Title IX
Questions? For questions about mandated reporting responsibilities:
George Williams
Assistant Vice Chancellor
titleix@rsccd.edu
(714) 480-7448
Additional Resources:
Title IX protects students and employees from sex-based misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. If something has happened, you have options—and support is available.
The District is committed to providing an educational and work environment free from sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, and retaliation. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities, including admissions and employment.
Sex discrimination under Title IX includes sex-based harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, discrimination based on pregnancy or related conditions, discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, and retaliation.
The District responds promptly and equitably to reports of sex discrimination and provides supportive measures to individuals involved in the Title IX process. Retaliation against any individual for reporting concerns, filing a complaint, or participating in a Title IX process is strictly prohibited.
Anyone may report concerns related to sex discrimination or sex-based harassment at any time.
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. It was passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX states,
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
This supplemental video covers what is Title IX, detailing the process of filing a complaint, what follows after submission, the advantages and disadvantages of filing a Title IX complaint, and the rights you hold as a student.
The following administrators serve as Deputy Title IX Coordinators for students and may receive reports of sex discrimination or sex-based harassment:
Santa Ana College:
Dr. Jennifer De La Rosa
Dean, Student Development & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
titleix@sac.edu
(714) 564-6211
Santiago Canyon College:
Dr. Joseph Alonzo
Dean of Student Development & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
titleix@sccollege.edu
(714) 628-4732
What to Expect When Seeking Support
Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) encourages individuals to seek help. We recognize that the decision to report is not easy, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone understands the options available to them and the various ways the District can address concerns while offering support and care.
As you consider your options, keep in mind:
- Support is available throughout the reporting process.
- You may report an incident to RSCCD anonymously.
- Filing an Incident Report is not the same as filing a Formal Complaint.
- You may request that your complaint be withdrawn at any time.
- We are available to answer questions to help you make an informed decision about which process is right for you.
- Incident Report
Submit a report directly to the District’s Title IX Office by completing the online Incident Report Form. You may also speak with the District Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Santa Ana College or Santiago Canyon College.
Please note: Reports made to a Deputy Title IX Coordinator will be shared with the District Title IX Office for review.
The Title IX Coordinator or a member of the Title IX team will review the information provided to determine whether the reported conduct may fall under District policy and will assess any immediate health or safety concerns. If the information suggests a potential policy violation, the Title IX Coordinator or designee will request to meet with the individual who experienced the alleged harm.
- Initial Outreach
A member of the Title IX team will reach out by email to the individual who is alleged to have experienced harm. The outreach will include information about:
- Individual rights
- Available resources
- Supportive measures
- An invitation to meet with a Title IX team member
- Process Meeting
Meeting with a Title IX team member is encouraged but completely voluntary. You may bring an Advisor or other support person to any meeting.
The purpose of the meeting is to review:
- Your rights
- Available resources
- Supportive measures
- Resolution options
If an individual declines to meet, the District may dismiss and close the matter. However, at any time, an individual may change their mind and file a Formal Complaint to move forward.
In limited circumstances, the District may proceed with an investigation without the participation of the impacted individual if sufficient information is available and there are safety concerns. RSCCD has an obligation to address prohibited conduct to maintain a safe educational environment.
- Supportive Measures
Supportive measures are available to reduce the impact of the alleged conduct, maintain access to educational programs and activities, and prevent recurrence.
You DO NOT have to file a Formal Complaint to request supportive measures.
Examples of supportive measures include:
- Referrals to on- or off-campus counseling services
- Academic flexibility or schedule adjustments
- Work adjustments (for employees)
- No Contact Directives (a directive requiring parties to refrain from contacting one another)
- Campus safety planning
- Resolution Options
The impacted individual may decide which resolution option is best for them. Available options may include:
District Resolution Process, which may be available if the Respondent was affiliated with RSCCD at the time of the alleged incident. Two formal pathways may be available:
- Grievance Process
- Alternative (Informal) Resolution Process
Other options include:
- Criminal process through local law enforcement
- Both District and criminal processes
- Choosing not to pursue a formal resolution process
You are NOT required to participate in a resolution process. You may choose the reporting option that best meets your needs.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis
of sex in educational programs or activities. This includes discrimination based on
pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or related medical conditions.
(20 U.S.C. § 1681; 34 C.F.R. § 106.40)
The Rancho Santiago Community College District is committed to providing a safe, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for pregnant students and students experiencing related conditions.
Students will not be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of or subjected to discrimination in any educational program or activity based on pregnancy or related conditions.
Pursuant to Title IX and California Education Code §§ 66281.7 and 66281.8, the District must treat pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions in the same manner and under the same policies as other temporary medical conditions.
Students who miss class due to pregnancy or childbirth are entitled to the same reasonable modifications and accommodation provided to students with other temporary medical conditions.
