Student Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can I talk to if I have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking?
An individual who is not prepared to make a report, but who still seeks information and support is encouraged to contact a confidential resource. Conversations with confidential resources are privileged meaning that they cannot be disclosed to another without the reporter’s consent, expect in certain limited circumstances involving minors or if there is an immediate and serious threat to any person or property.
Confidential resources:
If you would like more information on your options for reporting and supportive measures:
- Contact the Title IX (non-confidential resource) Office at 320-363-5943. Reporting to the Title IX Office does not automatically activate a complaint process or obligate the complainant to participate in the complaint process.
Will CSB and SJU contact my parents if I report an incident of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking?
Typically, no. As a college student, you are protected by FERPA which prevents the college or university from sharing information with your parents. An exception to this protection is made if there is a serious health or safety concern for the student. We can assist a student in telling his/her parents and will work with parents based on the level of permission granted by the student.
If someone I know has experienced violence or abuse, am I required to report as a student?
In general, students are not required reporters under Clery, Title IX or VAWA. Some students, who serve in positions with significant responsibility for student and campus activities, such as RAs, are required reporters. If a student hears of an incident of sexual misconduct while in their role as an employee of CSB and SJU, the student would be required to report the information to the Title IX office.
Why should I make a report?
By reporting, you will be provided supportive measures and resources by the institution. Our goal is to help you begin your healing journey. Reporting to the Title IX Office does not automatically activate a complaint process or obligate you to participate in any process. In most cases, any decisions about how to move forward with a formal complaint will be up to the complainant. There are instances where the institutions determine they must move forward without the complainant’s participation. For example, if the safety of other members of the community is at risk, CSB and/or SJU have a responsibility to act in pursuit of the overall safety of the community.
Will other people on campus find out if I choose to report a sexual assault?
Your information will be kept private and only shared with individuals directly involved in the complaint process if a complaint is formally filed. Limited information could be shared with individuals involved in providing supportive measures to the complainant. See information in the question below on Supportive Measures.
I am concerned about my safety. What can CSB and SJU do to help protect me from retaliation or further harm?
Student safety is one of our main concerns. The Title IX coordinator will work with you to discuss supportive measures and safety planning that may be helpful. Retaliation is prohibited. Any acts of retaliation should be reported to the Title IX office as soon as possible.
What are supportive measures?
Supportive measures are considerations that the Title IX office can make for students that are reasonable, necessary, or appropriate to protect the parties involved in an incident of sexual misconduct and/or to protect the campus community. Such measures may include but are not limited to connecting individuals with needed resources on and off campus, making changes to academic, living, transportation, and/or working arrangements, academic accommodations, no contact directives, assistance filing a criminal complaint, providing information on restraining orders, and providing information on services at a different institution if the student transfers.
What is safety planning?
There are ways to reduce risk of being a victim of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and/or stalking. If you would like to discuss ways to plan for safety in your life, please contact the Title IX Office for more information at 320-363-5943.
Can I report information anonymously?
Yes, you can file a report using the online reporting system without filling in your name. Please be aware that we will be limited in the follow-up and response that can be done without being able to identify the reporting party.
Will I get in trouble if I was using drugs or alcohol when the incident occurred?
CSB and SJU strongly encourage students to report instances of Sexual Misconduct. Therefore, any student who makes a good faith report about Sexual Misconduct and/or who participates in a Complaint Resolution Process will not be disciplined by CSB or SJU for any violation of the institutions’ drug, alcohol, or open house policies in which they might have engaged in connection with the reported incident, except as outlined in the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy, Section VIII.H. Waiver of Drug, Alcohol or Open House Policy Violations. CSB or SJU may still require the individual to participate in educational or restorative action. In addition, a waiver may not be extended in instances where the conduct constituting a violation of the Institutions’ drug, alcohol, or open house policies causes harm to any individuals or where the conduct constitutes a felony crime. In such cases, the Institutions may still pursue disciplinary action for the alleged violation of the Institutions’ drug, alcohol, or open house policies.
Does CSB and SJU report incidents to law enforcement?
No, the decision to report to law enforcement will be left up to you. The only exceptions would be for cases involving abuse of minors or if you are at risk of harming yourself or someone else.
What is consent?
Consent means words or overt actions by a person indicating a freely given, present agreement to perform a particular sexual act with the person initiating sexual contact. Consent must be freely given without threats, coercion, or intimidation.
Can a person give consent if they have been drinking?
Maybe. If the person is incapacitated, they cannot give valid consent. Incapacitation means the inability to understand the fact, nature, or extent of the sexual situation. Incapacitation may result from mental or physical disability, sleep, unconsciousness, involuntary physical restraint, or from the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What if I am concerned about pregnancy?
It is important to seek medical care if you would like to talk about any concerns regarding pregnancy. The CSB and SJU Well-Being Center (Health Services) team are available by appointment at 320-363-5605.
What if I am assaulted or abused traveling abroad?
It is important that you get the appropriate help that you need by reaching out to the Program Director and/or Center for Global Education staff for support and resources.
How does the policy apply to International Students?
The Title IX and Sexual Misconduct policy and procedures apply the same for International students and domestic students who experience sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking.
What support is available for students accused of sexual misconduct?
If you are named as a respondent in a sexual assault complaint, you will be contacted by a Title IX Coordinator(s). The policy and procedures will be reviewed with you, and you have a right to choose an individual to serve as your advisor. In a formal complaint process, you will be asked to meet with an investigator assigned by CSB and SJU to provide a statement and answer questions. If you are found responsible for a violation of the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, you will be sanctioned accordingly, up to and including suspension or expulsion.
Being accused of sexual misconduct, or having someone that you know be accused, can be stressful. You are encouraged to seek support to determine how to best navigate this situation. The majority of people who work for the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University are required to report information related to sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator, if you wish to speak with a confidential resource, your on-campus options are:
- CSB and SJU Counseling: 320-363-3236
- CSB and SJU Health Services: 320-363-5605
Support and Prevention Resources:
- Bias and Hate Reporting
- Project EMBRACE
- CERTS
- Well-Being Center
- Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center
- Anna Marie’s Alliance
- Family-friendly Resources