Health & Society

University Funding Made Available for University Conduct Board Transcripts in Cases of Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence

Thursday, April 26, 2018, By Kathleen Haley

Transcripts involving cases of sexual and relationship violence before the University Conduct Board will now be available at no charge to involved students.

The decision was made after a legacy conduct system policy was brought to the attention of university leaders at Wednesday night’s Campus Conversation at Hendricks Chapel. The event was held to further conversation critical to the ongoing work to create a diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible University community.

At the event, a student questioned why sexual assault victims and survivors had to pay a transcript fee. Chancellor Kent Syverud, who was in the audience, denounced the policy, and Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Andrew Gordon said that monies would be made available immediately.

“Once it became apparent that this set of fees was a burden to students, we took immediate action,” Gordon says. “As we committed to last night and effective this morning, if any student asks for a transcript, the University will have it transcribed for them and students will not have to pay for the transcripts.”

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that institutions of higher education take immediate and effective steps to end sexual harassment and sexual violence on campus.

Along with reporting incidents of sexual assault, relationship violence, sexual harassment or stalking to law enforcement, students have the right to report the incident to the University and the Title IX office. Title IX conducts an investigation, and formal resolution of cases is conducted though the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

If the matter goes before the University Conduct Board, the proceedings are taped and, in the past, if students—whether the complainant or respondent—wanted a copy of the transcript, they had to request a copy from the University. The cost of the transcript was passed on to the student who requested it. The University doesn’t usually have it transcribed unless a student requests a transcript.

Students impacted by sexual and relationship violence can contact the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team at 315.443.4715 for 24/7 confidential support, advocacy and to discuss reporting options.