Nondiscrimination and Harassment Frequently Asked Questions

It is the policy of Northwest University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or genetic information in its admissions, educational programs or activities, or employment.

The phrase “educational programs or activities” includes instruction, grading, financial aid, training programs, internships, externships, social and recreational activities, and other aspects of the educational programs or activities at the University.

Discrimination in employment prohibited by this policy includes discrimination in hiring, compensation, promotion, transfer, retirement, evaluation, discipline, benefits, termination, and other employment practices.

Complaints or reports may be made in person, by telephone, by voicemail message, by email, or by letter to an Equal Opportunity (EO) Grievance Officer, or an EO Grievance Officer designee. The Title IX Coordinator is also an EO Grievance Officer. EO Grievance Officers will accept anonymous and third-party reports. The person making an anonymous complaint or report is encouraged to provide as much detail as possible to allow the EO Grievance Officer to investigate the allegation and respond, as appropriate. The lack of sufficient information may limit the EO Grievance Officer’s ability to conduct a meaningful and fair investigation.

Sexual Harassment as defined under the Title IX regulations means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

• a university employee (including a faculty member) conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the University on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
• 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; or
• Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, or Stalking.

Title IX Sexual Harassment must also occur within an education program or activity and against a person in the United States.

The University remains committed to addressing any unlawful sexual harassment and any violation of its policies, even those not falling within the scope of Title IX Sexual Harassment. The following are seven other University resources (and there may be others) that address inappropriate conduct falling outside of the Title IX policy and procedures:

• Nondiscrimination and Harassment Policy Including Sexual Harassment (Not covered by Title IX)
• Discrimination Grievance Procedures Including Sexual Harassment (Not covered by Title IX)
• Community Handbook
• Graduate/Online Student Handbook
• Employee Manual
• Faculty Manual
• Staff Manual