General Information
About Elizabethtown College and The School of Graduate and Professional Studies Mission of Elizabethtown College
- Statement of Non-Discrimination
- Educational Philosophy Statement & Goals of Elizabethtown College
- About the School of Graduate and Professional Studies
- Mission of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies
- Key Objectives of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies
- School of Graduate and Professional Studies Structure and Governance
- School of Graduate and Professional Studies Program Structure
Campus Policies - Safety & Security
- Elizabethtown College Campus Safety
- Student ID Cards
- Drug and Smoke-Free Campus
- Parking Information
- ECAlert - Elizabethtown Campus Alert System
- SGPS Inclement Weather Policies
Student Confidentiality
- Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Student Responsibilities
- School of Graduate and Professional Studies Expectations of Students
- School of Graduate and Professional Studies Writing Expectations
- School of Graduate and Professional Studies Technology Expectations
- Email Communication & Computer Network Access
- Reporting Changes of Personal Information
- Student Complaint Procedures
Student Conduct: Harassment, Bullying, Bias-Related Incidents and Title IX Policies
- Reporting, Investigating and Resolving Incidents
- Title IX
- Investigation and Resolution of an Incident
About Elizabethtown College and SGPS
About Elizabethtown College
Our commitment is to Educate for Service. We believe that learning is most noble when used to benefit others, regardless of chosen career path. We prepare our students to lead rich lives of purpose and meaning, while advancing independent thought, personal integrity and social responsibility. These are the foundations for a life of learning. The College fosters values of peace, non-violence, human dignity and social justice.
For information about the College’s history and Church of the Brethren heritage, click here
Mission of Elizabethtown College
Molded by a commitment to "Educate for Service," Elizabethtown College is a community of students dedicated to educating students intellectually, socially, aesthetically and ethically for lives of service and leadership as citizens of the world. As a comprehensive institution, the College offers academic programs in the liberal arts, sciences and professional studies. Combining classroom instruction with experiential learning, these programs advance independent thought, personal integrity and social responsibility as the foundations for a life of learning. Founded by members of the Church of the Brethren, the College believes that learning is most noble when used to benefit others and affirms the values of peace, non-violence, human dignity and social justice.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Elizabethtown College does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, possession of a general education development certificate as compared to a high school diploma, or any other legally protected status. This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.
Educational Philosophy Statement and Goals of Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown College engages students in a dynamic, integrated learning process that blends the liberal arts and professional studies. Challenged to take responsibility for their education, students at Elizabethtown embark on a journey of self-transformation that involves intellectual, social, and personal growth. The College is committed to educating the whole person within a relationship-centered learning community where common goals are achieved through engagement in a rigorous academic curriculum and thoughtful co-curricular experiences. Students are encouraged to develop and challenge their own values, while seeking to understand and appreciate alternative perspectives. Embedded in an ever-changing global context, the College promotes the developmental, collaborative, and complex nature of learning.
In seeking to “educate for service,” Elizabethtown College believes that students can perform no greater service than they do when sharing knowledge and creativity with others. Opportunities to strengthen scholarship and leadership extend beyond the classroom, and students learn actively through practical experiences and civic engagement.
The impact of an Elizabethtown College education is long lasting and far-reaching because it is deeply transformative. Students acquire new habits of mind and heart–some in the course of the undergraduate experience, others as students grow beyond college.
Elizabethtown College challenges students to:
- assume responsibility for their intellectual development, personal growth, and well-being. They will sharpen their curiosity and become aware of the capabilities, strategies, and resources needed to learn.
- reason, analyze, and engage in critical thinking. They will learn to make, systematically evaluate, and, if necessary, refute arguments and claims—both their own and those of others.
- demonstrate thoughtful and articulate communication by applying knowledge in a variety of contexts including writing, speaking, listening and interpretation.
- understand the creative process and its role in human expression, and cultivate the ability to make informed aesthetic judgments.
- navigate diverse cultural worldviews and perspectives, with the realization that differing frames of reference influence analysis, communication, and behavior.
- make reflective ethical decisions and act with integrity to seek just outcomes within relationships, communities, and society.
