What Is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (amending the Higher Education Act of 1965) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities that receive federal funding. Sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence and other forms of nonconsensual sexual misconduct, is a form of sex discrimination and is prohibited under this law.
Southern Wesleyan University is fully committed to the Biblical Standard of sexual integrity as defined and practiced by The Wesleyan Church. At no time should any discussion of sexual behaviors be construed as endorsement of inappropriate sexual activity.
University Title IX Coordinator
The Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Education requires that every educational institution establish and follow a prompt, thorough and equitable process for addressing allegations of discrimination on the basis of sex. Colleges and Universities are required to designate one employee to coordinate the institution’s efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX.
If you would like to file a report, or should you have questions related to Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex or sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment and sexual violence), SWU's Title IX Coordinator is:
Diana Sanders
Rickman Library 221
864-644-5506
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Southern Wesleyan University endeavors to create an environment in which all members of the community are treated with the dignity and respect inherent in their position as creatures made in the image of God. Not only is discrimination on the basis of sex a violation of federal law; it is contrary to principles of Christian conduct. Consequently, it is the policy of Southern Wesleyan University that discrimination against individuals on the basis of sex is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. In compliance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Southern Wesleyan University does not discriminate in any of its practices, policies, or procedures on the basis of sex.
Sexual Misconduct Policy
SWU's Sexual Misconduct Policy, which is effective August 14, 2020, includes the Title IX definition of Sexual Harassment along with SWU's procedures for responding to all reports of Title IX and non-Title IX sexual misconduct, supportive measures, conduct of investigations, hearings, determinations and appeals procedures.
SWU's Sexual Misconduct Policy
Education and Training
SWU is committed to providing a campus environment that is free of discrimination on the basis of sex. Therefore, we have partnered with Vector Solutions to deliver online courses specifically tailored to our student communities (on campus and online) and our faculty and staff.
SWU is also committed to education and training of its Title IX team. As required by the Department of Education's 2020 Title IX regulations, on an ongoing basis, SWU will be providing links to training materials for this effort:
Reporting and Support
Individuals who believe they have experienced, witnessed, or learned of Sexual Misconduct, including sex discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation in violation of SWU's Sexual Misconduct Policy, should report any incident to the Title IX Coordinator. Reports may be made in person, by mail, by telephone, or by e-mail using the contact information above. A report may be made at any time, including during non-business hours, by mail, telephone, or e-mail. The Formal Complaint form may be used to submit a complaint to Diana Sanders, Title IX Coordinator at
CONFIDENTIAL RESOURCES
Confidential resources do not have to disclose information related to incidents of sexual violence to the Title IX Coordinator. The following confidential resources are available to Individuals who believe they have experienced, witnessed, or learned of Sexual Misconduct.
COUNSELING AND MEDICAL CARE
Located on the top floor of the Jennings Campus Life Center (CLC), the Counseling and Health Center provides free professional medical care (including screenings and testing) and mental health counseling to students upon request. All medical and counseling services are protected by doctor/patient confidentiality. To schedule an appointment call 864-644-5131.
Learn more about the services of the Counseling and Health Center.
PASTORAL CARE
Staff members in our Spiritual Life Office that perform pastoral and spiritual counseling are also considered confidential resources. To schedule an appointment call 864-644-5432.
FORMAL COMPLAINTS
Central Police
Reports of sexual assault should be made as soon as possible to a Campus Safety Officer at 864-508-0107, or in an emergency dial 911 (9-911 if calling from a campus phone). A Campus Safety Officer will assist you in contacting the Central Police Department to file a criminal complaint.
The City of Central Police Department can be contacted directly at 864-639-4020.
UNIVERSITY TITLE IX OFFICE
The Title IX Coordinator, or her/his designee, investigates all complaints regarding discrimination on the basis of sex or sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment and sexual violence). To make a complaint to the Title IX Coordinator you can email, stop by the office to make an appointment or call the office.
Diana Sanders
Rickman Library 221
864-644-5506
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Baptist Easley Hospital
If you have been sexually assaulted, do not shower, eat, drink, comb your hair, or change your clothes before going to the emergency room. For all emergency services, our partner is Baptist Easley Hospital. Upon arrival ask for a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).
200 Fleetwood Drive
Easley, SC 29640
(864) 442-7200
Victims Advocate Services
The Pickens County Advocacy Center provides free 24 hour, 365 day crisis intervention services to SWU students. An advocate will meet you at the hospital as well as assist you with all reporting options. You can contact them by calling the 24/7 hotline at (864) 442-5500.
Outside of Pickens County, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE(4673) and you will be routed to the nearest sexual assault service provider.