Sexual Harassment & Assault Prevention & Education
Framingham State University seeks to SHAPE a campus environment free from all forms of sexual violence and intimate partner violence. All members of our community deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and to be able to go to work, get their education, visit, and otherwise participate in life at the University without fear or harm.
When sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking occur, it deeply wounds our entire community. Therefore, we are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of prevention and education, where expectations are clear, reporting processes are easily navigable, resources are readily available, and perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
The SHAPE website has been created and designed to serve as a central source of information for the prevention and education of sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking including as it relates to Title IX, the Campus SaVE Act, the Clery Act, and University policy.
Please explore this site to learn more about our policies, how to identify and respond to problematic language or behavior, how to report concerns, resources accessible to members of the Framingham State community, and other useful information.
Through the ongoing dedication of many people in our community, we will continue to offer and expand educational opportunities and resources for students and employees. We will continue to support all members of our community and promote a culture where sexual harassment and violence are not tolerated. But we can't do it in isolation. We need your participation, feedback, ideas, and commitment. You might begin by reviewing bystander intervention techniques or learning how to support a survivor of sexual violence.
Each of us has the power to SHAPE our community. How will you?
The University has outlined its policies and procedures regarding sexual assault, sex-based harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic and dating violence, and stalking in the Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, and Title IX Plan. This document was developed and is shared by the nine State Universities.
Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, and Title IX Plan
Policy of Nondiscrimination (section 4)
Complaint Investigation and Resolution Procedure (section 5)
Student Code of Conduct
The Student Code of Conduct establishes the rules and regulations all students of Framingham State University are expected to follow. They are made in any exercise of the powers that are an inherent corollary of the University's duty to protect its educational purposes by setting and distributing standards of student conduct and scholarship, and by regulating the use of University facilities. Students have a right to expect enforcement of these rules and regulations. The University also has the right to expect students to abide by these regulations in a manner that benefits the responsibilities given to students as members of the University community. Knowledge of these rules and regulations can prove most beneficial to students in utilizing and protecting their rights.
Policy Regarding Domestic Violence Leave
"An Act Relative to Domestic Violence" provides employees with up to 15 days of leave annually if the employee, or a covered family member of the employee, is a victim of abusive behavior. In response, the University developed the Policy Regarding Domestic Violence Leave that provides more detailed information about employees’ entitlement to this leave.
Policy requires consent for sexual activity.
Consent is an understandable exchange of affirmative words or actions, which indicates a willingness by all parties to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity. Consent must be informed and freely and actively given. It is the responsibility of the initiator to obtain clear and affirmative responses at each stage of sexual involvement. Consent to sexual activity may be withdrawn at any time, as long as the withdrawal is communicated clearly.
Whether an individual has taken advantage of a position of influence over a Complainant may be a factor in determining consent. A position of influence could include supervisory or disciplinary authority.
Silence, previous sexual relationships or experiences, and/or a current relationship may not, in themselves, be taken to imply consent. While nonverbal consent is possible (through active participation), it is best to obtain verbal consent. Similarly, consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of sexual activity.
Consent cannot be obtained through incapacitation, force, or coercion.
An individual who is incapacitated by alcohol and/or drugs both voluntarily or involuntarily consumed may not give consent. Alcohol or drug related incapacitation is more severe than impairment, being under the influence, or intoxication. Evidence of incapacity may be detected from context clues, such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, the smell of alcohol on the breath, shaky equilibrium, vomiting, unusual behavior or unconsciousness. While context clues are important in determining incapacitation, they alone do not necessarily indicate incapacitation.
Persons unable to consent due to incapacitation also include, but are not limited to: persons under age 16; persons who are intellectually incapable of understanding the implications and consequences of the act or actions in question; and persons who are physically helpless. A physically helpless person is one who is asleep, blacked out, involuntarily physically restrained, unconscious, or, for any other reason, unable to communicate unwillingness to engage in any act.
The use of alcohol or drugs to render another person mentally or physically incapacitated as a precursor to or part of a sexual assault is prohibited. The use of alcohol, medications or other drugs by the respondent or accused does not excuse a violation of this Policy.