- apply and integrate different strands of learning and comprehend interconnections in the process of gaining knowledge and experience.
- identify and cultivate a sense of purpose that inspires a commitment to meaningful work in service to society.
About the School of Graduate and Professional Studies Elizabethtown College has been a leader in adult education in the southcentral Pennsylvania region for over fifty years. In 1999, the College’s Strategic Plan mandated renewed institutional efforts to extend the College’s mission, heritage, and core competencies to the regional adult learner community through the College’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS). In 2001, the Board of Trustees reaffirmed the SGPS’s organizational status as a distinct, self-governing academic unit of Elizabethtown College, charged with meeting the varied and unique needs of regional adult learners. In 2011, the Board of Trustees approved the School’s first graduate program.
The SGPS offers accelerated, convenient credit programming and degree completion to working adults at Elizabethtown and online. These programs are firmly based on the principles of effective adult learning and fall under the College’s accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Mission of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies The School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Elizabethtown College seeks to extend the boundaries of the College's learning community to include a wider and more diverse population. The School expresses the values of the College's mission through a commitment to and advocacy of degree and non-degree academic programs for adult students. In particular, the School embraces the values of human dignity and social justice by widening access to quality higher education for adults. In its programs and outreach, the School fosters a student-centered academic culture that expresses the College's belief that learning is life-long and most noble when used to benefit others.
Key Objectives of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies
- Expand access to the unique benefits of an Elizabethtown College education to new constituencies through innovative programming, formatting, and distance learning, thereby increasing the number of non-traditional learners in the College's learning community.
- Develop and administer quality academic programs and activities, with the goals of advancement of student learning outcomes and student achievement of programmatic and institutional learning goals.
- Offer support and guidance to adult students as they progress through their degree program and achieve their goal of graduation.
- Maintain and advance the liberal arts core values of Elizabethtown College.
- Educate and develop the regional workforce through relevant professional and liberal arts learning experiences that increase worker and employer productivity, and thus, to "educate for service."
- Help lead, by responsible example, the Elizabethtown College Learning Community in successfully meeting the higher education challenges of the 21st century.
- Support and advance the College’s strategic goal of stewardship of resources by increasing departmental revenues while controlling costs in a fiscally responsible manner.
- Value and nurture in the School’s staff the qualities necessary to meet these objectives and the qualities necessary for full, personal development.
School of Graduate and Professional Studies Structure and Governance
Elizabethtown College Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees has final legislative authority in all matters pertaining to the purpose of the College and the policies for fulfilling the statement of purpose. Among the Board’s primary functions are selecting the president of the College, developing and sustaining the philosophy and policies of the College, setting the costs of tuition and fees, adopting the annual budget, and approving plans for developing and maintaining the physical plant.
School of Graduate and Professional Studies Council on Academic Management
The Council on Academic Management (CAM) is the academic governance system for SGPS, which maintains and revises the School’s liberal education core program and all of its professional majors. This innovative model of governance includes representation from faculty, students, alumni, community and administrative groups.
School of Graduate and Professional Studies Academic Affairs Team
Academic staff work closely with the Council on Academic Management and Lead Facilitators to develop and maintain rigorous and high quality academic programs.
School of Graduate and Professional Studies Affiliated Faculty
Courses are led by facilitators with real-world experience who bring relevant, current work experience to the classroom.
School of Graduate and Professional Studies Admissions Counselors
Admissions Counselors assist the student with his or her preliminary decision on pursuing a degree. They discuss program requirements and review previous course work and prior learning for possible credit.
School of Graduate and Professional Studies Academic Advising Coordinators
Every student is assigned an Academic Advising Coordinator. Advisors assist current students with selecting classes and ensuring they are on track to graduate. Advisors also recommend resources and services to help students succeed.
School of Graduate and Professional Studies Program Structure
Responsive to the unique learning requirements and life style concerns of adults, the School of Graduate and Professional Studies offers accelerated courses in multiple formats, including online, blended, and ground. Web-based technology supports the "learning outside the classroom" component. All accelerated learning at Elizabethtown College requires the mastery of learning outcomes as determined by a variety of assessment processes. Facilitators who are professionals in their fields utilize activities, formats, and methodologies that respect adult learning styles; therefore, accelerated courses and degrees are designed for adults who are motivated, bring real-world experience to the classroom, and are self-directed in order to succeed academically.
