Husson University Title IX

Equal access to education is of utmost importance to Husson University. To ensure students have a safe environment in which to be successful in their academic pursuits, Husson University provides resources and a supportive process for students who have experienced non-consensual gender-based action that interferes with academic and extracurricular pursuits. Our Sexual Assault and Prevention Awareness Committee which encompasses Student Life, Athletics, Safety and Security, among other areas on campus, advances education and training for students and employees. As Responsible Employees all Husson University employees have an affirmative role in supporting students to assure equal access to education. We take great pride in caring for our students and ensuring they have a happy and healthy experience.

Sexual Misconduct Options for Assistance

Immediate Assistance:

If you are the victim of sexual violence, including but not limited to sexual assault, dating violence or domestic violence your safety and medical needs are paramount. Responsible employees can assist you in receiving the help and services you need.

It is important to know that a responsible employee is required to report the incident to other university employees and perhaps law enforcement agencies. An expressed desire for anonymity will be considered by the University. If requested in writing to do so, University officials will also start an investigation into the incident to address issues relating to the possible hostile educational environment and to determine whether sexual misconduct has occurred.

The following are available resources for all community members. Please contact the following if you need assistance:

Resources for immediate assistance

• Emergency 911
• Campus Safety and Security 207-735-6910
• Title IX coordinator, David Casavant 207-941-7132

Confidential Resources

If you wish to disclose this information confidentially to an agency who will not release your name to University officials or law enforcement agencies, the following resources are also available:

• Husson University Counseling Services 207-941-7184
• Husson University Health Services 207-941-7625
• Rape Response Services 1-800-310-0000
• Coalition Against Sexual Assault 1-800-871-7741
• Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance 1-800-863-9909

Ongoing Assistance

Counseling, Advocacy and Support - On and Off Campus

Academic Accommodations and Interim Measures

The University reserves the right to take whatever measures it deems necessary in response to an allegation of Sexual Misconduct in order to protect students' rights and personal safety. Such measures include, but are not limited to, modification of living arrangements or class schedule, Trespass Warnings, and interim suspension from campus pending a hearing.

Title IX Contact Information

The University's Title IX team includes David Casavant, Title IX Coordinator, Janine Gmitter, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Colleen Owens, Director of Counseling Services, and Ray Bessette, Director of Safety and Security:

• David Casavant is the University's Title IX Coordinator and can be reached in person at Peabody Hall, Room 122, by telephone at (207) 941-7132, or by email at casavantd@husson.edu. In his role as Title IX Coordinator, Mr. Casavant is responsible for overseeing the University's response to all Title IX complaints.
• Janine Gmitter is the University's Deputy Title IX Coordinator. She can be reached in person in room 164A of the Newman Gymnasium, by telephone at (207) 941-7021, or by email at gmitterj@husson.edu. She is available to assume the roles and responsibilities of the Title IX Coordinator as may be needed.
• Colleen Owens is University's Director of Counseling Services and can be reached in person at (207) 941-7184, or by email at ,
• Ray Bessette is the University's Director of Safety and Security and can be reached in person at Peabody Hall, Room 106, by telephone at (207) 941-7785, or by email at bessetter@husson.edu. He and his department serve as first responders for those who are victims of sexual misconduct.

A student should contact the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator in order to:

• seek information or training about students' rights and courses of action available to resolve reports or complaints that involve potential sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct,
• file a complaint or make a report of sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct,
• notify the University of an incident or policy or procedure that may raise potential Title IX concerns,
• get information about available resources (including confidential resources) and support services relating to sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct, and
• ask questions about the University's policies and procedures related to sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct.

To view the Husson University Sexual Misconduct Policy, follow this link.