The use of physical strength or action (no matter how slight), violence, threats of violence or intimidation (implied threats of violence) as a means to engage in sexual activity. A person who is the object of actual or threatened force is not required to physically, verbally or otherwise resist the aggressor.
Unreasonable pressure or emotional manipulation to persuade another to engage in sexual activity. When someone makes it clear that s/he does not want to engage in sexual behavior, or s/he does not want to go beyond a certain point of sexual activity, continued pressure beyond that point can be considered coercive. Being coerced into sexual activity is not consent to that activity.
Talk to Your Partner About Consent
Make consent part of the conversation with your partner. You can share your expectations, learn about what your partner enjoys, and put the brakes on before things go too far. It can also be a fun way to get excited about your pending (and mutually agreed upon) intimacy.
How do you know you have consent? Here's some guidance to help you navigate your conversation about consent. If you're ever unsure if you have consent, you don't.
"Yes" Messages
Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
- "Yes"
- "That would be great!"
- "That's what I want too."
- "I want to..."
- "I am ready to..."
"No" Messages
- "No."
- "Stop."
- "Not now."
- "Not tonight." (even if you've done it before)
- "I changed my mind."
- "I'm not ready."
- "I'm not sure."
- "I don't know."
- "I may have had too much to drink."
- "I'm scared."
- Incapacitation/Severe intoxication
- You don't think they would agree to have sex if they were sober.
- You are too intoxicated to gauge consent.
- Discomfort.
- Lack of eye contact.
- Crossed arms.
- Silence.
- Your partner is asleep.
- You are using physical force or size to have sex.
- You hope your partner will say nothing and just go with the flow.
- You have asked repeatedly or put pressure on them.
You Should Pause and Talk (Because you do not have affirmative consent)
- You are not sure what the other person wants.
- You feel like you are getting mixed signals.
- You have not talked about what you want to do.
- You assume that you will do the same thing as before.
- Your partner stops or is not responsive.
The university prohibits adverse employment or educational action against any person making a complaint of discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and retaliation, assisting in making a complaint, resisting or openly opposing such conduct, or otherwise using or participating in the complaint investigation process under the Policy. Persons who file, or participate in the investigation or resolution of, claims or complaints of sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and retaliation with outside agencies, law enforcement or otherwise pursuant to any applicable state or federal law, are also protected from retaliation.
Prohibited retaliation includes, but is not limited to: threats; intimidation; reprisals; continued harassment or misconduct; other forms of harassment; slander and libel; and adverse actions related to employment or education.
Retaliation can be committed by individuals or groups, including friends, relatives or other associates of the person against whom a complaint is filed. Retaliation, even in the absence of proven discrimination, sexual violence, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking in an underlying complaint, constitutes a policy violation that is just as serious as the main offense itself.
Retaliation is prohibited under University Policy.
University Title IX Coordinator
Kim R. Dexter
Assistant Vice President of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity
Dwight Hall, 207/324
508-215-5859
titleix [at] framingham.edu (titleix[at]framingham[dot]edu)
Title IX Coordinator for Students
Dr. Meg Nowak Borrego
Dean of Students
McCarthy Center, suite 504
508-626-4596
titleixstudent [at] framingham.edu (titleixstudent[at]framingham[dot]edu)
Title IX Coordinator for Athletics
Carey Eggen
Deputy Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator
Athletic Center, Second Floor
508-626-4565
titleixathletics [at] framingham.edu (titleixathletics[at]framingham[dot]edu)
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Jay Hurtubise
Assistant Dean of Students/ Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students
McCarthy Center, suite 504
508-626-4596
titleix [at] framingham.edu (titleix[at]framingham[dot]edu)
Erin Jerrett
Director of Equal Opportunity/Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees
Dwight Hall, suite 207
508-626-4596
titleix [at] framingham.edu (titleix[at]framingham[dot]edu)
Community Standards
The Office of Community Standards can provide information on filing formal complaints where there are alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code, including the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy or the Policy Against Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment, and Retaliation.
communitystandards [at] framingham.edu (communitystandards[at]framingham[dot]edu)
University Police
McCarthy Center, ground floor
508-626-4911
Confidential Reporting
FSU Designated Confidential Resource Person
McCarthy Center, Suite 504
508-626-4596
tixconfidential [at] framingham.edu (tixconfidential[at]framingham[dot]edu)
Voices Against Violence - Designated Counselor
Hotline 800-593-1125 (on-campus meetings available)
We have compiled a list of support resources available to members of the Framingham State community and have organized them so that you can quickly and easily identify those resources that may be most helpful to you.
