Title IX States
Title IX (Title Nine) states no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Policy Statement
CCSNH and its Colleges are committed to creating and maintaining a positive and productive work environment free of discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation.
CCSNH prohibits discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation as defined in this policy. It is the intention of CCSNH to take prompt action to prevent the reoccurrence of behaviors that violate this policy. CCSNH and its Colleges, in compliance with Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education amendment of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or physical handicap in any policies, practices, and procedures.
Scope of Policy and Jurisdiction
This policy applies to all faculty, staff, other employees, students, & organizations receiving Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) funding or use of the CCSNH school names. This policy applies to all CCSNH education programs and activities (including locations, events, or circumstances in which CCSNH exercises substantial control over the respondent and the context of the conduct). A complainant does not have to be a member of the CCSNH community to file a complaint at the discretion of the Title IX Coordinator. Policy Numbers for the student policy and employees policy are 323.02 & 730.04.
Detailed GBCC Policy Information
Information about the formal complaint, notice, investigation, hearing, sanctions, and appeal process for any reports made to GBCC can be found in this official policy document:
Policy as of 1/23/2025
2025 GBCC TITLE IX POLICY
Inquiries regarding Title IX may be directed to:
Eric Kulberg
Title IX Coordinator
Great Bay Community College
320 Corporate Drive
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 603-427-7667
Sara A. Sawyer
Director of Human Resources
Community College System of New Hampshire
26 College Drive
Concord, NH 03301
[email protected]
603-230-3512
Inquiries may also be directed to:
US Department of Education
Office of Civil Rights, Boston Office
J.W. McCormack Post Office & Courthouse
Room 707, 01-0061
Boston, MA 02109-4557
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-223-9662
Fax: 617-223-9669
NH Commission for Human Rights
2 Chennell Drive
Concord, NH 03301
603-271-2767
Fax: 603-271-6339
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
475 Government Center
Boston, MA 02203
617-565-3200
Fax: 617-565-3196
For automatic connection to the nearest EEOC field office:
1-800-669-4000
TTY: 1-800-669-6820Bb
How to Report
CCSNH encourages individuals to report incidents covered under this policy so that they can get the support they need and the College can respond appropriately while maintaining a safe and secure campus. Although strict confidentiality may not be guaranteed, in all cases the College will handle information in a sensitive manner and will endeavor to protect the privacy of individuals to the extent it can do so consistent with its obligations to respond to reports of discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation. If a complainant expects formal action in response to their allegations, reporting to any non-confidential resource can connect them with the appropriate resources.
Confidential Resources and Confidentiality
If an individual would like to confidentially report an alleged violation of this policy, they should contact a confidential resource. A confidential resource is an individual who is legally and ethically bound to keep confidential all information shared with them on the course of providing counsel and support, except under the circumstances noted below.
In general, the law recognizes and protects the confidentiality of communications between a person seeking care and a medical or mental health professional, religious advisor, or trained sexual assault advocate. The medical, mental health, and religious professionals (individuals acting in their religious professional capacity through a College office) at the College respect and protect confidential communications from students faculty, and staff to the extent they are legally able to do so. These professionals may have to breach confidence when they perceive a serious risk of danger or threat to any person or property. In addition, medical and mental health professionals may be required by law to report certain crimes (such as allegations of sexual and/or physical abuse of any person under 18).
An individual who speaks to a confidential resource must understand that if they want to maintain complete confidentiality, the College will be unable to investigate the particular incident or pursue disciplinary action against the alleged perpetrator. However, confidential resources may assist the individual in receiving supportive measures or other forms of protection and support such as victim advocacy, academic accommodations, disability, health, or mental health services, and changes to living, working, or transportation arrangements.
Reporting and Non-Confidential Resources
Individuals seeking to report incidents of discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation to the College may do so using any of the following options:
- Utilizing the GBCC Online Title IX Reporting Form.
