Title IX, Sexual Misconduct & The Law

Dear Cardinals:

SVSU is committed to creating and maintaining an educational environment free from all forms of sexual misconduct, including sex discrimination and sexual harassment. In May, the U.S. Department of Education released updated regulations for implementing protections of equal access to education under Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972. As federal laws, these regulations govern how institutions are required to respond to sexual assault and other forms of sexual harassment. These regulations are effective as of Friday, Aug. 14.

We have spent the past few months carefully reviewing these new regulations and updating our interim policies and procedures. We will be creating opportunities for dialog in the coming weeks regarding the implementation of these policies and procedures, and any changes we have made as a result of these new laws.

We understand that some members of our campus community have been affected by sexual assault and/or sexual harassment. We want you to know that our commitment to preventing sexual assault, supporting those who report experiencing harm, and conducting fair, transparent, and safe grievance processes for all parties has not changed, and these remain a top priority for us as a university. We are determined to continue to build a supportive, safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where everyone can learn, work, and grow.

If you have experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault, I encourage you to connect to the resources at SVSU that can best support you. You may contact our Title IX coordinator, Dr. Mamie T. Thorns, at mtthorns@svsu.edu, or call (989) 964-4068.

Sincerely,
Donald J. Bachand
President, Saginaw Valley State University

Support for Pregnant Students

SVSU is committed to supporting pregnant students throughout the course of their studies. Information about your pregnancy will be treated confidentially and sensitively on a need-to-know basis with consent. Students are granted a leave of absence for as long as it is deemed medically necessary by a doctor. At the conclusion of the leave, the student may be allowed to resume status held when the leave began. A memo will be created with you to ensure reasonable accommodations are made and your needs are met during your pregnancy, following the birth and when you return to study. 

Visit the Office of Accessibility Resources & Accommodations to request reasonable accommodations.

For more information regarding your rights as a pregnant or parenting student, please contact Dr. Mamie T. Thorns, special assistant to the president for diversity programs and Title IX coordinator, at 989-964-4068 or mtthorns@svsu.edu.