On Campus Resources
COUNSELING CENTER
Health and Wellness Center, top floor of Foster Hall
508-626-4640
The Counseling Center offers individual, couple, and group counseling, medication evaluation and follow-up, consultation for faculty, staff, parents, and students, and educational outreach programs to the campus community.
Health Center
Health and Wellness Center, first floor of Foster Hall
508-626-4900
Here are just some of the services offered at the Health Center:
- Unlimited visits for health concerns/illnesses
- Referrals to specialists as needed
- Pelvic exams and Pap Smears
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) screening, counseling, and treatment for men and women
- Pregnancy testing, counseling, and referral
- Birth control counseling and prescription
- Emergency contraception (morning-after pill)
- Free condoms
Residence Life Staff
All residence halls
Main office, ground floor of Corinne Hall Towers
Each residence hall is staffed by well-trained professionals (Residence Directors) and paraprofessionals (Resident Assistants) who are available to assist you in identifying resources, making reports, and receiving support. The main office is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm but a professional staff member is on-call 24/7 every day of the year and may be paged through Campus Police or a Resident Assistant. Additionally, Resident Assistants are on-call in each hall every night and weekend while students are living on-campus and may be paged through the Security Desk Attendant at the main entrance.
Campus Ministry
508-626-4610
Campus Ministry provides spiritual guidance and confidential counseling for members of the Framingham State University community, whatever your religious affiliation or non-affiliation. Campus Ministry respects all religious traditions on campus and offers religious services, educational programs, and volunteer service opportunities.
Local and Remote Resources
Local
Metro West Medical Center
115 Lincoln Street
Framingham, MA
508-383-1000
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
24 Washington Street
Newton, MA
617-243-6193
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) available
Advocates Psychiatric Services (PES)
508-640-5432; TTY 508-628-6303
Advocates PES team provides mobile crisis intervention services to individuals of all ages and families, regardless of ability to pay, in the greater MetroWest area. They seek to understand and engage an individual experiencing a crisis, along with his or her support system, in a way that maximizes personal preferences, goals, and safety.
Framingham Police
508-872-1212
Remote - Phone or Online, Some In-Person Services Available
Voices Against Violence - Framingham
Voices provides free and confidential services to victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence in the MetroWest area. Services are provided in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and are available to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
Services include a 24-hour hotline at 800.593.1125 or 508.626.8686 (TTY-friendly), crisis intervention, confidential short-term emergency shelter, counseling and support groups, information and referrals, and medical, legal, and criminal justice advocacy.
Voices Against Violence - Framingham
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
Among its programs, RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE(4673). This nationwide partnership of more than 1,100 local rape treatment hotlines provides victims of sexual assault with free, confidential services around the clock.
RAINN also offers an Online Hotline, a secure web-based hotline that provides live and completely confidential help to victims through an interface as intuitive as instant messaging.
BARCC (Boston Area Rape Crisis Center)
BARCC offers free, confidential services to survivors, their friends and families, and professionals ages 12 and older. If you, or someone you know, has been sexually assaulted, you can call their 24-hour hotline at 800.841.8371.
Fenway Health (LQBTQ+ Support)
The Violence Recovery Program (VRP) at Fenway Health provides counseling, support groups, advocacy, and referral services to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ+) victims of bias crime, domestic violence, sexual assault, and police misconduct. For help or information call the Violence Recovery Program at 617.927.6250 or 800.834.3242. After 5:00 pm or on the weekends, call Safelink at 877.785.2020
MaleSurvivor
MaleSurvivor.org provides critical resources to male survivors of sexual trauma and all their partners in recovery by building communities of hope, healing, & support.
