Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What if I was sexually assaulted last year?

There is no time limit for reporting incidents of sexual assault, and there is certainly no time limit to reach out to an advocate or counselor and get assistance for dealing with an assault. Its normal for victims to not want to come forward at first, so don’t feel as though if you haven’t come forward to talk about it that you can’t. You can speak with a confidentially to an advocate at the Sexual Assault Help Center, and if you would like to report the incident, you can report it to a member of the Title IX Team:

Complaints or notice of alleged policy violations, or inquiries about or concerns regarding Title IX policy and procedures, may be made internally to:

Director of HR & Development
Title IX Coordinator
1704 Market Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
304-214-8901
rbrak@wvncc.edu    
www.wvncc.edu/offices-and-services/title-ix-/5251

Chris Kefauver
Deputy Coordinator for Academic Affairs
ckefauver@wvncc.edu
304-214-8875

Debbie Bennett
Deputy Coordinator for the New Martinsville Campus
dbennett@wvncc.edu
304-510-8761

Lisa Soly
Deputy Coordinator for the Weirton Campus
lsoly@wvncc.edu
304-723-7515

What is the College doing toward prevention?

WVNCC has increased the amount that is being done to inform members of the College community related to sexual assault. Training opportunities will be offered continually through both the Student Activities Center, online via SafeColleges, and the Professional Development Committee.

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I have suggestions or concerns, who do I contact?

If you have concerns specific to a particular incident, contact a member of the Title IX Team:

Complaints or notice of alleged policy violations, or inquiries about or concerns regarding Title IX policy and procedures, may be made internally to:

Director of HR & Development
Title IX Coordinator
1704 Market Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
304-214-8901
rbrak@wvncc.edu    
www.wvncc.edu/offices-and-services/title-ix-/5251

Chris Kefauver
Deputy Coordinator for Academic Affairs
ckefauver@wvncc.edu
304-214-8875

Debbie Bennett
Deputy Coordinator for the New Martinsville Campus
dbennett@wvncc.edu
304-510-8761

Lisa Soly
Deputy Coordinator for the Weirton Campus
lsoly@wvncc.edu
304-723-7515

What is a Title IX Coordinator?

The Federal Regulations accompanying Title IX state: Each recipient [of federal funds] shall designate at least one employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under this part, including any investigation of any complaint communicated to such recipient alleging its noncompliance . . . the recipient shall notify all its students and employees of the name, office address and telephone number of the employee or employees appointed pursuant to this paragraph.
65 Fed. Reg. 52867 at § .135(a).

What is the purpose of Title IX as it relates to sexual misconduct?
Title IX is about eliminating threatening or abusive behavior, preventing the recurrence of these behaviors, and addressing the effects through support and resources. Title IX is about creating an equitable system for adjudicating cases and, ultimately, creating a community where sexual misconduct will not be tolerated so that all community members can thrive.

Are all employees at WVNCC required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator?

As members of the West Virginia Northern Community College community, we are concerned about the well-being and development of our students, employees, and friends of the College. Faculty are legally obligated to share information with the College’s Title IX Coordinator or member of the Title IX Team in certain situations to help ensure that the safety and welfare of our College Community member is being addressed, consistent with the requirements of the law. These disclosures include but are not limited to reports of sexual assault, relational/domestic violence, and stalking.

What is retaliation?  As an employee, what should I do if I report and then believe the respondent is retaliating? 
Retaliation against an employee for filing a complaint in good faith is prohibited.  Any acts of reprisal, intimidation, discrimination or harassment for coming forward with a complaint could be considered retaliation.  If you believe that retaliation may have occurred, you should report your concern immediately to, your supervisor, or the Title IX Coordinator.

Is it true that false accusations are not common?

Yes, it is true that they are not common. This fear of false accusations is common, but unfounded. Only 2% of all rape accusations are false, which is the same percentage as for any other felony.

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