Informal campus options
These options apply to incidents of sexual assault when both parties are currently enrolled Wheaton students, whether the incident occurred on or off the campus. Informal options do not preclude taking a formal action at some later time, but they may have an impact on the outcome of formal proceedings. If the complainant is a Wheaton student, and the respondent is not a Wheaton student, counseling and support services are available from the Sexual Assault Response Team, the Wheaton Counseling Center, the Health Center and the Department of Public Safety, who will assist a complainant in pursuing criminal action.
Talk to the SART Coordinator or a Member of the Sexual Assault Response Team
A member of the Sexual Assault Response Team will review informal and formal options with the complainant. In almost all cases action will only be taken with the consent of the complainant. Wheaton reserves the right to take action in cases where the presence of an individual may present a danger to the community. The complainant will always be informed of any action to be taken.
Seek Counseling
Members of the Sexual Assault Response Team, Student Life staff, Public Safety officers or the Wheaton College Counseling Center can provide complainants with information about counseling. There are confidential services available on campus and in the local area for students who need help.
Confront the Respondent
The Dean of Students or a member of the Sexual Assault Response Team can assist a complainant in confronting the person they are accusing. Such meetings are only appropriate if both parties agree and will occur in the presence of the Dean or her designee. This option helps complainants to regain control and express their hurt and anger. Some complainants in an acquaintance assault/rape have found this to be an appropriate resolution.
This meeting does not prevent the complainant from taking a formal action subsequently; this option is not appropriate if the person being accused presents a clear danger to the community.
Possible Outcomes of Informal Options
The Dean has the authority to issue a campus "No Contact" request. This may require the respondent to move or change classes and will limit the contact the respondent can have with a complainant. The campus includes classes, residence halls, academic and recreational facilities and dining halls. The complainant will be expected to terminate any contact with the respondent as well.
- The Dean or Associate Dean for Student Life may require the respondent to move from a particular residence hall or move off campus.
- The Dean or Assosiate Dean for Student Life may mandate a counseling evaluation for the respondent.
- The college will approve reasonable requests to modify a complainant's class schedule or residential arrangements where appropriate and when other options are available.