Reporting via this online form allows the College to reach out to the reporter and/or complainant to request further information, offer supportive measures, and provide information about resolution options. This does not oblige a complainant to participate in a resolution process. CCSNH strives to respect a complainant’s wishes regarding the pursuit of formal resolution procedures unless there appears to be a compelling threat to their or the community’s health and/or safety. The complainant is largely in control and should not fear loss of privacy by making a report that allows the College to discuss the matter with them and provide supportive measures. If an online reporting form is completed anonymously with no identifying information for the complainant, the College’s ability to offer supportive measures, appropriately investigate the incident, and/or pursue disciplinary action against the alleged may be limited. - File a Formal Complaint with the Title IX Coordinator.
Such a report may be made at any time (including non-business hours) by using the telephone number, email address, or mailing address listed for the Title IX Coordinator or any other listed official. Directly contact the Title IX Coordinator using the following contact information:
Eric Kulberg
[email protected]
603-427-7667 - Reporting to a Mandatory Reporter.
All CCSNH employees are deemed mandatory reporters for purposes of this policy. Mandatory reporters include any administrator, supervisor, and faculty member who does not have a statutory privilege of confidentiality by law or who has not otherwise been designated as a confidential resource advisor. Mandatory reporters who learn of an incident of discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation. involving a student or employee are required to report that information to the Title IX Coordinator as soon as possible. Information reported to a mandatory reporter will be shared with others only to the extent necessary to respond to the situation and support the parties and in accordance with state/federal law. Mandatory reporters who themselves are a target misconduct under this policy are not required to report their own experience, though encouraged to do so. If a mandatory reporter fails to comply/report an incident or interferes with an investigation, that employee may be subject to disciplinary action. General inquires to mandatory reporters about policies and procedures and conversations where the alleged perpetrator is not named or implied from the circumstances would not constitute reports for the purpose of this policy. These types of inquiries should nonetheless be referred to the Title IX Coordinator.
Time Limits on Reporting
There is no time limitation on reporting or providing notice/complaints to the College. However, if the respondent is no longer subject to the College’s jurisdiction or if significant time has passed, the ability to investigate, respond, and/or provide remedies may be limited. The Title IX Coordinator may act at their discretion, documenting allegations for future reference, offering supportive measures, or engaging in informal/formal action as appropriate.
Support and Services Resources
Haven Crisis Center
603-994-7233 24-Hour Confidential Support Line
603-436-4107 General Contact
Email: [email protected]
http://havennh.org/
Haven provides free and confidential support, advocacy, and crisis intervention services, including: 24-hour support line, online chat with advocates (M-F 9-4PM), housing assistance, emergency safe shelter, legal resources, safety planning, support groups and third-party support (if you are looking to help a friend).
Bettermynd: Free Telehealth Therapy
Free telehealth individual therapy and group workshops are available through Bettermynd. Login to Bettermynd with your GBCC easy login or call them at:
Bettermynd Crisis Line
844-287-6963
(Available 24/7)
Immediate, Confidential Help:
- New Hampshire 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-866-644-3574
- New Hampshire 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-277-5570
- National 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Even if you do not want to file a formal complaint, resources for support are still available to you. Advocates are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to help with any and all needs including seeking medical attention, seeking emotional support or assistance filing a complaint.
Updated Trainings
GBCC is committed to providing current and up to date training for all members of its community that are involved in the implementation of our reporting and grievance process.
Title IX Coordinator Training
GBCC’s Title IX Coordinator, Tina Favara, participated in training on the new CCSNH policy and Title IX process in July 2021. The training was conducted by Drummond Woodsum Attorneys at Law.
GBCC’s Title IX Coordinator, John Boggs, participated in training on CCSNH’s policy and Title IX process in February 2023. The training was conducted by Grand River Solutions.
GBCC’s Title IX Coordinator, Eric Kulberg, participated in training on the Title IX process in December 2023. The training was conducted by ATIXA.
GBCC’s Title IX Coordinator, Eric Kulberg, participated in training on CCSNH policy and the Title IX process in March, 2024. The training on the Title IX process was conducted by ATIXA; the training on the CCSNH policy was conducted by CCSNH’s Title IX Coordinator Holley Dupre.
Investigator Training
Key members of GBCC participated in extensive training through D. Stafford & Associates on Title IX and how to conduct a Title IX investigation in February 2020. These members include the Vice President for Student Affairs & Title IX Coordinator, our Student Conduct Coordinator and three Campus Safety Officers, who conduct our investigations. These members undergo recertification training yearly through D. Stafford & Associates.
