Sexual Misconduct Policy & Procedures

This policy applies to the employment and education program and activities of Augustana University, to conduct that takes place on the campus or on property owned or controlled by Augustana University, at Augustana-sponsored events or in buildings owned or controlled by Augustana University’s recognized student organizations. The Respondent must be a member of Augustana’s community in order for its policies to apply.

Reports of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation should be made promptly. There is no time limitation on the filing of grievances as long as the accused individual remains subject to Augustana’s jurisdiction. All reports are acted upon promptly while every effort is made by Augustana to preserve the privacy of reports.

Regardless of where the conduct occurred, Augustana will address notice/complaints to determine whether the conduct occurred in the context of its employment or educational program or activity and/or has continuing effects on campus or in an off-campus sponsored program or activity. Augustana will address off-campus conduct when such conduct represents a substantial University interest or substantially impacts a member of the Augustana community.

A substantial Augustana interest is defined to include:

  • Any action that constitutes a criminal offense as defined by federal or state law. This includes, but is not limited to, single or repeat violations of any local, state or federal law committed in the municipality of Sioux Falls where Augustana is located;
  • Any situation in which it is determined that the Respondent may present a danger or threat to the health or safety of self or others;
  • Any situation that significantly impinges upon the rights, property or achievements of self or others or significantly breaches the peace and/or causes social disorder; and/or
  • Any situation that is detrimental to the educational interests of Augustana.

Off-campus discriminatory or harassing speech by employees may be regulated by Augustana only when such speech is made in an employee’s official or work-related capacity.

The Associate Dean of Students serves as Augustana’s Title IX/Equity/Affirmative Action Coordinator (hereafter referred to as Title IX Coordinator) and oversees implementation of Augustana’s policy on equal opportunity, harassment and nondiscrimination and sexual misconduct.