Faculty & Staff Resources

Any regular full or part-time University employee, unless the employee is authorized or required by law to keep information confidential by virtue of the employee’s professional role (interpersonal violence prevention and advocacy coordinator or Bucknell Student Health, Counseling & Student Development Center or Chaplains Office staff, for example) is considered a Responsible Employee.

If a Responsible Employee becomes aware of an instance of alleged sexual misconduct, relationship violence or stalking involving a student, the employee must promptly report that information to the Title IX coordinator. The Title IX coordinator makes the Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Violence Reporting Form available for this purpose.

What To Do When a Student Shares That They Have Experienced an Incident of Sexual Misconduct

1. Listen without judgment. Avoid making statements or asking questions which place blame or judgment on the victim-survivor.
2. Assess the survivor's immediate safety and medical needs. If the survivor is in danger or it is a medical emergency, call Public Safety at 570-577-1111 immediately to respond to the situation and provide transportation to the hospital.
3. Inform them of available assistance. Provide them with contact information for Public Safety, available by calling 570-577-1111, and the Title IX coordinator (titleIX@bucknell.edu), noting they can report the incident themselves. For confidential support and help accessing additional local resources, provide them with contact information for Transitions (24/7, 1-800-850-7948). For confidential support to access additional on-campus resources, they can reach out to the Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Advocacy Coordinator (kg029@bucknell.edu or 570-577-1542). Offer to assist the victim-survivor in making any calls or contact.
4. Let them know you are required to report the incident. And reassure the survivor that the report will be kept confidential to the extent appropriate and allowed by law.

Title IX Reporting

Explain the Title IX Reporting Process to the Survivor

Because the University has a responsibility to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment, you must share information concerning the incident with the University's Title IX coordinator, who oversees all reports of sexual misconduct and relationship violence. The Title IX coordinator will contact the survivor to assess the situation and provide information concerning resources and options. Talking with the Title IX coordinator does not mean that the survivor is filing a formal complaint. The Title IX coordinator will protect confidentiality to the extent appropriate and allowed by law.

You Could Say

"I need to report that this incident occurred. The Title IX coordinator will send you an email asking if you would be willing to talk with her about the incident, your options, resources, and any concerns or needs you may have. The University takes all reports very seriously and needs to make sure you're safe and supported."

File Your Report

Promptly complete the Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Violence Reporting Form. Please provide as much information as you have, including the names of the survivor and alleged perpetrator. You may skip any portion of the form for which you do not have information. If you have questions, please contact Samantha E. Hart, director of employee experience, culture & title IX coordinator at 570-577-1554 or samantha.hart@bucknell.edu.

Share Additional Resources

Provide online information to the survivor, showing them this section of the website when possible. Make the survivor aware that the resources remain available to them, even if the survivor prefers not to connect with resources in the short term.

If you have questions, please contact Samantha E. Hart, director of employee experience, culture & title IX coordinator at 570-577-1554 or samantha.hart@bucknell.edu.

Supporting a Victim-survivor

When victim-survivors disclose an experience of sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking, you should serve as a positive bystander and source of support as they work through their reactions to the trauma. It is important to remember that a victim-survivor disclosed their assault because they trust you.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• Fewer than 2-8% of sexual assault reports are false reports. These numbers are similar to any other crime.
• Focus on offering options, rather than giving advice or making decisions for the victim-survivor. The assault took control away from the victim-survivor, and though well-intentioned, making decisions for them can make them feel as though they are still not in control.
• Focus on the survivor's needs. Allow the victim-survivor to dictate the course of the conversation and how much information to disclose. Avoid talking about how hearing the story makes you feel. Instead, ask how the victim-survivor is doing and if they need anything.
• Let the survivor know you are available to support them in whatever ways you feel comfortable.