Students’ Bill of Rights

Students’ Bill of Rights

Pursuant to Article 129-B, Section 6443, of the New York State Education Law, in matters related to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, all students have the right to:

      1. Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
      2. Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating/intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;
      3. Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure from by the College;
      4. Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
      5. Be treated with dignity and to receive from the College courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
      6. Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
      7. Describe the incident to as few College representatives as practicable and not to be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident.
      8. Be protected from retaliation by the College, the accused and/or the
          respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the College;
      9. Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
    10. Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; 
    11. Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the College.

Reporters have many options that can be pursued simultaneously, including one or more of the following:

  • Receive resources, such as counseling and medical attention;
  • Make a report to:
    • An employee with the authority to address complaints, including the Title IX Coordinators:
      • Title IX Coordinator, Payne Hall, Room 347, 315-334-7701
      • Executive Director of Human Resources, Payne Hall, Room 349A, 315-792-5636
      • Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Alumni College Center, Room 208, 315-792-5394
    •  Public Safety:
      • Department of Public Safety
        • In an emergency, dial 911
        • Utica Campus, Academic Building, Room 106, 315-731-5777 or by dialing '5777' from any on campus emergency red phone.
        • Rome Campus, Plumley Complex, Room 119, 315-334-3559
      • Local law enforcement; and/or 
        • Utica Police Department, 413 Oriskany St W, Utica, NY  315-735-3301
        • Rome Police Department, 301 N James St #1, Rome, NY 315-339-7780 
      • Family Court or Civil Court

Copies of this Bill of Rights shall be distributed annually to students, made available on every college’s website, and posted in each campus residence hall, dining hall, and student union or campus center and shall include links or information to access the Title IX Grievance (Sexual Violence) Policy and the Options for Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Violence.

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