Title IX

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding, including Coker University. It ensures that all students, regardless of sex, have equal access to education free from discrimination, in a safe and supportive environment. Title IX addresses various issues including sexual harassment, sex discrimination, and protections for pregnant and parenting students, aiming to create equitable opportunities for all individuals.

Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to Coker University’s Title IX Coordinator, Cole Heatherly, Senior Director of Student Experience (cheatherly@coker.edu).

HOW TO REPORT
To report sexual harassment or sex discrimination as a parent/guardian, employee or other impacted individual, click below and complete the Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form:
REPORT HERE

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment, Hostile Environment Sexual Harassment and the following specific offenses:

Sexual assault
Domestic violence
Dating Violence
Stalking

Sex Discrimination

Inequitable treatment in education activities and programs including, but not limited to, athletics, clubs, educational programs.

Pregnancy Protections

Protections and opportunities for pregnant and parenting students and employees to provide equal access, prevent discrimination, and address disparate treatment.

Support
Process
Policy

Coker University’s priority is to provide a safe and supportive environment for students and employees. Students and employees who have experienced sexual harassment or discrimination are provided with non-punitive supportive measure regardless of whether they request an investigation.
Examples of Supportive Measures:
The Title IX Coordinator will assist individuals in knowing their options for obtaining supportive measures. Upon a report of a Title IX concern, the University will work with the Complainant to put supportive measures in place to ensure a safe, hostile free environment for the student. Following an investigation and a determination that conduct prohibited by Title IX occurred, more permanent supportive measures and remedies may be implemented. Supportive measures could include, but are not limited to:
- Changing a housing assignment
- Counseling services
- Changing a class schedule
- Escort services
- No contact Orders
- Limitation on extracurricular or athletic activities
- Campus Ban Notice
- Changing an office location
- Changing a work schedule

Coker University follows the process required by Federal Law to investigate and resolve Title IX matters. Our goal is to make this process as simple as possible for both Complainants (individuals who have allegedly been sexually harassed or discriminated against) and Respondents (individuals accused of sexual harassment or discrimination).

Title IX Process Flowchart

Coker University has a Title IX and Non Discrimination Policy that is followed when investigating and resolving Title IX matters. To review our Title IX and Non-Discrimination Policy, please visit the Coker University Student Handbook.

On-Campus Training

The Title IX Coordinator frequently provides training related to Title IX to members of the Coker University community. To request a training for your class, office, or student organization, please use the link below!

Request Title IX Training

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report a Title IX Concern?

You can make a Title IX report several ways. If you tell a mandatory reporter (any Coker University employee) that you are experiencing sexual harassment or other prohibited conduct, they are required to report that information to the Title IX Coordinator. A Title IX Team member will reach out to you to offer resources. You can also self-report by using our Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form, calling Camus Safety and Security (843) 383-8140, emailing the Title IX Coordinator (cheatherly@coker.edu), or by stopping by the Title IX Coordinator’s Office, LITC 138.
Can I make a Title IX report and get assistance with supportive measures even if the Respondent is not affiliated with Coker University?

Yes! Supportive measures can be offered to a complainant even if the alleged conduct is not adjudicated through the University’s Title IX process.
What is a No Contact Directive?

A No Contact Directive (NCD) is a written directive offered through Title IX. The purpose of the NCD is to stop all communication between two or more parties, with the goal of helping the parties move forward in a supportive and successful way. NCDs are often issued when one party wishes to have no further communication with another party, or when Coker University determines that two or more people need to have no further communication due to alleged prohibited conduct or other safety concerns. A NCD is not a finding of responsibility, and it does not mean that either party is in trouble. If one party reports a violation of the NCD, University administrators will investigate the report and recommend some type of sanction if it determines a party violated the directive
Is reporting to the Title IX office the same as reporting to law enforcement?

No, Title IX is separate from law enforcement. Some reported behaviors may require mandatory reports to law enforcement; therefore the University employee will report the behavior immediately. You may, at any time, report to law enforcement. If there are both law enforcement and Title IX investigations, the investigations will operate separately and simultaneously. Law enforcement will collaborate as much as possible and permissible within the law.
What if the Complainant requests confidentiality?

