Manchester University Policy and Procedures for Sexual Misconduct Complaints
Members of the Manchester University Community have the right to be free from all forms of Sexual Harassment which impede the realization of the University’s mission respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
All members of the University Community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that maintains an environment free from Sexual Harassment. As such, Manchester University does not discriminate based on sex and is committed to providing an educational environment free from sex discrimination.
As a recipient of federal funding, the University is required to comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, 10 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. (Title IX). Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on sex — including pregnancy discrimination and Sexual Harassment — in educational programs and activities.
Sexual Harassment is defined broadly under this Sexual Harassment Policy (Policy). Sexual Harassment includes Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Non-Consensual Sexual Contact, Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse, Sexual Exploitation, and Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, Child Molesting, and sex discrimination, as defined below. Sexual Harassment is a violation of University policy, state and federal civil rights laws, and may violate state and federal criminal laws. When an allegation of Sexual Harassment is brought to an appropriate individual’s attention, and a Respondent is found to have violated this policy, the University will issue appropriate sanctions to prevent future misconduct.
Manchester University reserves the right to take whatever measures it deems necessary in response to an allegation of Sexual Harassment in order to protect the rights and personal safety of Students, employees, and other members of the University Community. Such measures include, but are not limited to, modification of living arrangements, interim suspension from campus pending a hearing, and reporting the matter to local police. Not all forms of Sexual Harassment will be deemed equally serious offenses, and the University reserves the right to impose different sanctions, ranging from verbal warning to expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense. The University will consider the concerns and rights of both the Complainant and the Respondent.
Title IX Team
Manchester University has named the following individuals as Title IX Team members. Each team members receives annual training for all Title IX roles, which can be found on the listed below.
As we seek to serve the best interest of all parties and reserves the right to Interchanged trained member roles or contract with outside providers for roles as need is presented.
The Title IX Coordinator will assign team members roles at the start of each investigation and provide written notice to all parties. Please reference the primary role of each member and contact information
Meet the Team
Dr Barb Burdge
Professor of Social Work, Director of Social Work Program, Social Work Field Instr Coord, Title IX Deputy Coordinator, Dept Chair, & Faculty Executive Committee Chair
Title IX Confidential Support
What is a Victim Advocate?
A victim advocate is a confidential, supportive resource meant to protect and minimize the burden on the complainant. They focus on supporting and advocating for the needs of the victim, including but not limited to emotional support, assistance with protection orders, court advocacy, guidance through the criminal justice system, safety planning, community resource referrals, support for loved ones, therapeutic counseling referral, and safe shelter referral.
Who is Manchester University’s Victim Advocate?
Heidi Vandermark is the Hands of Hope’s victim advocate. Heidi has lived in Wabash County all her life and has worked for many non-for-profit agencies. In August, she will have worked with Hands of Hope for the last 5 years. She has received various trainings around domestic violence, sexual assault, and the importance of the trauma-informed care approach. In April 2020, she will attend the Moving Forward Conference, sponsored by Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault, which will focus on Sexual Violence and Human Tariffing prevention and response efforts.
| Resources | Contact Information | Status |
| Sexual Assault Treatment Center |
Open 24 hours 1420 Kirrway Ct. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 260-423-2222 https://www.fwsatc.org/ |
Confidential |
| North Manchester University Safety |
Clark Computer Center 260-982-5999 |
Non-Confidential
|
| Manchester University Fort Wayne Security |
260-266-1800 |
Non-Confidential
|
| Parkview Hospital ER |
Wabash: Emergency Room Fort Wayne: Emergency Room |
Circumstantial
|
| North Manchester Police Department |
709 W Main St, Non-Emergency-Phone: |
Circumstantial |
| Fort Wayne Police Department |
1 E Main St 108 Non-Emergency-Phone: |
Circumstantial |
Community Resources
- Hands of Hope (Wabash, Indiana): 260-563-4407
Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center (Fort Wayne, Indiana): 260-423-2222 - Beaman Home (Warsaw, Indiana): 877-725-9363
- YWCA of Northeast Indiana (Fort Wayne, Indiana): 800-441-4073 (Domestic Violence Crisis Line) or 260-426-7273 (Sexual Assault Crisis Line)
Online Chat Resources
- For sexual assault survivors: https://hotline.rainn.org/online
- For domestic/dating violence survivors: https://www.thehotline.org/
- For male survivors: https://1in6.org/
Reporting Options
If you do decide to report the event, we recommend considering the following options:
- Use the Report It! form.
- File a complaint with a member of the Title IX Team.
- Speak with a Mandated Reporter. These are MU employees (faculty, staff, vendor, and contractors) that are NOT listed as a confidential on-campus resource above).
- Adapted from “Get Help” (2017). Indiana University Stop Sexual Violence. Retrieved from https://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/help/index.html.
Manchester University strives to uphold privacy and confidentiality as much as possible and only shares information received with those who have a need to know in order to respond. Individuals who desire anonymity in discussing and seeking assistance about sexual misconduct should contact and/or be referred to a confidential employee.