- Not penalizing a student for absences deemed medically necessary by the student’s treating healthcare provider
- Allowing students to make up missed assignments, exams, or coursework
- Restoring students to the same academic and extracurricular status held prior to medical leave
- Adjustments to classroom seating (e.g., larger desk or accessible seating)
- Allowing additional restroom breaks
- Temporary modifications to attendance policies
- Access to lactation space and reasonable break time
The District may only request medical documentation if it also requires such documentation from students seeking accommodation for other temporary medical conditions.
All reasonable modifications are determined on a case-by-case basis through an interactive process.
Students seeking pregnancy-related accommodation or support may contact:
Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS)
Santa Ana College (SAC)
Phone: (714) 564-6264
www.sac.edu/StudentServices/DSPS
Santiago Canyon College (SCC)
Phone: (714) 628-4860
www.sccollege.edu/Students/StudentServices/DSPS
Title IX Coordinator
For questions regarding rights under Title IX or concerns about discrimination based on pregnancy or related conditions:
George Williams
Phone: (714) 480-7448
Email: titleix@rsccd.edu
Requests for pregnancy-related accommodation do not require filing a formal complaint.
The District will respond promptly and engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate supportive measures and reasonable modifications.
Child Abuse & Neglect and Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting Requirement
Certain District employees are designated as Mandated Reporters under California law.
Mandated Reporters are legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect of:
- Minors (under age 18)
- Elders (age 65 or older)
- Dependent adults (ages 18–64 with physical or mental limitations)
These reporting obligations arise under:
- California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), Penal Code §§ 11164–11174.3
- California Welfare & Institutions Code §§ 15600 et seq.
Under California law, Mandated Reporters generally include, but are not limited to:
- Faculty
- Academic employees
- Administrators
- Supervisors
- Coaches
- Counselors
- Health services staff
- Campus safety personnel
- Certain classified professionals and student employees
When in doubt, employees should assume they are mandated reporters and consult Human Resources or the Title IX Coordinator.
Mandated Reporters must report when they have:
- Knowledge of; or
- Reasonable suspicion of
Child abuse, child neglect, elder abuse, or abuse of a dependent adult.
Reasonable suspicion means it is objectively reasonable to suspect abuse based on facts that could cause a reasonable person in a similar position to suspect abuse.
Mandated Reporters are not responsible for investigating — only for reporting.
For Suspected Child Abuse (Under 18)
Reports must be made immediately by telephone to:
- Local law enforcement; or
- Orange County Child Abuse Registry
A written report (Form SS 8572) must follow within 36 hours.
Failure to report is a misdemeanor under California law.
For Suspected Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse
Reports must be made immediately to:
- Adult Protective Services (APS); or
- Local law enforcement
A written follow-up report may be required.
Mandated reporting obligations under California law are separate from Title IX reporting obligations.
If a report involves:
- Sexual abuse of a minor
- Sexual assault
- Dating or domestic violence
- Stalking
The Mandated Reporter may be required to report to both:
- Law enforcement (if minor/elder abuse is suspected); and
- The District Title IX Coordinator.
Mandated Reporters cannot guarantee confidentiality when a disclosure involves suspected abuse of a minor, elder, or dependent adult.
Students and employees who wish to speak confidentially may contact:
- Student Health Services
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Community confidential advocacy resources
(See District Resource Page for confidential options.)
To report suspected child abuse or neglect (24 hours a day, 7 days a week):
- (714) 940-1000 – Orange County Child Abuse Hotline
- Toll-Free: (800) 207-4464
These numbers connect you to the Orange County Child Protective Services reporting line for suspected abuse of minors. - Website: www.ssa.ocgov.com/abuse-reporting
Designation of Officials With Authority
In accordance with Title IX regulations (34 C.F.R. § 106.2(a)), the Rancho Santiago Community College District (“District”) designates all employees as Officials With Authority (OWA), with the exception of licensed psychologists and other confidential mental health providers at the Student Health Centers.
An Official With Authority (OWA) is an employee who is vested with the responsibility to implement corrective measures for sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, and/or retaliation on behalf of the District.
Reporting Obligation
If you receive information regarding sex- or gender-based discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, or retaliatory conduct involving students, faculty, staff, or third parties, you are required to promptly report all known information to the Title IX Coordinator.
Reporting to an OWA constitutes notice to the District.
Reports may be submitted through the District’s online reporting form:
RSCCD.edu/Report
You are not responsible for investigating the matter or determining whether the District has jurisdiction. That determination will be made by the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinators.
What to Know as an Official With Authority (OWA)
- You are not a counselor or investigator.
- You are not expected to determine whether a policy violation occurred.
- Your role is to serve as a bridge — connecting students and employees to appropriate support and reporting resources.
- You must inform the individual that you are required to share the information with the Title IX Coordinator.
- You must respect privacy and only share information with the appropriate officials.
