Supportive Measures

Supportive measures are non-disciplinary and non-punitive individualized services available to a Complainant or Respondent. Supportive measures can be granted before or after a complaint is filed, or where no complaint has been filed. The Title IX Office works in consultation with other university offices, such as the Project Safe Center and the Office of the Dean of Students, to implement effective supportive measures.

For Students:

Examples of supportive measures that Vanderbilt may consider and elect to implement for students include, but are not limited to:

• Access to on-campus counseling services and assistance in setting up an initial appointment;
• Mutual No-Contact Directives;
• Rescheduling or extension of academic exams and assignments; providing alternative course completion options;
• Changing class schedules, including the ability to transfer course sections, withdraw from, or re-take a course;
• Changing work schedules, job assignments, or job locations for University employment;
• Changing residence hall assignments;
• Providing an escort for transit between University classes and activities;
• Providing academic support services, such as tutoring;
• Restrictions, which may include limiting or barring access to certain facilities or activities; or,
• Student-requested leaves of absence.

For Faculty and Staff:

In cases involving faculty and staff who request supportive measures, the Title IX Coordinator will confer with Human Resources or the appropriate Dean. Some supportive measures may continue after an investigation is closed, or as sanctions or accommodations, depending on the outcome of the matter.

Examples of supportive measures that Vanderbilt may consider and elect to implement for faculty, staff, and postdoctoral fellows/trainees may include, but are not limited to:

• Access to on-campus counseling services through Work/Life Connections (EAP) and assistance in setting up an initial appointment;
• Changing work schedules, job assignments, or job locations;
• Limiting or barring access to certain Vanderbilt-owned facilities or activities; or,
• Providing an escort for transit around campus.

• Supportive measures are determined by balancing the facts gathered, the seriousness of the allegations, and the potential safety risks posed to the Vanderbilt community. Supportive measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to Vanderbilt’s education program and activities without unreasonably burdening the other party. Vanderbilt will maintain as private, any personal supportive measures provided only to the Complainant or only to the Respondent, to the extent that maintaining such privacy would not impair our ability to provide the supportive measures (e.g., not applicable to mutual no contact directives).
• Vanderbilt may also implement supportive measures that affect the broader Vanderbilt community and that are aimed to eliminate occurrences of sexual misconduct and to promote academic and employment environments free of such conduct.

• If a Respondent student withdraws from Vanderbilt while a report or complaint is pending, supportive measures for the Complainant may be continued. The Respondent may be required to notify the Title IX Coordinator if they intend to visit any building owned or controlled by Vanderbilt or a student organization that is officially recognized by Vanderbilt, or if they otherwise seek to attend any Vanderbilt education program or activity or event. This allows the complainant to be given an opportunity to receive supportive measures, if needed.
• The Respondent’s student records also may be marked to indicate their departure during a disciplinary process (which may resume if they return to Vanderbilt) but will not indicate that such Respondent was found or assumed responsible for any alleged misconduct pending at the time of departure.

Those who believe they may benefit from supportive measures should complete the Incident Reporting and Accommodation Request form (Link). Once an incident has been reported, a member of the Title IX Office will reach out to meet with the reporter. Likewise, if a report results in the issuance of a Notice of Allegations, a member of the Title IX Office will reach out to the Respondent to meet with them to provide an opportunity for the Respondent to receive supportive measures. Other questions related to obtaining supportive measures can be directed to the Informal Resolutions and Supportive Measures Manager (TitleIX@vanderbilt.edu).

There are other offices that support those looking for additional resources. Some offices are mandatory reporters, who must report any incidents of sexual misconduct they learn about. There are a few offices on campus that are confidential and are not required to report an incident of sexual misconduct. This 1 page chart lists the offices you can speak with and whether they are confidential or mandatory reporters.