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Compliance and Integrity

Office of Compliance and Integrity

Point Park University's Office of Compliance and Integrity (OCI) is the focal point of policy development and compliance in accordance with local, state and federal laws covered within the University's nondiscrimination statement. Under the Office of Compliance and Integrity, there are three policies currently covered:

Online Reporting

The Office of Compliance and Integrity utilizes Maxient for online reporting. Instead of emailing or visiting the Office of Compliance and Integrity, you may also report online. The Office of Compliance and Integrity will handle reports for instances of Title IX and instance of protected category discrimination and harassment.

Nondiscrimination Statements and Title IX Regulations

Point Park University provides two statements: a Nondiscrimination Statement and a Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination. Additionally, please see below for the current Title IX regulations and information regarding the proposed Title IX regulations that were released in June 2022.

This policy affirms Point Park University's commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and the pursuit of diversity. Point Park University does not discriminate on the basis of: sex, race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, age (40 years and over), ancestry, individuals with disabilities, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, caregiver status or familial status, in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities or with respect to employment or admission to the University’s educational programs and activities. 

This policy is in accord with local, state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Pittsburgh Human Relations Act, etc. 

Point Park University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs, activities, or employment practices. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq., and its implementing regulations, 34 C.F.R. Part 106, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance and requires the school not to discriminate.

Point Park’s Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment, Relationship Violence, and Stalking  has been revised to align with the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Education under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and the scope of this policy is limited to conduct that occurs within the United States and conduct that occurs within the University’s education program or activity. Violations that fall outside of the scope of this policy will be addressed through the Student Code of Conduct and the Policy on Discrimination and Harassment.

The University’s goal will remain to respond to formal complaints in a manner that will  stop the prohibited conduct, prevent its recurrence, and remediate any adverse effects of such conduct on campus or in University-related programs or activities. The University will also provide for informal resolution for complaints that do not involve an employee and a student.

The University will continue to address and revise University polices to ensure that all student’s rights are safeguarded, that the processes in place are fair and that the environment is inclusive for all members of the University community. The Title IX office implemented a virtual hearing process with cross-examination for all current cases that fall within jurisdiction.

The U.S. Department of Education has released proposed changes to Title IX regulations. Please see the following federal links regarding proposed changes to the current Title IX regulations:

Sexual Harassment and Reporting

Under current Title IX regulations, the definition of sexual harassment has changed as of August 14, 2020. Additionally, below you fill find information regarding reporting instances of sexual harassment.

Sexual Harassment is conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one of the following:

  • An employee of the recipient conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the recipient on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (i.e. quid pro quo);
  • Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the University’s education program or activity;
  • Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking as defined in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Sexual harassment is a matter of particular concern to an academic community in which students, faculty and staff are related by strong bonds of intellectual dependence and trust.

You may contact any of the Title IX contacts listed on this page, under the Title IX Contacts heading, to make a report or you can complete an Online Incident Report. This report may be completed by a victim, a third party or anonymously. This report can be seen by the Vice President of Human Resources, the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Dean of Student Life, the Director of Student Conduct, the Assistant Director of Title IX and the Equity Investigator. Once a report is received it will be routed to the AVP of Equity and Inclusion/Title IX Coordinator who will determine what action, if any, is required for the conduct that is alleged.

Any inquiries or complaints related to Title IX can be made by contacting Stephanie Stark Poling at 412-392-8158, sstarkpoling@pointpark.edu, or 201 Wood Street, 104A Student Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Guide for Reporting Workplace Sexual Harassment in Pennsylvania. This guide brings together information and resources on how to identify and report workplace harassment.

Confidential Support, Resources, Crisis Support

 

  • Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR): 24-Hour Free Confidential Hotline: 1-866-END-RAPE (1-866-363-7273)
    Call anytime to speak with a trained counselor.
    PAAR Helpline Live Chat
  • Resolve Crisis Services Hotline: 1-888-7-YOU-CAN (1-888-796-8226)
  • Counseling Support After-Hours
    You may call the University Counseling Center after hours at 412-392-3977 to be transferred to the Student Assistance Program to speak with a licensed mental health clinician. If you are not transferred, you may call the Student Assistance Program directly at 1-833-483-398 
  • Point Park University Police
    412-392-3960
  • 911