Due to proprietary ownership of the training by D. Stafford & Associates, a copy of the training is currently not available. Questions regarding the training may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator.
Hearing Board Training
GBCC has developed training specific to members of our Title IX Conduct Hearing Boards. The training is provided annually and includes, but not be limited to:
- Information on working with and interviewing persons subjected to sexual misconduct.
- Information on conduct that constitutes sexual harassment including sexual violence.
- Information on consent and the role drugs and alcohol may play in an individual’s ability to consent.
- The effects of trauma, including any neurobiological impact on a person.
- Cultural competence training regarding how sexual misconduct may impact individuals differently depending on factors that contribute to an individual’s cultural background, including but not limited to national origin, sex, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
- Ways to communicate sensitively and compassionately with a reporting party of sexual misconduct including but not limited to an awareness of responding to a reporting party with consideration of that party’s cultural background and providing services to or assisting in locating services for the reporting party. Ways to communicate sensitively with a responding party including an awareness of the emotional impact of being wrongly accused.
- Training and information regarding how dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking may impact students with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Additional training was provided to Title IX Conduct Hearing Boards by Drummond Woodsum Attorneys at Law during Fall 2021.
Annual Training for Students and Employees
GBCC’s faculty and staff are provided with annual training on Title IX, as well as College policy and process. Training is mandatory and participation is recorded. The training includes, but not be limited to:
- An explanation of consent as it applies to sexual activity and sexual relationships.
- The role drugs and alcohol play in an individual’s ability to consent.
- Information on options relating to the reporting of an incident of sexual harassment generally and sexual violence specifically under this policy and the effects of each option, and the methods to report an incident of sexual violence including confidential and anonymous disclosure.
- Information on the college’s procedures for resolving sexual harassment including sexual violence complaints, and the range of sanctions the college may impose on students and employees found responsible for a violation.
- The name, contact information, and role of the confidential resource.
- Responsibility of faculty and staff in receiving reports.
GBCC also provides students with prevention and awareness programming at New Student Orientation and through general education outreach. Specialized programming has been developed for high-risk populations such as student athletic teams. The training includes, but not be limited to:
- An explanation of consent as it applies to sexual activity and sexual relationships.
- The role drugs and alcohol play in an individual’s ability to consent.
- Information on options relating to the reporting of an incident of sexual harassment generally and sexual violence specifically under this policy and the effects of each option, and the methods to report an incident of sexual violence including confidential and anonymous disclosure.
- Information on the college’s procedures for resolving sexual harassment including sexual violence complaints, and the range of sanctions the college may impose on students and employees found responsible for a violation.
- The name, contact information, and role of the confidential resource.
- Strategies for bystander intervention and risk reduction.
Awareness and Prevention
USafe®
GBCC encourages members of our community to download uSafeUS®, a free and confidential app that helps protect yourself and your community – both on and off-campus. Whenever something feels “off” about a situation you’re in, uSafeUS® is always there to help:
- Fake a call or text to make a smooth exit from an uncomfortable situation
- Notify friends when you’re walking alone on campus
- Quick links to support and answers to your questions about sexual assault, relationship violence, & stalking.
Download the app at App Store or Google Play. Select GBCC as your campus, and become familiar with the uSafeUS® tools and resources available 24/7 wherever you may go.
RSA 188H: Sexual Misconduct Climate Survey
A sexual misconduct climate survey with a series of standard base questions was distributed to all undergraduate and graduate students in the state of New Hampshire as a required component of a new state law aimed at addressing campus sexual misconduct. This survey was administer at GBCC in February and March of 2024, and the results can be found here.
2022 Sexual Misconduct Climate Survey
When reviewing the summary findings, please note that the definition of sexual misconduct as it relates to this survey is quite broad, so it is important to read the survey questions and responses in their entirety and note the total number of people who answered a specific question to best understand the results. The results will be an important component in our campus’s ongoing work to prevent and respond to all forms of sexual misconduct and interpersonal violence.
Statewide data on the sexual misconduct survey can be found here.
