Mo. ° / °
Ariz. ° / °
Calif. ° / °
Title IX
ATSU mobile banner

Title IX

ATSU is committed to providing a safe educational and work environment. As a university community, we value compassion, diversity, and the safety of all employees and students. Sex- and gender- based discrimination (including sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating/domestic violence, and stalking) limit access to education and work opportunities and ATSU will follow the guidelines set forth in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to stop, remedy, and prevent negative effects of sex- and gender-based discrimination.

ATSU is dedicated to ensuring a prompt, effective, and compassionate response to any report of sex- or gender-based discrimination. To report possible discrimination, ask questions, or communicate concerns, contact John Gardner, ATSU Title IX coordinator at 660.626.2113 or email titleix@atsu.edu.

To report online, use the secure online incident form

To report anonymously and confidentially, call ATSU’s 24-hour anonymous reporting service at 1-855-FRAUD-HL or use the secure online reporting form. Reference Company ID (“ATSU”) when making a report. ATSU accepts anonymous reports regarding misconduct, but anonymity may limit the ability to investigate and respond to a complaint. Those wishing to make a report are encouraged to use the online incident report form or one of the resources in the “How to Report” section below.

  • ATSU Policy +

    • Title IX Main Points

      • ATSU’s Title IX policy protects you from being discriminated against on the basis of your sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy
      • Such discrimination can include sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other prohibited behavior (Definitions for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence)
      • It is the University’s duty to stop, prevent, and remedy occurrences of sex based discrimination (Reporting for contact information)
      • If you have experienced or witnessed behavior prohibited by Title IX, you are entitled to report or file a complaint with the Title IX Coordinator. (How to report)
      • After a report has been made, an initial assessment will be conducted and interim supportive measures may be enacted (Grievance Procedure)
      • If it is determined that there has been a possible violation, an investigation will proceed
      • You have the right to appeal the findings of this investigation. (Know your rights)
      • You are protected against retaliation for reporting an incident or participating in the investigation (Protection from retaliation)
      • Certain allegations may result in a hearing in addition to an investigation (Grievance Process).

      Read the full Title IX policy

  • Grievance Procedures +

    • Any individual who feels he/she has witnessed or experienced behavior prohibited by Title IX (See “What is Title IX?), or who has questions, concerns, or information regarding violations of this policy, should immediately report the circumstance(s) or incident(s) to his or her supervisor or one of the contact persons described in ATSU Policy No. 90-210: Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.

      Report and initial meetings

      Upon receipt of a report of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, the University will review the allegation to determine the proper grievance review process. Regardless of which process the allegation is reviewed under, ATSU will provide a prompt, thorough, and impartial evaluation of the evidence in order to reach a finding which is fair and impartial.

      • When a report is made, an ATSU investigator will meet with the Complainant to discuss the allegations and/or circumstances. The objectives of this initial meeting will be to reduce the report to writing, stop the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and take steps to remedy its effects in the interim.
      • Supportive measures may be made available to the Complainant regardless of if a formal complaint is made.
      • Notification will be provided to the Respondent if a formal complaint is made.

      Investigation

      • Investigators will be appropriately trained and will not have a conflict of interest or bias against the Complaint or Respondent. An investigation will be concluded promptly. Investigation length is based on a number of factors and variables, such as: the nature and detail of the notice received, the complexity of the investigation, and the cooperation level of the parties and witnesses.
      • The parties will be regularly updated as to the projected timeline for completion of the investigation. During the process, the Complainant and Respondent will be given timely notice of any meetings at which either or both may be present, and will have equal opportunity to present witnesses, provide evidence, and have others present, including an advisor of their choice. The Complainant, Respondent, and appropriate officials will be given timely and equal access to information to be used during informal and formal disciplinary meetings and hearings.
      • In the General Discrimination Grievance Process, investigators use the “preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not) standard when determining whether or not there is a violation. In the General Discrimination Grievance Process, simultaneous written notice to the parties describing the findings of the investigation, including determination of responsibility and sanctions, and available appeal procedures, will occur within five (5) business days of the completion of the investigation.
      • In the Title IX Grievance Process, investigators do not make a determination or provide sanctions. Parties will be given ten (10) days to review a draft investigation report and provide feedback and ten (10) days to review a final investigation report and provide feedback.

