Title IX/Sexual Violence

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972  is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities operated by recipients of federal financial assistance (such as UNH). Discrimination on the basis of sex, includes any form of gender-based different treatment and harassment - acts that do not involve conduct of a sexual nature such as discriminatory sex stereotyping.  It also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in athletic programs, and sexual violence, as defined by UNH policy and as discussed more specifically herein.  Title IX's prohibitions apply to all students, faculty, and staff. 

Title IX regulations require UNH to appoint a Title IX Coordinator to coordinate UNH's compliance with Title IX, to publish a notice of nondiscrimination and to adopt and publish grievance procedures that lead to the prompt and equitable resolution of Title IX complaints.  They also require UNH to publish the name and contact information of the designated Title IX Coordinator.

Title IX Coordinator

The Title IX Coordinator for the University of New Hampshire (Durham), the University of New Hampshire (Manchester) and the University of New Hampshire School of Law (Concord) is Donna Marie Sorrentino,  M.P.A.  Her contact information is below.

Donna Marie Sorrentino, M.P.A.
Director & Title IX Coordinator
105 Main St - Thompson Hall 305
Durham, NH 03824-3547
603.862.2930 (voice)
TTY Users 7-1-1
dms@unh.edu

Title IX Coordinator Roles and Responsibilities

The Title IX Coordinator at UNH is responsible for coordinating compliance with Title IX.  This means that she is responsible for responding to complaints alleging gender discrimination of any form, providing training related to Title IX issues and proactive activities, and overseeing the investigation of Title IX-related complaints, including sexual violence complaints. At UNH, sexual violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, unwanted sexual contact, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, relationship abuse, dating violence, and stalking (including cyber-stalking).  More specifically, her duties include: 

  • Being available to meet with students, staff and faculty who believe sexual violence has occurred.
  • Ensuring that complaints are handled through consistent practices and standards, and in a prompt and equitable fashion.
  • Upon receiving notice of potential acts of sexual violence, either personally investigating the incident or overseeing an independent investigation or other response.
  • Providing assistance to and working with the institution’s law enforcement employees on appropriate responses to reports of sexual violence.
  • Reviewing all complaints received to determine whether they present a potential issue under Title IX and/or to identify and address any patterns or systemic problems. 
  • Putting forth programs to prevent sexual violence matters, and taking actions designed to effectively stop the discrimination.
  • Maintaining confidential records of all Title IX complaints and University responses.

 

Grievance Procedures

Title IX protects all students at recipient institutions from sex discrimination including sexual violence. Any student can experience sexual violence: from elementary to professional school students; male and female students; straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students; part-time and full-time students; students with and without disabilities; and students of different races and national origins.

Title IX also requires UNH to have grievance procedures that lead to the prompt and equitable resolution of Title IX complaints, including complaints alleging sexual violence.

UNH grievance procedures for complaints of sexual violence against UNH Students are outlined in the Student Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities.

One type of sexual violence, sexual harassment, can also be carried out by university employees, including faculty and staff. Sexual harassment by university employees can include unwelcome sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, including but not limited to sexual activity.

UNH grievance procedures for complaints of sexual violence against Faculty/Staff/UNH employees are outlined in the Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy.

 

 

Notice of Nondiscrimination

The University of New Hampshire seeks excellence through diversity among its administrators, faculty, staff and students.  We are committed to enhancing and sustaining an educational community that is inclusive and equitable, and cherish these values as being inextricably linked to our core mission.  We are a public institution with a long-standing commitment to equal employment and educational opportunity for all qualified persons.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status.  This applies to admission to, access to, treatment within, or employment in UNH programs, services or activities.