Policy Category | Policy Owner | Version Effective Date | Review Cycle | Last Reviewed | Policy Contact |
VI. Administration | SVP, General Counsel, and Chief People Officer | October 9, 2025 | Every 5 years | October 9, 2025 | Title IX Coordinator |
Purpose
The University of Maryland Global Campus ("UMGC") is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from Sexual Misconduct. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits sex-based discrimination. Sexual Misconduct that falls outside of Title IX is also addressed under this Policy. Certain behavior under this Policy may also constitute criminal activity. UMGC prohibits and has zero-tolerance for Sexual Misconduct in any form, including, sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, sexual intimidation, and sexual coercion. Once UMGC receives Actual Knowledge of potential Sexual Misconduct, UMGC will take immediate and appropriate action to eliminate it, prevent its recurrence, and address its discriminatory effects.
The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the UMGC's efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX, and this Policy. The Title IX Coordinator may have a legal obligation to report a crime to local law enforcement. UMGC's Title IX Coordinator is:
Jamie Thayer
E-mail: titleixcoordinator@umgc.edu
Office: 800-888-8682, ext. 17930
UMGC Headquarters
3501 University Blvd, East
Office of Community Engagement & Opportunity
Adelphi, MD 20783
The Office of Community Engagement & Opportunity (OCEO) is responsible for overseeing UMGC's training and educational programs related to Sexual Misconduct. To learn more about various resources, on-going training initiatives, and education programs for students, faculty and staff; please contact OCEO via email at communityengagementandopportunity@umgc.edu or by telephone at 301-985-7940.
All persons involved in responding to, investigating, or adjudicating Sexual Misconduct reports, or who are involved in the Sexual Misconduct complaint investigation and resolution processes, will participate in annual training that includes information about intake, investigation and adjudication of Sexual Misconduct complaints under UMGC's policy and procedures.
Scope and Applicability
UMGC has jurisdiction over Title IX and Sexual Misconduct complaints made in connection with its programs and activities, and this Policy applies to all members of the UMGC community, which includes students, faculty, and staff. It also applies to contractors and other third parties within UMGC's jurisdiction. UMGC's jurisdiction applies to Sexual Misconduct that occurs in any UMGC education program or activity that:
Otherwise threatens the health and/or safety of a member of the UMGC community.
Nothing in this Policy is intended to supersede or conflict with any federal compliance obligations. As UMGC strives to prevent and redress sex discrimination, it will continue to respect academic freedom and the free speech rights of students, faculty, employees, and other speakers. This Policy is not intended to restrict the exercise of any expressive activities or speech protected under the U.S. Constitution, specifically, classroom discourse or materials pertaining to sex or gender-based, course-related content.
The Policy may also apply to the effects of off-campus misconduct that limit or deny a person’s access to UMGC’s Education Program or Activities. UMGC may also extend jurisdiction to off-campus and/or to online conduct when the conduct affects a substantial UMGC interest.
Definitions
For purposes of this Policy, the following definitions apply:
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
When provided with Actual Knowledge of Sexual Misconduct in its education programs or activities, UMGC will respond promptly in a manner that is not deliberately indifferent, to correct and remediate the misconduct. A response is "deliberately indifferent" if it is clearly unreasonable considering the known circumstances.
Confidentiality
UMGC recognizes that Sexual Misconduct is a sensitive issue for all parties involved and is committed to operating with discretion, and maintaining the privacy of individuals to the greatest extent possible under applicable law.
An individual who has been subjected to Sexual Misconduct is not required to participate in any investigation or adjudicative proceeding. However, UMGC will endeavor to provide supportive services. Except as permitted by FERPA, required by law, or necessary to carry out the purpose of this Policy, UMGC will maintain as confidential any Supportive Measures provided to the parties, to the extent that maintaining confidentiality would not impair the ability to provide measures. Measures designed to ensure confidentiality will not restrict the ability of either party to discuss allegations or gather and present relevant evidence.
Amnesty for Reporting Sexual Misconduct
UMGC prohibits student conduct action (except for a mandatory intervention for substance abuse) for a violation of alcohol or drug use policies by a student who reports Sexual Misconduct to UMGC or law enforcement or participates in a Sexual Misconduct matter as a witness, if UMGC determines that:
Supportive Measures
Supportive Measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, without fee or charge any party or witness in a Title IX matter. To afford a safe and secure environment, either party can also request Supportive Measures from the Title IX Coordinator at any time during the investigation and adjudication process, and thereafter. The Title IX Coordinator will determine which measures are available and appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
Supportive Measures may include, but are not limited to:
Any other actions deemed appropriate by the Title IX Coordinator. The parties will also be informed about existing health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, and other services available at UMGC or in the community.
UMGC strongly encourages individuals who have experienced Sexual Misconduct to seek assistance from one or more of the many external reporting resources, each which provides a range of support services and varying degrees of confidentiality. These resources include, but are not limited to, the National Sexual Assault Hotline, health and counseling services and centers, legal services, and law enforcement. Visit UMGC Wellness Resources or contact UMGC's Title IX Coordinator for information.
While these External resources may provide support services, contacting these External resources does not constitute notice to UMGC and will not cause UMGC to take steps to provide protective measures or trigger an investigation.