If a Complainant requests to remain confidential, the University will give serious consideration to that request. Only in rare circumstances will the University proceed to a Title IX investigation against the wishes of the Complainant. Generally, the University will seek to honor the request of the Complainant not to proceed to a Title IX investigation and to remain confidential and will not proceed to a formal Title IX investigation without the consent of the Complainant. The Title IX Coordinator will consider a number of factors in deciding whether the request can be honored, including the age of the Complainant, whether there is evidence of a pattern of misconduct, the severity of the misconduct, and whether there is a safety risk to the Complainant or the Coker community. Should the University, in weighing such factors, determine it must proceed, the University will explain its rationale to the Complainant and make sure that the Complainant is offered a support person throughout the process. The Complainant will not be required to participate in the process as a prerequisite to the University proceeding.
Who can a student contact if they want to discuss an incident of Title IX prohibited conduct in a confidential manner?
A Confidential Resource will only report to the university that an offense took place and the location. Deciding among these options can be difficult, and individuals are encouraged to seek assistance from a Confidential Resource BEFORE deciding how to proceed. Confidential consultations about Title IX Prohibited Conduct are available from persons who, by law, have special professional status (licensed mental health professionals, licensed healthcare workers and clergy).
- On campus Confidential Resources:
  - The Center for Health and Wellness is staffed by a licensed nurse through Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center. For more information or to book an appointment, visit this website.
  - The Center for Health and Wellness is staffed by licensed psychiatrists and mental health counselors through the Medical University of South Carolina TelePsyc program. For more information or to book an appointment, visit this website.
- Off campus Confidential Resources: Any individual may also access resources located in the community. These organizations can provide crisis intervention services, counseling, medical attention and assistance in dealing with the criminal justice system. If accessing these resources,individuals are encouraged to clarify whether the resources are confidential.
  - Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Assault
  - CareSouth Carolinas
  - Interfaith Contacts
  - National Sexual Assault Telephone HotlineNational Rape Crisis Center
As a victim, who can I call to report a crime or to have evidence collected?

Campus Safety officers can assist you at any time if you feel you are unsafe, if you need assistance filing criminal charges or if you would like to speak with a victim’s advocate. If you are in need of immediate assistance, call 843-383-8140 or 843-616-2762. Contacting campus safety does not assure complete confidentiality.

You may call local law enforcement or emergency services:
Hartsville Police Department – 911 (calls will likely result in police involvement)
Darlington County Sheriff – 911 (calls will likely result in police involvement)

You may visit a local emergency room:
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center

843-339-4100
1304 West Bobo Newsom Highway
Hartsville, SC 29550
Maps and Directions
What happens if I’m accused?

If a formal complaint has been filed and an investigation initiated, you will be provided with a Notice of Allegations against you. This will include all opportunities and rights for you as a party. You will receive supportive measures throughout the process and the opportunity to bring an advisor of your choice with you to all meetings.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Title IX Coordinator, Cole Heatherly (cheatherly@coker.edu).
Title IX Training and Certification

The Coker University Title IX Team, consisting of the Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Investigators and Decision-makers have completed numerous training opportunities and certifications. Those trainings and certifications are included below. Copies of certifications are located in the Campus Safety Office.

Level 1 Title IX Coordinator and Administrator Level 1, provider ATIXA, 2020

Title IX 101 Higher Education, provider Institutional Compliance Solutions (ICS), 2021
Title IX 101 Higher Education
Title IX Investigator Level 1 Higher Education, provider ICS, 2021
Title IX Investigator Level 1
Title IX Appellate Decision Makers Higher Education, provider ICS, 2021
Title IX Decision-Makers Appeals
Title IX Decision Maker Level 1 Higher Education, provider ICS, 2021
Title IX Decision Makers Level 1

Non-Discrimination Statement

Coker University does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in admission and employment.

Title IX

TITLE IX

What is Title IX?

Sexual Harassment

Sex Discrimination

Pregnancy Protections

Examples of Supportive Measures:

On-Campus Training

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report a Title IX Concern?

Can I make a Title IX report and get assistance with supportive measures even if the Respondent is not affiliated with Coker University?

What is a No Contact Directive?

Is reporting to the Title IX office the same as reporting to law enforcement?

What if the Complainant requests confidentiality?

Who can a student contact if they want to discuss an incident of Title IX prohibited conduct in a confidential manner?

As a victim, who can I call to report a crime or to have evidence collected?

What happens if I’m accused?

Title IX Training and Certification

Non-Discrimination Statement

Be part of our community, as we work together to learn, lead, and inspire.

Make Your Year End Gift to Coker University!

TITLE IX

What is Title IX?

Sexual Harassment

Sex Discrimination

Pregnancy Protections

Examples of Supportive Measures:

On-Campus Training

Frequently Asked Questions

add remove How do I report a Title IX Concern?

add remove Can I make a Title IX report and get assistance with supportive measures even if the Respondent is not affiliated with Coker University?

add remove What is a No Contact Directive?

add remove Is reporting to the Title IX office the same as reporting to law enforcement?

add remove What if the Complainant requests confidentiality?

add remove Who can a student contact if they want to discuss an incident of Title IX prohibited conduct in a confidential manner?

add remove As a victim, who can I call to report a crime or to have evidence collected?

add remove What happens if I’m accused?

add remove Title IX Training and Certification

Non-Discrimination Statement

Be part of our community, as we work together to learn, lead, and inspire.

How do I report a Title IX Concern?

Can I make a Title IX report and get assistance with supportive measures even if the Respondent is not affiliated with Coker University?

What is a No Contact Directive?

Is reporting to the Title IX office the same as reporting to law enforcement?

What if the Complainant requests confidentiality?

Who can a student contact if they want to discuss an incident of Title IX prohibited conduct in a confidential manner?

As a victim, who can I call to report a crime or to have evidence collected?

What happens if I’m accused?

Title IX Training and Certification