Sexual Misconduct Policy & Procedures

Hagerstown Community College (HCC) is an academic community committed to providing a working and learning environment free from sexual misconduct - including sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. HCC will not tolerate sexual misconduct and has implemented specific measures to strongly encourage and support the reporting of sexual misconduct and to ensure that all allegations of sexual misconduct are investigated and resolved in a timely, discreet, fair, and impartial manner and in accordance with Federal Title IX and Clery Act regulations and Maryland Education Article 11-601.

This Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy & Procedure outlines HCC’s commitment to address this prohibited conduct, the procedures for investigating and resolving complaints and the resources available to both a Complainant and a Respondent. In order to maintain an environment free of sexual misconduct, HCC utilizes educational and prevention programming and makes training opportunities available to all employees and students.

This Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure applies to all members of the College community and to sexual misconduct occurring during Hagerstown Community College educational activities and programs.

All incidents of Sexual Misconduct should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator by calling 240-500-2526 and may also be reported to HCC Campus Police by calling 240-500-2312.

Title IX Legislation

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

The Office of Civil Rights within the Department of Education has released new regulations regarding Title IX. The new regulations go into effect on August 14, 2020. Our Title IX Committee in coordination with other key areas will make sure that our policies and procedures align with the new federal regulations, along with Maryland state laws, and our core institutional values. Click here for a summary of the major provisions of the Title IX final rule.

Title IX Reporting Procedure for Students

HCC's Dean of Students serves as the College's Title IX Coordinator and 504/ADA Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for monitoring the overall implementation of Title IX and coordinating HCC's compliance with Title IX in all areas covered by the implementing regulations. Responsibilities include responding to concerns of sex-based discrimination, including, but not limited to addressing sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment), sexual violence (including sexual assault and domestic/dating/intimate partner violence), and stalking. Students may report online, by completing an online Student Assistance Form located at hagerstowncc.edu, under the Current Students tab. These reports go directly to the Title IX Coordinator. Anonymous reports are accepted but can give rise to a need to investigate. Hagerstown Community College seeks to provide supportive measures to all Complainants, which is impossible with an anonymous report. Because reporting carries no obligation to initiate a formal response, and as HCC respects Complainant requests to dismiss complaints unless there is a compelling threat to health and/or safety, the Complainant is largely in control and should not fear a loss of privacy by making a report that allows HCC to discuss and/or provide supportive measures. Upon notice of an alleged incident of sexual misconduct/harassment, HCC’s Title IX Coordinator will review the Sexual Misconduct Policy & Procedures with the reporting student and determine next steps in accord with the College’s Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure. A meeting with the Title IX Coordinator can be requested through the Dean of Students’ Office, 240-500-2526, studentaffairs@hagerstowncc.edu, or Student Center Room 142.