April 23, 2018
To: Dr. Brian Bruess, President, St. Norbert College
RE: Title IX
President Bruess,
We the undersigned students, support more effective Title IX policies and procedures at St. Norbert College. We have gathered from different positions across the SNC community which has brought to light numerous problems relating to Title IX policies on campus, specifically the matter of sexual assault. Many students have experienced victimization and have felt they have not been heard by the college’s administration throughout the reporting process. Victims of sexual assault and Title IX-related issues have not had their human dignity upheld, as members of our community, as a result of lacking and underdeveloped Title IX procedures and action plans. Every student at SNC–of all backgrounds–has the right to feel safe and aware of issues concerning sexual crimes and concerns regarding discrimination on campus. We feel that there are ways in which this situation can be improved through collaboration between the student body and administration, specifically with the Title IX Coordinator and the Division of Mission and Student Affairs. This letter will explore areas of concern and proposed plans of action to enhance the campus climate in relation to matters concerning Title IX.
Problems
Briefly, we will now outline the problems being faced on our campus. It has been reported by several students who have shared their stories that there appears to be a lack of unity across campus departments in managing Title IX issues; in the spirit of continuous improvement, the administration should look into organizing a process improvement strategy to resolve this. With significant amounts of sexual crimes and Title IX-related issues–whether reported or unreported–occurring on campus going unaddressed, there is a perceived lack of support and encouragement to report from on-campus staff responsible for resolving these instances. Furthermore, the responses received from administrators have lacked urgency for the needs of victims and bystanders as demonstrated by inconsistency in the handling of students’ cases; this is shown by the lack of educational programming and development for faculty, staff, and students surrounding Title IX as well as the absence of an on-campus bystander trauma supporter for those who witness traumatic events. Members of our student body have gone unheard and were not properly assisted when reporting sexual assault. Several cases have not been followed through to completion. Finally, there is a serious matter of a lack of transparency in instances of sexual criminal activity on campus, leading to the absence of conscious awareness about the safety of the environment for all students. We call for the St. Norbert College administration to invite students to express input on Title IX matters in order to exercise our collective right to safety and access to education on a mandatory residential campus.
Requests
Continued Title IX training for faculty and staff
We recognize the steps MSA has taken in providing Title IX training for faculty and staff. We encourage continued and improved education and training for all who work for St. Norbert College, beyond online training. Students are molded by those who assist and educate them, and it is crucial that all members of our community are properly educated on important issues such as Title IX.
Public awareness and increased programming
The student body requires more public awareness of the definitions of and policies toward gender-based and sexual harassment, along with appropriate and effective education for students throughout their academic career, beyond First Year Orientation programming.
Clarification of the roles of the Title IX Coordinator and Division of Mission & Student Affairs
We are seeking clarification regarding how the Division of Mission and Student Affairs and Title IX Coordinator communicate ongoing issues on campus as well as who, within said offices, are the appropriate contact points to handle student concerns regarding this subject. There has been confusion amongst students as to who makes decisions regarding Title IX processes and policies.
It is our view that although the Title IX Coordinator and the Division of Mission and Student Affairs work closely with the student body, the Title IX Coordinator should be the main contact point for students dealing with the Title IX process.
Statement from MSA and Title IX in support of student victims
We advocate for the need for the support and prevention of sexual assault and Title IX-related problems from the St. Norbert College administration. It also requests a public statement published in collaboration from the Division of Mission and Student Affairs, the Title IX Coordinator, and the college President in support of victims whose rights to safety on campus have been violated. This statement should indicate the intention to act on behalf of students pursuing a plan of action to protect their personal interests, especially in the reporting process.
Acknowledgement of the existence of the Title IX Working Group and an invitation to students to work with civility and collaboration on campus issues relating to sexual assault
It is recognized that the Title IX Working Group exists as a way for St. Norbert College faculty, staff, and students to work together to eliminate sexual violence. However, throughout the life of this group, not only has faculty presence been limited, but staff members have outnumbered students more often than not. We would like to create an environment for this group wherein no hierarchy of power exists, but rather, faculty, staff, and students are equally respected and involved. We, as students, want to have continued involvement in efforts against sexual assault on the SNC campus in a safe and productive space. We want our voices to be truly heard and acknowledged in this group and see positive results from our existing collaboration.
