Title IX has become a powerful tool on college campuses for combatting sexual offenses and gender discrimination. While Title IX is widely known for it’s role in opportunities in athletics, the arm of Title IX reaches farther to affect pregnant, gender non-conforming, and any other student that feels opportunities, services, and environments were altered because of their gender. For more information on Title IX visit Know Your IX.

Sexual violence is an intolerable intrusion into the most personal and private rights of an individual and is prohibited at Riverland Community College. Riverland Community College is committed to eliminating sexual violence in all forms and will take appropriate remedial action against any individual found responsible for acts in violation of this policy. Acts of sexual violence may also constitute violations of criminal or civil law, or other Board Policies that may require separate proceedings. To further its commitment against sexual violence, Riverland Community College provides reporting options, an investigative and disciplinary process, and prevention training or other related services as appropriate in accordance with Title IX federal law.  

Mike Howe
Safety Administrator
Email: Mike.Howe@riverland.edu
Phone: 507-433-0621
Building: Austin West Office: A225

Penny Rosenthal
Director of Advocacy Services
Austin East Building, Lower Level Room N003
507-433-0801

1. Go to a safe place.
2. Call 911 for immediate assistance. 
3. For on campus assistance, contact the Safety Administrator, Mike Howe, at 507-433-0621, or Mike.Howe@riverland.edu; or the Title IX Coordinator, Chelsea Anderson at 507-433-0829, or chelsea.anderson@riverland.edu.  They can assist you with filing a police report, if you choose to report to local police.
4. Do not bathe, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing. Timely and prompt reporting of a sexual assault is critical in preserving evidence and is important in proving a criminal case against the assailant.
5. Seek medical attention immediately regardless of whether you report the matter to the police. Local hospitals include: Austin Medical Center-Mayo Health, 101 14th St NW, Austin, MN 55912-4685, 507-437-6680; Owatonna Hospital, 2250 NW 26th St, Owatonna, MN 55060, 507-977-2000; and Mayo Clinic Health System-Albert Lea, 404 W Fountain St, Albert Lea, MN 56007, 507-377-5913.
6. You may file a police report with the appropriate law enforcement agency, by calling 911, or by calling the non-emergency dispatch number for Albert Lea Police 507-377-5210, Austin Police 507-437-9400, or Owatonna Police 507-444-3800.
7. Contact any of the following confidential resources for support, assistance and referral: Riverland Counselors, Paul Anderson, Austin & Albert Lea, 507-433-0698, or Jeanne Poppe, Austin & Owatonna, 507-433-0518; Freeborn County Crime Victims Crisis Center, 203 W Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007-1246, 507-373-2223; Mower County Crime Victims Resource Center, 101 14th St NW, Austin, MN 55912, 507-437-6680; and Steele County Crisis Resource Center, 125 W Front St, Owatonna, MN 55060, 507-451-1202.
8. If you are a witness to sexual violence, we encourage you to call 911 immediately to report the crime.  We also encourage you to contact the College Safety Administrator or the Title IX Coordinator to report the crime.  Remain with the victim until help arrives.
9. You may request that the college make arrangements to reduce contact between you and the alleged assailant, such as providing a change in classes and/or academic schedules, working arrangements, or other appropriate measures. These options are available regardless of whether the victim chooses to report the crime to law enforcement or campus authorities.
10. You have the right to petition for an Order for Protection (OFP) or a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO). The Safety Administrator, Title IX Coordinator or College Counselors could assist you with arranging those.
11. You may also contact the Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board at 651-201-7300 which provides financial help to victims and their families for losses incurred as a result of a violent crime. You may also visit https://dps.mn.gov for additional information.

• Riverland Sexual Violence Policy

This policy applies to:

1. The conduct of all Riverland Community College students and employees when they are on college property or participating in any Riverland Community College course or sponsored activity.
2. The conduct of individuals who are not Riverland Community College students or employees who come on college sites.
3. The off-campus conduct of students and employees if it results in a hostile educational or work environment for Riverland Community College students or employees.

Minnesota State Policies and Procedures

• Policy 1B.3 Sexual Violence Policy
• Procedure 1B.3.1 Sexual Violence Procedure
• Policy 1B.1 Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education Opportunity
• Procedure 1B.1.1 - Report/Complaint of Discrimination/Harassment Investigation and Resolution
• Policy 3.6 Student Conduct (*see Part 2 for Off campus Conduct)

Riverland’s Annual Campus Security & Fire Report
Mike Howe
Safety Administrator
507-433-0621
Mike.Howe@riverland.edu

Freeborn County Crime Victims Crisis Center
203 W Clark St.
Albert Lea, MN 56007-1246
507-373-2223 (24 hours)

Mower County Crime Victims Resource Center
101 14th St NW
Austin, MN 55912
507-437-6680 (24 hours)

Crisis Resource Center of Steele County
125 W Front St.
Owatonna, MN 55060
507-451-1202 (24 hours)

Riverland’s Sexual Assault Awareness Training for employees and students can be found on their individual D2L Brightspace Page.