If Someone Discloses Sexual Misconduct to You – Remember to A.C.T.
A – Assess Safety
If there is imminent danger, call 9-1-1 immediately.
If there is no immediate threat, ask the individual whether they would like assistance contacting Campus Safety or law enforcement.
C – Consider Medical Attention
It is always the individual’s decision whether to seek medical care. You may remind them of their options:
- Visit the Student Health Center (during business hours)
- Arrange transportation to a local hospital with a trusted friend or family member
- Contact Campus Safety for transport
- Speak confidentially with a psychologist at the Student Health Center
T – Talk About Options
Provide information about both non-confidential and confidential resources.
Non-Confidential Resources
Local Law Enforcement
- Santa Ana Police Department: (714) 245-8665
- Orange Police Department: (714) 744-7444
Campus Safety
- Santa Ana College (SAC): (714) 564-6330
- Santiago Canyon College (SCC): (714) 628-4730
- Centennial Education Center (CEC): (714) 241-5738
- Orange Education Center (OEC): (714) 628-5950
Title IX Coordinator
Phone: (714) 480-7448
Email: titleix@rsccd.edu
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
- SAC: (714) 564-6216
- SCC: (714) 628-4773
Confidential On-Campus Resource
Student Health Center
- SAC: (714) 564-6216
- SCC: (714) 628-4773
Licensed psychologists at the Health Centers are confidential resources and are not required to report details to the Title IX Coordinator, except as required by law.
Orange County Community Resources
- North Orange County Sexual Assault Victim Services: (714) 834-4317
- South Orange County Sexual Assault Victim Services: (949) 752-1971
- Rape Crisis Hotlines (24/7): (714) 957-2737 | (949) 831-9110
- Domestic Violence Assistance Program: (714) 935-7956
- Temporary Restraining Order Infoline (24/7): (714) 935-7956
- VINE (Victim Notification Service): (800) 721-8021
How to Provide Support
When a student or employee shares information with you:
- Acknowledge their courage. It can be difficult to disclose such experiences.
- Inform them of your reporting obligation using clear and compassionate language.
Suggested language:
“I want you to know that I am considered an Official With Authority, which means I must inform the Title IX Coordinator that an incident has occurred. The reason for this is to ensure you receive all available support and resources. You are not required to make a formal complaint. If you would prefer to speak confidentially, I can connect you with a psychologist at the Student Health Center.”
- Respect privacy. Share information only with the Title IX Coordinator.
- Listen without judgment. Avoid investigating or asking unnecessary detailed questions.
- Inform the individual that reports of sexual misconduct are not placed in permanent academic records.
Legal and Ethical Responsibility
Responding to disclosures in a comprehensive, supportive, and legally compliant manner is both an ethical obligation and a legal responsibility under Title IX and California law.
Pregnancy FAQs
Title IX specifically prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy or related conditions.
This means:
- A pregnant student cannot be excluded from any class, program, internship, clinical placement, lab, or athletic activity.
- A student cannot be required to withdraw, change programs, or limit participation due to pregnancy.
- Students who are or have been pregnant must be given the same access to educational opportunities as other students.
Pregnant student-athletes must be allowed to continue participating in intercollegiate athletics unless they voluntarily choose otherwise.
No. Title IX requires that pregnant students be allowed to continue participating in off-campus components of their program of study.
The College:
- May not require a student to disclose pregnancy status.
- May not require a doctor’s note unless such documentation is required of all students with comparable medical conditions.
- May not override a physician’s clearance if documentation is required.
Questions regarding off-campus placements should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator.
Yes. Pregnancy and related medical needs must be treated like other temporary medical conditions.
Once a student self-identifies, they may meet with:
- Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS), or
- Title IX Coordinator
The College will engage in an individualized, interactive process to determine reasonable modifications. Accommodation must be comparable to those provided to students with temporary medical conditions.
Examples may include:
- Excused absences deemed medically necessary
- Extended deadlines
- Make-up exams
- Temporary attendance flexibility
If a student takes a medically necessary, leave of absence due to pregnancy or related conditions:
- The student must be restored to the same academic and extracurricular status held prior to leave.
- The student must be allowed to resume the course from where they left off.
- The College may offer options such as retaking the semester or completing coursework online, but the student chooses which option works best.
Students who are pregnant or experiencing related conditions cannot be excluded from any education program or activity.
Faculty and staff should:
- Provide supportive information.
- Refer the student to DSPS and/or the Title IX Coordinator.
- Avoid making assumptions about the student’s ability to continue.
The goal is to ensure equal access — not to limit participation.
The College may provide general health and safety information regarding participation in labs, clinical settings, or other environments involving potential exposure (e.g., chemicals, infectious disease, radiation).
Pregnant students:
- May choose to participate in these activities; or
- May request reasonable alternative arrangements.
The College may require medical certification only if such certification is required of all students with comparable medical conditions requiring physician care.