About Title IX
Clark University commits itself to providing a campus environment where all students are safe from sexual violence and sex-based discrimination and harassment, which includes but is not limited to discrimination and harassment based on gender identity and expression. Clark believes in the power of a strong community. It is more robust when all students are engaged in relationships based on mutual care and respect in intimate and spiritual settings; Clark expects its community members to practice open communication and effective communication consent.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires all federally funded universities to prohibit sex/gender-based discrimination on campuses, including discrimination based on sex, gender identity, or expression. Title IX applies to all students, faculty, and staff. The language of the statute reads as follows:
No person in the United States shall, based on 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.
Endangerment, Threatening Behavior, or Intimidation
Definition: Intentionally or recklessly endangering, threatening, or causing reasonable apprehension of physical or mental harm to any person.
This section also includes stalking or harassing behavior that includes, but is not limited to, threatening language, bullying, and/or physical, verbal, or written intimidation, including cyber harassment. The behavior in question is typically such that, if left unaddressed, the person would be denied the ability to participate in or benefit from some educational or other experience.
Fireworks
The use or possession of fireworks is prohibited.
Provoking Others to Misconduct
Knowingly helping or encouraging violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
Violation of Disciplinary Sanction
Knowingly violating terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with this Code.
Weapons
The unauthorized use, possession, or storage of any weapon, whether a federal or state license to possess it has been issued to the possessor, is prohibited. Persons who are licensed and obligated to carry firearms should obtain written permission from the Chief of Police at Clark University. The possession of the facsimile of a weapon or use of a facsimile weapon is prohibited.
Student Organization Conduct Standards
At Clark University, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and healthy living and learning environment for all. We firmly believe that student organizations, as vital components of our community, have a significant part to play in this. Any behavior that deviates from the Student Code of Conduct, whether by individual students or collectively by student organizations, is addressed through an educational hearing process called the restorative practice. This process is about imposing consequences and promoting safety and good citizenship, underscoring the crucial role of student organizations in our shared environment.
Student Code of Conduct and Organizational Responsibilities
The Student Code of Conduct applies to both individual students and student organizations. The Student Organization Conduct Standards, a subsection of the Student Code of Conduct, ensure that all student organization officers and members:
- Acknowledge and accept responsibility for their actions and those of their members, alumni, and guests.
- Understand the responsibilities associated with official University recognition.
Purpose of the Conduct Standards
The Student Organization Conduct Standards are designed to:
- Protect the rights of recognized student organizations.
- Ensure accountability for violations of University policy.
- Guarantee due process in the adjudication of complaints concerning student organizations.
Additionally, student organizations must adhere to Office of Student Leadership and Programming policies.
Member Responsibilities
The University expects student organization members to:
- Be good citizens and engage in responsible behaviors.
- Positively represent their student organization and the University.
- Treat others civilly and contribute constructively to student life.
Members are responsible for their conduct individually and collectively when acting as part of a student organization. Organizations may be held accountable for the misconduct of their leaders, members, representatives, or guests. Individuals acting as part of a student organization may be referred to the Office of Community Standards for adjudication of their behavior alongside the organization’s accountability under the Student Organization Conduct Standards.
Application of Standards
Student organizations may be held accountable for violations when any of the following conditions apply:
- The violation was sanctioned by an officer of the organization or known to officers beforehand.
- Organization funds financed the venture.
- The organization substantially supported, sponsored, or endorsed the violation.
- The violation occurred during or was related to any student organization-sponsored activity.
- Members knew of the violation and did not attempt to prevent it.
- The organization failed to report the incident or chose to protect its members.
- A reasonable person would understand the behavior to fall within the organization’s activity scope.
- The violation demonstrated a pattern of misconduct by organization members.
- The behavior undermined the University’s reputation, integrity of the educational process, or community safety.
Conduct Process
The Office of Student Leadership and Programming oversees all registered student organizations, including club sports. A representative from the Office of Community Standards, in partnership with the Office of Student Leadership and Programming, coordinates adjudication of misconduct.
Responsibility determinations are based on a preponderance of the evidence (whether it is more likely than not that the student organization violated University policy). Records are maintained according to the University’s retention schedule.
Policies
Student organizations must be aware of possible infractions found within the documents below:
- Student Leadership and Programming Policy or Procedure Violation: Policies governing student organizations are published yearly and accessible online.
- Student Code of Conduct Policy Violation: The University identifies unacceptable behavior in the Student Code of Conduct and holds individual students and organizations accountable.
- Federal, State, or Local Law Violation: Violations may lead to University charges and criminal or civil court actions.
Procedures
The Student Organization Conduct Standards process includes the following steps:
- Incident Reported: Reports are filed with the Office of Community Standards, which informs the Office of Student Leadership and Programming.
- Investigation: An investigation gathers information to determine whether the incident report has merit.
- Student Organization Charged: If merit is found, the organization is notified, and an initial conversation is scheduled.
- Meeting or Hearing: The adjudication type is determined based on the investigation.
- Sanction Process: If responsible, appropriate sanctions are determined.
- Decision Shared: Outcomes and sanctions are communicated to the organization.
Appeal: The organization may appeal the decision based on new information, procedural error, or severity of sanctions. See the Appeal Process.
Interim Conduct Action
In significant violation cases, the University may impose interim measures, including suspension from the University or residence, prohibition of activities, suspension or dissolution of a club or organization, or prohibition of using University facilities.
Title IX
Clark University complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681, et seq., and subsequent regulations, which prohibit discrimination based on gender in all programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. To ensure compliance with Title IX, the President of Clark University designates the Title IX Coordinator as the primary contact responsible for developing, adopting, and assuring the dissemination of the University’s nondiscrimination policy and forcing the policy available to the University community. To file a report please contact the Title IX Coordinator, Brittany Brickman, by email (title-ix@clarku.edu), by phone (508-793-7194), or in person in ASEC 315. View Appendix B: Title IX for more information.
View Appendix B: Title IX for more informationOffice of Community Standards
Alumni and Student Engagement Center
2nd Floor
950 Main Street
Worcester MA 01610