Our Deaf Survivors Center
Domestic and Sexual Violence hotline for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind victims and survivors. The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 5 PM to 9 AM. Signing Volunteer Advocates will be available for support during a crisis, to give emotional support, peer support, information and referrals. (During business days from 9 to 5 PM, survivors will be provided referrals for continuing support.) All services are provided in ASL and are confidential. The toll-free hotline number is: 844.ODSC.SAFE (844.637.2723)
Make The Connection
MakeTheConnection.net connects Veterans, their family members and friends, and other advocates with mental health information, local resources, and inspiring stories of recovery. Visitors can find reliable information on how to cope with challenges such as military sexual trauma(MST), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and transitioning from service. The site is free and accessible to everyone.
Employee Resources
University Title IX Coordinator
The University Title IX Coordinator has primary responsibility for Title IX compliance at FSU. The coordinator also does intake of reports and complaints regarding sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking involving employees, visitors, vendors, and other 3rd parties and coordinates the investigatory process. The coordinator can assist in making adjustments to work situations as well as provide a victim's advocate.
Kim Dexter
Assistant Vice President of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity
Dwight Hall 207/324
100 State Street
Framingham, MA 01701
titleix [at] framingham.edu (titleix[at]framingham[dot]edu)
508-215-5859
Employee Assistance Program
FSU offers access to two Employee Assistance Programs ("EAP"), one for full-time employees and their household members and one for part-time employees and their household members. Both EAPs offer support and solutions for dealing with work/life issues big and small.
- The EAP for full-time employees is administered by Mass4You
- For confidential assistance call 844-263-1982 or visit liveandworkwell.com (access code mass4you).
- The EAP for part-time employees is administered by AllOne Health
- For confidential assistance call 800-451-1834. In addition, part-time employees may access the AllOne Health Work/Life website, which contains a wealth of information and resources. To find out more, log on to the: Work/Life Website. (Please contact HR for password and login information.)
Domestic Violence Leave
"An Act Relative to Domestic Violence" provides employees with up to 15 days of leave annually if the employee, or a covered family member of the employee, is a victim of abusive behavior. In response, the University developed the following policy that provides more detailed information about employees’ entitlement to this leave. Read the Policy Regarding Domestic Violence Leave here.
Public Records Exemption
Under MA public records law, an employee's name, title, salary, and department are considered public information and FSU is required to provide that information upon request. Exemptions to this requirement exist for employees who are victims of adjudicated crimes or victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or rape. Family members of victims who also work for the state may also receive an exemption. The Payroll Public Records Exemption Form should be submitted directly to the University Title IX Coordinator in the Human Resources Office located in Dwight Hall suite 207.
Payroll Public Records Exemption Form
If you engage in abusive behavior or use violence in your relationship(s), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health offers Intimate Partner Abuse Education Program Services.
Rape and other forms of sexual assault are NEVER the victim's fault. Framingham State is committed to prevention efforts that stop problematic behaviors by would-be-offenders before an assault occurs. Unfortunately, research shows that there may be a small portion of the population who are immune to prevention messaging and may still make a conscious decision to commit a violent crime. Therefore, we are also committed to providing education that will allow individuals to promote an atmosphere of greater safety for themselves and others.
Though we do not always know it, we are constantly assessing risk and using risk reduction techniques in many facets of our lives. Being aware of your environment and knowing how to identify problematic behavior may, but will not always, reduce your personal risk.
Know the Facts
- 1 in 3 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
- 1 in 4 college women will be the victim of a rape or an attempted rape during their university years.
- More than 60% of rape victims/survivors know their attackers.
- 7% to 10% of all adult rape victims are males.
- Most rapists are motivated by hostility, fear of inadequacy and the need to control.
- Rapists use sex as a weapon to hurt, humiliate and intimidate their victims.
- The FBI estimates that only 1 in 10 rapes are reported to the police.
What to Do if You're Assaulted
- Go to a safe place and tell someone you trust what happened.
- It’s your choice to report the crime to the police and/or the University, but remember that action against a rapist can prevent others from becoming a victim. If you would like to report the assault, you can call FSU Police Department or your local police department. You can also make a report to the Title IX Coordinator or another University staff member. Please know that most University employees are obligated to report if they know or suspect that a sexual assault has occurred.
- Don’t shower, bathe, douche or brush your teeth.
- Don’t throw away any clothing or objects that might contain evidence. Save every article of clothing worn during the attack without laundering it or altering it and place them into a paper bag if available. If you choose to go to the hospital, bring the bag with you.