Transparency
We recommend the adoption of a transparency initiative. This includes the sharing of information about Title IX-related incidents directly pertaining to students on campus (especially in cases of rape, sexual assault, and date rape drugs present on campus) via the email announcement system and an online incident log. It would also call for easier access to the Clery Act and information on the proper process for incident reporting. Such an initiative would provide students with more awareness in regards to their level of safety on campus and potentially lower the amount of incidents as a result. Safety should be held at the same level of importance as confidentiality. This initiative does not call for the identity of students to be revealed in regards to an incident.
Reinstitute the Green Dot Bystander program for bystander training of students, staff, and faculty across campus
The Green Dot Bystander program is shown to statistically reduce sexual assault on campuses and provide knowledgeable person resources. Although providing this program comes at a cost, we, as students, believe it is worth the time and money it takes as it would improve the SNC community and lives of the students.
Effective Title IX leadership and training for the Title IX Coordinator
St. Norbert College adopted an Anti-Discrimination policy in 2016, and the positions of Senior Advisor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as well as Title IX Coordinator are held by
the same person. These two positions, while related, ultimately create confusion amongst students. We believe there needs to be a separation between these positions, and the hiring of a second individual to staff both positions separately to create more effective support for students.
Adoption of third-party advocates unaffiliated with the college, which includes: a Sexual Assault Center Counselor, a Victims’ Rights Advocate (adult who works between Title IX Coordinator, Judicial Affairs, and the victim) and a Title IX student worker
There are three positions, that if added to the college, would help students and staff as they move through the reporting process and work through the aftermath of Title IX incidents. To support the counseling services already in place, we believe that a part-time counselor specifically trained in trauma and sexual assault would be of help to students and staff. Many want to reach out to counseling to share their stories, but have felt like the support they received, though generally well-intentioned, could have been more beneficial if it had come from someone with training specific to trauma support.
A sexual assault advocate, much like those in victim services at the Wisconsin DOC and Sexual Assault Crisis Center, would help students mediate between judicial affairs, the Title IX office, and other day-to-day aspects of reporting. A victim-survivor advocate would ensure the student a safe space to talk with an expert about the judicial affairs process and reporting outside the college.
A student worker position would also benefit the college. This position would allow students the ability to work with the legal aspects of Title IX, work toward more transparency, and act as a liaison between student groups like the Student Government Association and the Title IX office. This position could train on sexual assault reporting and advocacy, bystander awareness and action, and clerical work in the Title IX office.
We, the undersigned members of the St. Norbert College community, student body, and student organizations strongly urge you to support our mission and take action to make this college a safer place for the entire community.
Signatures
Sarah Chojnacki, 2019
Equality Project Vice President
Alexa Paleka, 2019
Vice President of College Relations 2017-2018
Student Government Association
Anna Huck, 2019
Equality Project President
Elizabeth Lampereur, 2020
Paige Bonner, 2019
Residential Assistant
Rowing Club Vice President
Brian Strack, 2018
Green Knight TV President
Haley Robertson, 2019
President of CC Hams
President of SHRM
Taylor Rudie, 2019
President, Sigma Nu Delta
