Title IX Help & Support

Supportive Measures

Supportive measures means non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the complainant or the respondent before or after the filing of a formal complaint or where no formal complaint has been filed.

Title IX 2020 Regulations

Community members do not need to have filed a Title IX case or “Formal Complaint” to receive support and assistance from Title IX.

During a meeting with the Title IX Coordinator, an individual may submit a Formal Complaint, request Supportive Measures, provide information, ask questions, or any combination therein.

While specific Supportive Measures may be discussed, in general, a requesting party is not obligated to use any or all Supportive Measures that have been determined to be potentially appropriate. For instance, a student who has been granted a Supportive Measure allowing a waiver of absence for a day of class will not be PROHIBITED from attending on that day, and can choose to attend (or not) based on their needs at that time.

Additionally, Methodist University acknowledges that the nature of Title IX related matters has the potential to have residual and/or secondary impacts on community members, and therefore takes an inclusive approach to issuance of Supportive Measures. Employees and/or peers who have supported a party to a Title IX matter may themselves benefit from Supportive Measures.

Advisors & Support Persons

You do not have to attend any Title IX related meeting by yourself. You are welcome to bring an advisor to any meeting involving the Methodist University Title IX Office.

While MU encourages parties to avail themselves of a trained advisor and will provide an advisor as required by law during an applicable Title IX hearing, a party may choose any willing individual as their advisor; there are no requirements or preconditions to be an advisor in a Title IX matter.

An advisor may or may not be a member of the Methodist University community, however each advisor will be expected to follow both the law and policy that applies to the university.

Please note that, with some specific exceptions at the discretion of the Title IX Coordinator, advisors are neither expected nor allowed to be active participants during Title IX-related meetings, and in general may not ‘advocate’ on behalf of their respective party at any time during a process. Advisors are welcomed and encouraged to take notes, speak with their party before and after meetings, and/or travel with their party to/from the meeting in addition to other supportive tasks.

Be on the lookout for MU Title IX Office sponsored Advisor training coming soon!

The Well

“The Well” at Methodist University stands as a cornerstone of our commitment to providing counseling services in response to Title IX concerns. Serving as the location of the University’s Counseling Services, The Well offers a confidential and compassionate space for individuals dealing with the complexities surrounding a Title IX complaint. Our experienced counselors provide emotional support, guidance, and resources to those affected, helping them navigate the challenges they may face. Understanding the sensitive nature of these issues, we prioritize creating an environment where individuals can openly express themselves and access the tools needed for healing and resilience. The Well is an integral part of our holistic approach to addressing Title IX concerns, ensuring that emotional well-being is at the forefront of our support services.

Initial appointments are scheduled through The Well at 910.630.7164 or by email at [email protected]. Students can schedule follow-up appointments with their therapist.

Please inform a Title IX or Deputy Title IX Coordinator if you need any help getting assistance with any resource you may need.

MU Police & Public Safety Office

The Campus Police & Public Safety Office is available at any time for members of the community who wish to speak with a uniformed officer (call 910.630.7098). Reports can be made at any time, during any day of the week.

If requested, the Title IX Coordinator or a designee can be present during meetings at the Public Safety Office, so that reporting parties do not need to repeat themselves unnecessarily to both police and Title IX.

All members of the community have the right to report to BOTH Title IX and the Police, and this right does not have to be exercised at the same time; a person may report initially to Title IX and then later to the police, or potentially not at all.

Please note that all information provided to the Title IX Office must be reviewed for purposes of the Clery Act. The Title IX Office must disclose information that identifies a crime occurring within the university’s Clery geography, however identifying information of the reporting party can be withheld as appropriate.

Additional Resources

No Contact Orders

Methodist University offers No Contact Orders to individuals of the community who seek to avoid contact with another individual. No Contact Orders are a best practice among higher education institutions and Methodist has a long-standing practice of issuing and managing such Orders. Individuals who desire to have no contact with another Methodist University community member may request that Orders be issued in the Dean of Students office. Both parties will be issued No Contact Orders. No Contact Orders do not guarantee that parties to such Orders will not encounter or see the other individual on campus. Instead, their purpose is to limit the potential for contact. No Contact Orders typically remain in effect until one of the individuals’ graduates or until the Dean of Students’ office rescinds the Order. No Contact Orders are non-punitive and only become a violation of the Code of Conduct when it is determined that an individual failed to comply with the Order. Due process is not afforded to individuals who are issued No Contact Orders as the Orders are not considered prohibited behavior within the Student Code of Conduct. Furthermore, No Contact Orders are not a part of a student’s permanent records and are not displayed on a student transcript.

No contact orders are handled through the Student Affairs Office. Please contact one of the following to get more information: