Most Dickinson College employees are required to share information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or other gender-based misconduct with the Title IX Coordinator. This reporting responsibility helps ensure that individuals receive information about available resources, support measures, and options.
Employees designated as Confidential Resources have different reporting obligations.
Who Is a Mandated Reporter?
At Dickinson College, most faculty and employees are Mandated Reporters. This includes employees who teach, advise, supervise, or have responsibility for student or employee welfare. Certain student employees may also have reporting responsibilities based on their role. Confidential Employees are excluded from this designation.
Helpful Practices When Receiving a Disclosure
Do:
- Listen calmly and without judgment.
- Thank the individual for sharing their experience.
- Allow the individual to decide how much they wish to share.
- Explain your reporting responsibilities in a compassionate and transparent manner.
- Share information about available resources and support options.
- Respect the individual's choices and autonomy.
Avoid:
- Promising complete confidentiality.
- Pressuring someone to share more information than they are comfortable sharing.
- Making commitments about specific outcomes.
Supportive Ways to Respond
Before a Disclosure
Suggested language to explain your reporting responsibilities:
"Before we continue, I want you to know that I am a mandated reporter. This means I share information about possible sexual misconduct or discrimination with the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will typically reach out to provide information about resources, support measures, and options. They may offer to meet with you privately, but whether you respond, meet, or pursue any option is entirely your choice."
After a Disclosure
Suggested language to acknowledge the concern and explain next steps:
"Thank you for sharing this with me. I'm sorry this happened. My role is to ensure the Title IX Coordinator is aware so that you can receive information about available resources, support measures, rights, and options. The Title IX Coordinator can meet with you privately, answer questions, and offer support. Whether you respond, meet, or pursue any option is entirely your choice."
You Always Have a Choice
Receiving information from the Title IX Coordinator does not obligate an individual to participate in a college process. Individuals generally decide whether they would like to meet, receive support measures, or explore available options.
How Do I Make a Report?
Mandated reporters should promptly submit a report through the college's reporting process and share the information known to them at the time.
Sample Syllabus Statement
Creating a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
Dickinson College is committed to ensuring that students have access to support, resources, and educational opportunities free from discrimination and harassment. As a college employee, I am required to share information regarding possible sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and related misconduct with the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator can provide information about supportive measures, resources, and options available to students. Students retain the choice of whether and how they engage with the Title IX Office and are encouraged to seek confidential support when desired.
Protection of Minors
Dickinson College employees may have separate obligations regarding the reporting of suspected child abuse involving minors. Information regarding these responsibilities and reporting procedures is available in the Protection of Minors Policy & Procedure.
Questions?
Title IX & Sexual Respect Office
41 Conway Street
(717) 254-8316
titleix@dickinson.edu
Our goal is to support individuals with care, dignity, and respect while ensuring they are aware of available resources, support measures, rights, and options.