Reporting an Incident

You can help by reporting incidents that violate university policies, including the Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy.

Lipscomb University was founded with a commitment to biblical faith and Christian principles and is committed to providing a safe, secure and inclusive learning and working environment for our campus community. If you experienced, witnessed or have information about an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic or dating violence, stalking or discrimination you are encouraged to report the incident to the university. Reporting an incident allows the university to provide the support needed to the individual(s) involved and to respond appropriately to prevent reoccurrence.

Choosing to make a report and deciding how to proceed after making the report can be a process that unfolds over time—there is no time limit on making a report. It is important to note that you can report an incident of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Office without filing a Formal Complaint (initiating the formal grievance process). To the extent possible, Lipscomb respects an individual’s autonomy. You are encouraged to talk with the Title IX Office to learn about the resources and options available to you for support and making an informed decision about your next steps.

Supportive Measures

Once a report is made the Title IX Coordinator will discuss what Supportive Measures are available. These supports are provided regardless of whether you submit a formal complaint and are available to you throughout the duration of your time at Lipscomb. Supportive Measures are individualized services that are imposed to restore or preserve equal access to your educational program and activities. These measures include:

Access to counseling services and assistance in setting up initial appointments, both on or off campus;
Imposition of a campus no-contact order or mutual restrictions on contact between the parties;
Extension of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, including rescheduling of exams and assignments;
Providing alternative course completion options;
A change in class schedule or transferring sections, including the ability to drop a course without penalty;
A change in work schedule or job assignment;
A change in a student’s institution-owned residence;
Assistance from institution staff in completing residence relocation;
Relocation of office space;
Limiting an individual or organization’s access to certain institution facilities or activities pending resolution of the matter;
A voluntary leave of absence;
Providing an escort to ensure safe movement between classes, buildings or activities;
Providing medical services through Health Center resources;
Providing academic support services;
Increasing security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus;
Any other remedy that can be tailored to the involved individuals to achieve the goal of this policy without unreasonably burdening the other party.

Reporting Options

Report Directly to the Title IX Office

You can do this in multiple ways:

Fill out the Incident Report Form.

The form can also be found on your Lipscomb Ready App. You do not have to fill out the entire form in order to submit the report for a Title IX member reach out to you. Additionally, you have the option of filling this out anonymously. Please know if the form does not include any identifiable information (name, L#, email, phone, etc.) this may prevent the University from certain actions/resolutions.

Incident Report Form

Reach out to the Title IX Office to request a meeting.

Make a report to the Security Office.

(Beaman Basement; 615.966.7600). If a report is made to the Security Office and includes any behavior prohibited by the Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy the report will be directed to the Title IX Office.

Talk to a trusted staff or faculty member including your RA or RHD.

Any staff or faculty member can assist in connecting you with the Title IX Office. Certain staff & faculty are considered Responsible Employees, therefore must report to the Title IX Coordinator with any reported sexual misconduct. All staff & faculty are encouraged to report the Title IX Coordinator, but are not required.

File a Police Report

Metro Nashville Police Department

Midtown Hills Police Precinct
1441 12th Ave S
Nashville, TN 37203
615.880.1411

It is important to understand that reporting sexual misconduct to the Title IX Office or Lipscomb University does not obligate a reporter to file a police report. However, you can choose to file a police report if pursuing criminal charges. You have the choice of filing a Title IX report and/or police report coinciding. The Title IX office can assist you in deciding whether or not to file a police report, as well as assist with connecting you to law enforcement.

Formal Complaint and Grievance Process

A Formal Complaint is submitted by the Complainant or Title IX Coordinator. This is completed by providing a written and signed letter that includes: the Complainant’s name; status at the university (student or employee); Respondent’s name; the location, date and the time of alleged incident; the alleged sexual misconduct that occurred and a statement requesting that Lipscomb begin an investigation into the allegations. Once a Formal Complaint is submitted the Complainant can request the university engage in an Informal Resolution process or Formal Grievance Process.

Informal Resolution

An informal process where both Complainant (person submitting) and Respondent (person alleged) agree to restorative options to resolve the report. This can be agreed upon directly after a Formal Complaint is submitted or at any time prior to initiating the Grievance Hearing.

Formal Grievance Process

Formal procedures that involve an investigation and a grievance hearing, which will conclude in a written determination regarding responsibility using a preponderance of the evidence standard (i.e., whether it is more likely than not that sexual misconduct occurred).

A complainant can withdraw the Formal Complaint or any allegations in the Formal Complaint at any time prior to a Formal Grievance Hearing.

Investigation

After a Formal Complaint is submitted, the Title IX Investigation begins. This includes gathering evidence, which can be provided by the party or obtained by the Title IX Investigator, as well as interviews with both parties and appropriate witnesses. All information gathered during the Investigation will be submitted into an Investigative Report, which will be available for review by both parties and their chosen advisors prior to the grievance hearing.

Grievance Hearing

The grievance hearing is a live hearing facilitated by a Decision Maker. The hearing will proceed as follows: reading of the charges; Respondent’s statement denying or admitting responsibility; any opening comments from the Complainant; any opening comments from the Respondent; questioning of the Complainant; questioning of the Respondent; questioning of any other witnesses; any closing statement by the Complainant; and any closing statement by the Respondent. Questioning will be conducted by the hearing officer and each party's chosen advisor will conduct cross examination of the opposing party. If the Respondent is determined to be responsible for the charges in question, the hearing officer will impose an appropriate disciplinary action. The Complainant or Respondent may appeal the final determination or dismissal of a Formal Complaint within five days of receiving the final notice.

For more information on the Formal Grievance Process, please see the Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy or reach out to the Title IX Office.

Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy

Incident Report Form