Secretary, SNC Curling Team
Tyler Butts, 2018
Order of Omega President
Shannon Salter, 2018
President of Best Buddies
Hannah Fusfeld, 2019
President, Panhellenic Council
Foundation Liaison, Alpha Xi Delta Iota Lambda Chapter
Sarah Rolfs, 2020
President of Alpha Xi Delta
Zachary Dickhut, 2019
Stephanie Doerfert, 2019
Annika Neerdaels, 2019
Abigail Hayes, 2018
Emma Blazel, 2021
Olivia Biskobing, 2021
Vice President of Green Knight TV
Anna Lipscomb, 2021
Logan Badalich, 2019
JV Ice Hockey Captain
Tim Brandt, 2020
Gavin Sorensen, 2020
President, Phi Delta Theta
Natasha Igl, 2019
Emily Beltran, 2020
Milena Pirman, 2019
College Democrats President
Hannah Sherfinski, 2019
Cecillia Clausen, 2019
Briana Scott, 2019
Psychology Club President
Abigail Bauer, 2019
Gabriel Golubeff, 2019
President, Tau Kappa Epsilon
Kathryn Heeg, 2020
President of Women in Business
Jasmine Babineaux, 2019
Sarah Steink, 2019
Coordinator
Pen Pals Organization
Joshua Bregger, 2019
President, BIG
Lauren Hoyer, 2019
Co-Chair of Entertainment, Dance Marathon
Treasurer, SNC Rowing Club
Alex Gruber, 2018
President, Co-editor in Chief
Omicron Delta Kappa, The St. Norbert Times
Keely Iserman, 2018
President of Accounting Club
Patrick Mckevitt
President
The Investment Club
Marcel LaFountain, Class of 2018
President, Interfraternity Council
President, National Residence Hall Honorary
Tau Kappa Epsilon Member
Jenna Decker, 2018
Beau Fountaine, 2021
Student Government Representative
Student Government Association
Kieran Wallace, 2019
Robert Bengtson, 2018
Brittany Vosen, 2020
MAL, Delta Phi Epsilon
Amanda Schmidt, 2019
President of Untouchables
Josh Leach, 2019
Leadership Development Student Coordinator - Greek & Independent Life
Party.0 Group Leader
Danny Wilson, 2018
Olivia Graham, 2018
Quincy Fassbender, 2019
Allison Schneider, 2021
Megan Merkel, 2018
Tim Fifarek, 2018
Phi Delta Theta Member, Student Government Representative
Michaela Sumnicht, 2018
President of Residence Hall Association
John Berens, 2018
Cole Grabowski, 2019
Tau Kappa Epsilon
The Electric Company Ugly
Aspiring Educators Vice President
Sarah Verzal, 2021
Brianna Amore, 2021
Kappa Beta Gamma
Adam Strube, 2018
Student, St. Norbert College
Events and Participant Relations Coordinator, TRIPS
President, SNC Spikeball Club
President, SNC Ultimate Frisbee Club
Nataly Alanis, 2019
President of Sangres Sin Fronteras
Aisling Jelinski, 2018
Miriam Lyons 2020
President SNC Circle K
Morgan Rachelle-Fessler, 2019
President of LGBTQ+ Spectrum Alliance
Co-Founder and Vice President of SNC Musers of Color
Treasurer of the SNC Electric Company
Julia Serra 2019
Vice President, Oxfam America
Elizabeth LeMere, 2019
Oxfam America at SNC President
Kelsey Motto, 2018
Emerson Bartch, 2018
Lillianna Swenson, 2020
No Nonsense President
Elizabeth Scheuer, 2019
Austin Hess, 2019
Mikaela Wolf, 2019
Kelly Hawkins, 2019
Holly Hammann, 2019
President of Delta Phi Epsilon
Krystal Binversie, 2019
Sam Sorenson 2019
Colleen Mandell, 2018
Owen Ward, 2018
Carrie Jandourek, 2019
Emily Boland, 2019
Sarah Bradow, 2020
Abby Janto, 2020
Katherine de Guia, 2018
Neale Tracy, 2021
Sarah Conard, 2018
Sam Kalies, 2019
Logan Groh, 2021
SGA Freshman Representative
Emily Hirsch, 2021
Kiera Matthews, 2019
President of the National Association for Music Education at SNC
Social Media Specialist for Theta Phi Alpha, Knight Theatre, & the Knights on Broadway
Matthew Schlichter, 2018
William Myers, 2019
Dan Heimerl, 2018
Ellie Lochner, Class of 2020
Alexis Puyleart, 2019
Nicholas Surprise, 2020
John McGorey 2019
Johanna Zielinski, 2020
Brianna Born, 2019
Social Life Chair, Theta Phi Alpha
Village Project Student Coordinator, Sturzl Center for Community Service and Learning
Kylie Marsden, 2021
SGA Sophomore Representative
John Ingwell, 2018
Bryce Daniels, 2019
President of SCI of St. Norbert College
Fundraising Chair for National Association for Music Education of St. Norbert College
Secretary of St. Norbert College Klezmer Ensemble
Brianna Welch
President of The Electric Company
Kathryn Kugel, 2020
Student Government Association Class Representative
Brigid Moran, 2018
