Search
Visit
Apply
Apply
Visit

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
Examples of the types of discrimination that are covered under Title IX include sexual harassment, the failure to provide equal opportunity in athletics, and discrimination based on pregnancy. It also prohibits sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence.
 

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 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

A person with short brown hair smiles, wearing a teal cardigan over a patterned top against a warm-toned, blurred library backdrop.

Melanie Oestreich

Title IX Coordinator

Librarian

MROestreich@valleyforge.edu

610.917.2003

slo

Rev. Jennifer Gale

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Vice President of Student Life

JDGale@valleyforge.edu

610.917.1488

faculty

Dr. Todd Guevin

Care Team Member

VP of Academic Affairs

TGGuevin@valleyforge.edu

610.917.1493

Bearded person confidently smiles by a brick wall, embodying the strength celebrated by Title IX advocates in their black shirt.

Andre Mauerman

Care Team Member

Campus Director

ACMauerman@valleyforge.edu

610.917.1429

Stephen Bower

Care Team Member

Assistant Director of Athletics

SEBower@valleyforge.edu

610.917.1427

faculty

Dr. Ginger Behnke

Care Team Member

Dean of Assessment and Retention

GLBehnke@valleyforge.edu

610.917.3695

A bearded man in a university polo smiles in front of book-filled shelves, exuding the charisma of a faculty member.

Dr. Lloyd Gestoso

Care Team Member

Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs

L_Gestoso@valleyforge.edu

610.917.3955

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

The University provides training for employees on the school’s obligation to address sex discrimination, as well as employees’ obligations to notify or provide contact information for the Title IX Coordinator or Care Team.
 
Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, persons with authority to modify or terminate supportive measures, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process, receive training relative to their roles which includes the University’s obligation to respond to sex discrimination and the definition of sexual harassment, the scope of the university’s education program or activity, how to conduct an investigation, the University’s grievance procedures, the meaning and application of the term ‘relevant’ and types of impermissible evidence, and how to serve impartially, including by avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue, conflicts of interest, and bias.
 

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.

More Info

Contact Us
Apply
Admissions
Visit
Seal of the University of Valley Forge: shield with cross, text UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE at top, 1939 at bottom.
1401 Charlestown Road Phoenixville PA 19460
800.432.8322 | 610.935.0450
Instagram Facebook Youtube Tiktok Linkedin

© 2025 University of Valley Forge

Connect with us!

Check Us Out!

Check us out!

Admissions FAQs

Yes, most colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts. You’ll need to create a transcript that lists all courses taken, grades earned, and a brief description of each subject. Many colleges may ask for additional documentation to verify the curriculum or learning outcomes. 

A homeschool transcript should include the following:   

  • Student’s name and contact information   
  • A list of courses by grade level (9th-12th)   
  • The grades and credits earned for each course   
  • GPA  

You can use online tools or templates to help structure your transcript.

Transcript Template (Right-click and “Save Link As” to download)

No, colleges understand that homeschool students may follow a non-traditional curriculum. You are not required to use a specific homeschooling program, but the courses should be rigorous and meet the academic standards of the college. 

UVF is test-optional, . It’s best to check each college’s specific testing policy. If you submit them, we will use those test scores for placement into math and English courses.  If you don’t submit test scores, we have placement tests that we designed that you will take instead. 

Homeschool students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, etc.). For letters of recommendation, you can ask mentors, tutors, employers, or community leaders who are familiar with your work and character. We understand that your experiences may look different from those of traditional students. 

Homeschool students typically don’t have a GPA or class rank based on a standardized grading system. You may be asked to provide your grading scale (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.) and explain how you evaluate coursework. . 

If your grading was pass/fail, a work sample does help us evaluate the rigor of your coursework. 

Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) as other students. You are also eligible for institutional scholarships. 

You may be asked to provide documentation showing that your homeschooling complies with the laws of your state (e.g., notice of intent to homeschool, records of testing or assessments). We are familiar with most states’ homeschool laws. 

Yes, you can still apply as a homeschooled student if you were homeschooled for any portion of high school. You’ll need to explain the structure of your education and provide transcripts for both your public/private school and homeschool years, if applicable. 

A GED is not required if you have completed your high school education through homeschooling, provided you can submit a detailed transcript and meet the other application requirements. However, if you took the GED, you may submit those scores as part of your application if they are beneficial. 

We value the self-motivation and discipline that often come with homeschooling.  Our homeschooled students typically excel in academic curiosity, resilience, and ability to work independently. 

We always encourage students to come for an on-campus visit.  It can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and explain your homeschooling background in person. It’s also a chance to ask questions about the college and demonstrate your interest in the school. 

Homeschooling allows you to tailor your education to your interests and strengths. We appreciate the diversity of perspectives that homeschool students bring, so don’t be afraid to highlight how your education has been non-traditional but still rigorous and meaningful. 

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school (dual enrollment), make sure to include those credits on your application. You’ll need to request official transcripts from the college(s) where you took courses and submit them to your prospective schools. 

Some scholarships are specifically for homeschool graduates. These may be offered by homeschool associations, local foundations, or certain colleges. It’s a good idea to research scholarships in your area or inquire about opportunities at the colleges you’re applying to.