      Hearings

      • The Title IX Grievance Process has a live hearing as a component of its adjudication process.
      • The live hearing allows for the investigative report to be presented, for the parties to offer testimony, witnesses, and evidence, and for questioning by the parties’ advisors of one another and witnesses.
      • Hearings are adjudicated by a trained, unbiased hearing panel.
      • The hearing panel makes a determination on the allegation and, if in violation, determines sanctions.

      Possible Sanctions

      • Sanctions for employees may include, but are not limited to, a disciplinary warning to be added to the employee’s permanent file, performance management improvement process, required counseling, probation, additional training, suspension with or without pay, loss of annual pay increase, loss of oversight or supervisory responsibility, demotion, dismissal, and other context appropriate sanctions.
      • Sanctions for students may include, but are not limited to, a reprimand, disciplinary warning to be added to the student’s permanent file, educational sanctions, required counseling, limitations in activities, probation, suspension, dismissal, revocation of diploma, student organizational sanctions, and other context appropriate sanctions.

      Appeals

      Parties will have the right to appeal within five business days of receiving the findings and sanctions or the report’s dismissal. If the appeal is not timely or substantively eligible, the original decision will stand, and the decision will be final. The party requesting the appeal must show error per the grounds below and sanctions are presumed to have been decided reasonably and appropriately. The only grounds for appeal are:

      1. A procedural irregularity affecting the outcome of matter.
      2. To consider new evidence, unavailable during the original hearing or investigation, which could substantially impact the decision in the matter. A summary of this new evidence and its potential impact must be included.
      3. Investigators or hearing panel members had a conflict of interest or bias affecting the outcome of the matter.

      Parties will be provided the evidence which is relevant or directly related to the finding in an electronic format. The evidence is not to be printed or transferred to other parties. The parties may request their advisor receive access to the evidence as well.

      Appeals must be submitted for review to the Title IX coordinator (or designee) to determine standing. Appeals with standing will be forwarded to a panel of trained GERT member(s) or third party consultant(s).

      If an appeal is determined to have standing, the other party will have the opportunity to review the appeal and provide a written response within three business days. If some or all of an appeal is determined to not have standing, the appealing party will receive notice and explanation. A decision to deny an appeal because of a lack of standing is not appealable.

      Upon receipt of a written appeal, an appellate panel consisting of up to three GERT members (or outside consultant(s)) will be selected to rule on the appeal.

      1. Appeals decisions are to be deferential to the original hearing body, making changes to the finding only where there is clear error and to the sanction only if there is a compelling justification to do so. An appeal is not an opportunity for appeals officers to substitute their judgment for that of the original hearing body merely because they disagree with the finding and/or sanctions.
      2. Any sanctions, excluding termination, employment transfer, or expulsion, imposed at the conclusion of an investigation will remain in effect during the appeals process. Termination, employment transfer, expulsion, or dismissal will be treated as a suspension from the conclusion of the application of sanctions to the conclusion of the appeal process. If employment termination, employment transfer, or expulsion are upheld in the appeal process, such sanction will be instituted immediately at the conclusion of the appeal.
      3. The appellate panel will rule on the appeal within 15 business days. Any extension of time beyond 15 business days will be communicated to both parties along with an updated timeframe for the ruling. If an appeal is granted, direction will be provided by the appellate panel regarding next steps. Appellate panel may:
        1. Remand case to the original hearing panel.
        2. Remand case to a new hearing panel.
        3. Remand case back to the original investigators.
        4. Remand case to a new set of investigators.
        5. Make no change to the decision or sanction.

