What Is Title IX?

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TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972

 “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination

Millersville University is strongly committed to maintaining a positive learning, working and living environment for all and assuring it’s educational and employment environment is free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, any other protected category under applicable, local, state or federal law, or status as a disabled veteran, a Vietnam era veteran or other covered veteran in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational programs and activities.  The University will not tolerate acts of discrimination, harassment or retaliation against or by any employee or student.

The University complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) and its underlying regulations, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities.  

If you are dealing with sexual harassment or misconduct, here's how we can help:

  • Resources If you need information on counseling, health services, or related resources, our staff can provide warm referrals to both on- and off-campus providers.
  • Interim Measures If you need a change in your housing assignment, a No-Contact Order with another Millersville affiliate, or other accommodations related to your Title IX concern, we are able to assist with those processes.
  • Reporting If you want to file a formal complaint with the University, MUPD, or another Police department, the Title IX office can walk you through the options available and connect you to appropriate offices. 

The University has designated the following person to assure compliance with Title IX requirements:

Elizabeth Swantek
Millersville University Title IX Coordinator
Phone No.:  717-871-4100
Email: Elizabeth.Swantek@millersville.edu
Office:  Student Memorial Center, Room 107B

FAQs

  • What is Sexual Misconduct?

    Sexual Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following prohibited behaviors:

    • Sexual Assault
    • Sexual Harassment
    • Sexual Exploitation
    • Relationship Violence
    • Dating Violence
    • Domestic Violence
    • Stalking
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  • How do I report a case of sexual misconduct?

    The most efficient way a student can report sexual misconduct and initiate the university’s investigation processes is by filling out the sexual misconduct report form.

    A member of the Millersville University community may also choose to contact the Title IX Coordinator, Elizabeth Swantek, at (717) 871-4100.

    To initiate an employee complaint, the complainant may:

    1. Contact the Acting Director of Human Resources to discuss the complaint or you may
    2. Submit a completed and signed statement to the Acting Director of Human Resources. The statement should be able to document the timeframe of the alleged offense(s) with a detailed description related to the incident (s), name(s) of accused (respondent), witnesses and any pertinent documentation about the complaint.
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  • What if I want to maintain my confidentiality?

    Resources to discuss sexual misconduct issues on a confidential basis are available. After consulting with a confidential resource, a potential complainant may decide to not file a complaint under this policy at the person’s discretion. Seeking advice from a confidential resource does not constitute reporting an incident of misconduct.

    On Campus Confidential Resources

    • Center for Counseling and Human Development (Lyle Hall, 3rd floor). 717-871-7821
    • Health Services (Witmer Building). 717-871-5250

    Community Confidential Resources

    • Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County. 717-299-1249
    • YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center 717-392-7273

    Employees who do not work within the Center for Counseling and Human Development or Health Services are responsible to report violations of sexual misconduct. Title IX require all responsible employees 'who know or reasonably should know os possible sexual violence' to relay the information to the Title IX Coordinator. 

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  • What are my reporting options if I am a Faculty or Staff Member?

    Employees who do not work within the Center for Counseling and Human Development or Health Services are responsible to report violations of sexual misconduct. Title IX require all responsible employees 'who know or reasonably should know of possible sexual violence' to relay the information to the Title IX Coordinator. 

    Elizabeth SwantekElizabeth Swantek
    Millersville University Title IX Coordinator
    Phone No.:  717-871-4100
    Email: Elizabeth.Swantek@millersville.edu
    Office:  Student Memorial Center, Room 107B

     

    Sexual misconduct complaints, which only involve students, will be processed by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.  Sexual misconduct complaints involving employees will be processed by the Office of Human Resources.

    Diane Copenhaver is a Deputy Title IX Coordinator and can be reached in person at the Dilworth Building, by telephone at 717-871-4350 or by email at diane.copenhaver@millersville.edu. Ms. Copenhaver’s role is to work with complaints involving employees from investigation through outcomes. This deputy coordinator handles student and employee complaints once they reach the Office of Human Resources.

    Lori AustinLori Austin is a Deputy Title IX Coordinator and can be reached in person at the Witmer Building, by telephone at 717-871-5841 or by email at lori.austin@millersville.edu. Ms. Austin’s role is to work with complaints involving students. Lori serves as a Hearing Chairperson and Sanctioning Administrator.  This deputy coordinator handles student complaints once they reach the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.

     

    Scott HelfrichScott M. Helfrich, D.Ed. is a Deputy Title IX Coordinator and can be reached in person at the Lombardo Welcome Center, by telephone at 717-871-5836 or by email at scott.helfrich@millersville.edu. Dr. Helfrich’s role is to work with complaints involving on-campus students. This deputy coordinator handles response and intake of on-campus student complaints.

    Melissa WardwellMelissa Wardwell is a Deputy Title IX Coordinator and can be reached in person at the Huntingdon House, by telephone at 717-871-7655 or by email at melissa.wardwell@millersville.edu. Ms. Wardwell’s role is to work with complaints involving experiential learning and career management from investigation through outcomes. This deputy coordinator handles student complaints once they reach the Office of Experiential Learning and Career Management.

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Immediately After An Incident

What to do immediately following an incident.

FAQ

Resources

On Campus and Community Resources

Brochure

Rights & Expectations

Complainant and Respondent Rights and Expectations

Resources