Title IX
University policies and procedures regarding sexual offenses and other misconduct
Title IX Information and Resources
Concordia University is required to comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq. (“Title IX”), which states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” For more information, read our policy against sex discrimination.
Access Concordia’s Title IX Resource Guide
This guide was created to describe Concordia University Irvine’s policies and procedures regarding sexual offenses and sexual harassment. It also provides helpful information to survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking, including various options and resources that are available.
Title IX Complaint Form
File a complaint with the University to report an incident.
Victim Rights and Resources
There has been much national attention regarding sexual assault and misconduct on college campuses. Concordia University takes allegations of sexual violence, assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and other sexually inappropriate conduct seriously. As a Christian institution, we believe that sexual intimacy is part of God’s perfect and good design for our lives and should be experienced within a loving and committed union of marriage. As a University, we are working to create a safe and supportive campus community free from sex discrimination. We want to make sure that anyone who reports experiences related to such discrimination feels safe, knows her or his rights, and is aware of all available resources and options to continue to have the opportunity to be successful.
Title IX-related experiences are some of the most difficult life experiences; support and next steps for all parties can be difficult to navigate. I am here to help you and connect you to the correct resources to help you through this process.
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me. Student success at Concordia University is a priority, and we will support your Title IX-related journey with privacy, equity and due process, and most importantly with Christian care and concern. We strive to “Honor One Another,” as found in Romans 12:10 through a Christian community that is free of sex discrimination.
In Christ,
Megan C. Bouslaugh
Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students
Chief Title IX Coordinator
[email protected]
Concordia Community Resources
Student Resources
Understanding Your Options
If you are the victim of an assault or other misconduct, you have options on how you can proceed. View the resources available to support you.
Privacy and Confidentiality
The University is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals involved in a report of sexual misconduct or relationship violence. In any report made under the policies, the privacy interest of those involved will be protected in a manner consistent with the need to respond to and to conduct a thorough review of the incident reported. Information will only be shared with those individuals who have a legitimate need to know the information in order to assist in the response to, investigation, and/or resolution of the complaint.
Confidentiality is not the same as privacy. Confidentiality means that the information shared with a certain University employee or outside professional cannot be disclosed to others without the express permission of the individual who shares the information.
To file a complaint with the University, please complete our online form, which will be submitted electronically to the Title IX Coordinator.
Faculty and Staff Resources
Reporting Procedures
Please remember that Concordia University Irvine requires all faculty or staff who have responsibility for student welfare to promptly report information about any incident of sexual misconduct or relationship violence as provided below unless the employee is required by law to keep that information confidential by virtue of his or her professional role. In addition, those employees who have been informed by the Department of Campus Safety that they are “Campus Security Authorities” under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act are legally required to report such incidents to the Department of Campus Safety.
If you feel that a student may disclose any information to you that he or she would like to keep confidential, make every effort to ensure that he or she understands the following:
- You are obligated to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator who will begin an investigation
- All reports made to the Title IX Coordinator will be kept private. Information will only be shared with those individuals who have a legitimate need to know the information in order to assist in the response to, investigation, and/or resolution of the complaint.
- The student can speak confidentially to the Wellness Center, Campus Pastor, as well as off-campus crisis centers and hotlines.
Understanding Your Options
If you are the victim of an assault or other misconduct, you have options on how you can proceed. View the resources available to support you.
Privacy and Confidentiality
The University is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals involved in a report of sexual misconduct or relationship violence. In any report made under the policies, the privacy interest of those involved will be protected in a manner consistent with the need to respond to and to conduct a thorough review of the incident reported. Information will only be shared with those individuals who have a legitimate need to know the information in order to assist in the response to, investigation, and/or resolution of the complaint.
Confidentiality is not the same as privacy. Confidentiality means that the information shared with a certain University employee or outside professional cannot be disclosed to others without the express permission of the individual who shares the information.
Individuals who wish to obtain confidential assistance without making a report to the University may do so by speaking confidentially with professionals who are obligated by law to maintain confidentiality, subject to the stated terms of confidentiality of that office.