- Seek medical attention either at a local hospital or Health Services. Not all injuries are evident, so for your well-being, it is recommended that you receive a medical exam as soon as possible. Medical staff can help assess your needs including prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, and emotional counseling.
- Be a good witness. Even though it may be hard, try to remember details. The sooner you tell, the sooner the attacker can be caught.
- Emotional care: Seek support from trusted friends or family. Go to the Counseling Center and a counselor can talk with you confidentially. Remember, it’s not your fault.
- Other supports on campus include the Dean of Students Office, Residence Life staff, and Campus Ministry. (Note that Campus Ministry staff is not always on campus, but will return messages.)
Common Reactions After an Assault
Survivors of sexual assaults may experience some of the following:
- Shock/numbness
- Helplessness
- Fear/anxiety
- Guilt/Self-Blame/Shame
- Difficulty sleeping or eating
- Academic difficulty/difficulty with attention and focus.
- Use of substances to manage painful feelings.
- Survivors have a variety of reactions that might surface at different times following the assault, days, weeks, or months later. Counseling can help survivors address these needs at any time.
How to Help a Friend Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted
- Listen carefully, without judgment.
- Do not blame.
- Offer a safe place to stay.
- Let the survivor make decisions about next steps. All control has been stripped from the victim during the assault. Allow the victim to make decisions about what steps to take next.
- Assist in getting the treatment/services they need if they agree.
- Remain calm. You might feel shock or rage, but expressing these emotions to the victim may cause the victim more trauma.
- Encourage medical attention and counseling.
- Refer them to the resources and reporting information available on the SHAPE website.
- Seek help yourself.
Self-Care for Friends and Family of a Survivor
- When someone you care about is assaulted, it is shocking and upsetting for you. You may have a range of reactions including anger, sadness, fear and helplessness.
- It is important to show the survivor that you care and are there to support them. Seek emotional support for yourself when you can.
- Most of the resources mentioned on the SHAPE website are available to those supporting survivors as well.
EVERY PERSON CAN HAVE AN IMPACT
Each of us can send a clear message that sexual assault and relationship violence will not be tolerated, downplayed, or joked about, and that we, as a community, will react decisively if it does happen. We can talk about sexual assault and relationship violence and teach others that it is never ok. And we can continue to educate ourselves and others about the issues.
Intervening: Knowing When and How to Respond - Tips from No More
Action Items
- Know that sexual assault occurs in our communities and that we can SHAPE safe and supportive communities through our actions.
- Your safety is paramount. It is always safest to intervene with others and from a distance.
- Be willing to speak up in difficult situations.
- Ask the person if they need help
- Defuse the situation through humor or distraction
- Be direct and tell someone if their behavior is out of line
- Do not assume that just because no one else speaks up, that everyone else is fine with what's happening.
- If you step up and speak out, others will likely back you up
- Intervention does not have to mean conflict. Sometimes it's enough to cause a distraction or just disrupt the current course of events. Consider some of these options:
- Turn on the lights/turn off the music at the party
- Spill a drink on the potential perpetrator or victim
- Ask the potential victim, if female, for a personal item like a tampon
- Let the potential victim know you're leaving and encourage them to leave with you
- Ask a friend of the potential perpetrator to pull them aside for something
- Discuss the issues of sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking with friends or share information and resources through social media.
- Be conscious of your use of language and choose words carefully. Cultural messages can support or discourage violence.
- Challenge societal messages about what it means to be a man or a woman and show appreciation when someone challenges gender stereotypes.
- Be aware of, and refuse to use, sexist, homophobic, and demeaning language.
- Don't joke about sexual assault comments and jokes that are meant to "ease the tension" or are "just kidding around" can trivialize the severity of the behavior
- Know what you value and make it clear to friends and family. Seeking out these positive traits in others allows you to identify and build healthy relationships.
- Share positive messages with friends and family.
- Communicate with your own partner about physical/sexual wants and boundaries.
- Remember that it's never too early or too late to do something.
Indications a Sexual Assault May Occur
- A person has declared that they are intent on engaging in sexual activity with someone regardless of the status of the other person's knowledge or consent.
- Someone has been pressured or encouraged to engage in sexual activity with as many people or as frequently as possible.
