This addendum modifies catalog content as indicated and supersedes all previous addenda. Page 30 / 35 2024-2025 ADDENDUM to the Rasmussen University Catalog and Student Handbook June 26, 2025 intimate parts or sexual acts, sex trafficking, VAWA crimes of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and stalking. • Stalking - Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to (a) fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others, or (b) suffer substantial emotional distress. As used in this definition, “course of conduct” means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property; “substantial emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling; and “reasonable person” means a person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim. Rasmussen considers stalking to include “cyberstalking,” which is stalking conducted with technology such as computers or mobile devices, often occurring on or delivered through the Internet, e-mail, or text messages. • Standard of Evidence - Preponderance of the evidence standard will be used for Title IX proceedings and is applied equally to both students and employees. The burden of proof is met when it is more likely than not that the alleged misconduct occurred. • Unwelcome Conduct - Conduct is unwelcome if an individual did not request or invite it and regarded the conduct as undesirable or offensive. Acquiescence in the conduct or the failure to complain does not always mean that the conduct was welcome. • Victim/Survivor - These terms are used together throughout this policy to respect individuals who may identify as a victim, survivor, or both. A victim/survivor is comparable to a Complainant for purposes of this policy. Reporting Policies and Protocols Reports of Title IX incidents can be made to the Title IX Coordinator ([email protected]) or anonymously via the online reporting system (http://www.rasmussen.edu/studentlife/title-ix/). Individuals may also report incidents to local law enforcement. Rasmussen encourages individuals to report incidents promptly. Anonymous reporting is permitted, and an inquiry will be initiated to the extent possible based on the information provided. Assistance Following an Alleged Title IX Offense Rasmussen may offer supportive measures to the Complainant and Respondent, as necessary, during any criminal or Rasmussen-led investigation into a Title IX incident report and before the final determination of any Rasmussen-led investigation. To the extent Rasmussen does not routinely offer services that may constitute appropriate supportive measures, Rasmussen shall make a good faith effort to enter into memoranda of understanding with support services agencies as may be necessary to meet Rasmussen’s Title IX obligations. All such memoranda and activities thereunder shall comply with the requirements under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Pt. 99), as each may be amended from time to time. Any Complainant of a Title IX incident should be aware of the options to seek treatment for injuries, preventative treatment for sexually transmitted diseases/infections, and other services. Complainants are encouraged to discuss with health care providers, Rasmussen officials, and first responders the option of seeking medical treatment and are encouraged to preserve evidence, which may be necessary to prove a crime has occurred, or to obtain a protective order. A list of medical facilities near each campus at which a Complainant can obtain a medical forensic examination can be found at: https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/title-ix/. A Complainant of an alleged Title IX incident may report such incident to law enforcement agencies or Rasmussen employees, including the Title IX Coordinator. Complainants may, at their choosing, (a) directly notify law enforcement authorities, (b) be assisted by Rasmussen in notifying law enforcement authorities, or (c) decline to notify such authorities. Complainants also may be able to obtain protective, no contact, restraining, or similar lawful orders issued by an appropriate court.
