Title IX Policies and Inquiries

Worcester State University is committed to creating and maintaining an academic and work environment that is free from sex discrimination (including discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression) and sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking). 

Adherence to this commitment is ensured by University policies against discrimination and compliance with The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

Title IX states:

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 Scope:

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in all university programs and activities including but not limited to admissions, recruiting, financial aid, academic programs, student services, counseling and guidance, discipline, treatment of pregnant and parenting students, class assignment, grading, recreation, athletics, housing, and employment.

The Title IX coordinator is charged with managing the University's response to reports of sex discrimination, which includes reports of sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation. Guided by University and federal procedures, the Title IX coordinator aims to ensure that the University's response promptly, effectively, and equitably addresses the incident, prevents its recurrence, and remedies the effects of all forms of such prohibited conduct. In some instances, Title IX issues may impact a student's academic performance.  Eligible recipients of academic accommodations will be determined and coordinated by the Title IX coordinator.

Inquiries regarding Title IX may be referred to the Title IX coordinator, Jennifer Quinn, at Jquinn@worcester.edu, wsu_titleix@worcester.edu, 508-929-8243, or in-person in the Student Center, room 344.  A report may also be filed at this link: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?WorcesterStateUniv&layout_id=7

Reports may be submitted at any time, even during non-business hours, but please note the Title IX coordinator does not monitor email on a 24-hour basis and may not review on weekends and evenings. Therefore, contact may not be available during non-business hours except by referral from University Police.  If you are not safe, please contact University Police immediately at 508-929-8911.