Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment (Title IX) Policy Summary

Bethel University and the Bethel University Foundation (together referred to in this document as “Bethel”) are committed to maintaining a Christ-centered community, free of sex discrimination in all its forms, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sexual misconduct. Sexual harassment includes sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. Bethel will not tolerate sexual misconduct by or against its students, faculty, or staff in its education programs or activities. In addition, visitors, volunteers, vendors, consultants, third parties, or any person that provides services to Bethel, and those who have or may wish to contract with Bethel are required to comply with the provisions of these policies, where applicable. All community members must comply with these policies, whether on campus or off campus, when engaged in activities sponsored by Bethel, or otherwise related to Bethel or its business. Such activities include, but are not limited to classes, seminars, meetings, and other educational programs.

All employees are required to report any instance of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sexual misconduct to Ryan Gunderson Title IX Coordinator/Compliance Officer. The only persons exempt from the reporting requirements are confidential resource persons. Confidential resources are listed at the end of this summary.

The purposes of this summary are to inform you of Bethel’s commitment to:

• Prohibit all forms of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment that occur in an education program or activity;
• Create a work environment that is free from sexual misconduct and sexual harassment;
• Encourage good faith complaints when sexual misconduct or sexual harassment has occurred; and
• Provide options for addressing and resolving complaints of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment.

All incoming students and new employees are required to complete training on sexual misconduct and sexual harassment. Persons who believe that they have experienced sexual misconduct or sexual harassment or have witnessed sexual misconduct or sexual harassment of another community member are expected to bring the conduct to the attention of Bethel’s leadership so that the University can take prompt corrective action. Bethel will take prompt corrective action against any sexual misconduct or sexual harassment by or against its community members in connection with its policies and procedures. All Bethel community members are directed to implement and abide by the procedures outlined in these policies.

All complaints will be taken seriously and no one who acts in good faith to report sexual misconduct or sexual harassment will suffer actual or threatened retaliation or reprisal. If you believe that you have experienced sexual misconduct or sexual harassment, it is not necessary for you to initially decide which policy may apply to you.  It is only necessary that you tell someone so that you can get help and understand what your options are both at Bethel and outside of Bethel.  If it is determined through an appropriate and prompt investigation that sexual misconduct or sexual harassment has occurred, effective corrective action will be taken to eliminate the sexual misconduct or sexual harassment, attempt to ensure that it does not recur, and appropriately care for those who may have been harmed. Depending on circumstances and the severity of the conduct, corrective action will vary. Resolution steps may include one or more of the following for students: counseling, advising or coaching from student life or campus ministry professionals, reflection paper, behavioral probation, suspension, dismissal, or expulsion. For employees, resolution steps may include one or more of the following: counseling, training, advising or coaching from a professional, verbal or written warning, termination, or referral for criminal prosecution.

For a full copy of the policies, visit our website:

Bethel University Sexual Misconduct Policy 

 Bethel University Title IX Policy 

Reporting Sexual Misconduct or Sexual Harassment

If you have personally experienced any form of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment, tell someone as soon as possible. Bethel understands that this is a difficult situation. All persons involved will be treated with dignity. Immediate notification, ideally within the first 24 hours after any sexual misconduct or sexual harassment occurs, helps assure the preservation of evidence. Campus Security, at the discretion of law enforcement authorities, may assist with the preservation of evidence necessary for the prosecution of criminal sexual misconduct or sexual harassment or to obtain an Order for Protection. In an emergency, call 911 or call the Office of Security and Safety at 651.638.6400.

In order to initiate Bethel’s response and resolution process under these policies, you or another person must notify Ryan Gunderson, Title IX Coordinator/Compliance Officer. If a member of the Bethel community has a concern or has become aware of an instance of possible sexual misconduct or sexual harassment involving a student, faculty, staff member, or other person connected to Bethel, Ryan Gunderson, Title IX Coordinator/Compliance Officer must be contacted immediately. You may also choose to remain anonymous and submit an online anonymous report: https://www.bethel.edu/people-culture/complaints-concerns/submit-anonymous-report. This report is separate from initiating an official complaint through Bethel University.

Contact Information:

24-Hour Emergency

911

24-Hour Emergency On-Campus

Office of Security and Safety

651.638.6400

Office location: HC103

Ryan Gunderson, Title IX Coordinator/Compliance Officer

title-ix@bethel.edu

612.322.8908

Shaune Younkers, Title IX and Compliance Specialist

s-younkers@bethel.edu

Office: 651.638.6992

Office location: ANC530

If any changes are made in the persons holding these positions, current information will be available on Bethel’s website.

Confidential Resources:

Counseling Services   Office of Christian Formation and Church Relations  Health Services

651.635.8540              651.638.6372                                                              651.638.6215

Ramsey County

SOS Sexual Violence Services                                                     

651.266.1000