Sexual Misconduct Resources
Resources and Procedures for Students, Faculty, and Staff
What is prohibited?
- Sexual Assault
- Dating Violence
- Stalking
- Sexual Harrassment
The Title IX Compliance Office is responsible for handling sexual misconduct complaints.
Title IX Coordinator
Sarah Secoy
Phone: 706-507-8757
Email: secoy_sarah@columbusstate.edu
CSU Police
Phone: 706-507-8911
Email: police@columbusstate.edu
Student Counseling Services
Phone: 706-507-8740
For full details, visit the Title IX resources webpage.
CSU Cares
If you or someone close to you are the victim of gender-based violence, know that you are not alone. The information on this brochure will help you navigate some of what you may be experiencing. No matter what you have experienced or how you are feeling now, it is important to prioritize your safety. You don’t have to go through this alone, and this information is intended to help you navigate the process.
When you report CSU will provide you with additional written information about all of your options including how to obtain supportive measures and pursue formal disciplinary and or criminal investigations. You will also receive information on existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, and other services.
What steps can I take?
If you are in a state of emergency, call 911.
You do not have to choose a course of action immediately, but consider preserving evidence in case you choose to pursue charges. Possible evidence might be letters, photos, emails, messages, clothing, bedding, etc.
- Seek Medical Care
- Contact CSU Police
- Contact Local Sheriff's Office
- CSU Title IX Coordinator will assist in reporting to the local Sheriff's Office or CSU Police
Contact information for both on-campus and off-campus resources can be found in the on-campus resources and community resources sections of this page.
CSU will provide supportive measures and access to disciplinary proceedings whether or not you report to law enforcement.
How will CSU support me?
The Title IX Coordinator will assist in obtaining:
- Counseling
- Advocacy
- Housing Assistance
- Academic Support
- Disability Services
- Health/Mental Health
- Changes to: Academic, Living, Transportation, and Working Situations
Supportive measures will be maintained as confidential to the extent possible and are independent of any law enforcement or disciplinary investigation.
How will CSU protect me?
- CSU Protects Victims Confidentiality to the Highest Degree Possible
- Information Only Shared as Needed to Provide Supportive Measures or as Needed to Conduct an Investigation
- Confidentiality Cannot be Guaranteed if a Report is Made to CSU Police
- CSU Recognizes and Enforces Lawful Orders of Protection (restraining Order, No Contact, Etc…)
- If You Have an Order of Protection Submit it to CSU Police and or Title IX Coordinator
A complaint alleging sexual misconduct may be made by any member of the University Community. Once received, the Title IX Coordinator will determine which type of proceeding will be used for each complaint on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration criteria including the nature of the reported incident, who is involved, and the context of and/or where it occurred.
The standard of evidence in all University proceedings is the preponderance of the evidence. Upon completion of formal adjudication proceedings, affording due process rights to all parties, sanctions, up to and including suspension and expulsion may be applied. All parties have the right to an advisor and to a fair and impartial process, the administration of which is the responsibility of the Title IX Coordinator.
What are my rights in disciplinary proceedings?
All University disciplinary proceedings involving reports of dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on or off campus shall be conducted in a prompt, fair, and impartial manner, from the initial investigation through resolution. Complaints will usually be resolved within 120 business days.
A formal complaint may be initiated by contacting the Title IX Coordinator. A complete copy of the rules for the appropriate process (student, faculty, staff, or visitor) will be provided to you at that time.
Additional information about all of the options and resources may be found in the CSU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
What are my on-campus resources?
CSU Police (24 Hours)
706-507-8911
Online Anonymous Reporting
Dean of Students
John McElveen
Phone: 706-507-8730
Email: mcelveen_john@columbusstate.edu
Student Counseling Services (Confidential)
Phone: 706-507-8740
Student Disability Services
Phone: 706-507-8757
Student Health Services (Confidential)
Phone: 706-507-8620
Title IX Coordinator
Sarah Secoy
Phone: 706-507-8757
Email: secoy_sarah@columbusstate.edu
File a Title IX Complaint
What are my community resources?
City Police and Sheriff's Office (24 Hours)
911
RAINN (Confidential - 24 Hours)
RAINN Website
Phone: 800-656-4673
Victim Hotline (Anonymous)
Phone: 888-288-9221
Victim Hotline Website
Victim-Witness Assistance Program
Email: victimwitness@columbusga.org
Phone: 706-653-4426
Victim-Witness Assistance Program Website
Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program
Email: victims.info@cjcc.ga.gov
Phone: 800-547-0060
Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program Website
The Center at 909 (Confidential)
Email: info@thecenterat909.org
Office: 706-221-1033
Hotline: 706-571-6010