Jack Zampino, 2019
Treasurer of LGBTQ+ Spectrum Alliance
Kelly Kuehl, 2019
International TRIPS leader
Letti Stafford 2021
Natasha Rynish, Class of 2021
Kali Cashion, 2021
President of Sensenbrenner Community Council
Craig Louis, 2019
Vice-President, BIG
President, SNC Role-Play Gamers' Guild
Mason VanRossum, 2020
LSE Office Student Coordinator - Student Organizations
Tau Kappa Epsilon - Risk Management Chair
Inter-Fraternity Council Representative
Hailey Buss, 2020
Ben Vande Zande, 2018
Walker Lake, 2019
President of Musers of Color
Kyra Kronberg, 2020
Joe Oleniczak 2018
Captain, Men's Tennis Team
Community Chair SNC Spikeball Club
Courtney Makowski, 2018
Clare Kelly, 2021
Alex Grover, 2019
Nicole Fellrath, 2019
Social Media Specialist, St. Norbert Times
Caytie Joe Boknevitz, 2018
Jonathan Kent, 2019
Jack Perrin, 2021
Molly VandenHouten, 2019
Danielle Harris, 2018
Hannah Kruse, 2018
Mary Holz, 2018
Sophia Hagen, 2018
Samuel Ward, 2018
Tau Kappa Epsilon Member
Elizabeth Hein, 2019
Dance Team
Jess Sherman, 2018
CRU President
Roberta Schlenvogt, 2019
Sydney Gauthier, 2018
Valerie Rivas, 2021
Sarah Parbs, 2018
Olivia Johnson, 2018
Catherine Gundrum, 2021
William Ulrich, 2021
Student Government Association
Stephen Lin, 2018
Kylie Pedersen, 2021
Molly Linczeski, 2019
Cole Johnson, 2021
SarahEllen Sankey, 2021
Vice President of LGBTQ+ Spectrum Alliance
Alli Kempen, 2019
Captain, Dance Team
Ryan Roethle, 2021
Michelle Ramirez, 2019
Leigha Casper, 2018
Madeleine Wenc, 2019
Hattie Kruschek, 2021
PBL Vice President
Emory Payne, 2021
Internal Philanthropy Director, Alpha Xi Delta
Kyra Lanser, 2019
Henry Lansing, 2020
President SNC Radio
Head Football Team Manager
SNC Radio
Elisha Jaeke, 2020
Molly Gallahue, 2018
Madison Stolze, 2021
Katelyn Roellchen, 2020
Frank Cushman, 2018
Abby Vandenhouten, 2019
Village Project Student Coordinator, Sturzl Center for Community Service and Learning
Aspiring Educators Secretary
Mya McDaniel, 2021
Catherine O'Brien, 2019
Reilly March, 2019
Samantha Dick, 2019
Treasurer, Dumbledore's Knights
Secretary, Musers of Color
Emily Simon, 2019
President, Computer Science Club
Michelle Lobermeier, 2019
Byron Owen, 2019
Continuing Education Chair
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Namayan Laizer 2019
Peyton Going, 2018
Mary Claire Wilson, 2020
Matthew Kalb 2018
Cindy Lin, 2021
Anna Denucci, 2020
Resident Assistant
Maximilian Knauf, Class of 2020
Sam Gullick, 2018
Lauren Gray, 2020
Maggie Flanagan, 2021
Jordyn Bretl, 2019
Payton Sitzberger, 2021
Jack Mickelson, Class of 2021
Taylor Obry, 2020
Carolina Rodriguez, 2019
John Dicks
President of Knight Theater
Phi Delta Theta Member
Kyle Lochner, 2018
Thaddeus Loduha, 2019
Student Catechist
Frassati Member
Sarah Jensen 2018
Vice President of Phi Kappa Phi
Justin Warax 2020
IFC President
Jenna Kempen, Class of 2020
Angel Schwechler, Class of 2020
Joelynn Frisch, Class of 2020
Thomas Heywood, Class of 2020
Riley Shreiner, Class of 2021
Eco Club Treasurer
Madeline Schultz, 2019
Isabelle Robertson, 2021
Sarah Hanna, 2019
National Association for Music Educators Treasurer
Andrew Lococo, 2020
Micayla Meyers, 2019
Benjamin Kim Paplham, 2018
President of Sigma Tau Delta
Chair of Asian Pacific-Islander
Megan Carpenter, 2018
Bryanna Fogel, Class of 2020
Noah Swan, 2018
Society of Physics Students Vice-President
Hailey Sgarlata, 2021
Logan Bornowski, 2018
Monica Zettel 2018
Co-President, Accounting Club
Jessica Gjerde, 2020
Abigail McIntyre, 2019
Haley Herbst, 2019
Student Development Coordinator LSE Office
Margaret Ford, 2020
Jacey Young, 2019
President of the Society of Physics Students
Annika Osell, Class of 2019
Vice President, Green Knights for Diabetics
Officer at Large, Knight Theatre
Noah Smits, 2019
Megan Gundrum, Class of 2020
Jakob Kasten, 2018
Kappa Sigma
Katlin Vanderlin, 2020
Maureen Gillespie 2020
Letty Mundt, 2019
Co-editor of Graphos
Emilia Prieto Class of 2019
Sarah Bichler, 2021
Anna Sauer, 2021
Julia Runke, 2021
Amy Holzer '20
Savanna Meo, 2019
Vice President of SNC Knightingales
Vice President of BUD
Treasurer of Knight Theatre
Social Media Chair of Independent Council