Affirmative Action and Title IX Complaints
Who Can File
Any student(s) or employee(s), or applicant(s) for admission or employment, may file a complaint. In cases involving Title IX, this is an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.
How to File
There are two complaint processes under the Policy on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, & Diversity (PAA)
- A PAA Discrimination Complaint is a written or verbal complaint alleging a violation of the PAA, other than a Title IX Formal Complaint.
- A Title IX Formal Complaint alleges Title IX Sexual Harassment against a Respondent about conduct within the college’s education program or activity and requests initiation of the Title IX Complaint Process.
Complaints should be filed directly with Dr. Kathryn C. Senie, Director of Compliance who serves as the Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and ADA Coordinator using the options below.
- PAA Discrimination Complaint Form
- Title IX Formal Complaint Form
Persons with disabilities seeking to file a complaint can contact Dr. Senie for an alternative accessible format.
Kathryn C. Senie, J.D., Ed.D.
Director of Compliance
Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator
ADA Coordinator
Ira H. Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons (B19), room 153
413-755-5642
kcsenie@stcc.edu
Mailing Address: One Armory Square, Suite 1, PO Box 9000, Springfield, MA 01102-9000
Privacy and Confidentiality
Privacy
Conversations are kept as private as possible, but information about incidents of Discrimination; Discriminatory Harassment, Retaliation, and Sex-Based Harassment may be shared with relevant administrators if the Campus needs to take action for reasons of community safety. In all cases, the wishes of the person initiating the conversation are given full consideration.
Confidentiality
The College has designated the following as either a Confidential Employee or Confidential Resource Provider whose communications are privileged or confidential under Federal or State law. They may discuss student/employee concerns without obligation to report to the Title IX Coordinator or Campus Police.
- Confidential Employee: David Forton, MS, LMHC, Senior Academic Counselor, Office of Disability Services (B19) room 141G, dcforton@stcc.edu or 413-755-4332.
- Confidential Resource Provider: YWCA of Western, MA free and confidential counseling with a domestic violence/sexual assault counselor (staff) at (413) 732-3121 ext. 303 or 24/7 Hotline (413) 733-7100
Alternative Complaint Processes
In addition to the above complaint process, if you believe you have been subjected to discrimination you may file a formal complaint with the following governmental agencies. Filing a complaint under the College’s PAA does not prohibit you from filing a formal complaint with the governmental agencies set forth below.
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination ("MCAD")
Boston Office
One Ashburton Place
Rm. 601
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 994-6000
Worcester Office
Worcester City Hall
18 Chestnut St., Rm. 520
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 453-9630
Springfield Office
436 Dwight St., Rm. 220
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 739-2145
United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC")
15 New Sudbury Street
Room 475, MA 0203-0506
1-800-669-4000
United States Department of Education Office For Civil Rights (“OCR”)
5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 289-0111