Students’ Bill of Rights

Students’ Bill of Rights

The State University of New York and MVCC are committed to providing options, support and assistance to the reporter of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking to ensure that they can continue to participate in the College’s campus programs, activities, and employment. All reporters of these crimes and violations, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction, have the following rights, regardless of whether the crime or violation occurs on campus, off campus, or while studying abroad:

All students have the right to:

      1. Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
      2. Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual
          assault treated seriously;
      3. Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and
          participate in the judicial or conduct process and./or criminal justice process
          free from pressure from the institution;
      4. Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice
          and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
      5. Be treated with dignity and to receive from the institution courteous, fair,
          and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
      6. Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when
          these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a
          different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
      7. Describe the incident to as few institutional representatives as practicable
          and not to be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident.
      8. Be free from retaliation by the institution, the accused and/or the
          respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the
          jurisdiction of the institution;
      9. Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
    10. Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a
          reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or
          conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to
          such process; 
    11. Exercise civil rights and practice of religion  without interference by the
          investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the College.

Reporters have many options that can be pursued simultaneously, including one or more of the following:

  • Receive resources, such as counseling and medical attention;
  • Make a report to:
    • An employee with the authority to address complaints, including the Title IX Coordinators:
      • Executive Director of Human Resources, Academic Building Room 113, 315-792-5636
      • Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Payne Hall, Room 347, 315-792-5456
    •  Public Safety:
      • Department of Public Safety
        • In an emergency, dial 911
        • Utica Campus, Room 106, 315-731-5777 or by dialing '5777' from any on campus emergency red phone.
        • Rome Campus, Room 119, 315-334-3559
      • Local law enforcement; and/or 
        • Utica Police Department, 413 Oriskany St W, Utica, NY  315-735-3301
        • Rome Police Department, 301 N James St #1, Rome, NY 315-339-7780 
      • Family Court or Civil Court

Copies of this Bill of Rights shall be distributed annually to students, made available on every college’s website, and posted in each campus residence hall, dining hall, and student union or campus center and shall include links or information to access the Sexual Violence Response Policy below and the Options for Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Violence.

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