TJU Policies: Student Sexual Assault

In accordance with its goal of providing a secure community for its students, Thomas Jefferson University has developed this sexual offense response policy. For the purpose of this policy, sexual offenses include, but are not limited to, rape, statutory rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent exposure, indecent assault and aggravated indecent sexual assault. A forcible sexual offense may be directed against another person against his or her will or against a person who is incapable of giving consent because of minority or incapacity.

A sexual offense is a criminal act which may subject the perpetrator to campus disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures and/or criminal and civil penalties under state and federal laws.

Educational programs are provided by Thomas Jefferson University's Department of Security, the Colleges' Offices of Student Affairs, the Residence Life Office of the Department of Housing and Residence Life and by some student organizations. They are advertised widely on campus. The programs are designed to promote awareness of rape and other sexual offenses.

Following the finding of guilt in an on-campus disciplinary procedure, sanctions could include, but are not limited to, suspension or expulsion from Thomas Jefferson University in accordance with the policies set forth in the statement of Student Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities.  The accused individual may also be prosecuted under Pennsylvania civil and criminal statutes by the appropriate civil procedures and criminal authorities.

1. When a report of a sexual assault is made to University authorities on an emergency basis, the Security Department or other University personnel will escort the person reporting the crime ("the complainant") to a place of safety and will identify, secure and maintain the scene of the alleged assault or offense, as appropriate, and in accordance with departmental guidelines. The complainant will be informed of the availability of immediate medical and/or psychological assistance at the TJUH Crisis Center and, if desired, Security personnel or other University staff will escort the person there. At that time, Security will also inform the complainant of the need to preserve evidence, if any, should he or she choose to pursue other legal avenues.
2. In all circumstances, the complainant shall be apprised of his or her rights and, with his or her permission, the following steps shall occur in the case of a reported sexual offense or assault:

The designated Student Affairs Officer in the appropriate College and the Director of the University Office of Student Affairs shall be notified in order to maintain coordination of campus services.

The complainant will be informed of the procedures for filing charges through the College disciplinary procedures and for filing criminal charges via the Sex Crimes Unit of the Philadelphia Police Department.

The Director of the University Office of Student Affairs will provide information regarding campus/community services available to the complainant for immediate and ongoing support.  These services include, but are not limited to, counseling through the University Health Service and referral to such community organizations as Women Organized Against Rape.  As appropriate, the Director will confirm with the complainant that the services sought on campus were provided.

Campus disciplinary procedures are detailed in the Statement of Student Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities under the heading of "Judicial System" in the College catalogs and/or student handbooks.  If the complainant chooses to follow the campus judicial system, both the complainant and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any Judicial Board deliberations.