      Additional information:

  • Your Guaranteed Rights +

    • During the Investigation and resolution of a report, both the Complainant and the Respondent have equal rights to:

      • Receive a written notice of a complaint
      • Participate in the investigation and/or hearing
      • Review and present information, testimony, and evidence
      • Be accompanied by an advisor of their choice to any meeting
      • Timely and equal access to information that will be used in the grievance procedure
      • Timely notice of meetings at which their presence will be requested or required
      • Simultaneous written notice of the outcome, sanction, and rationale
      • Opportunity to appeal

      Sexual assault victim bill of rights

      ATSU shall treat all victims of reported campus-related sexual violence, including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault, with respect and fairness in adherence to the following Sexual Assault Victim Bill of Rights, in accordance with the Campus Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights (1992) and Section 485 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (revised 2008). All ATSU students and employees have the right to:

      1. Be treated with compassion and dignity, and to have disclosures of sexual violence treated seriously.
      2. Be informed of their right to disclose the incident(s) to law enforcement, and to be assisted by ATSU staff in reporting the incident(s) to law enforcement.
      3. Choose to not report incident(s) to law enforcement.
      4. Choose to not be involved in an ATSU investigation.
      5. Be free from suggestion that victims of sexual violence not report or under-report incidents because: a. victims were somehow “responsible” for the commission of crimes against them; b. victims were somehow “negligent” or assumed the risk of being assaulted; or c. by reporting crimes victims would incur unwanted personal publicity.
      6. Be advised of available on- and off-campus counseling and victim support services.
      7. Be advised of options for changing their academic schedule and/or on-campus living situation; the University will support any reasonable alternative academic and/or on-campus living arrangements requested by the victim.
      8. Expect ATSU to take reasonable action to prevent contact with or proximity to alleged assailants. While ATSU Security officers are not commissioned police officers and do not have arrest authority, they will provide assistance and/or contact local law enforcement as needed.
      9. Describe the incident to as few ATSU representatives as is necessary. In ATSU investigations, all reporting and responding parties have the right to:
      10. Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise throughout the University investigation, including all meetings and hearings related to such process. .
      11. Be informed in writing of the outcome of any ATSU investigation.
      12. Make a Title IX complaint to the Department of Education or the Office of Civil Rights concerning any inappropriate action or lack of appropriate action on the part of ATSU in handling a crime of sexual violence, including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault.

      Additional information:

  • Frequently Asked Questions +

    • 1. What is Title IX? Title IX is a part of the Education Amendments of 1972. The governmental agency in charge of Title IX is the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), part of the Department of Education (ED). Title IX mandates all organizations which receive financial support from ED operate in a nondiscriminatory fashion relating to a person’s sex. Sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assault/violence must be thoroughly and impartially investigated. These organizations must stop, prevent, and remedy the effects of sex discrimination. Title IX Main Points

      2. What does Title IX cover? Technically, Title IX covers discrimination on the basis of sex. OCR has interpreted discrimination to include harassment, assault, and violence. The Violence Against Women Act included domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking to covered acts under Title IX.

      3. What does ATSU investigate? ATSU may have jurisdiction over any activity that includes one or more students, employees, or related third-parties (like a visiting lecturer or contractor). ATSU also has jurisdiction over any activity on one of the University’s campuses or in any educational or occupational program. ATSU will investigate all Title IX reports in any setting where the University has jurisdiction.

      4. How do I file a report? Learn how to file a report and understand the grievance procedure investigation. Both the reporting party and respondent have equal rights during the investigation - know your rights.

      5. What are my options once I have made a complaint of sexual discrimination? Once you have made a complaint, you have several options, including, but not limited to:

      • Contacting parents or a relative
      • Seeking legal advice
      • Seeking personal counseling
      • Pursuing legal action against the perpetrator
      • Pursuing disciplinary action
      • Requesting no further action be taken
      • Requesting further information about the investigation and resolution process

      6. What are my options if a complaint has been filed against me? When a complaint has been filed against you, you have several options, including, but not limited to:

      • Contacting parents or a relative
      • Seeking legal advice
      • Seeking personal counseling
      • Requesting further information about the investigation and resolution process

      7. Can I report Sexual Harassment/Violence against my boyfriend or girlfriend? Yes. You can make a report of sexual violence against a romantic partner if this partner perpetrates a sexual or violent act against you without your consent. This can be classified as Domestic or Dating Violence, which is covered under Title IX. ATSU has an obligation to stop, prevent, and remedy such situations. Even if this partner is not associated with ATSU, the University will take necessary steps to help you.

