Jurisdiction

Title IX requires a university to address all sex or gender-based harassment/discrimination occurring under its education program or activity in the United States. Conduct that occurs under Andrews University's education program or activity includes, but is not limited to:

On-Campus: All on-campus violations are deemed to disrupt or threaten the educational environment. The campus includes the geographic confines of the University, including its land, roads, buildings, Andrews Academy, Ruth Murdoch Elementary School and University housing.  

Off-Campus Within the U.S.: All off-campus violations within the U.S. are deemed to disrupt or threaten the educational environment if they occur in a context over which the University has substantial control or if the violations are subject to the University's disciplinary authority. Examples include off-campus conduct, which:

• Occurs during a University-sponsored event (e.g., field trips, social or educational functions, University-related travel, student recruitment activities, internships and service-learning experiences);
• Occurs outside of a University-sponsored event (e.g., a non-University social event, an event in a private residence) but allegedly limits or denies a person's access to the University's education program or activities or otherwise contributes to a hostile environment within the education program; and
• Involves students in the United States enrolled in the University's College of Education & International Services or other off-campus educational programs.

Off-Campus Outside the U.S.: Conduct occurring in a study abroad program is not governed by Title IX regulations. However, if a student returns to the United States and conduct that occurred in a study abroad program contributes to a hostile environment in the United States, that conduct may be relevant and considered by the University so that the University can address the sex discrimination occurring within its program in the United States.

Online: Violations can occur in a variety of forums on the internet. Online harassment can include, but is not limited to, unwelcome conduct on social media platforms such as sex-based derogatory name-calling, the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images (including authentic images and images that have been altered or generated by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies), cyberstalking, sending sex-based pictures or cartoons, and other sex-based conduct. Some of these mediums include, but are not limited to, chat rooms, forums/message boards, social networking sites, instant messaging, email, avatars, advertising, redirected/automatic linking, spam and pop-ups. The University will have jurisdiction where the University has substantial control over an identified respondent using University computer and internet networks and social media platforms.

Allegations of misconduct that do not fall within the University's Title IX jurisdiction may still be subject to the processes contained in the University's Code of Student Conduct or its "Working Policy" or "Employee Handbook."

For disciplinary action to be issued under this policy, the respondent must be a University faculty, student or employee at the time of the alleged incident. If the respondent is unknown or is not a member of the University community, the Title IX Coordinator will offer to assist the complainant in identifying appropriate supportive measures and/or remedial actions. When the respondent is enrolled in or employed by another institution, the Title IX Coordinator can assist the complainant in contacting the appropriate individual at that institution, as it may be possible to pursue action under that institution's policies.

Cases Involving Only Employees: The University will respond to sex or gender-based harassment/discrimination involving faculty and/or staff according to these processes, understanding that cases involving only faculty and/or staff also fall under Title VII and, as such, are handled primarily by the Office of Human Resources.

All vendors serving the University through third-party contracts are subject to the policies and procedures of their employers.