Frequently asked questions
Does a Furman University police report automatically go to the Greenville area authorities?
University Police is required to advise the Solicitor's/Prosecutor's
office and the State Law Enforcement Division/SLED (State Police) of
reported sexual assaults. Reports on other crimes and incidents would
normally stay within the agency where it originated unless Furman could
benefit from investigative assistance from another agency.
Can I submit a blind report at University Police? If so, how?
University Police has an anonymous tip line on their Web site which can
be used to report any student conduct or criminal violations. The
victim can also make a confidential report with the Director of
University Police or the University Police Investigator.
What medical services are available to me on and off campus? Is the morning after pill available?
Furman's Health Services has a nurse available from 8A-8P, M-F for
advice and consultation. They can provide a limited medical exam and
evaluation, and can make referrals. STD testing and or prophylactic
treatment is available. They can provide information regarding Plan B
emergency contraception (which is available as a non-prescription at any
pharmacy). A women's clinic, as well as pregnancy testing, are both
available.
Medical exams and sexual assault kits may be done at Greenville Memorial
Hospital, St. Francis Hospital or Greer Memorial Hospital. Hospitals
provide medication for pregnancy prevention and STDs at no charge.
Personal health insurance information is not required.
What if I am uncomfortable in my housing assignment or classroom assignment?
Victims will be provided assistance in changing academic and living
situations after an alleged sexual assault if requested by the victim
and if such changes are reasonably available.
What is the time limitation for reporting an incident and having the University adjudicate it?
There are no statute of limitations on reporting any crime in South
Carolina. However, delays can hamper investigative efforts. Furman cannot
adjudicate a case involving a student who is no longer enrolled at the
University (i.e. graduated, withdrew, transfer, etc.).
Am I allowed to have an attorney present with me during a University
disciplinary hearing? If not, can I have any support person with me
during a hearing and if so whom?
Attorneys are not permitted. However, both the victim and the accused
may have a Furman support person (faculty, staff, administrator,
student) present during the University disciplinary process.
Do I have to face the person I am accusing at a hearing?
The accused student has the right to question his or her accuser through
questions posed to the Discipline Committee. This right will not be
denied. However, the complainant may request that accommodations be made
to have separate rooms or a room partition for each party, or may
request an alternative reasonable arrangement in order to minimize
potential trauma or stress.
Will this incident be on my academic record?
If a student is found responsible for any conduct violations, including
sexual misconduct, it will NOT be recorded on their academic transcript;
however, it will be noted on the students' official conduct record.
Victim complaints and reports are not on any official University record.
What should I do if I feel threatened?
Contact University Police immediately at 864.294.2111, as well as your University support person.
Are reports confidential?
All personal information in any report and complaint is confidential.
Only a closed network of University officials (Vice President for
Student Life and designated staff, and University Police) experienced in
handling sensitive information, is made aware of a report and the names
of those involved. Identifying information is not released to the
public, the media, or the campus community. In some cases, a general
campus crime alert may be distributed to the campus community if a
potential threat to others exists. Family members of students are not
notified without the consent of the student.
Will the University prosecute even if I don't want to?
In most sexual assault cases, victims are given total control over what
happens. It is the University's responsibility to make information
about our campus process as understandable as possible and to provide
contact information for off campus resources. It is the student's right
to decide what action, if any, to take. The staff may re-visit a
report if an alleged perpetrator is named in a subsequent report or
complaint. At that time the alleged victim from the prior situation may
wish to re-consider his/her original decision. Again, University Police
is required to advise the Solicitor's/Prosecutor's office and SLED of
reported sexual assaults. There may be occasion (i.e. repeat offender
on campus) when the University and/or the Solicitor's office proceeds
with adjudication or prosecution regardless of whether the victim wants
to prosecute.
What is the difference between regretted sex and sexual assault?
Regretted sex stems from an act that was voluntary and consensual, but
that in hindsight, a participant would have preferred hadn't occurred.
An assault involves force or a lack of effective consent.
If I am assaulted, how can I prove it if there were no witnesses?
The University is committed to supporting students who come forward with
a complaint. The process is designed to collect as much relevant
information as is available, to consider the statements of the parties
involved, and render a fair and thoughtful decision. Sexual misconduct
cases are extremely private and the details are often embarrassing for
both parties. The Discipline Committee strives to ask questions related
to whether or not force was used to determine if consent was offered.
The standard of evidence for the student conduct process is a
preponderance of evidence.
If I am accused, how can I adequately defend myself?
The University is committed to managing a process that is fair to the
accused student. The process is designed to collect as much relevant
information as is available, to consider the statements of the parties
involved, and render a fair and thoughtful decision. Sexual misconduct
cases are extremely private and the details are often embarrassing for
both parties. The Discipline Committee strives to ask questions related
to whether or not force was used, to determine if consent was offered.
The standard of evidence for the student conduct process is a
preponderance of evidence.
Will my sexual history be brought up?
The non-pertinent prior sexual history of a student will not be admitted
in a campus hearing. In addition, the Discipline Committee generally
does not accept statements on sexual history unless the student
introduces information about his or her own history.
What if the victim was drinking alcohol and is under 21?
Furman's Amnesty Policy would apply for victims who seek University assistance.
How much of what happened the day or night of the incident will be reviewed?
Generally, the Discipline Committee will try to determine what
information is relevant to the case at hand. The amount of the
interaction directly before and after the alleged assault may be
considered if it will help the Discipline Committee reach an informed
decision.
Don't hearing decisions come down to "He said, she said"?
Generally there are no witnesses to an alleged sexual assault. The
Discipline Committee will determine, to the best of its ability, whether
or not force was involved or whether or not the activity was
consensual. The standard of evidence for the student conduct process is
a preponderance of evidence.