SGPS offers undergraduate degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, and Human Services. Most courses are five weeks long and are three credits; a four-week winter session, and three-day weekend seminar courses are also offered. Ground courses meet one night a week for four hours or for two three-hour weekly sessions. Blended and online versions of the courses have equivalent online instruction.
SGPS offers graduate degrees in Business Administration and Strategic Leadership in eight-week sessions. Most courses meet one evening a week for four hours, are offered online, or integrate a combination of classroom and online instruction. Concentrations in Healthcare Administration are offered within both graduate programs and in Strategic Leadership to the Business Administration program.
SGPS offers graduate certificates in Healthcare Administration and Strategic Leadership. Courses for these programs are fully online in eight-week sessions.
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies encourages each adult to take control of his or her learning and to move through an academic program at his or her own pace. Each adult student, in conjunction with an academic advising coordinator, schedules his or her own courses and is free to step in or out of the program as necessary.
Accreditation and Authorization
Elizabethtown College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Elizabethtown College is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), a voluntary, interstate agreement that establishes comparable standards for offering postsecondary distance education across state lines. Member states recognize participating institutions that are authorized in other member states. SARA establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.
Students can review documents of accreditation by contacting the Registration and Records Office at 717-361-1409. Students wishing to file a formal complaint against an institution of higher education in Pennsylvania can visit here for procedural information.
Each of the SGPS syllabi is written to adhere to federal and state guidelines. Federal guidelines require a minimum of 45 hours of interactive instruction or alternative equivalent activities. Equivalencies to comply with both federal and state regulations may include activities like research, internet activities (online discussion boards; responding to postings, real-time chat, etc.), written assignments, case studies, field trips or other activities deemed appropriate by the SGPS and its faculty.
SGPS has adopted a number of general principles from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Guidelines, including:
- All SGPS accelerated courses will adhere to 45 hours of ‘equivalent’ instructional time [per PDE] yet remain in an accelerated delivery.
- All courses will be outcomes-based where it is determined whether or not students have achieved the stated outcomes.
- Adult learning principles are recognized as critical to the success of the program.
Although “contact hours” are limited in the accelerated format, adult students are expected to complete 15-22 hours of “learning and instruction outside the classroom” each week; this learning can involve activities like problem-solving, reading, research, writing, academic journaling, independent field trips, web-based assignments and group work under the direction of the facilitator.
Campus Safety & Security
Elizabethtown College Campus Safety
Important Office Numbers
- College Switchboard – “0” or 717-361-1000
- Emergency – Ext. 1111 or 717-361-1111
- Dispatcher – Ext. 1264 or 717-361-1264
- Officer Assistance (non-emergency) – Ext. 1264 or 717-361-1264
- E-Mail – security@etown.edu
Student ID cards
SGPS students are issued an Elizabethtown College ID Card by Campus Safety.
- ID cards are an official Elizabethtown College identification. College ID Cards include name, photo, student ID number, and validation information.
- The College ID Card may be required for admission to College events and/or to check out resources from the library.
Drug and Smoke-Free Campus
School of Graduate and Professional Studies refers to the Elizabethtown College policies on being a drug-free, smoke-free campus.
Parking Information
Parking at Elizabethtown Campus
To register a car, students must provide the following information: make, model, year, color and tag number. After 5:00 pm and on weekends, adult students may park in any legal space on campus, except those specifically designated for handicapped, visitors or marked Reserved. Students who will be here during the day should register their car with Campus Safety and get a parking tag. Before 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, students may park in white-lined spaces only. These may be found in the Brown Lot (across from the lake on College Avenue) and the lots behind the Young Center and to the left of Leffler Chapel. The lot to the right of the Chapel is for staff only during the day. Vehicles parking in unlined paved areas, in “No Parking” areas, in Fire Lanes, in spots designated as “Reserved”, “Handicap”, “Service Vehicles” or vehicles parked on the grass will be ticketed.
