Supportive Measures

Bridgewater State University is committed to supporting victims by providing the necessary crisis intervention, safety and support services, and  accommodations throughout the investigation and resolution process. BSU wants all community members to be safe, to receive appropriate medical attention, and to get the help they need to heal, and to continue to access their educational or employment opportunities.

Important Information: Some examples of academic accommodations are:

• Transferring to another section of a course, lecture or lab;
• Rescheduling an academic assignment or test;
• Arranging for incompletes, a leave of absence, or withdrawal from campus; and
• Preserving eligibility for academic, athletic, or other scholarships, financial aid, internships, study abroad, or foreign student visas.

Victims may obtain supportive measures by either

1. Reporting the incident to the Title IX Coordinator or other Responsible Employee and requesting supportive measures, or
2. Disclosing the incident to an on-campus licensed mental health counselor, who in turn can request supportive measures on the victim/survivor’s behalf from the University, or
3. Disclosing the incident to the University’s Sexual Violence Advocacy and Support Center, who in turn can request supportive measures on the victim/survivor’s behalf. Request support from the SVAS Center »

The University  may provide one or more of the following supportive measures as deemed appropriate by the Title IX Coordinator:

• “no contact/communication" orders;
• Changes in academic, transportation, or work arrangements;
• Statutorily-provided leave to employees, such as domestic violence leave pursuant to M.G.L.c.49, 52D
• Alternative housing, dining and/or office accommodations;
• Medical and/or mental health services;
• Assistance in identifying additional community resources, assistance, advocacy, support and services;
• Academic accommodations (see Important Information above); and/or
• Escorts to ensure safety while moving between locations on campus.

Important Information:

• Additionally, in some circumstances, a victim/survivor may wish to seek an order of protection from a court against the alleged perpetrator. In these circumstances, Campus Police will assist individuals in their attempt to secure these orders.
• Individuals may also seek restriction of access to BSU by non-students or non-employees when appropriate

The University may remove a Respondent from the University’s education program or activity on an emergency basis, provided that the University undertakes an individualized safety and risk analysis, determines that an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student or other individual arising from the allegations of sexual harassment justifies removal, and provides the Respondent with notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision immediately following the removal.

The University may place an employee on paid administrative leave during the pendency of a grievance process under this Policy when it reasonably concludes that the employee: (a) poses a threat to health or safety; (b) poses a threat to University property or equipment; (c) is disruptive or interferes with an investigation under this Policy or the normal operations of the University; or (d) is charged with a serious violation of state or federal law.