PennWest’s Office of Equity 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.”

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.

Sex Discrimination includes Sex-Based Harassment, which includes sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, and discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Reports of Sex Discrimination can be filed using the  incident report form or by contacting the Title IX Coordinator.

Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff members are considered mandatory reporters and are required to report to the Title IX Office any instances of Sex Discrimination or child abuse of which they are aware.  Reports can be made using the incident report form or by contacting the Title IX Coordinator.

• Protection of Minors Policy
• ‍Protection of Minors Policy Handbook

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 Sex Discrimination, student conduct violations, or criminal activity, the resources below are available to make anonymous or known reports.

• Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment Report Form
• ‍Student Code of Conduct
• ‍Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment Policy
• Non-Discrimination Policy
• Policy on Parental Family or Marital Status, including Pregnancy and Related Conditions
• ‍Sex Discrimination Brochure (California)
• ‍Sex Discrimination Brochure (Clarion)
• ‍Sex Discrimination Brochure (Edinboro)

Title IX Training

PennWest complies with federal and state law related to Title IX.  All University employees involved in the resolution process for Sex Discrimination complaints, including the Title IX Coordinator, investigators, decision-makers, and informal resolution facilitators is provided through the Student Conduct Institute.  Additionally, all university employees receive training on their responsibilities related to Title IX. Training materials are available upon request.

Title IX Contacts

 

 

Equal Opportunity, Equity, 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 Equity and Title IX Office is a resource if you have questions or concerns related Title IX, equal opportunity, equity, 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.

• Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment Report Form

• ‍Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment Policy

• Non-Discrimination Policy
• Policy on Parental Family or Marital Status, including Pregnancy and Related Conditions

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

Informal Resolutions

Informal Resolutions through the Dean of Students Office’s Mediation Services Program is an outreach program for students, groups, and student organizations when they are in conflict with others. Working through conflict is never an easy process, but it allows for personal growth and healthy discourse with individuals and groups. We value the process and the desire to come to a mutually beneficial conclusion to the conflict. Informal Resolutions can be performed by the Assistant Dean or Associate Dean of the Dean of Students Office.

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.

• ADA/504 Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation Policy
• ‍Reasonable Accommodation Form

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

• U.S. Department of Education: Know Your Rights
• ‍Title IX Basics: The Pregnant Scholar