Campus Advocates Against Sexual Harassment and Assault

*This information is also available on our phone message. To listen to the recording, call extension 5710 (507-222-5710 from off campus).*

This section will give a general overview of the process for students reporting sexual misconduct at Carleton. For further information, look for the “policies against sexual misconduct,” which can be found on the Dean of Students website, or by searching the phrase “sexual misconduct” on the Carleton homepage. You can also contact one of the confidential resources on campus that can explain the process in greater detail. These resources include the Wellness Center, which can be reached at ext. 4080, the Chaplain, Carolyn Fure-Slocum, at ext. 4003, or any member of CAASHA.

Students are encouraged to report any incidents to the college. If faculty and staff are involved, contact Joanne Mullen the consultant on sexual harassment and sexual assault, at extension 4569. Incidents that involve only students should be reported to the Associate Deans. They are Cathy Carlson, Julie Thornton and Joe Baggot, and can all be reached at ext. 4075. You can report to the Deans with or without the intent to start the formal complaint process. Reporting gives the Deans a better sense of what is happening on campus so that they can make decisions to better protect the Carleton community. An official record of the incident will be put on file. Please note that there are situations, such as when minors are involved, that the Deans may be required to take action based on your report. Barring these exceptions, the Deans will not begin the investigation process to seek disciplinary action without your desire to do so. You can always bring a friend or CAASHA member with you to offer support if it will help you feel more comfortable while meeting with them.

The formal complaint process begins by informing one of the Deans that you wish to file an official sexual misconduct complaint. At this point, one of the Deans will be designated the “investigator” in charge of collecting information about the incident. The Deans are chosen on a rotating basis, but will not be picked to investigate a complaint filed by or against someone with whom they have a personal relationship. The investigator will separately interview everyone involved to get as complete a picture as possible. Again, you can bring a friend or CAASHA member with you to offer support during the interview.

Once they have finished collecting information, the investigator reports their findings to the Adjudicator, who will determine whether there has been a violation of Carleton’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, and if so, will decide appropriate disciplinary action. This policy can be found on the Dean of Students website.

For further information about the complaint process involving faculty and staff, or students who have decided to file a complaint involving faculty or staff, call Joanne Mullen, the consultant on sexual harassment and sexual assault, at extension x4569, or email her at jmullen@carleton.edu. If it will make you more comfortable, a friend, colleague or CAASHA advocate can come with you when you meet with her. Joanne is not a confidential resource, and may be obligated to take some action based on your conversation. She will handle the matter discretely and professionally, but cannot promise absolute confidentiality.

Beyond Carleton’s reporting process, you may contact the police at any time. This will allow you to officially document the harassment or assault with or without the intent to press charges. Documenting the incident, or incidents, provides the police with official information that can be helpful in later cases reported by you or by others which involve the same person. If you would like to press charges, you will go through the process with the police and the county prosecutor. The Northfield police officer who works on your case can answer any questions you have along the way.

Throughout the complaint process, there are many options for support. At Carleton, the Wellness Center, Chaplain and CAASHA can offer ongoing confidential support, whether you are reporting an incident, filing an official complaint, responding to a complaint, or supporting a friend. If you wish to pursue support from outside of the Carleton community, HOPE Center advocates are available 24 hours a day at 800-607-2330. HOPE Center advocates are professionally trained and are very familiar with legal options available to survivors. If you choose, these advocates can accompany you to any appointment.

It is always your decision to pursue any course of action. CAASHA Advocates are available to inform you of your options and support you in your decisions.