Parking at the Lancaster Intermediate Unit
Students attending courses at Lancaster IU13 should park in the parking lot provided. A parking pass is not needed.
ECAlert – Elizabethtown Campus Alert System
Elizabethtown College has an EC Alert system. This system is used to alert students of an emergency at Elizabethtown. Closings due to inclement weather for the College will also be sent through this channel. All SGPS students will be placed in the system. Students will receive a text notification when they are officially signed up. If there is an emergency or a closing, students will receive an email, text message and/or phone call. A test will be performed once in the fall and once in the spring semester. You will be notified prior to any tests being done on the system.
For more information about the ECAlert System, please check out the Elizabethtown College website.
SGPS Inclement Weather Policies
When it snows or when weather conditions become extreme, these procedures are in effect for SGPS students:
- Unless otherwise indicated, Elizabethtown administrative and departmental offices will remain open.
- If extreme weather occurs or is predicted, the Dean of the School will review the situation. The decision to cancel Monday through Thursday classes will be made by 3:00 pm. Saturday classes are held at the facilitator’s discretion.
- Individual course cancellations or schedule changes resulting from inclement weather will be posted on the SGPS website at etown.edu/sgps. You may also call 1-800-877-2694 to check cancellation status; a recorded message will be placed on the voicemail when the office is closed.
- If a class is canceled due to inclement weather, it will be the facilitator’s responsibility to schedule a make-up session. A make-up class for a Weekend Seminar course will be determined for a time that is convenient to learners and faculty, meeting no later than nine days after the start of the course. Learners should contact both their advisor and facilitator if there is a conflict with a make-up class.
Student Confidentiality
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The 1974 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law (20 U.S.C. 1232g) that protects the privacy of a student’s educational record. Specifically, the law offers the following protections and rights to students:
- annual notification of their FERPA rights and of what the College defines as Directory Information;
- the right to see the information in their academic record;
- the right to consent to disclosure of information in their academic record and the right to withhold information that is Directory Information;
- the right to seek to amend records and, in certain cases, append a statement to the record;
- the right to file a complaint with the Department of Education Compliance Office in Washington DC.
An education record is any record (with a few exceptions) maintained by the College that is directly related to a student. This record can contain a student's name or information from which an individual student could be personally identified. Information in a student's academic record is considered private and, in most cases, cannot be released to another individual unless the student provides prior written consent.
Here are several situations where information from an education record might be disclosed without prior written consent:
- The information is needed by a school official who has a legitimate education interest in the information.
- In an emergency, the institution believes that disclosure of certain information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.
Directory Information, as defined by Elizabethtown College, includes: name; enrollment status (e.g., undergraduate or graduate; part-time or full-time); campus e-mail address; home address; home/mobile telephone; date of birth; dates of attendance; class (e.g., sophomore, junior); field of study; degree; date of graduation; participation in college-sponsored activities; honors; awards; photographs; and most recently attended institution. Directory information would not normally be considered a violation of a person’s privacy if it was released.
Directory information is subject to public release without prior written consent unless the student completes the “Request for Non-Disclosure of Directory Information” form.
For Elizabethtown College FERPA information click here.
Student Responsibilities
School of Graduate and Professional Studies Expectations of Students
By enrolling in any course or program offered by the School, students acknowledge responsibility for understanding guidelines and policies in the School’s handbook and catalog. In addition, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure understanding of the information found on the approved program Transfer Credit Evaluation, emailed with the admission offer. The Transfer Credit Evaluation outlines the specific requirements for each individual’s program and includes courses accepted in transfer from other institutions or any already completed at Elizabethtown College.
School of Graduate and Professional Studies Writing Expectations
The ability to write clearly and persuasively, in any number of settings and contexts ranging from the academic world to the business world, is a core learning outcome of the School’s unique blend of professional and liberal education. As such, its relevance and applicability spans all majors and courses offered by the School. All written course assignments should reflect this ability and will be evaluated with this core learning outcome in mind. Practically, this means that the elements of clear and persuasive writing, such as correct spelling, grammar and syntax, and effective organization, will be considered when grading written assignments for all courses regardless of the subject matter.