- A person is providing excessive amounts of alcohol to someone with an intent to engage in sexual activity.
- A person is about to engage in sexual activity with someone who is incapacitated by drugs or alcohol.
- It appears that one party may be blacking out or unaware of their current situation.
Identifying Relationship Violence
- Insults, humiliating language or putting the person down in front of others.
- Explosive temper, mood swings, or verbal abuse.
- Jealousy or possessiveness.
- Stalking behaviors such as following, watching from a distance, unwanted or excessive communication.
- Invasion of privacy or obsessive tracking of the person's activities.
- Doesn't seem to care about what their partner wants.
- Fear of displeasing partner.
- Spending less time with friends.
- Physical assault such as slapping, hitting, and punching.
Helping a Survivor
- Listen carefully, without judgment.
- Do not blame. Believe the victim and make it clear the fault lies only with the abuser.
- Offer a safe place to stay.
- Let the survivor make decisions about next steps. All control has been stripped from the victim during the assault. Allow the victim to make decisions about what steps to take next.
- Assist in getting the treatment/services they need if they agree.
- Remain calm. You might feel shock or rage, but expressing these emotions to the victim may cause the victim more trauma.
- Encourage medical attention and counseling.
- Refer them to the resources and reporting information available on the SHAPE website.
- Seek help yourself.
Safety Bulletins
In the event of a major incident of violent crime on the campus or in the neighboring community, safety bulletins will be posted by the Framingham State University Police Department in the Safety Bulletin Posting Cases, located near the main entrances to all campus buildings. You may also view them on the Campus Police website.
CODE BLUE ® Emergency Phones
CODE BLUE ® emergency phones have been placed on all academic buildings, foyer of each residence hall, and the walkway behind Hemenway Hall. In addition, they are located in the following parking lots: Maynard, Maple, Athletic Field, Union Avenue, Upper and Lower Normal Hill, Linsley Lot and the Bement Shuttle Stop. These phones ring directly into the Framingham State University Police Department. When using these phones, please remain calm and give clear details of the situation you are reporting.
To operate an emergency phone, simply press the button. The Framingham State University Police Department will respond immediately. Even if you cannot speak, they will know your location and a cruiser will arrive on the scene very quickly. Audio contact with the Police Department will remain activated throughout the emergency.
Police Escort
The Framingham State University Police Department requests that students ask for escorts only when absolutely necessary and when no other options are available. Escorts are provided for safety reasons only. Escorts will be given from 2:00 a.m. until dawn. Students should plan their schedules accordingly as there are no escorts given during daylight hours.
Shuttle Bus Service
The Student Transportation Center provides shuttle bus service to/from parking lots. Please check posted signs and the Student Transportation Center website for schedules and additional information. For more information, you may call the Student Transportation Center dispatch line at 508-215-5920.
We encourage students to walk in groups from parking lots or between residence halls when not using the shuttle bus service. The shuttle bus stop is located at the Bement parking lot. The bus route usually takes about 20 minutes for the entire circuit. Students may contact the Student Transportation Center at 508-215-5920 for immediate shuttle information.
Residence Hall Security and Visitors
Access to the residence halls is through designated main entrance doors only. Students are provided with a key access card coded for their hall only and an individual room key. Students should never share or give their key access card or room key to any other person. If a key access card or room key is lost, it should be immediately reported to the ID Office and Residence Life respectively.
Each residence hall desk is located in the lobby and is staffed by attendants who monitor people entering and leaving the building, including checking key access cards and/or IDs of all individuals entering the hall. Security cameras have been placed in each residence hall lobby for added security. Desks are staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week whenever students are living in the buildings. All visitors and guests of resident students are required to sign in and leave valid photo identification at the desk. Guests will be allowed in the building only when the sponsoring resident is present to accompany them to his or her room. Once a guest has been signed in, it is the responsibility of the resident to escort that guest at all times while he/she is in the building. Students will be held directly responsible for the actions of their guests.
Off-Campus Housing
Framingham State University does not own, nor does it sponsor or recommend, any off-campus housing. Students seeking off-campus housing are cautioned to check thoroughly with local police and the landlord of any rental property about the incidence of crime in the area. It is also important to check for adequate safety devices in the building or apartment prior to signing any lease agreement.
