Standards of Student Conduct
(Section 27)

Sexual misconduct is defined as sexual contact without consent which causes physical or emotional discomfort to the victim. Sexual contact which continues after voluntary consent has been withdrawn is also considered sexual misconduct. To constitute lack of consent, the contact(s) must be committed either by force, threat, intimidation or through the victim's mental or physical helplessness of which the accused was aware or should have been aware, such as when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Act(s) of sexual contact include but are not limited to: sexual intercourse; sexual penetration with an object; sodomy (oral sex or anal intercourse); or the intentional touching of a person's genitals, breasts, thighs, or buttock (including the unwelcome touching of the victim by the accused or situations where the victim has been forced to touch the accused).

Violations of this policy are very serious. Persons found guilty of violating this policy may face disciplinary probation, suspension or permanent dismissal from Radford University, depending upon the circumstances and severity of the incident.

A victim of sexual misconduct has a number of options available to consider. Radford University strongly recommends that a victim pursue these options. A victim may:

• Seek medical attention. It is important to seek medical attention to be examined for the possibility of injury or sexually transmitted diseases. It is also important to preserve physical evidence in the event the victim should decide to prosecute.

• Obtain counseling. Counseling resources are at no cost to students.

• If the accused is a Radford University student, the victim may initiate university action through the Office of Dean of students, University Police Department, or Residential Life. A list of the rights of the accused and accuser may be found in the student handbook.