Resources to Help You Stay Safe and Confident
Hesston College has several resources available to those affected by sexual misconduct. Below is a list as well as what they are or are not trained to do within this process.
Confidential Resources
Confidential resources are members of our Hesston College community who have confidentiality privileges due to their role at Hesston College and the type of credential or license held (i.e. counselor, pastor, advocate). Confidential resources are not under any obligation to report specifics of your concern to the Title IX coordinator. These individuals are trained to ensure you know your rights, our obligations as an institution and the resources available to you. They will only break this confidentiality should there be an imminent safety threat to you or the campus or if the concern involves a minor. Confidential resources are trained through their field expertise and receive annual training on Title IX policy, procedures and their responsibilities in handling reports as confidential resources.
The following are confidential resources:
- Jose Gloria / Campus Counselor
- Dee Nelson / Safehope Advocate (see below for more information)
- Nick Ladd / Co-Campus Pastor
- Michele Hershberger / Co-Campus Pastor
Responsible Employees
Responsible employees are all able to receive a report of sexual misconduct. All of our faculty and staff members who are not explicitly listed as confidential resources will report a concern of sexual misconduct to the Title IX coordinator. They are trained to communicate to you your rights, our obligations as an institution and discuss the resources available to you, or they can point you to someone who can more fully help. All responsible employees receive annual training on their responsibilities in that role.
Responsible employees are anyone who is not listed as a confidential resource.
Law Enforcement
Hesston College has an administrative, not a criminal, process to follow when sexual misconduct is reported. Typically, the complainant determines any law enforcement involvement, though Hesston College will contact law enforcement in situations of imminent student safety or where otherwise required by law. Individuals are encouraged to file a report or to contact law enforcement when a sexual misconduct situation occurs.
Hesston College will comply with law enforcement requests for cooperation, and such cooperation may require the college to suspend the fact-finding aspect of an investigation while the law enforcement agency is in the process of gathering evidence. The college will promptly resume its investigation as soon as notified by the law enforcement agency that it may do so.
The college will implement appropriate interim steps during the law enforcement agency’s investigation period to provide for the safety of the participating individuals and the campus community and to mitigate retaliation.
Advisor
Hesston College provides advisors who are trained in Title IX policy and process with emphasis on the Title IX hearing process. These advisors also receive training in trauma informed care. The complainant and respondent have the right to an advisor of choice to join them during this investigation and hearing process. The advisor may be your choice of a trained advisor provided by the school, a friend, faculty or staff member, family member or an attorney. If an advisor is not chosen or the advisor decides to discontinue participation in this process, one will be assigned to the party by the college for the purpose of conducting questioning of the other party and witnesses at the hearing. Advisors have the right to accompany a party to any investigatory meeting, the investigation report and evidence subject to inspection and to attend the hearing and question directly, orally and in real time the other party and any witnesses by asking all relevant questions and follow-up questions, including those challenging credibility.
loveisrespect
loveisrespect’s purpose is to engage, educate and empower young people to prevent and end abusive relationships. Resources include information on dating basics, healthy relationships, determining if something is abuse and interactive quizzes to help determine if specific actions are healthy or how you might help in certain situations. Highly trained advocates offer support, information and advocacy to young people who have questions or concerns about their dating relationships. Free and confidential phone, live chat and texting services are available 24/7/365.
Safehope
Safehope provides advocacy and support to all survivors and secondary victims of domestic and sexual violence and stalking in Harvey county. Safehope creates a safe environment for survivors to understand the resources and options available to them and get support as they begin to heal from trauma. Staff is available 24/7 off campus and is on campus Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. They are considered a confidential resource.
Phone: 800-487-0510 or 316-283-0350