to maintaining confidentiality throughout the entire investigatory process to the extent that is practical and appropriate. When a formal report is made, persons have the right and can expect to have incidents of sexual misconduct or harassment impartially investigated and properly resolved through administrative procedures. Confidentiality implies that only people who need to know will be informed, and that information will be shared only as necessary with investigators, witnesses, and the accused individual.

Investigation Procedure and Follow Up

Anderson University will investigate all complaints of harassment or sexual misconduct in a timely fashion, based on the severity of the situation and the availability of the complainant, the accused, the investigator and others critical to the investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the complainant will be notified of the outcome of the investigation. Remedies will vary based on the nature of the situation and may include disciplinary action. The Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator will periodically follow-up with the complainant to ensure that the actions taken by the University have remedied the effects of the harassment or sexual misconduct and that the issues that prompted the complaint have not recurred.

Anderson University will use a preponderance of evidence standard in determining whether an individual is responsible for harassment or sexual misconduct in Title IX complaints. A preponderance of evidence means that the individual is more likely than not to have committed the behavior for which they have been accused.

Individuals accused of sexual misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Anderson University’s policies and procedures. At the discretion of the Title IX Coordinator or deputy coordinator overseeing the case, an individual accused of sexual misconduct or harassment may be immediately suspended or restricted from campus pending final disposition of any disciplinary proceedings. Individuals found to have committed harassment or sexual misconduct will be subject to disciplinary sanctions, up to and including dismissal or termination from the University.

The guidelines and procedures for investigation and resolution of harassment or sexual misconduct complaints are detailed in the Complaint, Investigation, and Resolution addendum of the Harassment and Sexual Misconduct policy.

Legal Remedies

Many forms of sexual misconduct are also prohibited by South Carolina and federal law and could result in civil liability or criminal prosecution. Anderson University Title IX and Campus Safety personnel will aid a member of the campus community who is the victim of unlawful sexual harassment to file a complaint with local authorities.

Retaliation

Any individual who is found, after appropriate investigation, to have engaged in harassment or retaliation of another individual who reports an incident of alleged harassment or sexual misconduct, or any person who testifies, assists, or participates in a proceeding, investigation, or review relating to such reports of harassment or sexual misconduct will be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions, up to and including immediate termination or dismissal from the University. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment.

A complainant, whose allegations are found to be false and brought with willful intent, will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, written warning, demotion, transfer, suspension, dismissal, termination, or expulsion.