School of Graduate and Professional Studies Technology Expectations
The School expects students enrolled in courses to possess basic computer skills and to have reliable access to the Internet. All courses will make use of Canvas, our learning management system (LMS), for some or all course materials. It is recommended that students have a laptop or desktop with an up-to-date operating system and the newest version of at least two Internet browsers installed (Edge, Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, etc.). Although useful for participating in courses on-the-go, mobile devices or tablets are not recommended as the primary way for students to participate in their courses. It is recommended that students use a computer on which they have permission to install and update browsers, plug-ins and software necessary for their courses.
Please consult the Elizabethtown College computer recommendations for students.
Some courses may contain video, audio, web conferencing, and/or interactive multimedia as part of instructional materials or assignments. For this reason, it is recommended that students have access to a webcam, speakers and a microphone, or a headset.
Elizabethtown College offers Microsoft Office 365 free to all students. It is recommended that students make use of Office 365 for their courses by following the instructions found here.
Email Communication & Computer Network Accounts
Our primary means of communication with our adult students is email. During the application stage, SGPS staff will communicate with potential students using the email address provided on the application for admission.
Once an individual begins taking classes, an etown.edu email account and computer network account will be created. All College and School communications, including access to College systems and resources, will be through the etown.edu account.
It is important that you check your email daily so you will not miss any significant information.
SGPS students must be aware of the Elizabethtown College Information & Technology Services’ Acceptable Use Policy.
Reporting Changes of Personal Information
Any change of address, telephone number, alternate email address, name, or gender must be reported immediately so that we may update your record. Contact your advisor, complete the Update Contact Information form in JayWeb, or the Personal Identification Change Form through Registration and Records. Your information must be kept current so that there is no delay in receipt of information from the School. Changes of name, gender, social security number, etc. require legal documentation.
Student Complaint Procedures
General Student Feedback and Concerns
The Elizabethtown College School of Graduate and Professional Studies welcomes student feedback on the School’s academic programs and curriculum, your student experience, and/or the services provided to students. Feedback can be submitted to the School through multiple channels:
- Contact your academic advisor.
- Offer feedback to your facilitator.
- Give your feedback on the end-of-course evaluations.
- Complete the student satisfaction survey conducted every two years.
- Email any member of the SGPS staff. Contact information is available at www.etowndegrees.com. Your concern will be directed to the appropriate person to address.
Formal Complaint Procedures
If your concern is of a more serious nature or you believe you have been the victim of misconduct in any way, you may wish to file a formal complaint. There are several avenues available to you to file a formal complaint, both internal and external.
Student Internal Complaint Process
Grade Appeal
If your complaint concerns a grade in a course, follow the Grade Appeal process located in the Grades/Transcripts/Grade Appeals section.
Harassment, Bullying or Title IX
If your complaint concerns harassment, bullying or Title IX violations, follow the Harassment, Bullying or Title IX complaint process located in Student Conduct section.
Academics
If your complaint concerns a course or your academic program, contacting your facilitator would be your first step.
Advising
If your complaint concerns academic advising, progress toward your degree, student services, etc., contacting your advisor would be your first step.
Other
If your complaint concerns any other area not covered by the above processes, contact your academic advisor who can assist you in determining your best course of action.
If, after following the outlined processes above, you want to request further review, you may contact the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, Rachel Finley-Bowman at bowmanr@etown.edu.
Student External Complaint Contact Information
PA Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions offering distance education to provide enrolled and prospective students with contact information of the state agency or agencies that handle complaints against postsecondary institutions offering distance learning within that state. Many of the outside agencies will require that all institutional procedures be followed before the concern will be considered. Before contacting one of these agencies, Elizabethtown College School of Graduate and Professional Studies encourages students to inform the College of their complaint first. We are eager to listen to you and resolve the issues.
Information regarding the Pennsylvania Department of Education’ student complaint process can be found on their website: http://www.education.pa.gov/Postsecondary-Adult/College%20and%20Career%20Education/Pages/Students-Complaints.aspx#tab-1.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Elizabethtown College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Students can review documents of accreditation by contacting the Registration and Records Office at 717-361-1409. Students wishing to file a formal complaint against an institution of higher education in Pennsylvania can visit http://www.education.pa.gov/Postsecondary-Adult/College%20and%20Career%20Education/Pages/Students-Complaints.aspx#.VYxXhEZWJ49 for procedural information.