      8. What should I do if I am subject to Sexual Misconduct by someone who is not a university student or employee? ATSU’s Title IX policy applies to all students, employees, and third parties. If you are subject to sexual misconduct by someone who is not a student or employee, you can still file a Title IX report. You will have access to remedies and support from ATSU just as if the perpetrator was a student or employee. ATSU will also assist in filing a police report if you choose to do so.

      9. What should I do if I am subject to Sexual Misconduct by a student or employee but we are off campus? You can still file a Title IX report. Off-campus acts of sexual misconduct can have the same effect on you as an on-campus incident. In legal terms, this sexual misconduct can cause a hostile environment for you, and ATSU may take responsibility to investigate and remedy the situation. Furthermore, the ATSU Code of Behavioral Standards states that “students who violate University regulations in off-campus activities are subject to penalties just as if the violation occurred on campus.”

      10. Should I contact ATSU if I have already notified the police about sexual harassment/violence? Yes, we encourage you to contact ATSU even if you have already notified the police about sexual harassment/violence. Calling the police or filing a police report is not the same as filing a report of Sexual Violence with the University. It is encouraged to file a report with University as the University will be able to provide interim remedial actions which may include course or work adjustments, no contacts orders, temporary suspension of the alleged perpetrator, or any other reasonable measure to facilitate the end and prevention of harassment or violence.

      11. What should I do if I observe Sexual Misconduct, but it is not directed at me? If you witness sexual harassment/violence you are encouraged to report the incident. You are protected from retaliation by ATSU Policy No. 10-216: Whistleblower and ATSU Policy No. 90-210: Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation, which means that so long as the report is in good faith (you are telling the truth about what you witnessed), even if it turns out that the incident wasn’t what you thought it was. When in doubt, report something you have witnessed.

      12. If I report Sexual Misconduct, will it be treated confidentially? While on-campus counselors are the only, truly confidential resources, ATSU will take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure your safety and privacy. ATSU needs to balance the safety of the community against your desire for strict confidentiality, but private information will be shared with the fewest amounts of people on a strict need-to-know basis. If any details of the incident need to be released, ATSU will inform you.

      13. How does ATSU handle false allegations of Sexual Misconduct? Deliberately false and/or malicious accusations are just as serious an offense as harassment and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. However, a No Violation/Not Responsible finding does not constitute a false allegation on the part of the reporting party. Just because a report cannot be proven with preponderance of evidence doesn’t mean it was a false report.

      14. Will I get in trouble if I report Sexual Misconduct but was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident? If you witness an act of sexual misconduct, or are subject to this act, while you are engaged in an activity that violates an ATSU policy (ex: you are under the influence of an illegal substance), you should still report the incident to the appropriate authorities. ATSU has a general amnesty policy in these situations which means that you will not face punishment for violating student policy when the incident occurs. ATSU’s main goal is to remedy the effects of the sexual misconduct incident, not to punish you for what you were doing when you witnessed/were subject to the incident. For example, if you are under the influence of marijuana and you are subject to sexual harassment/violence, you will not be punished for the marijuana usage when you report the incident.

      15. What is the role of the Title IX Coordinator? The Title IX coordinator is responsible for all sex- and gender-based harassment and discrimination awareness, prevention, training, monitoring, reporting, investigation, and resolution at ATSU. The assistant vice president of human resources and the director of human resources are responsible for responding to and monitoring all reports of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation from employees, members of the public, or beneficiaries. The vice president for student affairs and the associate vice president for student affairs are responsible for responding to and monitoring all reports of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation from students.

      16. What if someone tries to get back at me for making a report? The University will not retaliate against, nor permit retaliation against, any individual who opposes discrimination or harassment, makes a report of discrimination or harassment, and/or participates or cooperates in a discrimination or harassment investigation, proceeding, or hearing. The act of retaliation is considered a new, separate violation from the initial incident reported. If you feel that you have been retaliated against for filing a report or participating in an investigation, you are encouraged to report this retaliation.

