Roosevelt University Policy on Sexual Assault
Policies and Procedures | Human Resources

Roosevelt University is committed to the safety and security of its students, faculty, staff and visitors. The University maintains an ongoing program of education and consistently monitors efforts to maintain a secure and safe environment for education. In addition, the University provides counseling to those who might be victims of crime on campus and provides assistance in reporting incidents to appropriate law enforcement authorities.

It is illegal and against the policy of Roosevelt University for any student, employee, or other person to commit the offense of stalking (when such person transmits a threat with intent to place the victim in reasonable apprehension of sexual assault), sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual abuse, and aggravated sexual abuse, as defined in the Illinois Criminal Code of 1961 (720 ILCS 5/12 7.3, 12 13 through 16); or any sex offenses defined under federal law (hereafter "sex offenses"), against any person while on the Roosevelt University campus, at a University activity, or off campus if there is a direct relationship between the sexual offense and the University. Such illegal and prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, sex offenses which are commonly called date rape or acquaintance rape, or which may involve unwanted touching or fondling, whether forcible or nonforcible. Following the Policy is an Appendix which provides sex offenses definitions from the National Incident Based Reporting System Edition of the Uniform Crime Reporting Program.

I. Educational Programs

Programs to make the Roosevelt community aware of the potential dangers of sex offenses are offered on a regular basis: as part of new student orientation, as part of new employee orientation, and from time to time during the course of the year. These programs include films, demonstrations by personnel from the Chicago Police Department, seminars by members of the Roosevelt University Security Department and other experts as needed and appropriate. Specialized education is offered on an ongoing basis to students living in the University's residence halls. Courses in self defense, "street smarts," and actions to prevent being a crime victim are offered throughout the year. The Residence Life Staff is trained in security procedures and awareness.

The Counseling Center’s clinical psychology staff will provide seminars and presentations or lead discussions for any RU group or class requesting this type of program. We encourage our non resident students to also take advantage of these educational programs.

II. Appropriate Procedures if a Sex Offense Occurs

Any incident of sexual assault on University premises should be immediately reported to Security by dialing ext. 202O at the Downtown Campus or ext. 8989 at the Schaumburg Campus. Security personnel will take down all details of the incident and will work with local law enforcement officers, either in Chicago or in Schaumburg, depending on the campus location. Resident students may also contact an RA on duty. For proof that the sex offence occurred, it is important that any and all evidence related to an incident of sexual assault should not be destroyed. The victim should refrain from taking a shower, washing hands or changing clothing. The location where the assault occurred should not be disturbed. The victim should get immediate medical assistance.

III. Assistance in Notifying Proper Law Enforcement Authorities

University policy requires that all crimes, including any sex offenses, be reported to the local police. Roosevelt University Security Personnel will be available to assist a victim of a sexual assault in reporting the incident to local law enforcement officials.

IV. Counseling Services Available to Victims of Sexual Assault

Professional staff is available to assist victims of Sexual Assault through the Counseling Center. Emergency counseling, short term therapy and appropriate referrals, if needed, are provided by a staff of trained and empathetic professionals. At the Downtown Campus, the Counseling Center is located in room 854, x3548. For the location at the Schaumburg Campus, contact the Information Center. During non office hours, the Resident Life staff and Security can provide assistance in directing victims toward appropriate counseling services.

VI. Procedures for Campus Disciplinary Actions

A. Students. The commission of a sex offense constitutes misconduct under the University's Code of Student Conduct and Discipline. Any student suspected of such misconduct would be subject to the judicial review procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. Such procedures shall provide at a minimum that (1) the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding; and (2) both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the University's final determination with respect to the alleged sex offense and any sanction that is imposed against the accused of any University disciplinary proceeding brought alleging a sex offense.

B. Staff. Any staff member who has been shown to be the perpetrator of a sexual assault will be subject to those disciplinary actions as outlined in union work rules or as deemed appropriate in accordance with the relevant employment contracts.

C. Faculty. Faculty will be subject to those disciplinary procedures as outlined in the Faculty Manual.

All disciplinary procedures are subject to appeal by the appropriate grievance procedures. These procedures are found in the student handbook, the faculty manual, and appropriate collective bargaining agreements.

VII. Sanctions That May Be Imposed

Independent from any criminal or civil legal proceedings that may be pending and /or have been determined, any staff member, faculty or student who is found to have committed a sexual offense is subject to immediate disciplinary action. Students will be subject to removal from the residence hall, probation or dismissal. Faculty and staff will be subject to suspension or termination. In addition, the University will cooperate with local law enforcement authorities to seek criminal penalties where appropriate. Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. 1092 sec. (7)(f); 34 C.F.R. sec. 668.47(a)(2) 720 ILCS 5/12 7.3;12 13 through 16

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APPENDIX

Sex Offenses Definitions from the National Incident Based Reporting System Edition of the Uniform Crime Reporting Program

Sex Offenses Forcible
Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will, or not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent.

A. Forcible Rape The carnal knowledge of a person, forcibly and/or against that person's will; or not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (or because of his/her youth).

B. Forcible Sodomy Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will or not forcibly against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.

C. Sexual Assault With An Object The use of an object or instrument to unlawfully 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 where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.

D. Forcible Fondling The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly and/or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.

Sex Offenses Nonforcible
Unlawful, nonforcible sexual intercourse.

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

B. Statutory Rape Nonforcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.

Approved by Administrative Council, 2/8/96 HR 7/96 6/97 5/03

Human Resources | Policies and Procedures