Frequently Asked Questions

Most individuals have the option of making an anonymous report through the college’s Sexual Misconduct Report Form. If a reporting individual makes an anonymous report, the college’s Title IX coordinator will consider how to proceed, taking into account the individual’s articulated concerns, the best interests of the college community, fair treatment of all individuals involved and the college’s obligations under Title IX. 

Anonymous reports may be made by downloading the Sexual Misconduct Report Form, printing out the form and completing and returning it to the director of campus safety. Completing a Sexual Misconduct Report Form can be made without disclosing the reporting individual’s own name, identifying the respondent or requesting any action. However, if the reporter provides limited information, the college may be limited in its ability to take action. Completing a Sexual Misconduct Report Form is not a confidential resource and making a report to a Sexual Misconduct Report Form may result in a college review or investigation. 

A complainant cannot file a formal complaint anonymously. Anonymous reporting does not satisfy employees’ reporting obligations as a responsible employee.

Any individual may make an anonymous report concerning a violation of this policy through the college’s Sexual Misconduct Report Form. An individual can also make a report to Campus Safety or the Title IX coordinator or a deputy coordinator. The college’s Title IX coordinator will consider how to proceed, taking into account the information provided, the individual’s articulated concerns, the best interests of the college community, fair treatment of all involved and the college’s obligations under Title IX.

Title IX is a law that requires equity in education, programs and support and protects people from discrimination based on sex. Thus, Title IX impacts every student at Colby-Sawyer College.

In all proceedings the college will take into consideration the privacy of the parties to the extent possible. In cases involving students, the college's Title IX coordinator may notify residential college staff and/or other college employees of the existence of the report and/or formal complaint for the purpose of overseeing compliance with this policy and addressing any concerns. While not bound by confidentiality, these individuals will be discreet and will respect the privacy of those involved in the process. 

In accordance with federal regulations, the college will keep confidential the identity of any individual who has made a report or formal complaint under this policy, including any complainant, any individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator, any respondent and any witness, except as may be permitted by Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), or as required by law, or to carry out the purposes of conducting any investigation or hearing under this policy.

If the complainant does not wish to proceed with a formal complaint, the college will respect the complainant’s autonomy and wishes to the extent possible. The complainant will be able to access supportive measures. In limited circumstances, the Title IX coordinator may sign a formal complaint and move forward with a formal grievance process. 

Anyone who is not prepared to make a report or formal complaint, or who may be unsure how to label what happened but still seeks information and support, is strongly encouraged to contact a confidential resource. In particular, any student who may have been subjected to a violation of this policy, or who is considering making a report or formal complaint under this policy, is encouraged to contact the Baird Health & Counseling Center (BHCC) at 603.526.3621 or Thrive Survivor Support Center at 603.225.7376. Employees should contact the Employee Assistance Plan at 855.775.3457 and/or Thrive.

If the complainant, the respondent or a witness informs the college that they will not attend the hearing (or will refuse to be cross-examined), the hearing may proceed, as determined by the college Title IX coordinator. The hearing board may not, however, (a) rely on any statement or information provided by that non-participating individual in reaching a determination regarding responsibility or (b) draw any adverse inference in reaching a determination regarding responsibility based solely on the individual’s absence from the hearing (or refusal to be cross-examined).

No. In June of 2018, Governor Sununu signed into law nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity in housing, employment and public accommodations.

You can read policies and procedures related to Title IX, attend educational programs, become an engaged bystander and encourage others to do so as well. Speak out if you see something and ask us any questions you have.