Student’s Bill of Rights & Sexual Violence Response Policy

Columbia-Greene Community College is committed to supporting victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The college ensures all individuals have the following rights:

1. Report to Law Enforcement: You have the right to report incidents to local law enforcement or state police.
2. Serious Consideration of Disclosures: Your reports of violence will be taken seriously.
3. Freedom to Decide on Disclosure: You can choose whether or not to disclose a crime and participate in the process without pressure.
4. Fair and Impartial Process: You are entitled to a fair and impartial process with adequate notice and the opportunity to be heard.
5. Dignity and Respect: You will be treated with dignity and respect in healthcare and counseling services.
6. Freedom from Blame: You will not be blamed for the crimes or violations committed against you.
7. Minimized Repetition of Incident Description: You will not be required to repeatedly describe the incident to multiple representatives.
8. Protection from Retaliation: You are protected from retaliation by the institution, the accused, or their associates.
9. Access to Appeal: You have the right to appeal the determination made in your case.
10. Right to an Advisor: You may have an advisor of your choice to assist you during meetings and hearings.
11. Exercise of Civil Rights: You may exercise civil rights and practice religion without interference from the college's processes.

Sexual Violence Response Policy:

Columbia-Greene Community College is committed to supporting victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The college’s policy outlines the rights and options for individuals who have experienced these incidents.

Reporting Options: Victims and survivors have the right to:

1. Confidential Disclosure: Share the incident confidentially with designated college officials for assistance.
2. External Resources: Access confidential support services from hotlines and advocacy groups.
3. Private Disclosure: Report the incident to college officials for guidance on remedies, accommodations, evidence preservation, and resources.
4. Criminal Complaint: File a criminal complaint with campus security, local law enforcement, or state police.
5. Legal Assistance: Receive assistance from the Title IX Coordinator to initiate legal proceedings.
6. Institutional Report: Report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator
7. Employee Report: Report if the accused is an employee by contacting the Human Resources Office.

Rights of Victims/Survivors: The college ensures that victims and survivors have the following rights:

• To make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police.
• To have disclosures of violence treated seriously.
• To decide whether to disclose a crime or participate in processes without institutional pressure.
• To participate in a fair, impartial process with adequate notice and the opportunity to be heard.
• To be treated with dignity and receive courteous health care and counseling services.
• To be free from any blame for the incident.
• To minimize repetition when describing the incident.
• To be free from retaliation by the institution, the accused, or others within the institution’s jurisdiction.
• Access to at least one level of appeal.
• To be accompanied by an advisor of choice throughout the process.
• To exercise civil rights and practice religion without interference from the college’s processes.

Confidential Resources:

The college provides confidential resources, including:

• On-Campus:

  • Student Health Services: 518-697-6303

• Off-Campus:

  • REACH Center: 518-828-5556 Hudson or 518-943-4482 Catskill

Campus Resources:

The college offers campus resources such as:

• Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Students – Andrew Ledoux, 518-697-6320

Community Resources:

Off-campus community resources include:

• Various local organizations offering intervention services and counseling.

For more detailed information, including contact details and additional resources, please refer to the college's official policies and the Student Handbook. 

The college encourages all members of the community to report any incidents of sexual misconduct. Several confidential resources are available to students, faculty, and staff who are not yet ready to report an incident. These individuals can help a victim/survivor obtain needed resources, explain reporting options, and assist in navigating the reporting process. These resources are required by law to keep all communications confidential without an individual’s express consent to release information. 

Please note that the college reserves the right at any time to make appropriate changes deemed advisable in the policies and procedures contained in this publication. The college also reserves the right to cancel any course described in this or any other college publication.

Academic Accommodations:

Columbia-Greene Community College supports students who have experienced sexual misconduct by offering academic accommodations and interim measures to ensure their well-being.

Available Accommodations:

• Adjustments to academic or work schedules.
• The ability to withdraw from or retake a class without penalty.
• Access to academic support services, such as tutoring.

Interim Measures: To protect victims/survivors during the investigation process, the College may implement measures such as:

• Issuing no-contact orders.
• Placing the accused on suspension.
• Denying the accused access to campus or changing their course schedule.

These accommodations and measures are designed to assist victims/survivors in continuing their education while ensuring their safety and well-being.

For assistance and resources, students can contact the following confidential and private resources:

• Student Health Services: 518-697-6303
• REACH Center: 518-828-5556 (Hudson) or 518-943-4482 (Catskill)
• Title IX Coordinator: Andrew Ledoux, (518) 697-6320

Protection and Accommodations:

Columbia-Greene Community College offers various protective measures and accommodations to support victims/survivors of sexual misconduct.