Distance Education Complaint Process
Elizabethtown College School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) strives at all times to provide the highest quality of service and the best student experience possible. In the event that you have a serious complaint against the College, we wish to make you aware of the appropriate processes to follow.
The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions offering distance education to provide enrolled and prospective students with contact information of the state agency or agencies that handle complaints against postsecondary institutions offering distance learning within that state. Many of the outside agencies will require that all institutional procedures be followed before the concern will be considered. Before contacting one of these agencies, Elizabethtown College School of Graduate and Professional Studies encourages students to inform the College of their complaint first. We are eager to listen to you and resolve the issues.
For concerns or complaints not addressed or unresolved through the student complaint procedures above, please contact the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
If you are unable to resolve your complaint at any level within the College, you may contact one of the following agencies:
- Pennsylvania Department of Education
- Elizabethtown College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Students can review documents of accreditation by contacting the Registration and Records Office at 717-361-1409. Students wishing to file a formal complaint against an institution of higher education in Pennsylvania can visit http://www.msche.org/?Nav1=About&Nav2=FAQ&Nav3=Question16 for procedural information.
Student Conduct
Student Conduct - Harassment, Bullying, Bias-Related Incidents, and Title IX Policies
Elizabethtown College and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies abides by the following definitions:
Harassment:
Harassment as any behavior, verbal or physical, which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or learning environment, particularly if questionable behavior is repeated and/or if it continues after the offending party is informed of the objectionable and/or inappropriate nature of the behavior, and which is based on individual characteristics including race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religion, marital status, ancestry, veteran status or any other legally protected status. This definition includes sexual harassment.
The totality of the circumstances of any given harassment incident must be carefully investigated, but prohibited harassment may take many forms. The most common examples include:
- Verbal harassment such as jokes, epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, and unwelcome or patronizing remarks about an individual's body, color, physical characteristics or appearance.
- Physical harassment such as physical interference with normal work, impeding or blocking movements, assault, unwelcome physical contact, staring at a person's body, or threatening, intimidating or hostile acts that relate to a protected characteristic.
- Visual harassment such as offensive or obscene photographs, calendars, posters, e-mails, cards, cartoons, drawings and gestures, display of lewd objects, unwelcome notes or letters, or any written, electronic, or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual.
Bullying:
Bullying is unwelcome or unreasonable behavior that demeans, intimidates, or humiliates people either as individuals or as a group. Bullying behavior is often persistent and part of a pattern, but it can also occur as a single incident. It is usually carried out by an individual but can also be an aspect of group behavior. Context is important in understanding bullying, particularly verbal communication. There is a difference between friendly banter exchanged by colleagues and comments that are meant to be, or are taken as, demeaning.
Bias Related Incidents:
A bias-related incident is any deliberate act or attempt to injure, harm or harass an individual or group because of the person or group’s gender, race, color, religion, age, disability, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, possession of a general education development certificate as compared to a high school diploma, or any other legally protected status or because the alleged perpetrator perceives that the other person or group has one or more of these characteristics. Such behavior includes acts or attempts that may pose physical or psychological harm or threat to individuals or groups.
A hate crime is a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or part by an offender’s bias against a race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, disability, and gender identity.
Hate itself is not a crime—and the federal government is mindful of protecting freedom of speech and other civil liberties.
Bias related incidents and hate crimes both involve behavior that is motivated by bias. However, it is important to note the distinction between the two. Hate crimes include a definable crime, such as: threats of violence, property damage, personal injury and other illegal conduct. A hate crime is an infraction of the law and will be addressed accordingly.
A bias-related incident can be a violation of this policy but may not rise to the level of a hate crime, but all hate crimes are bias related-incidents.
Reporting, Investigating, and Resolving incidents of Harassment, Bullying, Bias, & Title IX
Reporting of an Incident:
All incidents should be reported in order to determine the level and type of offense, to support the affected person(s) or group, to mitigate subsequent incidents by raising awareness of the offense, to develop an educational response and to activate appropriate review and judicial processes when necessary to address individual or group behavior.
