“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 education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” – Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX)
Virginia Western Community College is committed to providing an environment that is free from harassment, sexual assault, and sex discrimination. We are committed to ensuring a safe campus climate for all of our students and the entire college community. Through a comprehensive compliance program, we promote fundamental rights, advance individual and institutional integrity, and uphold the vital aims of Title IX.
This Program Statement, updated regularly, details the colleges efforts to comply with Title IX. Additional information is also available through our Policy on Harassment.
Reporting
All emergencies or any incident where someone is in imminent danger should be reported immediately to campus police or local police by dialing 911 or 540-857-7979.
Members of the campus community who believe they have been subjected to harassment, sexual assault, or sex discrimination should immediately report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator via our Online Reporting Form here; or by phone, E-mail, USPS Mail, or in person.
Whether or not a report is made to law enforcement, members of the campus community should report alleged violations of this policy to the Title IX Coordinator during normal business hours. The Title IX Coordinator is solely responsible for overseeing the prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution of complaints filed with the College. For more information on reporting procedures, please see the Policy on Harassment.
Policies and Procedures Related to Title IX
Title IX Training
Title IX training for students is available through our online orientation.
Title IX training for employees is offered at the time of hire and annually (based on hire date) via a platform called KnowBe4. Title IX training for employees is managed by the Shared Services Center (SSC) and is required in conjunction with information security and FERPA training.
Training of Title IX Coordinator
All materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers and any person who facilitate an informal resolution process is through the Student Conduct Institute and can be found at https://system.suny.edu/sci/postedtraining.
Additional Resources
Campus:
Behavioral Health and Wellness Advocate: 540-857-6711
Community:
Sexual Assault Response & Awareness (SARA): 540-345-7273; 24 hour line: 540-981-9352
Roanoke City Police: 540-853-2212
Protective Orders:
http://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/home.html
Magistrates in the City of Salem & Roanoke County: 540-387-6092; City of Roanoke: 540-853-2247
Contact
The Title IX Coordinator is Bernadette Battle, Vice President of Student Affairs. Her office is located in Chapman Hall, Room 102A; telephone at 540-857-6572; email TitleIX@virginiawestern.edu.
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students is Hillary Holland, Disability Counselor/ADA Coordinator. Her office is located in the Student Life Center, Room S207; telephone at 540-857-6488; email hholland@virginiawestern.edu.
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees is Jennifer Pittman, Associate Vice President of Human Resources. Her office is located in Fishburn Hall, Room F003; telephone at 540-857-7677; email jpittman@virginiawestern.edu.
Investigators are Kim Stafford, Behavioral Health and Wellness Advocate and Dale Delaney, Collection and Development OER Librarian.
Hearing Officers are Lanette Upshaw, Chemistry Professor and Jeff Gillette, Phlebotomy and Medical Laboratory Technician Program Head.
Appeal Officer is Dr. Elizabeth Wilmer, Vice President of Academic and Workforce Solutions.