Title IX
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.
The Title IX regulation describes the conduct that violates Title IX. Athletics departments are not the only component of university life governed by Title IX. Other areas which fall within the scope include but are not limited to:
- Recruitment, admissions, financial aid and scholarships pertaining to students
- Course offerings, classroom access, grading and other academics
- Student counseling and support
- Hiring and retention of employees
- Job-related benefits and leave
The University of Valley Forge is committed to maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students and a professional workplace for its employees and takes active measures against all discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and sexual harassment, including sexual misconduct and violence.
Reporting Sex Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct
Any student or employee who believes he or she has been the victim of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment, including sexual violence or misconduct, or any student that may witness or learn of another person becoming the victim of the above, is urged to report the matter to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy or any member of the Title IX Care Team (below). The report can be made:
- In person, by mail, by telephone, or email
- Using the contact information listed below
- Or by any other means that results in the Coordinator receiving the verbal or written report
- At any time (including during non-business hours)
Anyone wishing to file a report is encouraged to fill out the Formal Complaint Form when contacting the Title IX Care Team. This form can be emailed to any member of the team or brought to the Title IX Coordinator’s office directly.
Anonymous reporting is also available via this link.
Anyone who reports any sex discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct is entitled to supportive measures, whether or not they wish to file a Formal Complaint. A full list of available supportive measures can be found here.
The University’s full Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy and Grievance Procedures for Title IX Complaints may be viewed on the Student Consumer Information page.
Title IX Team
Rev. Jennifer Gale
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Vice President of Student Life
Dr. Ginger Behnke
Care Team Member
Dean of Assessment and Retention
Dr. Lloyd Gestoso
Care Team Member
Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
The Title IX Coordinator at the University of Valley Forge is responsible to:
- Coordinate all efforts for compliance university-wide.
- Notify all applicants for admission and employment, students, parents or legal guardians of the university’s sexual harassment, misconduct and violence policy and grievance procedures.
- Coordinate the effective implementation of supportive measures for those who report complaints and those who respond to complaints.
- Coordinate the effective implementation of any remedies to sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX to the University of Valley Forge may be referred to our Coordinator or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education. For instructions on making an inquiry, call 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327).
Title IX Care Team Training
In addition, facilitators of the University’s informal resolution process receive training on the rules and practices associated with the institution’s informal resolution process. Decision makers receive training on any technology to be used at a live hearing. Investigators receive training on creating an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence.
Any materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process, will not rely on sex stereotypes and must promote impartial investigations and adjudications of formal complaints of sexual harassment.
Materials used to train employees and the Title IX Care Team are available through the Title IX Coordinator.
