Boston College attempts at all times to maintain a safe environment that supports its educational mission and is free from exploitation and intimidation, as well as discrimination based upon gender, including sexual harassment. Sexual harassment or sexual misconduct of any kind is antithetical to the mission of Boston College and the values it espouses and will be responded to accordingly, whether a complaint involves allegations of sexual misconduct by faculty, staff, student, or a third party. The University strives to eliminate sexual harassment, prevent its occurrence, and address its effects.
Policy & Definitions
Title IX prohibits Sexual Harassment, including Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking, all as defined below in accordance with the regulations promulgated under Title IX, if that conduct occurs in the United States and within the University’s Programs or Activities. This applies to all members of the Boston College community, including faculty and staff, students, recognized groups, and anyone who is attempting to participate in University programs or activities. This policy also applies to alleged Title IX Harassment by third parties when their conduct is directed toward or otherwise affects or may affect Boston College community members participating in the University’s Programs or Activities, though the ability of the University to respond to third-party conduct may be limited by the University’s relationship with the third party.
Sexual Harassment, which is conduct on the basis of sex that involves one or more of the following:• A University employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the University on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (also called quid pro quo harassment); or• Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would perceive as so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the University’s Program or Activity.
Sexual Assault, which is any sexual act directed against another person without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent and including, without limitation, fondling and rape.
Dating Violence, which is violence committed by a person:• who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
- The length of the relationship;
- The type of relationship; and
- The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
Domestic Violence, which includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic violence laws of Massachusetts, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under such laws.
Stalking, which means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to—• fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or• suffer substantial emotional distress.
Incident Reporting
Boston College is committed to addressing incidents of sexual misconduct and appreciates your assistance in bringing these incidents to our attention. Boston College students may report any alleged violations of the University's Title IX Harassment Policy or Student Sexual Misconduct Policy policy by contacting the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for students. Our goal is to document incidents, to educate our community, and ultimately to better enable the University to prevent this kind of behavior and to address it properly when it occurs.
Ways to Report
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students
Timothy Cochrane
Maloney Hall, Room 412
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
617-552-3482
StudentTitleIX@bc.edu or
Timothy.Cochrane@bc.edu
Reports will be kept confidential to the extent possible unless it requires conduct or administrative action. If you have any questions about how to report, how the information is used or other questions, please contact Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Timothy Cochrane or Associate Vice President, University Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Patricia Lowe at patricia.lowe@bc.edu.
Why Report?
Reporting allows the University to directly outreach to impacted students to discuss their support needs individually. Additionally, all reported incidents are documented in a database that is assessed continuously for trends and other critical information that contributes to the University’s efforts in fostering a positive campus climate. Ultimately, the information collected through reports is utilized to educate our community and ultimately better enable the University to prevent this kind of behavior and to address it properly when it occurs.
University Response
Once notice of allegations of sexual harassment are provided to the University Title IX Coordinator or the Student Affairs Title IX Coordinator, who are the University officials with authority to institute corrective measures, the requisite Title IX Coordinator or deputy will conduct an Initial Assessment of the reported information by gathering information to determine whether the Title IX Harassment policy applies to the report and, if so, what form of resolution is reasonably available and appropriate. The Title IX Coordinator or deputy will promptly contact the Complainant to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures, consider the Complainant’s wishes with respect to Supportive Measures, explain to the Complainant the process for filing a Formal Complaint, and coordinate the effective implementation of any Supportive Measures. Complainants have the right to receive resources, support, and appropriate Supportive Measures even if the Complainant does not wish to pursue a Formal Complaint under this policy or other applicable University policy.
For more information about the University’s response to allegations of sexual harassment, please refer to the University’s Title IX Harassment Policy.
Support Resources
The Boston College Police Department works together with our community to create a safe and secure campus environment that encourages mutual respect, caring for others and responsible behavior.
Contact:
Website: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/campus-safety/Boston-College-Police-Department.html
Maloney Hall
617-442-4444
DOS staff helps respond to reports of students who have been impacted by sexual misconduct and will work with the Deputy Title IX Coordinator to provide and connect students to support resources, issue interim measures (i.e., Stay Away Orders), and discuss appropriate next steps, including any investigation or student conduct process. You can report students of concern through our online reporting form or by calling DOS at 617-552-3470.
Contact:
Website: https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/offices/studentaffairs/sites/dean-of-students.html
Maloney Hall 448
617-552-3470 | deanofstudents@bc.edu
University Counseling Services seeks to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the BC community and is committed to fully recognizing and valuing all identities, beliefs, and experiences. We encourage anyone experiencing distress or wanting an opportunity to process their thoughts, feelings, and reactions to any bias-related incident to seek individual and/or group support from us, either by dropping by our offices (Gasson 001) or calling us at 617-552-3310.
Contact:
Gasson 001
617-552-3310
The Office of Campus Ministry offers pastoral care and accompaniment for students who have experienced a bias incident. This includes meeting with a Campus Minister, connecting with one of our Multi-Faith affiliate Campus Ministers, pastoral counseling, prayer services, and joining supportive faith-based communities. Visit bc.edu/ministry or email ministry@bc.edu to learn more.
Contact:
Website: https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/offices/missionministry/sites/campus-ministry
McElroy 233
617-552-3475
ministry@bc.edu
The Murray Center for Student Wellness takes a holistic and inclusive approach to health. The Center believes wellness is an ongoing and personal journey cultivated and sustained by a sense of belonging in the larger community.
Contact:
Website: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/offices/studentaffairs/sites/health-wellness/center-for-student-wellness/about.html#our_mission
Gasson Hall, Suite 025
617-552-9900
bwell@bc.edu
Contact
Website: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/offices/human-resources/sites/oid/Policies-and-Compliance/Title-IX-Boston-College.html
Marie Elena Gioiella
marie.elena.gioiella@bc.edu
617-552-3340
The Women’s Center strives to support, educate, and empower students of all genders in an inclusive and welcoming space. Valuing personal agency and strong community, our staff works to engage Boston College students through mentoring programs, events, and conversations that cultivate leadership, authentic relationships, and awareness of intersectional social justice issues. The Women's Center also houses the Sexual Assault Network (SANet), a confidential resource for any member of the BC community who has been affected by sexual violence. You can access SANet by calling 617-552-2211.
Contact
Website: https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/offices/studentaffairs/sites/womens-center
Maloney Hall, Suite 441
617-552-3489 | women@bc.edu
Helping A Friend
- Physical: Is there somewhere safe and private your friend can go?Consider if Residential Life staff may be of assistance—your RA is a good place to start!
- Emotional: Does your friend need to speak with a counselor or campus minister? Confidential resources are available to students 24/7— contact info is located on the back of your BC ID!
- Medical: Does your friend need medical attention?Consult with Boston College Police Department and University Health Services.
What to Say:
“Would you like me to help connect you with support?”
“I’m sorry this happened to you.”
“What kind of support do you need? How I can support you?”
“Thank you for telling me.”“When you’re ready, there is support available.”“Would you like me to help you report what happened?”
Do's and Don'ts
DO ask the student for permission to report the incident or discuss it with others.
DO believe the student and express such to them.
DO express that the incident was not the student’s fault.
DO offer non-judgemental support.
DO express compassion for the student.
DO encourage the student to seek professional resources.
DO NOT confront the person alleged to have committed the incident.
DO NOT pass judgment about the incident.
DO NOT make promises that you cannot keep.
DO NOT try to resolve the situation
.