• No Contact Orders: The College may issue a "No Contact Order" to prevent any direct or indirect contact between the accused and the victim. If the accused is encountered in a public place, they must leave immediately. Both parties can request a review of the No Contact Order.
• Assistance with Legal Proceedings: The College can help initiate legal actions, such as obtaining an Order of Protection or equivalent protective orders if the victim is outside of New York State.
• Interim Measures: Interim measures may include changes to academic schedules, housing, or employment to protect the victim’s safety and well-being during the investigation process.

For further assistance, contact Title IX Coordinator, Andrew Ledoux, at 518-697-6320 or andrew.ledoux@sunycgcc.edu.

Student Conduct Process:

Columbia-Greene Community College is committed to supporting students who have experienced sexual misconduct by providing comprehensive protection and accommodations. These measures are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected individuals throughout the conduct process.

Protection and Accommodations:

• No Contact Orders: The College can issue a "No Contact Order" to prevent the accused from contacting the protected individual. If the accused and the protected person encounter each other in a public place, the accused is responsible for leaving the area immediately without direct contact. Both parties have the right to request a review of the need for and terms of this order.
• Assistance with Legal Proceedings: The College can assist in initiating legal actions, such as obtaining an Order of Protection or its equivalent, including support from Campus Security or other College officials.
• Explanation of Orders: The College will provide a copy of the Order of Protection and offer an opportunity to meet with a College official to explain the order and its implications.
• Consequences for Violations: The College will inform both parties about the consequences of violating such orders, which may include arrest, additional conduct charges, and interim suspension.
• Interim Suspension: If the accused is a student and poses a continuing threat to the health and safety of the community, the College may impose an interim suspension pending the outcome of the conduct process. Both parties can request a review of the need for and terms of this suspension.
• Interim Measures for Non-Students: If the accused is not a student but is a member of the College community and poses a continuing threat, the College may implement interim measures in accordance with applicable policies.
• Assistance with Non-College Members: If the accused is not a member of the College community, the College can assist in obtaining a persona non grata letter, subject to legal requirements and College policy.
• Interim Measures and Accommodations: The College can provide reasonable and available interim measures and accommodations affecting academic, housing, employment, transportation, or other arrangements to ensure safety, prevent retaliation, and avoid an ongoing hostile environment. Both parties can request a review of these measures. The Title IX Coordinator serves as a point of contact for these accommodations.

Student Conduct Process:

Columbia-Greene Community College is committed to providing a fair and supportive process for students who have experienced sexual misconduct. The College ensures protection and accommodations for individuals involved in the conduct process. Below are key elements of the process:

Protection and Accommodations:

• No Contact Orders: The College can issue a "No Contact Order" to prevent contact between the accused and the protected individual. The accused must leave if they encounter the protected person in a public area. Both parties can request a review of the order.
• Assistance with Legal Proceedings: The College can assist in obtaining an Order of Protection or its equivalent, including support from Campus Security or other officials.
• Explanation of Orders: A copy of the Order of Protection will be provided, and a College official will explain its implications.
• Consequences for Violations: Violating such orders may result in arrest, additional conduct charges, or interim suspension.
• Interim Suspension: If the accused is a student and poses a threat, the College may impose an interim suspension pending the outcome of the conduct process.
• Interim Measures for Non-Students: Interim measures may also be implemented for non-student members of the College community.
• Interim Measures and Accommodations: Reasonable measures such as changes to academic, housing, or transportation arrangements may be provided to ensure safety and prevent retaliation.

Student Conduct Process:

• Requesting Conduct Charges: The reporting individual can request that conduct charges be filed.
• Rights During Proceedings: Both parties have the right to:
  • Be accompanied by an advisor of choice.
  • Have a prompt and impartial investigation.
  • Receive notice of meetings and hearings with relevant details.
  • Have concurrent investigations with criminal justice proceedings.
  • Present evidence and testimony, including via alternative arrangements (e.g., video conferencing).
  • Ask questions indirectly of other parties and witnesses.
  • Make an impact statement regarding sanctions.
  • Receive a written decision, including rationale.
  • Appeal the decision to a fair panel.
  • Access a full record of the hearing for at least five years.
  • Choose whether to disclose the outcome.

For questions or assistance, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Andrew Ledoux, at Room 302, 518-697-6320, or andrew.ledoux@sunycgcc.edu.