Worcester State University is committed to fostering and maintaining an inclusive academic and work environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The University also prohibits sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation.

This commitment is supported by MA State Universities' Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination and Title IX Plan which includes compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as enforced by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of 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.

Scope of Title IX:
Title IX applies to all University programs and activities, including but not limited to: admissions, recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, athletics, student services, counseling, discipline, housing, employment, and treatment of pregnant and parenting students. It also applies to conduct that occurs within the United States and within the University's education programs or activities, including off-campus locations, events, or circumstances that the University substantially controls.

University Response: 
The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the University's response to reports and complaints of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct. This includes allegations of:

· Sexual harassment

· Sexual assault

· Dating violence

· Domestic violence

· Stalking

· Gender-based harassment

· Discrimination based on pregnancy or related medical conditions

· Retaliation

The Title IX Coordinator ensures that all reports are addressed promptly, fairly, and in accordance with University policy and federal law. Where appropriate, supportive measures and remedies are made available to involved parties. In some cases, the Title IX process may impact a student’s academic experience; when this occurs, the Title IX Office works to coordinate reasonable academic support or accommodations.

Contact Information:
Inquiries or reports related to sexual misconduct may be directed to:

Jennifer Quinn
Associate Dean of Student Affairs / University Title IX Coordinator
Email: jquinn@worcester.edu or wsu_titleix@worcester.edu
Phone: 508-929-8243
Office Location: Student Center, Room 344

Dr. Stephanie Teixeira
Title IX Coordinator for Students
Email: steixeira1@worcester.edu or wsu_titleix@worcester.edu
Phone: 508-929-8884
Office Location: Student Center, Room 341

Online Reporting:
Reports may also be submitted through the online form:
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?WorcesterStateUniv&layout_id=7

Reports may be submitted at any time, including during non-business hours. Please note, however, that the Title IX Coordinator does not monitor email on a 24-hour basis and may not review messages on evenings or weekends. In the event of an emergency or if immediate assistance is needed, please contact:

University Police – 24/7 Emergency Response
Phone: 508-929-8911