Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response
Nichols College is committed to providing an educational environment that is free from sexual harassment and retaliation. To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational program or activity, Nichols has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair, and impartial process for those involved in an allegation sexual harassment or retaliation. This Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy is based on regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Education under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and the 2020 Final Federal Regulations.
If a student or employee wants to speak with a confidential resource, trained staff are available on and off-campus. Help and support is available to those who want to talk in detail about an incident but are not sure if they are ready or interested in reporting to the College or law enforcement.
Information shared with Confidential Resources (including information about whether an individual has received services) will only be disclosed to the Title IX Coordinator or any other individual only with the individual’s express written permission, unless there is an imminent threat of serious harm to the individual or to others, or a legal obligation to reveal such information (e.g., if there is suspected abuse or neglect of a minor).
Information that is shared with a Confidential Resource does not constitute a Report or notice to the College of concerns of sexual misconduct.
On-Campus Confidential Resources include:
- Nichols College Health Services: 508-213-2238, counseling@nichols.edu
- Nichols Counseling Center: 508-213-2108, health.services@nichols.edu
- Find@Nichols (24/7 Support Line) : 833-434-1217
Off-Campus Confidential Resources include:
Pathways for Change a locally based agency which provides free, confidential services to sexual assault victims, their friends, and families. It also operates a 24-hour, free, confidential hotline that provides victims of sexual assault with telephone counseling and personal support:
588 Main Street Worcester MA 01608
24/7 Hotline: 800-870-5905
Office: 508-852-7600
Employees (staff and faculty) can access medical, counseling, and other forms of support through a third party provided Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP’s counseling, referral and treatment is completely confidential for Nichols’ employees and members of their immediate family. Nichols’ EAP administrator, Equitable, can be reached 24 hours a day at (833) 256-5115 or by visiting www.guidanceresources.com (app: GuidanceNow; Web ID: EQUITABLE3). For more information about this program, please refer to the Employee Handbook.
The 2020 Title IX regulations 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(10)(i)(D) requires campuses to post training materials for Title IX coordinators, Title IX decision-makers, Title IX investigators, and all who implement informal resolution processes. Nichols College received permission from outside vendors whose materials are posted on this page to comply with the regulations.
- Being an Effective Title IX Advisor: From Investigation to Hearing
- Hearings in a Post Regulatory World, Grand River Solutions, April 2023
- The Decision Maker’s Role in Advisor Questioning, Grand River Solutions, April 2023
- Title IX: The Rights of Pregnant and Post Pregnancy Students, Grand River Solutions, April 2023
- Conducting Fair and Thorough Trauma-Informed Investigations, Part I, Grand River Solutions, April 2023
- Conducting Fair and Thorough Trauma-Informed Investigations, Part II, Grand River Solutions, April 2023
The Title IX Coordinator will make parties aware of the resources available to them. In the event of an emergency, the highest priority should be to get to a safe place if possible. Consider contacting law enforcement and/or seeking medical attention. The quickest way to access law enforcement and/or medical resources is by dialing “911” as soon as possible. Additionally, you may consider contacting one or more of the resources below:
| Organization | Telephone Number | Address | Type | 24/7 Response? | On-Campus? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dudley Police Department | 508-943-4411; “press 3” | Dudley Town Hall 71 W Main St, Dudley, MA 01571 | Law Enforcement | Yes | No |
| Nichols College Department of Public Safety | 508-213-2298 | Lower Daniels 121 Center Road Dudley, MA 01571 | Law Enforcement | Yes | Yes |
| UMass Memorial Health- Harrington* (Designated SANE Site) | 508-765-9771 | 100 South Street Southbridge, MA 01550 | Medical | Yes | No |
| Nichols College Health Services* | 508-213-2238 | South Hall 121 Center Road Dudley, MA 01571 | Medical | No | Yes |
| Pathways for Change* | 1-800-870-5905 | 588 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 | Support, Resources & Information | Yes 1-800-870-5905 | No |
| Nichols College Title IX Coordinator | 508-213-2027 | Fels Student Center Suite 301, 121 Center Road, Dudley, MA 01571 | Support, Resources & Information | No | Yes |
| Nichols College Counseling Services* | 508-213-2108 | South Hall (Back Entrance) 121 Center Road, Dudley, MA 01571 | Counseling & Mental Health Care | Yes 1-833-434 -1217 | Yes |
| Employee Connect*(Nichols College Employee Assistance Program or EAP) | 1-888-628-4824 | lincoln4benefits.com | Counseling & Referrals | Yes 1-888-628-4824 | No |
The College encourages everyone to report concerns about possible Sexual Misconduct to the College’s Title IX Coordinator. Sharing such concerns enables the College to offer support to impacted parties and protects the community from continuance of the alleged misconduct. This Policy distinguishes the action of filing a Report from filing a Formal Complaint. Thus, information shared about suspected Sexual Misconduct does not automatically trigger formal action or an investigation, as discussed below. Importantly, a person does not need to be directly impacted by Sexual Misconduct in order to make a report. Rather, anyone who observes or otherwise learns about concerns regarding Sexual Misconduct is encouraged to report.
Some forms of Sexual Misconduct may also constitute crimes. The College also strongly encourages any individual who experiences, witnesses, or learns of possible criminal conduct to report them to the Nichols College Department of Public Safety or local law enforcement. Prompt reporting allows law enforcement to collect and preserve evidence. The College values you, your story, and your life.
How to Make a Report
- To report in person during business hours or by mail: Please contact Title IX Coordinator Jessica Ryan in the Fels Student Center, Suite 301, located at 121 Center Road, Dudley, MA 01571
- To report by phone or email: Please call Title IX Coordinator Jessica Ryan at 508-213-2027 or email Jessica.Ryan@nichols.edu
- To report online, including anonymously: Please go to nichols.edu/student-life/campus-policies and click the link for the Incident Reporting Form.
- To report possible criminal conduct: Please call Nichols College Department of Public Safety at 508-213-2298
Jessica Ryan
Title IX Coordinator
Fels Student Center, Suite 301