      17. Why do schools handle sexual violence cases at all? All students are entitled to access to all the rights and advantages of being a student at ATSU. Assault, harassment, and discrimination pose as obstacles to a student’s access to these educational rights. It is the University’s responsibility to respond to these incidents and remedy the situation. Even if the police respond to the incident, they don’t have the power to assist a student in ways that the University can, like extensions on papers or other remedial actions . The University has the duty to make sure each student has the access they need to their education.

      18. Are there definitions I should know? Yes. A list of Title IX related definitions are available to provide clarify commonly used legal terms.

      19. What resources are available to students? List of counseling support and federal resources.

  • Definitions +

    • Advisor – A person selected by the complainant or respondent to be present at interviews or the hearing process. Advisors may not answer questions on behalf of their party. Advisors pose questions on behalf of their party in the hearing setting. Advisors may not contact the other party except in the hearing setting. The Title IX coordinator can provide an advisor for a party if the party so desires. A party may request from the Title IX coordinator for more than one advisor if there is a support need, including a disability accommodation. Evidence from a healthcare professional, or similarly situated expert, of a support need will be required. Advisors will present themselves in a professional manner. Investigators, hearing board chairs, and other institutional officials may remove an advisor from the process if the advisor’s behavior is abusive, belligerent, or otherwise inconsistent with a professional nature. A party will be able to replace their advisor if removed.

      Appellate panel – A group of trained ATSU employees from the Grievance and Equity Response Team (GERT) who reviews appeals of findings from the Title IX Grievance Process or General Discrimination Grievance Process.

      ATSU community member – A person participating in or attempting to participate in an ATSU education program as an employee, student, prospective student, alumni, or similarly positioned individual.

      Coercion – Coercion is unreasonable pressure for sexual activity. Coercive conduct differs from seductive conduct based on factors including the type and/or extent of the pressure used to obtain consent. When someone makes clear they do not want to engage in certain sexual activity, wants to stop, or does not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction, continued pressure beyond that point can be coercive.

      Complainant – An ATSU community member who alleges their educational or employment rights were infringed upon based on class-based (race, sex, gender, etc.) discrimination or harassment.

      Investigation – A process conducted by unbiased investigators to gather and synthesize evidence while providing analysis of the credibility of evidence. In the General Discrimination Grievance Process, investigator(s) will make a determination of in violation or not in violation of policy. In the Title IX Grievance Process, the investigator(s) will not make a determination of in violation or not in violation, but instead, determine the facts to be considered by the hearing panel.

      Consent – Consent is knowing, voluntary, and clear permission by word or action to engage in sexual activity. For consent to be valid, there must be a clear expression in words or actions that the other individual consented to that specific sexual conduct. Reasonable reciprocation can be implied. For example, if someone kisses you, you can kiss him/her back (if you want to) without the need to explicitly obtain his/her consent to being kissed back. Consent can also be withdrawn once given, as long as the withdrawal is reasonably and clearly communicated. If consent is withdrawn, that sexual activity should cease within a reasonable time. Consent to some sexual contact (including kissing or fondling) cannot be presumed to be consent for other sexual activity (including intercourse). A current or previous intimate relationship is not sufficient to constitute consent.

      Domestic/Dating Violence - Any act of violence or threatened act of violence against a person who is or has been involved in a sexual, dating, domestic, or other intimate relationship by the other person in the relationship. Examples include, but are not limited to:

      • Assault
      • Threats to oneself, one’s loved ones, one’s pets, etc.
      • Property damage
      • Physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse or violence
      • Economic abuse, which is when one partner controls access to economic resources, thereby diminishing the other partner’s ability to support themselves.

      Finding – The determination of the hearing panel (Title IX Grievance Process) or investigators (General Discrimination Grievance Process) regarding a violation of policy based on the preponderance of the evidence standard.

      Force – Force is the use of physical violence and/or physical imposition to gain sexual access. Force also includes threats, intimidation (implied threats), and coercion intended to overcome resistance or produce consent (e.g., “Have sex with me, or I’ll hit you.” “Okay, don’t hit me, I’ll do what you want.”).

      Sexual activity that is forced is, by definition, non-consensual, but non-consensual sexual activity is not necessarily forced.

      Silence or the absence of resistance alone is not consent. Consent is not demonstrated by the absence of resistance. While resistance is not required or necessary, it is a clear demonstration of non-consent.

