Confidentiality
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The College is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals involved in the investigation and resolution of a report. Saint Vincent will make reasonable efforts to protect the privacy of participants, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, while balancing the need to gather information to assess the report and to take steps to eliminate prohibited conduct, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.
Privacy
Privacy means that information related to a report of Prohibited Conduct will only be shared with a limited number of individuals who “need to know” to ensure the prompt, equitable and impartial review, investigation, and resolution of the report. All employees who are routinely involved in responding to such reports receive specific training and guidance about safeguarding private information in accordance with applicable laws.
- Any supportive measure, accommodations or protective measures provided will remain private to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the College’s ability to provide the supportive measure, accommodations or protective measures.
- Student education records will be protected in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”). All documentation related to a student’s report, investigation and resolution are protected by FERPA and will not be released, except as required by law.
- Non-identifying information about a report may be shared with the Office of Public Safety or a designee to comply with the Clery Act.
- No information will be reported to or shared with law enforcement or to parents without the student’s explicit written permission, and even when such written permission is given, no information can be shared with parents without the student being present.
- Saint Vincent College does not publish identifying information regarding the parties involved in a report in the College’s Daily Crime Log or online.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality means that campus or community professionals with the statutorily granted ability to maintain information as privileged cannot reveal identifiable information shared by an individual to any other person without express permission of the individual, or as otherwise permitted or required by law. Those campus and community professionals who can maintain privileged communications and keep information confidential, referred to as Confidential Employees.
Responsibilities relating to privacy and confidentiality
The College encourages all parties involved in a report of Prohibited Conduct, whether as a Complainant, Respondent, reporting party or witness to respect the confidential nature of any information provided, obtained and/or learned throughout the matter.
This does not mean that the parties are prohibited from discussing or sharing information or documentation with those they deem necessary, such as an advisor, support person, legal representative or someone serving in a similar capacity. The parties should, however, keep in mind the impact discussing the investigation or sharing information about meetings or interviews with those who may be called as witnesses may have.
If, during the course of this investigation it is determined that anyone involved in the investigation, colluded or shared information with another in a way that subsequently may lead to harassment or conduct that could be construed as retaliatory, Saint Vincent may take disciplinary action to address such conduct.