Policy Glossary

An individual’s physical or social attributes that connect them to categories generally viewed by society as distinct.

Registered Student Organizations are defined as student groups organized and supported by currently enrolled SUNY Geneseo students in their pursuit to meet a need or fill a niche for the college’s diverse student population.

means related to the allegations of Sex-Based Harassment under investigation as part of this Grievance Procedure. Questions are Relevant when they seek evidence that may aid in showing whether the alleged Sex-Based Harassment occurred, and evidence is Relevant when it may aid a decisionmaker in determining whether the alleged Sex-Based Harassment occurred.

“Relevant” evidence and questions refer to any questions and evidence that tends to make an allegation of sexual harassment more or less likely to be true.

“Relevant” evidence and questions do not include the following types of evidence and questions, which are deemed “irrelevant” at all stages of the Title IX Grievance Process:

• Evidence and questions about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior unless:
  • They are offered to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the conduct alleged by the complainant, or
  • They concern specific incidents of the complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the respondent and are offered to prove consent. 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(6)(i).
• Evidence and questions that constitute, or seek disclosure of, information protected under a legally-recognized privilege. Legally recognized privileges include but are not limited to attorney-client privilege, physician-patient privilege, and spousal (marital) privilege.
• Any party’s medical, psychological, and similar records unless the party has given voluntary, written consent. 85 Fed. Reg. 30026, 30294 (May 19, 2020).
• The results of tests or investigative techniques that are deemed by the Title IX coordinator (in consultation with legal counsel) to lack scientific or evidentiary merit or which are likely to cause damage (including harassment) to any party or the College community.  

An individual’s adopted belief and practice in a particular system of faith.

means measures provided, as appropriate, to a Complainant or any other person SUNY Geneseo identifies as having had their equal access to SUNY Geneseo’s Education Program or Activity limited or denied by Sex-Based Harassment. These measures are provided to restore or preserve that person’s access to SUNY

Geneseo’s Education Program or Activity after SUNY Geneseo determines that Sex-Based Harassment occurred.

For Title IX Policy effective August 14, 2020 until July 31, 2024 and after August 29, 2024 to current, respondent means any individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute covered sexual harassment as defined under this policy.

For Title IX Policy effective August 1, 2024 to August 28, 2024 the definition means a person who is alleged to have violated SUNY Geneseo’s prohibition on Sex-Based Harassment.

The employee of the College or College-affiliated organization, who has been designated by the Campus under Section G, Campus Responsibilities.

The Responsible Officer is the appropriate Cabinet member under whose purview a policy is covered.

means intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination by any person, by SUNY Geneseo, a Student, or an employee or other person authorized by SUNY Geneseo to provide aid, benefit, or service under SUNY Geneseo's Education Program or Activity, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX, or because the person has reported information, made a complaint, testified, assisted or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this grievance procedure, including an informal resolution process.

A rifle as defined in Section 265.00 (11) of the Penal Law.