Information for Faculty and Staff

• Name of the student (if known)
• Nature of the incident (what was shared)
• Date, time, and location (if known)
• Names of any involved individuals (if shared)
• Your name and contact information

It’s best to use specific wording and share all details that were given to you. You can also attach screenshots, documents, or other files at the bottom of the reporting form.

• Submit a report online
• Email the Title IX Office: titleix@nova.edu
• Call the Title IX Coordinator at (954) 262-7858. Since the Title IX team may be out doing presentations or responding to other concerns, it is preferable to submit a report online to ensure timely receipt.

• Privacy is when you protect a student’s information from being shared with others who do not have a legitimate educational need to know the information. Most of your communications with students are subject to FERPA and should be kept private, sharing only with those who have a need to know. Confidentiality is a legally protected privilege which does not apply to most student-faculty or student-employee interactions.
• Faculty and staff do not have a legal privilege to maintain confidentiality, except in the following circumstances:
  • When you are a doctor or medical professional providing medical care directly to a victim as your patient
  • When you are a mental health care counselor providing services to the victim as your client
  • If you are serving as a member of the clergy or legal counsel acting in the context of their legally protected privilege towards a victim.

Nearly all faculty and staff are considered responsible employees, which means you are required to report any disclosures of sexual misconduct, harassment, assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking to the Title IX Office. You are also expected to respond appropriately if someone discloses sexual misconduct to you and do your part to prevent it from happening at NSU. 

If the information involves sexual misconduct or related concerns, you cannot keep it confidential. You should gently explain your reporting obligation and offer to connect the student to confidential resources (such as Henderson Counseling) if they prefer not to share more with you.

You are still required to report the disclosure to the Title IX Coordinator. Reassure the student that they are not obligated to disclose more than they want to, and that the Title IX Office is there to offer resources and support their choices, not force action.

You should still report the incident to the Title IX office so the student can get resources, information, and support. NSU may still address off-campus incidents, depending on the incident and NSU’s jurisdiction, but the main goal is to get the student the support they may need.

When in doubt, report it. You are not expected to determine whether a violation occurred. The Title IX Office will evaluate the information and determine the appropriate response. Even if it is not a Title IX matter, the office will connect the student to the right place.

The Title IX Office will:

• Contact the student within one business day (often sooner)
• Offer supportive measures (e.g., academic support, counseling, safety plans)
• Explain their rights and options
• Ensure the student has the opportunity to decide what they want to do whenever possible
• Assist the student with reporting to police if they want, getting connected to counseling, or other measures as needed.

Yes. Confidential employees (e.g., licensed counselors, medical professionals, or clergy acting in that capacity) are not required to report. They can maintain full confidentiality unless there's an imminent safety risk.

How can I help prevent Title IX violations on campus?

• Model respectful, inclusive behavior
• Integrate content about boundaries, consent, and respect into curriculum or advising (where appropriate)
• Attend Title IX or bystander intervention trainings
• Speak up against inappropriate comments or behavior
• Know where to refer students for help

You can and should continue to support the student within your role (e.g., academically, emotionally). Just avoid discussing the incident in detail and refer them to the Title IX Office or confidential resources for further help.

As an employee, you have resources (including confidential support) available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  Visit https://www.nova.edu/hr/benefits/eap.html to learn more.