PennWest’s Office of Compliance and Title IX is part of the Office of Human Resources.  We work closely with public safety and student conduct to address complaints and provide training and resources to all students, faculty, and staff.

 

Formal Complaints must be signed and cannot be anonymous.  Formal Complaints can be made on the Formal Complaint form.

For additional information about Formal Complaints, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. PennWest University is committed to creating an environment free of sexual harassment for all members of its community.

Sexual misconduct includes a variety of acts that are conducted without consent or when an individual is unable to freely give consent.  Reports can be made by anyone, including anonymous reports, using the incident report forms for each campus:

California

Clarion

Edinboro

Faculty and Staff

Reports can be made by contacting the Title IX Coordinator or using the campus incident reporting forms below:

California

Clarion

Edinboro

If you are concerned about a student, due to behavioral issues, consider making a Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) report. The BIT reviews the information provided and make recommendations on further action, such as referrals and reports to other departments on campus.

Student Resources

Students have many options when making reports about incidents that occur on campus. Whether reporting incidents of sexual misconduct, student conduct violations, or criminal activity, the resources below are available to make anonymous or known reports.

Title IX Training

PennWest complies with federal and state law related to Title IX. The university participates in training through the Student Conduct Institute.

University legal counsel supplied Investigation Report Training to Title IX coordinators, deputy Title IX Coordinators, investigators, and student conduct staff.

Read the PennWest Student Code of Conduct.

 

Title IX Contacts

 

 

Non-Discrimination and Compliance

PennWest is committed to equal employment and equal educational opportunities for all individuals regardless of gender, gender identity, race or color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, religion or creed, genetic information, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, or other classifications that are protected under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other pertinent state and federal laws and regulations.  

The Office of Compliance and Title IX is a resource if you have questions or concerns related to Title IX equal employment opportunity, non-discrimination, or compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to civil rights. This includes, but is not limited to, ADA accommodations, protected classes, and discrimination and harassment prevention and response. Contact the Title IX Coordinator at 814-393-2109 or by email.

Inquiries also may be directed to:
The Director of the Office for Civil Rights
Department of Education
330 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20201

Disability Resources and Services

PennWest is committed to providing equal access and inclusive experiences to students, faculty, and staff with disabilities.

In keeping with this commitment, and in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the university will make reasonable accommodations to ensure equal opportunity in the application process, to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, and to enable an employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. Any individual who has a question or complaint regarding ADA may contact PennWest’s designated ADA coordinator by email or at 814-393-2109.

Office for Students with Disabilities

Students inquiring about accommodations may contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for assistance with requesting academic accommodations.

Pregnant and Parenting Students

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects students in all academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs or activities of schools. This includes prohibiting discrimination against pregnant and newborn-parenting students. Specifically, Title IX prohibits schools from excluding a pregnant student from participating in any part of an educational program, including the admissions process, attending classes, and completing coursework. This prohibition applies to all university policies, including the practices of individual instructors. Title IX also allows for excused absences.

So that they will not be disadvantaged in their courses of study or research, reasonable adjustments may be granted to students affected by pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, and childbirth. Adjustments may include alternatives for making up missed work and exams, and/or alternative assignments to make up for class participation points or attendance requirements.

For further information, including details regarding your rights and the obligations of PennWest University and its instructors, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

To request adjustment for your courses, contact the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Pregnant and Parenting Students.

Lactation Rooms

Additional Resources