FAQ

Use he drop down menu for many answers to frequently asked questions about OTC’s Title IX policies.

How do I know if the behavior is really harassment or discrimination?

Harassment or Discrimination?

If you are unsure, file a report with Title IX and a member of our Team will contact you to discuss the situation and options for resolution.

What resources are available for transgender students?

Transgender Student Resources

OTC is committed to creating and maintaining a campus culture that is welcoming for students, faculty, staff and visitor regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability.

Resources listed below are available for OTC students:

  • Change of Student Record – In order to select a preferred name for your OTC communications or change of gender on your official student record, complete  the Change of Student Record Information and return it to Student Services, or email it to studentservices@OTC.edu
  • Gender Neutral Restrooms – Gender neutral restrooms are available on all OTC Campuses.  The map provided identifies gender neutral restrooms for the Springfield Campus.  For other campus or education center locations, please contact Student Services.
  • Equality Club – Student organization for LGBTQ+ students and allies.
  • Safe Zone – Safe Zone is a training program designed to identify, educate and support allies and safe people as well as develop campus awareness in order to create a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students.
  • Counseling Services – Counselor trained in supporting LBGTQ+ students are available for you.
  • LGBT+ Resources

What happens once I make a complaint?

Complaints

A member of the team will contact you as soon as possible after receiving the report to discuss the process and options for moving forward.

How will filing a complaint impact my financial aid?

Financial Aid

Filing a complaint will not impact your financial aid.

What if I am retaliated against?

Retaliation

It is a violation of OTC’s policy to retaliate against any member of the college community who reports or assists in making a complaint of harassment, discrimination or sexual violence or who participates in the investigation of a complaint in any way. Persons who believe they have been retaliated against in violation of this policy should contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

Is there a time limit on making a report?

Making a Report

While there is no time limit in making a report, the college encourages persons to make complaints as soon as possible because late reporting may limit the college’s ability to investigate and respond.

Can I make a report on behalf of someone else?

Reporting on the Behalf of Others

Yes, witnesses or other concerned parties may make a report on behalf of someone else.

What if the issue happened off campus?

Off Campus Incidents

Even if an incident occurred off campus, we would still encourage reporting.  The college has jurisdiction over discrimination, harassment and sexual violence that may occur off campus when such conduct could impact the academic learning environment.

What if I change my mind?

Changing One’s Mind

At any time, you have the ability to change your mind.  However, if the safety of the campus community is at risk the college has the right to continue with the investigation while maintaining the privacy of the reporting party.

Will I have to meet the responding party face-to-face?

Mediation

Mediation may be used in lieu of the formal investigation and determination procedure. However, informal means may only be used with the reporting party’s voluntary cooperation. The reporting party, however, will not be required to work out the problem directly with the responding party.

Who else will know about this concern?

Knowledgeable Parties

Only the people who need to know will be aware of the concern.  Only people who are in a position to offer support, resources or remedy the situation will be involved.

How long will this process take?

Length of Process

The college will strive to conclude its investigation and resolution of the complaint within sixty (60) calendar days of receiving it.

Will my parents or guardian be notified?

Notification

Unless the student is a minor, the college will not inform the reporting party’s parent or guardian.

Can I have someone accompany me to meetings or interviews?

Support Person

During the investigation process, both the reporting party and the responding party may ask a support person/advisor to accompany him or her at all stages of the process.  However, the support person/advisor may not be someone else who may be involved in the situation. A trained member of the Title IX team can be assigned to serve as a support person/advisor to either the reporting party or responding party upon request.

When should I make a report?

Reporting

You should make a report as soon as you are ready.  Keep in mind the closer to the incident, the more effective an investigation will be.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT

PREGNANT/PARENTING