Title IX at Mary Baldwin University

Overview and Definitions

If you have experienced sexual misconduct and/or gender discrimination,  there are a number of ways to report the incident as well as a wide array of services, information, support, and assistance you need to ensure your health and safety, both emotional and physical. Use this page as a resource and hub for information about sexual misconduct and gender discrimination.

You may file an anonymous report using the same link below. If you provide your contact information, the university can best support you. The university’s ability to respond and investigate depends on the details you provide in your report. What happens if you report? [PDF]

*You may file your report anonymously.

Mary Baldwin University (the “University”) is required to comply and committed to complying with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. (“Title IX”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities, admission, and employment. Under certain circumstances, Sexual Misconduct (as defined below) constitutes sexual discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The University’s Interim Title IX Coordinator is Learie Nurse. She may be contacted by phone at 540-887-7215, by appointment (main campus) or by email at titleix@marybaldwin.edu.

Definition of Sexual Misconduct

“Sexual misconduct” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including any conduct or act of a sexual nature perpetrated against an individual without Consent. Sexual Misconduct can occur between strangers or acquaintances, including people involved in an intimate or sexual relationship. Sexual misconduct can be committed by men or by women, and it can occur between people of the same or different sex. Sexual misconduct includes but is not limited to: dating violence; domestic violence; non-forcible sex acts; sexual assault; sexual exploitation; sexual harassment; and stalking. The college encourages reporting of all Sexual Misconduct.

Definition of Gender Discrimination

Definition of Gender Discrimination: Gender discrimination is the unequal or disadvantageous treatment of an individual or group of individuals based on gender. Sexual harassment is a form of illegal gender discrimination. Gender discrimination can be treating an individual differently based upon their gender in academia or extracurricular activities, academic programs, discipline, class assignments given in a classroom, class enrollment, physical education, grading, and/or athletics.

What you need to know

Obtaining Information, Support and Assistance, Filing a Complaint

1. Immediately After Incident

Reporting the Incident

You are strongly encouraged to report sexual assault to the police.

• Local Law Enforcement can be reached by calling 911 or for non-emergencies call the Staunton Police Department at 540-332-3842 located at 116 W Beverley Street, Staunton VA.
• The Campus Safety and Security Department is located at 237 Sycamore Street, Staunton VA and is available by phone at 540-887-7000. Campus Safety and Security Officers are available 24 hour/7 days a week.
• The university’s interim Title IX Coordinator is Learie Nurse. She may be reached by email at titleix@marybaldwin.edu.or by phone at 540-887-7221.
• Complete a report online – including anonymous reports.

Seeking Emergency Medical Attention

You are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention.

Augusta Health Regional Hospital is located at 78 Medical Center Drive, Fishersville, VA 22939, Main Phone (540) 332-4000. The Emergency Department can be reached at (540) 332-4444. It is crucial that you obtain medical attention as soon as possible after a Sexual Assault to determine the possibilities of physical injury and to prevent or treat sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, the Commonwealth of Virginia is required to pay for costs associated with the collection of evidence for sexual assaults.

2. Seeking Support in the Aftermath

See the Resources section of this page for a list of campus and community support, such as confidential crisis counseling.

3. Reporting Options

You have three options for filing a report of Sexual Misconduct. You may pursue all or none of these options. You are not required to file a report immediately; however, reporting immediately helps preserve evidence.

1. Criminal: You may file a criminal complaint by contacting the police. The university will provide you support throughout this process. A criminal complaint is governed by criminal law and standard of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” and potential sanctions include incarceration.
2. University Complaint: If the respondent is a university student or university employee, you may file a report using our Sexual Misconduct website, contact any university employee, or by contacting the Title IX Coordinator. You may seek a ‘formal’ or ‘informal’ resolution if you decided to submit a formal, signed complaint. The standard of proof is “a preponderance of the evidence,” and potential sanctions include suspension or job termination.
3. Anonymous Complaint: You may file an anonymous report using this link. If you provide your contact information, the university can best support you. The university’s ability to respond and investigate depends on the details you provide in your anonymous report.

4. University Obligations

The university is required by Federal Law to investigate allegations of Sexual Misconduct and take any remedial action deemed necessary to preserve your safety and that of the university Community whether or not you wish to make a formal complaint of Sexual Misconduct. You will be informed of actions taken. You may receive assistance and support without disclosing details of the Misconduct.

Confidentiality. The university will respect and will make every feasible effort to properly preserve the confidentiality of the information shared by and the identities of the parties involved in Sexual Misconduct matters.

Under conditions of potential immediate harm to the community, the university may be required by federal law to inform the community of the occurrence of the alleged incident of Sexual Misconduct.