Samford University strives to foster an educational environment that support students’ development of Christian character, scholarly achievement and sense of personal responsibility. To fulfill this purpose, and to protect and promote the health and welfare of its faculty, staff and students, Samford University is committed to ending all types of discrimination that could occur on campus. Students who attend the university are expected to uphold the basic principles that underlie the rights and responsibilities of the university community.

Questions to Consider When Making a Report

While the choice to report an incident of sexual misconduct is a difficult decision, it is important to understand that filing a report of relationship violence can be the start to the restorative process. In addition, reporting or pressing charges against a perpetrator can prevent an offender from harming another person.

Individuals who are subject to an act of violence may perceive the process as being too difficult. For that reason, knowing what to expect at each step of the process may provide comfort in making the decision to file a report or not file a report.

The following are questions/answers to provide you information about the process.

Can I get in trouble if I file a report and information indicates I violated a university code of values?

The university’s amnesty policy states: “values violations committed by a complainant may be exempt from disciplinary action in situations where the reported sexual misconduct or harassment also occurred, provided that such violations did not jeopardize the health or safety of others (student handbook p. 95).

Do I have to make a report to the police or campus police?

The decision to make any report is your choice. You are not required to file a report with the police, but you may choose to file a report and instruct the police to hold the information you provided until such time that you are ready to proceed. Police departments are not required to act upon any report of sexual misconduct except in situations where a child (person under 16 years of age) is involved.

Can I file a report with the university and not the police?

A person may file a complaint with the University Title IX Coordinator.  A report filed with the Title IX Coordinator will allow the complainant to have limited control over the process, unless there is a determination the act described jeopardizes the safety of another or the well-being of members of the university community.

Can I talk with someone about the incident before I decide to file a report?

Samford University has identified individuals on the campus who are confidential resources. A confidential resource is a person who is not required to respond to a report of relationship violence unless there is a threat of safety or well-being to a person or the university.

University Confidential Resources

What to expect after you file a sexual assault or sexual misconduct report?

Once a sexual assault report is filed, the person who filed the report will have a meeting with the university’s Title IX coordinator. Based on information provided during the meeting and the report, the Title IX coordinator will decide to conduct or not to conduct an investigation into the allegation. 

What are the sanctions that can be issued for a sexual assault violation?

Sanctions for sexual assault/sexual misconduct violations range from probation to university expulsion.

How to File a Report

On-line Forms

Public Safety

  • Incident report may be file with any public safety officer
  • Call Public Safety 205-726-2020
  • Call Samford Chief of Police 205-726-2750

Title IX Coordinator

Off-campus Resources

  • Birmingham Crisis Center
  • Rape response hotline: 205-323-7273
  • Crisis hotline: 205-323-7777
  • National rape hotline: 1-800-656-4673
  • Homewood Police Department, 1833 29th Ave. S, Homewood Alabama, Al 35209
    Phone: 205-332-6294 or 911

What Happens after a Complaint Is Filed

Steps to review allegation of sexual misconduct (these steps are provided as a general guide to the review process. Steps may be modified pursuant to unforeseen circumstances)

  1. Presentation of an allegation by a complainant or someone familiar with an alleged sexual misconduct situation
  2. Review of the allegation with the complainant (the complainant may not be the person who was assaulted; complainant is the person reporting the alleged assault)
  3. Inquiry with the complainant about the alleged sexual misconduct
  4. Inquiry with the responder – the person alleged to have committed the sexual misconduct act; in this meeting responder will be provided an opportunity to understand the allegation and an opportunity to know options available to assist them
  5. Interview/follow-up with the complainant and clarification of information provided by the responder – this meeting will seek to gain clarification of any discrepancies presented and provide the complainant an opportunity to review the original complaint
  6. Interview/follow-up with the responder – this meeting will be designed to seek specifics
  7. Title IX Coordinator or designate will review information and begin inquiry/investigation of the alleged incident
  8. Summary report – this report will provide an understanding of the allegations and responses from the complainant and the responder. Each individual will have an opportunity to review  their information
  9. Presentation of the summary report to the Sexual Assault Review Team. At the conclusion of this review, the team may ask the Title IX Coordinator to obtain additional information before preceding to a campus hearing
  10. Campus Hearing to review the allegation – Hearing will be conducted by the Sexual Assault Review Team – the team is made up of faculty and staff. The hearing will include the presentation of information by the Title IX Coordinator, complainant, responder and any witnesses. 
  11. Hearing outcome – determination of responsibility will be based on the preponderance of information presented standard. This standard indicates that based on the information presented, there is greater than 50 percent chance the information presented “indicate” responsibility or information does “not indicate” responsibility
  12. Possible sanctions that may be imposed if a person is determined to be responsible for a sexual misconduct act range from probation to expulsion from the university

The complete process is outlined in the university online Student Handbook.

What is Consent?

Consent means words or actions that show an active, knowing and voluntary agreement to engage in mutually agreed upon sexual activity. Consent cannot be gained by force, by coercion, by ignoring or acting in spite of objections of another, or by taking advantage of the incapacitation of another, where the actor knows or reasonably should have known of such incapacitation. Intoxication is not an excuse for failure to obtain consent. Consent is also lacking when the activity in question exceeds the scope of consent previously given.

Who are individuals who cannot consent to engage in sexual activity?

  • In Alabama individuals younger than 16 years of age
  • An individual who is too intoxicated to give consent or one who is under the influence of other mind altering drugs or substances
  • A person whose mental capacity limits their understanding of sexual activity

Consent:

  • For one form of sexual activity does not mean consent for another type of sexual behavior
  • Must be ongoing with an active, willing partner
  • Must be obtained at the approximate time the sexual activity begins
  • Can be withdrawn at any time
  • Cannot be obtained by any of the following: coercion, threat, implied threat, force, violence, trickery, intimidation, guilt, agreement with another other than the sexual partner, intoxication, repeated requests, or coercion
  • Must be obtained by the person who desires sexual activity

What you should do if you believe you have been violated?

  • Immediately after an assault, get to a safe location. You should call a trusted friend or family member and seek medical attention immediately. While you do not have to report a violation immediately, you should consider calling the police to make a report of the assault.  
  • Talk with a professional counselor; trauma from an assault can be life threatening and it is important to speak with another who is capable to assist and support you as you deal with emotions which may follow the assault.
  • Contact the University Title IX Coordinator to know your rights and options. 

University Amnesty Policy

Samford’s goal is to encourage the reporting of sexual assault incidents so that those affected can receive the support and resources needed. Therefore, values violations by a complainant may be exempt from disciplinary action in a situation where the reported sexual misconduct or harassment also occurred, provided that such violation did not jeopardize the health or safety of others.