Deciding whether or not to file a complaint can be very difficult. There is no right or wrong decision, but often times there are many worries. Students who report in good faith are immune from discipline regarding minor conduct violations that may be discovered during an investigation unless the violation is egregious or places the health or safety of others at risk. The complainant controls with & where to file a complaint. In rare circumstances,the university may be required to proceed without cooperation of the complainant, if failing to do so would put the campus community at risk. Once a report is received a staff member will follow up within 24 hours.
No retaliation may be taken against any university student or employee who seeks redress under these policies. The confidentiality of information presented by all parties will be observed except in those instances when it interferes with the ability of the university to investigate the complainant’s allegations and take necessary corrective actions.
Students are also encouraged to contact Jessica Cobert (formerly Milburn), Confidential Advisor, EIU Counseling Clinic, 217-581-3413. She is located in the Human Services Building. She can provide support and advocacy, and can discuss options with students.
EIU is committed to supporting your well-being and safety and has established procedures for addressing incidents of sexual misconduct/assault and relationship violence. The survivor, however, determines his/her level of participation in this process. Below are options for filing a complaint/report. Here you can also access a resource form that has helpful information.
Location: 7th and Grant (directly east of the University Union)
Phone: 581-3213 (911 if an emergency)
UPD provides professional law enforcement services to the campus community. They can receive, process, and investigate complaints of sexual assault and then forward information to the Coles County State’s Attorney for appropriate action if the complainant wishes to pursue a criminal complaint.
Location: 614 6th St. Charleston, IL
Phone: 217-348-5221
Incidents of sexual violence that occur off campus can be reported to the Charleston Police Department.
Location: University Union – Lower Level
Phone: 581-3827
The Dean of Students Office enforces the requirements of the Student Code of Conduct and, through its board or administratively, issues sanctions for violations of the code including violations of the sexual misconduct provision. The Associate Director is also a Title IX Deputy Coordinator. Once a complaint is received, the Dean of Students will collect information and determine whether to proceed administratively or whether to send the matter to a board hearing (the more likely outcome). The board will receive testimony from witnesses and will review applicable evidence or documentation. The board uses the “preponderance of the evidence” standard. Click here to view their procedures.
Phone: 581-5020
Hours: Office is open M-F from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and by appointment.
The Office of Civil Rights and Diversity investigates complaints of sexual harassment when the respondent is an employee, according to the university’s sexual harassment complaint policy (IGP 175.2). Sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct also fit under the umbrella of sexual harassment. This office reviews and investigates allegations of sexual assault to the extent that such an act would violate the sexual harassment policy and/or Title IX policy. To review other policies related to sexual harassment complaint procedures, please refer to the Policies & Procedures section. Please click here to view the University’s Discrimination Complaint Procedures.
EIU Counseling Center
217-581-3413
jamilburn@eiu.edu
Office of Civil Rights
217-581-5020
Office of Student Accountability & Support
217-581-3827
bfloyd2@eiu.edu
M-F 9-4:30pm