2025-2026 Converse University Title IX Taskforce
titleix@converse.edu
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law and applies to educational institutions that receive federal funding. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs or activities, and protects all students, faculty, staff, and visitors from sex-based discrimination.
Title IX Office Responsibilities
Our goal is to assist those who have experienced prohibited conduct to ensure they are supported and receive the resources they need. The Title IX team's role is to:
- Explain the university’s policies and procedures prohibiting discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and related retaliation;
- Connect complainants and respondents to supportive measures and resources;
- Review the options available at the university when making a report or complaint;
- Advise complainants and respondents of their rights and resources;
- Investigate claims of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation;
- Engage in resolution.
Reporting Title IX Violations
While enrolled at Converse University, any individual who experiences or becomes aware of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation may report the concern by emailing titleix@converse.edu or by filing a complaint in person with the Title IX Coordinator. Submitting a report enables the University to support affected individuals and safeguard the campus community, even if the reporting party chooses not to file a formal complaint.
If the reported individual has a known history of violence or other factors indicating a potential risk of future misconduct, the Title IX Coordinator will take appropriate actions to help ensure the safety of the campus community. Reports are not made public; however, information may be shared on a limited, need-to-know basis to address safety and compliance obligations. While the University encourages individuals to report concerns directly to an Official with Authority (OWA) under the Converse University Sex & Gender Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedures, an anonymous reporting option is also available below.
Anonymous Title IX Reporting Form
Keep in mind, anonymous reports limit Converse's ability to respond, provide information about your options for further action, and connect you with supportive resources (e.g., medical and counseling services).
Clery Act
Originally known as the Campus Security Act, the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)) is the landmark federal law that requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. The law is tied to an institution’s participation in federal student financial aid programs and it applies to most institutions of higher education both public and private. The Clery Act is enforced by the United States Department of Education.
The law was amended in 1992 to add a requirement that schools afford the victims of campus sexual assault certain basic rights, and was amended again in 1998 to expand the reporting requirements. The 1998 amendments also formally named the law in memory of Jeanne Clery. Subsequent amendments in 2000 and 2008 added provisions dealing with registered sex offender notification and campus emergency response. The 2008 amendments also added a provision to protect crime victims, “whistleblowers”, and others from retaliation. The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to:
- Publish an Annual Security Report (ASR) by October 1
- Have a public crime log
- Disclose crime statistics for incidents that occur within a defined geography
- Report on crimes in seven major categories
- Issue timely warnings about Clery Act crimes
- Devise an emergency response, notification, and testing policy.
- Compile and publish an annual fire safety report
- Enact policies and procedures to handle reports of missing students
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report - September 2025
Confidential Resources:
Confidential resources are those that cannot legally disclose reports except under very limited circumstances, usually when there is an impending violent risk or threat to a person. The following offices offer confidential mental health and victims’ services regardless of whether one has filed a police or Title IX report:
Wellness Center
- Bethany Garr, MSEd, LPC — Director of Counseling & Wellness
- Chris Nichols, MS, LPC — Clinical Counselor
- Andee Martin, MEd, EdS, LPCA — Clinical Counselor
- Michelle Mathis, MSN, APRN, FNP-C — Nurse Practitioner, Spartanburg Regional Corporate Health Services
- Dr. Cade Walker — Psychiatry Resident, PrismaHealth
- Location: Andrews Hall, first floor (our entrance is at the rear of the building, facing the parking lot)
College Chaplain
External Resources:
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): Chat online 24/7 with a trained staff member who can connect you with resources, information, and support. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected to a local sexual assault support provider.
- Crisis Text Line: Need help? Whether it’s stress, anxiety, loneliness, bullying, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, just text "HELLO" to 741741.
- Love is Respect Hotline: If you have experienced dating violence/sexual assault, contact them to speak with supportive advocates 24/7 confidentially. They also provide additional advice for personal safety, healthy relationships, consent, and supporting others. Call: 1.866.331.9474 | TTY: 1.866.331.8453 | Text: LOVEIS to 22522
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can dial 988 or visit their website to chat online with a counselor. The lifeline provides free, 24/7, confidential support for people in emotional distress, substance abuse/recovery, or who need additional resources.
- Project R.E.S.T.: Project R.E.S.T. provides a 24/7 confidential hotline for domestic and sexual assault survivors seeking support in Spartanburg and surrounding areas. Additional supports available: crisis counseling, hospital accompaniment, police/court accompaniment, assistance with Order of Protection petitions, and/or emergency shelter. The hotline can be reached locally by calling (864) 583-9803.
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center: List of resources for survivors of sexual violence.
- Office of Victim Services: Victim Advocates are available to provide information and assistance to victims of offenders in Spartanburg County. They are the primary contact person for victims if they have questions about their criminal cases. Victim Advocates provide notification to victims and are trained to make referrals based on need. If the victim wishes to attend a violation hearing, a Victim Advocate will accompany them and explain the hearing process. Call 864.503.4625.