Students may report an incident to any staff member of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies over the phone, face to face, or in writing.
Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the investigation process to the extent practical and consistent with the School and College’s need to undertake a full and impartial investigation.
The College is required by law to issue a timely warning about hate crimes that present a continuing danger to the campus community and to disclose annual statistics about these crimes in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Only general information, as opposed to personal or identifying details, will be disclosed in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Safety Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act.
Investigation and Resolution of an Incident of Harassment, Bullying, or Bias:
The Dean of the School of Continuing & Professional Studies, in consultation with staff members or College officials determined to be relevant and necessary to the nature of the incident, may conduct an investigation to better understand the issue and/or collect additional information. This investigation may include individual or group interviews, review of college files or other relevant information. The investigation may yield sufficient information to proceed with a resolution.
For complaints found to be unsubstantiated or a misunderstanding, resolution may involve no formal action but will attempt to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of the parties involved through mediation.
For complaints found to be warranted, the Dean will determine the resolution. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the incident, the Dean may consult with staff members, College Officials, or facilitators for recommendations on the resolution.
Resolutions may include disciplinary sanctions if the accused is a student (ranging from a formal warning, to a disciplinary notice, probation, suspension or dismissal) or initiation of performance review procedures, as specified in the Employee or Faculty Handbooks, if the accused is a staff member or facilitator.
Appeal Process for Student Disciplinary Sanctions: The accused student(s) will have the alternative of accepting the resolution decision and/or sanction(s) or requesting to appeal the decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing within five (5) business days of the time of the decision. Appeals must be based on one or more of the following reasons; the appeal officer may decide not to consider an appeal if sufficient grounds have not been articulated for an appeal:
- There are new facts, unavailable at the time of the investigation that could reasonably be expected to change the original decision. The student must outline the source of new information, the name(s) of the individual(s) who can present this information, the reason(s) why this information was not available previously, and the reason(s) why this information may contribute to a different decision.
- There was a substantial violation of the student conduct procedures that may change the original decision. The student must include a citation of specific procedural error and how the correction of the error can contribute to a different decision.
- The sanction imposed is substantively disproportionate to the violation. The student must include specific information about why the sanction is deemed substantively disproportionate.
In the event of an appeal, the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs of Elizabethtown College will serve as the appeal officer.
Title IX:
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations prohibit sex discrimination in educational programs and activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance. This prohibition encompasses discrimination based on a student’s gender identity, including discrimination based on a student’s transgender status.
Elizabethtown College is committed to providing a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct.
Sex discrimination violates an individual's fundamental rights and personal dignity. Sex discrimination includes all forms of sexual and gender-based harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking by students, employees or third parties against employees, students, or third parties.
The School for Continuing and Professional Studies refers to Elizabethtown College's Title IX website for additional information and the Policy Regarding Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Exploitation, Stalking, Dating Violence, and Domestic Violence.
Elizabethtown College has designated a Title IX Coordinator for all matters related to sex discrimination at the College, and to coordinate the efforts of the College to comply with Title IX law.
Title IX Coordinator:
Gabrielle Reed, M.S.
Title IX Coordinator
Baugher Student Center Room 209
717-361-3727
Questions about the application of Title IX at Elizabethtown College should be directed to Dr. Hinton or to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
Customer Service:800-421-3481; Fax: 202-245-6840
http://www.ed.gov./ocr
email: OCR@ed.gov
Investigation and Resolution of an Incident of Title IX:
All reports relating to sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking will be referred to and reviewed by the Title IX Coordinator who oversees the college’s response.
Investigations and resolution proceedings will be conducted by professionals who receive annual training on issues related to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as well as how to conduct investigations and resolution proceedings that protect the safety of complainants and promote accountability. The investigator may be an employee of the College or a third party retained by the College to conduct an investigation.
Investigations handled by the Office of the Title IX Coordinator will follow all investigation, resolution and appeal processes as outlined in the College Catalog.
Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2298© 2025 Elizabethtown College