To file a complaint with the University, please complete our online form, which will be submitted electronically to the Title IX Coordinator.
Training and Education
Concordia University Irvine has zero-tolerance for sexual abuse and violence. The Title IX Office is committed to providing a living, learning, and working environment that promotes personal integrity and mutual respect in a setting that is free of discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes all forms of sexual misconduct.
Education: Concordia University Irvine’s Commitment to All
In support of Concordia University Irvine’s sexual harassment, stalking, and sexual violence policies, Concordia University Irvine provides the following sexual assault educational resources and awareness education to all faculty, staff, and students.
- Annual Title IX and sexual assault prevention education for resident directors, resident assistants, student leaders, athletes, and coaches
- Mandatory Sexual Harassment training during Orientation (WOW) for all new and transfer students
- Training all employees through the Office of Human Resources during new-hire orientation
- Distribution of information on Sexual Harassment, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking including information listed in the Student Code of Conduct and the Employee Handbook
- Additionally, Campus Safety provides walk-up access to the Campus Safety Office, reporting services to on-ground officers, office phone, or by Titan HST phone app, safety escorts 24/7, safety videos/ presentations (upon request)
Informational Videos
- Education on Protected Classes
- Concordia University Irvine’s Title IX Investigation Process
- Title IX Basic Training for Employees
Training: The Title IX Team
Concordia University Irvine will ensure that all Title IX Coordinators, investigators, and mandated responsible employees with the authority to address sexual violence are trained how to respond promptly, effectively, and appropriately to reports of sexual violence. The Title IX Team is trained through ongoing monthly meetings led by the Title IX Coordinators as well as annual trainings hosted by third-party companies.
As a part of the training of employees, Concordia University Irvine will ensure that professional counselors, pastoral counselors, and nonprofessional counselors also understand the extent to which they may keep a report confidential. These trainings will also ensure that all responsible employees know their obligation to report sexual violence to appropriate university officials.
Prevention: Bystander Intervention
If acts of violence against other individuals are observed, members of the Concordia University Irvine community have the option to intervene to help stop the act, only if it is safe and positive to do so without risking further harm. Suggested options include:
- Dial 911
- Contact Campus Safety at: (949) 214-3000
- Witnesses can yell to draw attention to an act of violence from a safe distance in order to frighten off the perpetrator and remain in the area to provide witness information to the authorities
How to File a Complaint
Concordia encourages all members of the University community to report information about any incident of sexual misconduct, relationship violence, or any other form of misconduct whether the incident occurred on or off campus. Here’s how to file a complaint.
Nondiscrimination Statement for Student Programs
Concordia University Irvine is an educational institution controlled by The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod that takes seriously anti-discrimination provisions under federal and state law and is committed to providing a learning and living environment that promotes student safety, transparency, personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect.
Concordia University Irvine does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or any other protected class in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, athletic programs or any other university-administered programs, except to the extent that religious freedom exemptions apply.
Concordia University Irvine has not applied for the regulatory exemption under Title IX, 34 C.F.R. section 106.12, but the Title IX statutory exemption provided by congress, see 20 U.S.C. section 1681(a)(3), is self-executing. As an educational institution that is controlled by a religious organization, Concordia University Irvine is entitled to that statutory exemption to the extent the application of Title IX is not consistent with the institution’s religious tenets.
Concordia University Irvine is exempted by the state from California Education Code 66270 to the extent the application of California Education Code 66270 is not consistent with the institution’s religious tenets. The exemption may apply to, but is not limited to, requirements as expressed in University policies, including policies found in the Student Code of Conduct, the Housing Handbook, the Student Handbook, the Student-Athlete Handbook, the Employee Handbook, and the Employee Student Handbook. Concordia University Irvine retains all rights afforded to us under federal law and the laws of the State of California.
Get in Touch
Get the help and answers you need.
Office of Student Conduct
CSLD 101
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612-3203
Phone: (949) 214-3075
Email: [email protected]