Students' Bill of Rights:
The State University of New York and SUNY Oswego are committed to providing options, support and assistance to victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual harassment and/or stalking to ensure that they can continue to participate in University/University-wide and campus programs, activities and employment. All victims/survivors of these crimes and violations, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status or criminal conviction, have the following rights, regardless of whether the crime or violation occurs on campus, off campus or while studying abroad.
You have the right to:
- Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
- Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;
- Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure from the institution;
- Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
- Be treated with dignity and to receive from the institution courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
- Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
- Describe the incident to as few institutional representatives as practicable and not to be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident.
- Be free from retaliation by the institution, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;
- Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
- Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process;
- Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the University.
- Options in Brief: Reporting individuals, victims/survivors have many options that can be pursued simultaneously, including one or more of the following: Receive resources, such as counseling and medical attention; confidentially or anonymously disclose a crime or violation; make a report to an employee with the authority to address complaints, including the Title IX Coordinator, Student Conduct employee, or a Human Resources employee; report to University Police, local law enforcement, report to the NY State Troopers Campus Sexual Assault Victims Unit and/or Family Court or Civil Court.
It is important that you are aware of your rights and opportunities for support and assistance:
Conduct Charges: Student Conduct/Dean of Students Office: 315-312-3378 (if accused is a student) Title IX will investigate and send the report to Student Conduct for adjudication.
Counseling Center: oswego.edu/counseling-services/home (students only)
Employee Assistance Program:
315-312-5546 Campus EAP Resources (employees only)
Medical Assistance:
Call 911 for ambulance/SAVAC
Walker Health Center oswego.edu/health-services (students only)
Oswego Hospital: 315-349-5511
Police Assistance:
University Police: 315-312-5555
Oswego Police: 315-342-8120
New York State Police Campus Sexual Assault Unit: 844-845-7269.
If you pursue disciplinary charges and criminal charges at the same time it is possible that the campus may need to temporarily suspend its fact-finding while the law enforcement agency is in the process of gathering evidence.
Privacy and Confidentiality:
The University will protect the privacy of all parties to a complaint or other report of sexual and interpersonal violence to the extent possible. Certain staff are obligated by law to maintain confidentiality, including certain Counseling Center, Health Services staff and the local abuse and assault hotline. When the University receives complaints of sexual or interpersonal violence, the University has an obligation to respond in a way that limits the effects of the sexual and interpersonal violence and to prevent its recurrence. Information will be shared as necessary in the course of an investigation with people who need to know, such as investigators, witnesses, and the accused. If you are unsure of someone’s duties and ability to maintain your privacy, ask them before you talk to them.
Retaliation is adverse action against another person for reporting a violation or for participating in any way in the investigation or conduct process. Retaliation includes harassment and intimidation, including but not limited to violence, threats of violence, property destruction, adverse educational or employment consequences, and bullying.
Services to Aid Families (SAF) Advocate 315- 342-1600. Use their 24 hour crisis hotline to schedule appointments. SAF can assist with requesting Orders of Protection, related medical bills and provide advocacy at hospital and in meetings on/off campus. https://ww1.oswego.edu/title-ix/services-aid-families-saf
Title IX:
Title IX Coordinator: Lisa Evaneski, 407 Culkin Hall, 315-312-5604 [email protected]
Schedule meeting: tinyurl.com/MeetWithLisaE website: oswego.edu/title-ix
Remedies, accommodations and safety services:
- Legal advice: https://crimevictimshelpny.org/legalhelp
- Confidential phone and directory information option through Registrar (students only) oswego.edu/registrar/forms
- No contact order can be issued to prevent the accused and reporting individual from contacting each other
- Residence Life & Housing: 315-312-2246 oswego.edu/residence-life-and-housing
- Request assistance from Title IX Coordinator if you need assistance moving your work location.
- Stalking log: https://www.stalkingawareness.org
- Safety planning: https://www.nyscadv.org/find-help/safety-planning.html
For out of class notice to professors (3+ days) contact the Dean of Students Office at 315-312-5483 or [email protected]. It is recommended that you reach out to your professors immediately if you have missed any classes or assignments. Here are draft e-mails for your reference, don’t forget to CC Lisa in the email:
- If you missed classes: I am working with Lisa Evaneski regarding a serious personal matter and missed class (dates). Ask for flexibility and if there is anything you can do to make up for it.
- If you need to postpone, retake or reschedule a test: Is it possible to (re-) take the exam on (date) at a later date?
- If you need more time to complete an assignment: I need additional time to complete (name the assignment) and would like to request an extension until (date) to hand it in.
- Sometimes they are looking for a reasonable way to handle it, so if you can point to the syllabus and directly address what you think is fair, that works too. Something like “I know you said you would take 10% off for late assignments, I am wondering if it is possible to take less off or waive it this time".
A Plain Language Explanation of Distinctions Between the New York State Penal Law and the University Disciplinary Processes.
Additional resources all over NY: https://www.suny.edu/violence- response.
For more information, contact Lisa Evaneski, Title IX Coordinator: [email protected].