Faculty & Staff Resources

The following University employees are Responsible Employees because they have the authority to take action to redress alleged sexual misconduct, including sexual violence:

The Title IX Coordinators;

The Vice President for Student Development;

The Deans of Westhampton College and Richmond College, the Law School’s Associate Dean Student Services & Administration, Law School Dean’s Office, the Program Coordinator for Graduate Studies in Business, and Associate Dean, School of Professional and Continuing Studies;

The University’s Conduct Officers;

The Associate Vice President for Human Resources; and

The sworn officers of the University of Richmond Police Department.

Other than confidential resources, the following University employees are Responsible Employees because they have a duty to report acts of sexual misconduct, including sexual violence, to the appropriate Title IX Coordinator.

All faculty members.

All University employees with the title of Assistant Director, Associate Dean or above;

Residence Life staff including Resident Advisors and Area Coordinators.

All employees engaged in academic advising.

University staff accompanying students on off-campus programs or other University-related trips, within and outside the United States.

All employees in the following divisions, departments, or offices:

Academic Deans;

Academic Skills Center;

Admissions;

Athletics;

Bursar;

Events, Conferences and Support Services;

Career Services;

Chaplaincy (non-ordained personnel);

Financial Aid;

Human Resources;

International Education;

President’s Office;

Provost’s Office;

Registrar;

Student Development; and

University of Richmond Police Department.

All employees identified as Campus Security Authorities.

Reporting Form: report.richmond.edu

As a University of Richmond employee, you have an obligation under the Virginia Law (VA Code § 23.1-806) and the Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct to report to the Title IX Coordinator possible acts of sexual misconduct that are reported to or witnessed by you. The report must contain all the relevant details shared about the alleged incident. This includes:

• Individual who experienced the alleged conduct (Complainant);
• Name of the Respondent (if known);
• Date, time and location of the incident (if known);
• Description of what happened using the reporting party’s words;
• Any other individuals involved in the alleged conduct.

Upon receipt of the report, the Title IX Coordinator will reach out to the Complainant to offer support, accommodations, and to inform them of their options.

All employees designated as Campus Security Authority under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) must also report potential crimes including those involving sexual misconduct to the University Police Department. More information about CSA’s can be found at: https://police.richmond.edu/report-crime/campus-security-authorities.html.

Confidential Resources are exempt from reporting requirements.

What to do: Listen, Affirm, Interrupt, Inform, Refer and Report

Listen without judgment and offer your support (Affirm). “I’m sorry that this happened. I appreciate you telling me and would like to help. Is there anything I can do that would be most helpful to you right now?”

Gently interrupt the individual before details of the incident are disclosed and inform them that while your conversation will be private, it will not be confidential, as you are required to report any information disclosed to you. If you are designated as a Responsible Employee you are required to report any incidence of sexual misconduct disclosed to you.

Refer the individual to campus and community resources.

Report to Title IX. You must report incidents involving students to Tracy Cassalia, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students, at (804) 289-8464 or through the online reporting form. Incidents involving faculty or staff should be reported to Geraldine Sullivan, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Faculty and Staff, at (804) 289-8747.

Sexual misconduct can be a difficult topic to discuss, particularly given your reporting responsibilities. Remember Listen, Affirm, Interrupt, Inform, Refer and Report

“I appreciate you coming to me and placing your trust in me. Before you share any information with me, I would like to let you know that I am required to report any incidents of sexual misconduct with the University, specifically, Tracy Cassalia, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students. It is her responsibility to know about incidents of sexual misconduct and to support students and coordinate possible next steps. Both of us want to be sure you get whatever care and support you need.

I want you to make an informed choice about what you disclose to me today. If you are going to tell me something that I have to report, you may instead want to speak with someone who can help protect your confidentiality. I am more than happy to connect you with a confidential resource if you are not ready to report this officially."

You must report incidents involving students to Tracy Cassalia, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students, at (804) 289-8464 or through the online reporting form. Incidents involving faculty or staff should be reported to Geraldine Sullivan, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Faculty and Staff, at (804) 289-8747.

• Report all allegations disclosed to you whether or not they occur on campus.
• Do not promise confidentiality. You are not able to keep information confidential, and you should never promise confidentiality. Instead, offer privacy and discretion.
• Do not tell the individual that because they asked you not to tell anyone or report the incident to the institution, you will not. Remember if you are designated as a Responsible Employee, you are required by law and University policy to report the incident to Title IX.
• Do not attempt to investigate or mediate the situation between the involved parties.
• Report the information that is disclosed to you.
• Do not judge or use judgmental language when taking the report.
• Do not confront the alleged Respondent.
• If you are unsure on what to report, contact the Title IX Coordinator.
• Complete all applicable University training on reporting requirements and support resources.

The University of Richmond recognizes that participating in either the grievance or mediation process may be a challenging experience. The Complainant and Respondent are each encouraged to have an advisor to support and accompany them through all phases of the investigation and campus conduct proceedings.

What is the role of an advisor?

During the outreach and investigative phase of the grievance process, the Advisor may assist the Complainant or Respondent in the following ways:

• Provide emotional, logistical or other assistance;
• May assist by taking notes, organizing documentation, or consulting directly with the party in a way that does not disrupt or cause delay to the investigation/proceeding;
• Help the Complainant or Respondent understand the formal grievance process;
• Help the Complainant or Respondent prepare a written statement, obtain evidence or otherwise prepare for an investigative meeting, hearing or other related meetings.

Provide emotional support to the Complainant or Respondent;

• May consult directly with the Complainant or Respondent in a way that does not disrupt or cause delay to the mediation process;
• May assist the Complainant or Respondent in negotiating the final mediation agreement.

An Advisor must keep confidential the information shared during meetings and throughout the formal grievance or mediation process.

Limitations of the Advisor

• The Advisor may not speak to anyone other than their advisee during an investigative meeting or proceeding except at the explicit invitation of the Investigator, Hearing Officer or Mediator.
• The Advisor may not “object” to questions, dispute evidence, or otherwise interject during an investigative meeting or conduct proceeding.

Who can be an Advisor?

Advisors may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Faculty or staff member
• A parent or family member
• Another student
• Legal counsel

The Advisor cannot be:

• A witness or provide evidence in the case.
• An active participant in the University’s formal grievance process.
• Any on-campus confidential resource (CAPS, Ordained Clergy, Student Health Center staff, PSMA’s and Healthy Relationships & Violence Prevention Educator).
• An Advisor to both the Complainant and Respondent simultaneously.

Suggestions for advisors:

• Take time to talk to the Complainant or Respondent about their expectations of an advisor.
• Discuss what you are able to provide for the Complainant or Respondent throughout the grievance or mediation process. For instance, are you able to attend investigation meetings or just the hearing?
• Familiarize yourself with the Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct and any related University policies.
• Consider meeting with the Complainant or Respondent to help them think of questions they may have or points they should bring up throughout the process.
• Remind the student of important tasks, deadlines, or items to submit to the Title IX Coordinator.
• Contact the Title IX Coordinator if you have any questions.
• Be sure to listen to the Complainant or Respondent and be supportive of their needs, which may involve referring them to an on- or off-campus resource.
• Know your limits. Sometimes you may have to decline a Complainant or Respondent’s request for a variety of reasons. By telling the Complainant or Respondent you’re unable to be an advisor, you are ultimately helping them find someone who can best meet their needs.