Student Handbook Information

This Student Handbook does not constitute a contract between a student and Anderson University either expressed or implied, and Anderson University reserves the right at any time to change, delete, or add to any of the content at its sole discretion. This policy also applies to the Academic College Catalog, The Music Handbook, The Teacher Education Handbook, and any other official university publication that may contain descriptions of academic program requirements, student services, or rules and regulations regarding student behavior.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

As a private Christian institution of higher education, Anderson University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, pregnancy, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under applicable local, state, or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admission, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs.  As a religious institution, the University is exempt from certain regulations promulgated under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which conflict with the University’s religious tenets.   

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries or complaints regarding the non-discrimination policy, compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and inquiries or complaints regarding the disability non-discrimination policy, including compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973:

Dr. L. Dianne King

Associate Vice President for Student Development

Dean of Student Success

Title IX Coordinator

Thrift Library Office 203

316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621

864.231.2026 / 864.231.2075

ldking@andersonuniversity.edu

A report may also be made to the U.S.

Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights:

U.S. Department of Education

Office for Civil Rights

400 Maryland Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-1328

1.800.421.3481

ocr@ed.gov

http://www.ed.gov/ocr

Statement of Compliance with Title IX

As part of the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1972, included was Title IX, which states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance….” Other federal and state laws also address discrimination and harassment based on sex and gender for students, staff, faculty, and third parties in higher education. Anderson University is firmly committed to establishing an environment free from such discrimination and prohibits acts including sexual harassment, sexual harassment including sexual violence (i.e. sexual assault and nonconsensual sexual touching, forcible or not), relationship abuse (including domestic and dating violence), and stalking.

It is the policy of Anderson University to comply with all applicable provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibit 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 University has designated the Associate Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Student Success as the Title IX Coordinator and has appointed several individuals to serve as Deputy Coordinators who will collectively insure the University’s compliance with the applicable provisions of Title IX and who, together with the Title IX Coordinator and the Senior Vice President for Student Development, will serve as the University’s Title IX Coordinating Committee. The University will also train faculty and/or staff to serve as Investigators for reported Title IX violations. The Title IX Coordinator’s responsibilities include the development, implementation, and monitoring of meaningful efforts to comply with Title IX legislation and related regulations. 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; coordinating investigations of complaints received pursuant to Title IX; and ensuring a fair and equitable process for all parties.

Title IX Deputy Coordinators are appointed by the University’s President to assist with the implementation of the Title IX policy and education. Investigators are also appointed by the President to conduct all investigations regarding potential Title IX violations.

Anderson University affirms the right of reporting parties to determine whether they wish to be involved in the University’s Title IX processes to address harassment or discrimination. It should be noted, however, that we cannot take corrective action toward behavior about which we are unaware. Regardless, the University is committed to supporting reporting parties through numerous available support services. The University encourages those who wish to receive confidential support services regarding harassment and discrimination to seek assistance from the AU Counseling Center, Thrive Wellness Center, the Campus Ministries staff, designated athletic trainers, and/or Foothills Alliance. The University will also provide support to any reporting party who wishes to file a complaint of illegal behavior to local police.

As scripture teaches (Matthew 18:15-17), we encourage students to discuss their concerns with the appropriate individual(s) before initiating a formal complaint. Many issues can be resolved by making an appointment with the appropriate faculty or staff member and calmly and honestly communicating the concern(s).

If the issue cannot be resolved or the student believes they have been treated unfairly or arbitrarily or the university did not follow established policy, the student may submit a formal complaint.

Submitting a formal complaint should not be construed as an appeals process. Many university policies have established appeals processes. Where an appeals process exists, students are expected to follow those steps before filing a formal complaint. In such cases, a formal complaint should only be submitted if the appeals process was not followed.

To file a formal complaint, a student should follow the steps described on the university’ webpage. A student must complete the complaint form in its entirety including providing their identity. Anonymous complaints will not be accepted. Complaints must be submitted within 30 days of the event or circumstance that triggered the complaint.

If a student has a question about the appropriate procedure to address a concern or complaint, the student should contact the office of the provost, studentcomplaints@andersonuniversity.edu.