Sexual and Interpersonal Violence
A student has the right to make a report to university police or campus security, local law enforcement, and/or state police or choose not to report; to report the incident to their institution; to be protected by the institution from retaliation for reporting an incident; and to receive assistance and resources from their institution.
Any report related to Sexual and Interpersonal Violence policies received by the Office of Community Standards will be forwarded to the Office of Diversity and Compliance for review and investigation. The Office of Community Standards coordinates the adjudication of matters of Sexual and Interpersonal Violence, but does not investigates them.
In consideration of the traumatic nature of incidents of sexual/physical aggressive/violent behavior, the College will conduct a timely review of complaints of sexual misconduct, sex discrimination, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking.
The College does not limit the time frame for filing a formal complaint of sexual or interpersonal violence. Complaints may be submitted at any time following an incident. However, the College’s ability to take action may be limited by the matriculation of the accused student/respondent and/or the availability of information. The Purchase College disciplinary process extends only to currently enrolled students. When a disclosure or formal complaint is received by the college, every effort is made to complete the investigative phase within a timely manner barring extenuating circumstances.
The standard of proof related to sexual misconduct, sex discrimination, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking is “the preponderance of the evidence.” Ultimately, whether it is “more likely than not” that the sex discrimination, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking occurred. If the information presented meets this standard, then the accused student/respondent must be found responsible.
Confidential Resources
Students involved in a sexual misconduct, sex discrimination, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking cases can speak with the following offices confidentially. These resources are professionally bound to not report any information:
- Counseling and Behavioral Health Services– 914-251-6390
- Health Services – 914-251-6380
Additionally, students can contact the following hotlines:
- 24-Hr Rape Crisis Hotline – 1-855-827-2255
- Victim’s Assistance Services – 914-345-9111
Non-Retaliation Statement
No member of the University community shall retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce or otherwise discriminate against a person who files a complaint, serves as a witness, assists, or participates in any way in a proceeding involving allegations of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking. Individuals who experience retaliation should report the incident to University Police at (914) 251-6900, the Director of Community Standards at 914-251-6033, and/or the Affirmative Action Officer at 914 -251-5982.
University Police
Students involved in sexual misconduct, sex discrimination, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking incidents, can file reports with University Police. Once a report is received, the incident is promptly investigated by the police and the information is shared with the Office of Community Standards and the Title IX Coordinator/Investigator. The sharing of information allows for legal and/or administrative action to take place. Please contact University Police at 914-251-6900 (general) or 914-251-6911 (emergency) for additional information.