Types of Support
Talking to someone could be a good start in taking that first step forward. You have choices, and help is available.
- Confidential resources are not required to report the incident to the University or the police. CUC counselors, clergy and sexual assault victim advocates are confidential resources. You can discuss your reporting options and how to proceed with a confidential resource (like Pillars, listed in the side bar) to make a decision that feels best for you.
- Non-confidential resources (also called Mandatory Reporters) are most University employees (including professors, staff, advisors, RAs, student workers and coaches) who are legally required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to a Title IX Coordinator. Mandatory Reporters must share the basic facts of your experience with the Title IX Coordinator. Your name may be withheld. Once reported to the Title IX Coordinator, she will be available to assist you in understanding your options and connecting you with resources available to you both on and off campus.
- When a Title IX Coordinator is made aware of an incident by a complainant, third party, witness or Mandatory Reporter, the complainant will be contacted to be offered support and an opportunity to discuss options and possible interim measures and accommodations. Action will be taken to stop the misconduct, remedy the effects and prevent a recurrence, and then an investigation will likely be initiated. It is up to you if you want to participate in the investigation. Contact a Title IX Coordinator if you:
- Wish to understand your options if you think that you may have encountered sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual violence;
- Learn of a situation that you feel may warrant a University investigation;
- Need help on how to handle a situation in which you are indirectly affected;
- Want information about possible informal remedies or administrative measures to de-escalate or alleviate a difficult situation; or
- Have questions about Concordia University Chicago’s policies and procedures.
Information for Family and Friends
If you are a family member, friend, or supporter of someone impacted by sexual misconduct, we know that supporting someone who has been impacted by sexual misconduct can be difficult, and we recognize that supporters may need and want resources, too.
Some of the best ways you can support your family member or friend is by becoming aware of on- and off-campus resources, and encouraging them to utilize the ones that best fit their current needs.
Often supporters want information from the University about a specific situation. Please understand the University is limited by law to discuss details of reports with family members without signed authorized consent. However, we can speak generally with you about the process, procedures and available resources/options for your family member, friend and yourself.
Learn more about Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and our responsibility to student privacy.
Information for Individuals Accused of Sexual Misconduct
If you have been accused of sexual misconduct and are unsure what to do or whom to talk with, the following information will be helpful.
- You can contact the Title IX Coordinator for an explanation of the University reporting procedures and the student and employee disciplinary process.
- You can receive counseling assistance on campus at the Counseling Center.
Do not contact the alleged victim.
Sexual misconduct can be both a criminal offense as well as a violation of Concordia-Chicago’s Sexual Misconduct policy. A student or employee alleged to have engaged in a sexual misconduct may be subject to prosecution under Illinois criminal statutes and/or subject to discipline under the student or applicable employee discipline procedures. University and criminal proceedings are separate processes and may have independent outcomes. A student found in violation of the Student Code may be subject to University sanctions, including dismissal from the University. An individual found guilty of a criminal offense may be subject to criminal sanctions.