Complaint Procedures
UMGC uses the preponderance of the evidence standard of evidence when determining whether a Policy violation occurred. This means that UMGC will decide whether it is more likely than not, based upon the available information at the time of the decision, that the Respondent violated the Policy.
For disciplinary action to be issued for Title IX Sexual Harassment under the Policy, the Respondent must be a UMGC Student or Employee at the time of the Formal Complaint. For allegations other than Title IX Sexual Harassment, UMGC may issue disciplinary action under the Policy if the Respondent was a UMGC Student, or Employee at the time of the alleged misconduct. If the Respondent is unknown or is not a member of the UMGC community, the Title IX Coordinator will offer to assist the Complainant in identifying appropriate institutional and local resources and support options and will implement appropriate supportive measures and/or remedial actions (e.g., trespassing a person from campus). UMGC can also assist in contacting local or institutional law enforcement if the individual would like to file a police report about criminal conduct.
Rights of Complainants and Respondents
All parties, including students, will be treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity by UMGC officials during all phases of the process. The accompanying Procedures are designed to allow for a fair and impartial investigation, as well as prompt and equitable proceedings and resolutions that provide an opportunity for all parties to be heard.
All parties will be given timely written notice of:
The rights to appeal and a description of the appeal process.
Throughout the process, all parties will be entitled to participate in the investigation and adjudication of complaints. All parties will be provided with:
An opportunity to appeal a determination or sanction.
Any party may be accompanied to any hearing, meeting, or interview during the investigation and adjudication process by no more than two people, including one Support Person and one Advisor. A Support Person may provide emotional, logistical, or other assistance to the party. An /pAdvisor, who may be an attorney, may consult privately with the party during meetings and interviews, except during questioning of the party at a hearing, and may assist with the party's exercise of their rights during the proceedings.
The accompanying Procedures will establish informal mechanisms for resolving complaints through Alternative Resolution. Alternative Resolution may be appropriate for resolving a complaint if:
Legal Representation Fund for Title IX Proceedings (Students Only)
Student Complainants and Student Respondents may elect to retain an attorney to serve as their Advisor, though assistance by an attorney is not required. The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has developed resources to assist current and former students in retaining an attorney to serve as an Advisor at no or low cost to the student. MHEC will provide a list of licensed attorneys who have indicated that they may represent students in Title IX proceedings on a pro bono basis or for reduced legal fees. A student's attorney may seek reimbursement of certain legal costs and fees from MHEC's Legal Representation Fund for Title IX Proceedings, subject to the availability of funding.
Student parties shall be provided notice of their right to assistance by an attorney as an Advisor at the beginning of the investigation and adjudication process, and shall be informed of the legal service organizations and referral services available to the student. Student parties may select and retain an attorney as an Advisor at any point before the conclusion of the process.
Retaliation
Retaliation by a member of the UMGC Community against an individual who makes a complaint of Sexual Misconduct, participates in an investigation of a complaint, supports a complaint, or testifies concerning a complaint is expressly prohibited by this Policy. Any UMGC faculty, staff, or student who encounters retaliation is strongly encouraged to immediately report such conduct to the Title IX Coordinator. Any employee who is found to have retaliated is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Any student who is found to have retaliated is subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Individuals who believe they have experienced retaliation in violation of this policy should immediately report such conduct to the Title IX Coordinator.
Prevention and Awareness Education
Education is an extremely important tool in eradicating sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct, from the UMGC workplace and educational programs. UMGC Community will receive educational information to increase awareness about sex discrimination.
All incoming UMGC students are assigned Title IX/Sexual Misconduct prevention training as part of new student orientation.
UMGC employees including adjunct and collegiate faculty members will be required to participate in a two-hour training on Sexual Harassment in compliance with Maryland Law.
External Government Agencies That Address Complaints of Sexual Misconduct
In addition to filing a complaint under this Policy and Procedures, members of the UMGC Community may contact external agencies. A person wishing to file a complaint with an external agency should contact the appropriate agency promptly to verify the time limits and deadlines for filing complaints.
Complaints that UMGC failed to comply with its obligations under Title IX in the state of Maryland should be directed to:
Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
Phone: 1-800-421-3481 or 202-453-6100
E-mail: ocr@ed.gov
Website: https://www.ed.gov/about/contact-us
OCR Electronic Complaint Form: https://ocrcas.ed.gov/welcome-to-the-ocr-complaint-assessment-system
Employee Complaints involving Sexual Misconduct may also be filed with:
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
City Crescent Building
10 S. Howard Street, Third Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 800-669-4000
Fax: 410-962-4270
TTY: 1-800-669-6820
Website: http://www.eeoc.gov/field/baltimore/index.cfm
Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR)
William Donald Schaefer Tower
6 Saint Paul Street, Ninth Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202-1631
Phone: 410-767-8600
Fax: 410-333-1841
TTY: 410-333-1737
Related Policies, Procedures, and References
Inquiries concerning the application of this Policy may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator. Nothing in this Policy is intended to supersede or conflict with any federal compliance requirements. This Policy supersedes any conflicting policy and procedures contained in:
UMGC Policy V-1.03 – Code of Student Conduct with respect to sexual misconduct matters.
UMGC Employee Grievance Process with respect to sexual misconduct matters.
UMGC Overseas Employee Grievance Process with respect to sexual misconduct matters.
UMGC Faculty Grievance Process with respect to sexual misconduct matters.