- Understand what it means to request and receive consent.
- Remember that sexual assault is a crime. It is never acceptable to force sexual activity. Without consent, sexual activity is considered criminal behavior.
- Resist peer pressure from friends to behave in ways that make you feel uncomfortable.
- Alcohol and drugs can alter your thinking and behavior. You are responsible for the consequences of your behavior.
Keep in Mind
- Most assaults occur from a known assailant.
- Trust your instincts, if you feel uncomfortable, get out of the situation.
- Be mindful that alcohol and drugs can affect your judgment and the judgment of people you trust.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert.
- Walk in groups if possible.
- Watch out for each other. Go to social events with friends and keep track of each other.
- Get involved. If you see someone in trouble, don't be afraid to intervene or call for help.
All members of the FSU community are encouraged to promptly report complaints, concerns, observations, knowledge, or suspicion of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, and stalking.
Reporting Options
Reporting these occurrences allows the University to take prompt and effective action to identify and address threats to our community and to provide assistance to those who may need it.
Many University employees are obligated to report (share knowledge or suspicion of) these incidents with the University Title IX Coordinator or the Title IX Coordinator for Students, with the exception of the FSU Designated Confidential Resource Person as well as certain medical professionals and clergy acting within their professional capacities.
Note that the University’s responsibility is to ensure the safety of all students and employees on campus. Therefore, and with limited exceptions, the University cannot guarantee that confidentiality can be maintained if such confidentiality would create a, imminent threat to the safety of others. The University will take steps to keep information as private as possible, but cannot guarantee confidentiality. Students seeking confidentiality may speak with FSU Designated Confidential Resource Person, or with medical professionals or clergy acting within their professional capacities, as noted below.
The University prohibits and takes proactive steps to prevent retaliation, or adverse action against an individual, because the individual has made an honestly believed report or participated in an investigation, proceeding or hearing regarding a report or complaint of sexual-based harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
Employee Duty to Report
The University recognizes that a person may feel most comfortable disclosing an incident to a University employee that one knows well. However, it is important to know when that information may be shared.
In terms of reports of discrimination, discriminatory harassment (including sex and gender-based harassment), or retaliation, any trustee, administrator, department chair, program coordinator, manager, or supervisor who has knowledge of or receives such a report from a student or other member of the University community is obligated to report the information to the EO Officer or Title IX Coordinator as soon as the employee becomes aware of it. Likewise, any campus community member is encouraged to report to the EO Officer or the Title IX Coordinator any conduct they have direct knowledge of and which they in good faith believe constitutes discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or retaliation.
Other employees, such as resident assistants and athletics staff, must follow specific departmental protocols to report information they receive or observe about discrimination, discriminatory harassment (including sex and gender-based harassment), or retaliation. Even where an employee of the University does not have the duty to report as outlined above, those employees are not considered confidential and may still share information that they learn. Only those resources designated as confidential can promise confidentiality.
Any member of the University community who has a question about their reporting responsibilities should contact the Title IX Coordinator or EO Officer.
Outside Agencies
At any time, individuals have the right to file charges of unlawful discrimination with the appropriate government agency with or without first utilizing the Title IX Complaint Procedures. Such agencies include:
Office for Civil Rights
Boston Office
U.S. Department of Education
5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02109-3921
Phone: 617-289-0111
Fax: (617) 289-0150
Email: OCR.Boston [at] ed.gov (OCR[dot]Boston[at]ed[dot]gov)
Timeframe: Must file within 180 calendar days of the alleged incident.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
John F. Kennedy Federal Building, Room. 475
Government Center
Boston, MA 02203-0506
617-565-3200
TTY: 617-565-3204
Timeframe: Must file within 300 calendar days of the alleged incident.
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
One Ashburton Place, Room. 601
Boston, MA 02108
617-727-3990 (x588 for TTY)
Timeframe: Must file within 300 calendar days of the alleged incident.
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
436 Dwight Street
Second Floor, Room 220
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 739-2145
Timeframe: Must file within 300 calendar days of the alleged incident.
As required by M.G.L. c. 6, § 168D (e), Framingham State University conducts Sexual Misconduct Surveys at least once every four years and publicly posts the survey findings.