      Forcible fondling – The touching of the private body parts of another person (buttocks, groin, breasts) for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly and/or against that person’s will (non-consensually), or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances where the Complainant is incapable of giving consent because of age or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.

      Forcible rape – Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the complainant. Forcible sodomy – Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will, or not forcibly or against the person’s will (non-consensually) in instances where the complainant is incapable of giving consent because of age or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.

      General discrimination – Discrimination or harassment not defined or covered under Title IX regulations and the Title IX Grievance Process.

      General Discrimination Grievance Process - All potential discrimination and harassment which is not covered by the Title IX Grievance Process. The General Discrimination Grievance Process is conducted through an investigation by trained, unbiased investigators.

      Grievance and Equity Response Team (GERT) – A team of trained ATSU employees who serve as advocates, investigators, hearing panel members, and appellate panel members within the grievance process. GERT membership is maintained and trained by the Title IX coordinator.

      Hearing panel – A group of trained ATSU employees (usually three) from the GERT who hear and conduct a proceeding to determine a finding regarding a formal complaint of discrimination in the Title IX Grievance Process.

      Hostile Environment - Any situation in which there is harassing conduct sufficiently severe, pervasive, or objectively offensive to alter the conditions of employment or limit, interfere with, or deny educational benefits from a subjective and objective viewpoint.

      Incapacitation – A person cannot consent if they are unable to understand what is happening or is disoriented, helpless, asleep, or unconscious for any reason, including by alcohol or other drugs. Incapacitation occurs when someone cannot make rational, reasonable decisions, because they lack the capacity to give knowing/informed consent (e.g., to understand the “who, what, when, where, why, or how” of the sexual interaction). Incapacitation is determined through consideration of all relevant indicators of an individual’s state and is not synonymous with intoxication, impairment, blackout, and/or being drunk. This policy also covers a person whose incapacity results from a temporary or permanent physical or mental health condition, involuntary physical restraint, and/or the consumption of incapacitating drugs. Incapacitation should be evaluated from the ability of the respondent to know of the incapacitation.

      Incest – Nonforcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by state law.

      Preponderance of evidence – The standard of evidence used in this policy. This standard indicates it is more likely than not of a finding of either in violation or not in violation of policy.

      Recipient – The institution receiving federal funding. In this policy, the recipient is ATSU.

      Respondent – Party accused of violating ATSU policy.

      Sexual assault with an object – To use an object or instrument to penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will, or not forcibly or against the person’s will (non-consensually) in instances where the complainant is incapable of giving consent because of age or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity

      Sexual Harassment - Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, includes any unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

      Sex offenses, forcible – Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the complainant, including instances where the complainant is incapable of giving consent. This includes attempts to commit any of the following acts.

      Stalking defined as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress. For the purposes of this definition, course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property.

      Statutory rape – Nonforcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent where the violation occurs.

      Title IX Grievance Process - Process for dealing with sex based discrimination which occurred within the united states to someone participating or attempting to participate in a ATSU educational program or activity. The process covers contexts and Respondents who are controlled by ATSU. The process includes an investigation and hearing.

  • How to Report +

    • Purpose

      To report violations of ATSU’s nondiscrimination policies, request information, or for assistance filing a police report, contact the following persons:

      Employees, members of the public, or beneficiaries should contact:

      Arizona and California Campus
      Tonya Fitch Director of Human Resources Deputy Title IX Coordinator 5850 East Still Circle Mesa, AZ 85206-3618 480.219.6007 tfitch@atsu.edu

      Missouri Campus
      Donna Brown Assistant Vice President of Human Resources Deputy Title IX Coordinator 800 West Jefferson Street Kirksville, Missouri 63501 660.626.2790 dbrown@atsu.edu

      Students should contact:
      Arizona Campus
      Michael Zajac, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Deputy Title IX Coordinator 5850 East Still Circle Mesa, AZ 85206-3618
      480.219.6026
      michaelzajac@atsu.edu

      Missouri Campus
      Lori Haxton Vice President for Student Affairs Deputy Title IX Coordinator 800 West Jefferson Street Kirksville, Missouri 63501 660.626.2236 lhaxton@atsu.edu

