South University values civility, dignity, diversity, education, honesty, and safety and is firmly committed to maintaining a campus environment free from all forms of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assault.  Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Violence, defined specifically in the South University Academic Catalog, are inconsistent with these values, violate institutional policy, and will not be tolerated at South University and are expressly prohibited.  Similarly, retaliation for having brought forward a concern or allegation or for participating in an investigation of a report of Sexual Misconduct or Relationship Violence is also expressly prohibited and is grounds for disciplinary action.

Students who believe they have been subjected to sexual harassment should follow the reporting process in the Sexual Misconduct & Relationship Violence Policy listed in the South University Academic Catalog.

How To Get Help

South University encourages victims of sexual misconduct or relationship violence to seek support and report incidents, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality and proper procedures. Confidential resources, like professional counselors, can offer support without initiating a university investigation. In contrast, most staff and faculty are required to report incidents to the Title IX office. Reports can also be submitted anonymously or electronically, though this may limit the University’s response. Victims are also encouraged—but not required—to report to local law enforcement. The University distinguishes between making a report and filing a formal complaint, offers supportive measures, and protects privacy to the extent possible while fulfilling legal obligations. Students will not be penalized for unrelated conduct violations when reporting incidents in good faith.

1. How to report: File a report with local police authorities, or file a claim with the Office of Student Affairs, South University Title IX Coordinator, or submit an anonymous claim
2. Who to contact: Local law enforcement by calling 911, South University’s Title IX Coordinator, or any member of the faculty and staff
3. What to expect: The parties may decide to participate in an informal resolution, or proceed to an investigation. An investigation may result in a live hearing, conducted in person or virtually. The decision maker will provide a written determination, and both parties have the right to appeal.

Title IX Coordinator and Contact Information

Alisa Krouse, Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Administration

Phone: 912-527-9646

Email: TitleIXCoordinator@southuniversity.edu

Address:

709 Mall Boulevard

Savannah, Georgia 31406

Sexual Misconduct & Relationship Violence Policy

This Policy provides information regarding how an individual - whether a student, faculty member, or staff member - can make a report of Sexual Misconduct or Relationship Violence impacting a student and how South University will proceed once it is made aware of any such report.  

The links provided in the outline below will go directly to the components of the policy: Preliminary Issues and Important Definitions; Reporting and Confidentiality; Rights and Responsibilities; Complaint Response; Supportive Measures and Informal Resolution; Investigation, Hearing and Appeal Procedures; and Campus Contact Information.

For faculty and staff members who believe they are the victim of sexual misconduct, please follow our No Harassment policy in the Employee Handbook.

I. PRELIMINARY ISSUES & IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

A. What is "Sexual Misconduct"?

B. What is "Relationship Violence"?

C. Who are "Complainants" and "Respondents"?

D. Defining Consent

E. Title IX Coordinator & Deputy Coordinators

F. Advisor

G. Witness

H. Supportive Measures

II. REPORTING & CONFIDENTIALITY

III. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

IV. COMPLAINT RESPONSE, SUPPORTIVE MEASURES AND INFORMAL RESOLUTION 

A. Initial Response

B. Interim and Supportive Intervention

C. Informal Resolution

D. Decision to Proceed to Investigation

V. INVESTIGATION, HEARING AND APPEAL PROCEDURES

A. About the investigation report:

B.    Hearings

C.    Possible remedies and disciplinary sanctions

D. Decision-Maker’s Written Determination

E. Right to Appeal

VI. CRIME VICTIM AND OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES 

VII. CAMPUS CONTACT INFORMATION

Training and Resource Materials

Online Digital or Sexual Harassment: A Resource for Students, Families, and Educators

Title IX Regulations Addressing Sexual Harassment

Summary of 2024 Title IX Final Rule

Title IX Training

Hearing Officer Training

South University provides additional mandatory training to Title IX personnel and supervisors. Because the materials are licensed, we cannot post them publicly, but an outline is available upon request.