Title IX

Click here to report an incident

Title IX seeks to foster safe and respectful University environments that protect students, faculty, and staff from incidents of sex-based discrimination and sexual harassment.

Title IX is part of the Education Amendments of 1972 and is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education. This law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes sex-based harassment, sexual assault, relationship abuse, stalking, bullying on the basis of sex or gender orientation or expression, and pregnancy related conditions. Title IX applies to public and private educational institutions receiving federal funds, which includes Robert Morris University.

Who is covered by Title IX?

Title IX applies to all faculty, employees, students, and other individuals participating in or attempting to participate in the University’s programs or activities, including education and employment.

When and where does Title IX apply?

Title IX applies to incidents of gender and/or sex-based discrimination, up to and including sexual misconduct and assault that occur on campus and off campus as they relate to RMU's programs or activities.It also applies to off-campus programs such as study abroad, service learning, etc.

What does Title IX require of RMU?

Under Title IX, the University is required to provide a prompt, thorough and equitable investigation of any report of sex and/or gender-based discrimination, including sexual misconduct and relationship violence. Title IX ensures that both parties in a reported incident have equal opportunity to be heard and participate in the grievance process.

What does Title IX mean for me?

Title IX means that you are protected against sex discrimination in your in education, employment, and programming at the University. RMU will uphold the law and respond by protecting the victim(s) and community, and will conduct prompt and thorough investigations.

Who assists with Title IX Procedure?

The Office of Equity & Title IX works to ensure that Robert Morris University is in compliance with Title IX, and serves as a resource for those whose Title IX rights have been violated. The Office of Equity & Title IX is available to assist students who may have experienced a Title IX related incident, including sex and/or gender-based discrimination, sexual misconduct, dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking or gender-based bullying.

Nelle Stahura
Director of Equity and Title IX Coordinator
Office: Business Building 125
Phone: 412-397-5490
stahura@rmu.edu

The Office of Equity & Title IX responds to allegations by:

  • Investigating what happened
  • Taking appropriate steps to resolve the matter, doing its best to eliminate the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and remedy the effects even if no formal complaint has been made or when a person making a complaint does not wish to further participate in the investigation process
  • Taking interim measures, including academic and living accommodations during the investigation to prevent further harassment

How do I report a Title IX violation?

You may anonymously complete a Title IX Incident Report Form.

Concerns may also be voiced to the Title IX Coordinator, who can assist in the following areas:

  • Access to medical treatment
  • Investigating the Title IX violation
  • Reporting incidents to law enforcement
  • Reporting incidents to Student Conduct and/or Human Resources
  • Offering victim support resources
  • Title IX education and training

Additional Reporting Information

Information for Employees

As an employee of Robert Morris University, you are a visible and respected member of the campus community and play an important role in changing the underlying norms and culture that perpetuate interpersonal violence. You are looked upon in a unique manner, and are well-positioned to assist students or colleagues experiencing sexual misconduct or gender-based discrimination. You are often in a position to see warning signs- absence or decreased participation at work or in class. In addition, you may be one of the first people a student or colleague may confide in, so it is important to be prepared and to know how to handle a disclosure appropriately.

The official link to the Federal Regulations can be foundhere

If you experience an incident of sexual misconduct or gender-based discrimination, we encourage you to report it to the Title IX Coordinator . The Title IX Office is responsible for conducting an internal investigation, as explained in the University's policy. The Title IX Office is private, which means that they will only share information with individuals or departments that need to know. The office is also available to assist with accommodations.

FILING A COMPLAINT WITH RMU

Title IX Office
Phone: 412-397-5490
Location: Title IX Office
School of Business, Suite 125Nelle Stahura
Director of Student Equity and Title IX Coordinator
Office: Business Building 125
Phone: 412-397-5968
stahura@rmu.edu

ADDITIONAL REPORTING OPTIONS

Incident Reporting Form

RMU Police
Phone: 412-397-2424
Location: Barry Center
Private Assistance with criminal
investigation

Center for Victims
Phone: (866) 644-2882

CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEE RESOURCES

RMU Employee Assistance Program
Phone: (888) 293-6948
Login ID: standard
Password: eap4u

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape(PAAR)
Phone: (866) END-RAPE

Ethics Point
Phone: (800) 963-5593
Option to remain anonymous

Required Reporting

At Robert Morris University, Required Reporters are essential for helping the campus maintain a safe environment by striving to eliminate, prevent, and address gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct.

Required Reporters

Any University employee who...

  • Has the authority to redress sexual misconduct or gender-based discrimination
  • Has the duty to report incidents of sexual misconduct or gender-based discrimination; or
  • Could be reasonably perceived by a student to have this authority or duty

Confidential Resources

  • Counseling Center & mental health staff
  • Health Center staff
  • Campus Ministry/Pastoral Counselors/Clergy
  • Athletic Trainers (quasi-confidential: not required to report personally identifiable information

Required Reporter Obligations

  • Respond to the individual: Ensure that they are safe. Listen and avoid judgment
  • Refer the individual to resources: Remind them of their reporting options and resources (both on & off campus)
  • Report the incident: Contact the Title IX office to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator

What if the individual asks a Required Reporter not to tell anyone?

Required Reporters must report incidents of sexual misconduct and gender discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator in order to ensure that the University can respond appropriately. Required Reporters can promise privacy, but not confidentiality. They can assist individuals in understanding what happens after they report to the Title IX Coordinator and reassure them that they have control.