      Arizona Campus
      Dianne Korth Director of Student Affairs 1075 E. Betteravia Rd., Ste. 201 Santa Maria, CA 93454 805.621.7651 diannekorth@atsu.edu


      Alternately, discrimination complaints, reports, or questions may be directed to the ATSU Title IX Coordinator: John Gardner Title IX Coordinator 800 West Jefferson Street Kirksville, MO 63501 660.626.2113 titleix@atsu.edu

      To report online, use the secure online incident form

      ATSU Campus Security

      Arizona Campus: Emergency - 911 (off-campus) Emergency -911 (on-campus)
      Security Office - *7 (on-campus)
      Non-Emergency Security - 480.341.9075
      Mesa Police Department - 480.644.2211, opt. 2



      Missouri Campus Emergency - 911 (off-campus) Emergency -911 (on-campus)
      Security Office - 33 (on-campus)
      Non-Emergency Security - 660.626.2380/660.349.9513
      Kirksville Police Department - 660.785.6945

      California Campus Security Emergency - 911 (off-campus and on-campus)
      Non-emergency - 805.621.7651


      ATSU Counseling Services

      Sarah Thomas, EdD, MSW, LCSW snthomas@atsu.edu

      Desirai Browning, MAS, LAMFT, desiraibrowning@atsu.edu

      To anonymously and confidentially report situations or behavior prohibited by this policy, call the 24-hour service at 1-855-FRAUD-HL or use the secure online reporting form. Reference our Company ID (“ATSU”) when making a report.

      Off-campus counseling and victim support is available through: National Sexual Assault Hotline - 800.656.4673 Victim Support Services, Inc. (Missouri) - 660.665.1617 Mesa Victim Services Unit (Arizona) - 480.644.4075

      Complaints regarding potential violations of Title IX, the Clery Act, or Title VII may be directed to:

      Missouri

      U.S. Department of Education One Petticoat Lane 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320 Kansas City, MO 64106 816.268.0550 816.268.0559 fax OCR.kansascity@ed.gov

      U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Robert A. Young Federal Building 1222 Spruce Street, Room 8100 St. Louis, MO 63103 800.669.4000 314.539.7894 fax 800.669.6820 TTY

      Arizona

      U.S. Department of Education Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310 Denver, CO 80204 303.844.5695 303.844.4304 fax OCR.Denver@ed.gov

      U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 3300 North Central Avenue Suite 690 Phoenix, AZ 85012 800.669.4000 602.640.5071 fax


      California

      U.S. Department of Education 915 Second Avenue, Room 3310 Seattle, WA, 98174 206.607.1600 206.607.1601 fax OCR.SanFrancisco@ed.gov

      U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 450 Golden Gate Avenue 5 West P.O. Box 36025 San Francisco, CA 94102 800.669.4000 415.522.3415 fax

  • Counseling Support and Federal Resources +

    • On-campus confidential resources are available for students through: ATSU Counseling Services

      Arizona campus - Desirai Browning, 480.219.6170, desiraibrowning@atsu.edu

      Missouri campus - Sarah Thomas, 660.626.2751, snthomas@atsu.edu

      To anonymously and confidentially report situations or behavior prohibited by this policy, call the 24-hour service at 1-855-FRAUD-HL or use our secure online reporting form at http://www.fraudhl.com. Reference our Company ID (“ATSU”) when making a report.

      Off-campus counseling and victim support is available through: National Sexual Assault Hotline – 800.656.4673 Victim Support Services, Inc. (Missouri) – 660.665.1617 Mesa Victim Services Unit (Arizona) – 480.644.4075 Complaints regarding potential violations of Title IX, the Clery Act, or Title VII may be directed to:

      Title IX and Clery Act: U.S. Department of Education One Petticoat Lane 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320 Kansas City, MO 64106 816.268.0550 816.268.0550 fax ocr.kansascity@ed.gov

      Title VII: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Robert A. Young Federal Building 1222 Spruce Street, Room 8.100 St. Louis, MO 63103 800.669.4000 314.539.7894 fax 800.669.6820 TTY

      Crisis Text Line

      A free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. 741741 crisistextline.org