Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response

If a student or employee wants to speak with a confidential resource, trained staff are available on and off-campus. Help and support is available to those who want to talk in detail about an incident but are not sure if they are ready or interested in reporting to the College or law enforcement.

Information shared with Confidential Resources (including information about whether an individual has received services) will only be disclosed to the Title IX Coordinator or any other individual only with the individual’s express written permission, unless there is an imminent threat of serious harm to the individual or to others, or a legal obligation to reveal such information (e.g., if there is suspected abuse or neglect of a minor).

Information that is shared with a Confidential Resource does not constitute a Report or notice to the College of concerns of sexual misconduct.

On-Campus Confidential Resources include:

• Nichols College Health Services: 508-213-2238, health.services@nichols.edu
• Nichols Counseling Center: 508-213-2238, counseling.services@nichols.edu
• Riverside Mobile Crisis Intervention (24/7 Support Line) : 800-294-4665
• Pathways for Change (Crisis support for sexual assault): 800-870-5905

Off-Campus Confidential Resources include:

Pathways for Change a locally based agency which provides free, confidential services to sexual assault victims, their friends, and families. It also operates a 24-hour, free, confidential hotline that provides victims of sexual assault with telephone counseling and personal support:

588 Main Street Worcester MA 01608
24/7 Hotline: 800-870-5905
Office: 508-852-7600

Employees (staff and faculty) can access medical, counseling, and other forms of support through a third party provided Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP’s counseling, referral and treatment is completely confidential for Nichols’ employees and members of their immediate family. Nichols’ EAP administrator, Equitable, can be reached 24 hours a day at (833) 256-5115 or by visiting  www.guidanceresources.com (app: GuidanceNow; Web ID: EQUITABLE3). For more information about this program, please refer to the Employee Handbook.

The Title IX Coordinator will make parties aware of the resources available to them. In the event of an emergency, the highest priority should be to get to a safe place if possible.  Consider contacting law enforcement and/or seeking medical attention.  The quickest way to access law enforcement and/or medical resources is by dialing “911” as soon as possible.  Additionally, you may consider contacting one or more of the resources below:

The 2020 Title IX regulations 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(10)(i)(D) requires campuses to post training materials for Title IX coordinators, Title IX decision-makers, Title IX investigators, and all who implement informal resolution processes. Nichols College received permission from outside vendors whose materials are posted on this page to comply with the regulations.

• Nichols College Title IX Coordinator Training
• Nichols College Title IX Training

All first-year students have an online Sexual Assault Prevention course they complete. In addition, we offer required in person Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Training a part of Fall Orientation.

The Title IX Coordinator collaborates closely with both campus departments and external community partners to provide a wide range of educational programs and awareness initiatives throughout the academic year. These efforts include workshops, tabling events, and interactive activities designed to engage students, faculty, and staff in meaningful discussions about consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention.

During designated awareness months, we focus on highlighting important topics such as dating and domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault and harassment. Through these programs, we strive to not only raise awareness but also empower individuals with the knowledge, resources, and skills needed to prevent and respond to these issues.