What happens after a Required Reporter makes a report to the Title IX Coordinator?

The Title IX Coordinator will contact the alleged victim to offer the opportunity to discuss the incident and to ask how the University can help
Information will be provided to the alleged victim about the various resources available, including a University investigation
The alleged victim will be informed that he or she is not required to participate in any process that he or she does not feel comfortable completing
The University will address any immediate needs of the individual and the campus community

A Response Checklist is available here to assist Required Reporters in the immediate handling of a student or colleague disclosure.

Resources

Title IX Office

Phone: 412-397-5490
Location:School of Business, Suite 125

Nelle Stahura
Director of Student Equity and Title IX Coordinator
Office: Business Building 125
Phone: 412-397-5968
stahura@rmu.edu

CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEE RESOURCES

RMU Employee Assistance Program
Phone: (888) 293-6948
Login ID: standard
Password: eap4u

RMU Human Resources
Phone: 412-397-6270

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape(PAAR)
Phone: (866) END-RAPE

Center for Victims
Phone: (866) 644-2882

For additional information, please access a digital copy of ourEmployee Resource Handout.

Information for Students

What is consent?

Consent must be informed, voluntary, and mutual, and can be withdrawn at any time. There is no consent when there is force, coercion, intimidation, threats, or duress used. Silence or absence of resistance does not imply consent. Past consent to sexual activity does not imply ongoing future consent. If a person is mentally or physically incapacitated or impaired (due to alcohol or drug consumption) or asleep or unconscious, there is no consent.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault means any actual, attempted, or threatened sexual act with another person without that person's consent.

What is rape?

Rape is the act of sexual intercourse or penetration (anal, oral, or vaginal), however slight, with any body part or object, by a man or woman without consent.

What is sexual misconduct?

Sexual Misconduct means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. It includes but is not limited to: dating violence, domestic violence, gender-based harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including but not limited to: unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or nonverbal conduct of a sexual nature.

What is relationship violence/dating & domestic violence?

Relationship violence (also known as intimate partner, dating, or domestic violence) is a pattern of behavior in a social, intimate, or romantic relationship used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation. Relationship violence can be verbal, emotional, and/or physical. Examples include: slapping, pulling hair, name calling, damaging property, and threats of abuse or physical harm.

What is stalking?

Stalking means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to 1) fear for his or her safety, or the safety of others; or 2) suffer substantial emotional distress. Examples include: non-consensual communications (in-person, text, phone, email, social media) or showing up at the targeted person's classroom or workplace.

Reporting

Incident Reporting Form

You are encouraged to report any incident of sexual misconduct, particularly sexual assault, to the Title IX Coordinator, even if you have filed a report directly with local law enforcement, so that the University can investigate and respond.

Bystander Intervention

How to be an Active Bystander

Ensuring that our campus community remains safe and respectful requires the effort of RMU staff and students:

  • Be Educated: Understand what gender discrimination and sexual misconduct are and know the signs. If you aren't sure,
  • ask questions
  • Be Responsible: Know that you have the power to make a difference
  • Be Engaged: Do not assume that someone else will step in. Take responsibility, and act

Risk Reduction Tips:

  • If you have limits, make them known as early as possible
  • Take care of your friends and ask that they take care of you
  • Do not make assumptions about consent, about someone's sexual availability, about whether they are physically and/or mentally able to consent. If there are any questions or ambiguity, then you DO NOT have consent
  • Do not take advantage of someone's drunkenness or drugged state
  • Understand that consent to some form of sexual behavior does not automatically imply consent to any other forms of sexual behavior
  • Silence and passivity cannot be interpreted as an indication of consent

Resources

Below is a comprehensive list of resources available to students seeking to address Title IX concerns.

ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES
(REQUIRED TO REPORT TO TITLE IX OFFICE)

Campus Police
412-397-2424

Office of the Dean of Students

412-397-6486

Residence Life/Community Advisers

412-397-5252

Ethics Point Hotline

(800) 963-5593

Financial Aid

412-397-6250

Legal Resources

412-397-5490

Visa & Immigration Assistance

412-397-5490

CONFIDENTIAL ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES
(NOT REQUIRED TO REPORT TO TITLE IX OFFICE)

Student Health Services
412-397-6221

Counseling Center

412-397-5900

Campus Ministry

412-397-6483

OFF CAMPUS RESOURCES, AVAILABLE 24/7
(NOT REQUIRED TO REPORT TO TITLE IX OFFICE)

Center for Victims
(866) 644-2882

(866) END-RAPE

For additional information, please access a digital copy of ourStudent Resource Handout.

Additional Information

  • The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2013 includes additional requirements about how universities must respond to and address certain acts of violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Additional information on VAWA is available here.
  • The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights enforces Title IX. Additional information is available here.

Robert Morris University complies with Title IX and VAWA, and is committed to providing an educational and employment environment that is free of all forms of sex and/or gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct.

Robert Morris University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex. The University also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any internal or external discrimination investigation or complaint process. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX, and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to the Director of Equity/Title IX Coordinator. For a complete copy of the Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination or for more information, please contact the Director of Equity/Title IX Coordinator at www.rmu.edu/about/titleix or address any complaints to the Assistant Secretary of Education within the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR).