Ethics Policies, Compliance, & Reporting

It is the policy of Baker University to afford equal opportunity for all persons. As such, the university will not discriminate based on an individual’s race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or other status protected by law, in admission to or employment in its education programs or activities. As a religious educational institution operating under the United Methodist Church, Baker University is permitted under the exemptions set forth in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prefer employees on the basis of religion. Any person having questions regarding Baker University’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, Title II, or the Age Act is directed to contact the Dean of Students, Baker University, 618 Eighth Street, P.O. Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065 (785.594.8431), who has been designated by Baker University to coordinate the institution’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, Title II, or the Age Act. Any person may also contact the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, MO 64114-3302, 816.268.0550, OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov, regarding the institution’s compliance with regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, Title II, or the Age Act. All campuses have reporting options to EthicsPoint: Dial toll-free 866.879.0422 or online at http://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/30199/index.html

Baker University is committed to providing “reasonable accommodations” in keeping with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disability Act of 1992. Students must provide appropriate documentation of the disability, which should include appropriate diagnostic testing and a recommendation form prepared by qualified personnel outside of Baker University. “Reasonable accommodations” will be determined by university staff in consultation with the student, faculty and/or staff member. Accommodations are not retroactive. Examples of accommodations include but are not limited to advocacy, extended test time, testing environment with minimal distractions, note-taking services, assistive technology, assessment referral, registration assistance, accessibility, and liaison to university academic service areas and to community agencies. Baker University staff members provide accommodations only in the sense that they send confidential letters to faculty or administrative staff (in the cases of housing or dining services) explaining the nature of the student’s disability and suggested accommodations. These support services are designed to equalize opportunities for students with disabilities, not to lower academic standards or to alter the essential nature of the degree requirements. To that end, accommodations at Baker University do not include the following:

• Reduced standards of academic performance
• Special classes or programs for students with learning disabilities
• Evaluation or diagnostic testing of learning disabilities
• Separate or special tutorial programs for students with disabilities
• Waivers of essential academic courses

Although certain facilities are not fully accessible to people with physical disabilities, Baker University will take such actions as are necessary to ensure that no qualified person is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or use of any programs or activities provided by the university. Baker will meet federal standards of accessibility by reassignment of classes or other services to accessible locations, or through alterations or new construction. Structural changes to existing facilities will not be required where other methods are sufficient to comply with the federal standards as published.

Contact Us

Students seeking accommodations and information about the facilities that are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities should contact the following: Baldwin City Campus | Student Academic Services Office, 785.594.8352 School of Nursing | Student Affairs Specialist, 785.354.5850 Other Campuses |  ADA Compliance Officer (Overland Park, Kansas) 913.491.4432 Any person having inquiries concerning Baker University compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX or Section 504 is directed to contact the Title IX Coordinator, Baker University, P.O. Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065 (785.594.8431), who has been designated by Baker University to coordinate the institution’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX and Section 504. Any person may also contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, regarding the institution’s compliance with regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX or Section 504. All campuses have reporting options to EthicsPoint: Dial toll-free 866-879-0422 or visit online at http://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/30199/index.html

revised 2/4/15

Prohibited sexual harassment is conduct that is (1) sexual in nature; (2) is unwelcome; and (3) either (i) in the case of a student, denies or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school education program; or (ii) in the case of a university employee, is sufficiently severe and pervasive as to change or alter the individual’s working conditions. Conduct that satisfies these elements violates this policy and also is a form of prohibited discrimination. If any one of these three elements is missing, the conduct is not sexual harassment, although it may violate other university policies.

• No policy can anticipate each and every comment or behavior that may constitute prohibited sexual harassment. The following includes a nonexhaustive list of conduct and/or comments that may violate the University’s policy prohibiting sexual harassment:
• Making sexual propositions or pressuring students for sexual favors
• Touching of a sexual nature
• Displaying or distributing sexually explicit drawings, pictures or written materials, including but not limited to email or Internet materials
• Performing sexual gestures or touching oneself sexually in front of others
• Derogatory or stereotypical comments about members of one sex versus another
• Sexual jokes or innuendo

Harassment based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, martial status, or any other status protected by law is prohibited. Prohibited racial or other harassment is conduct that is (1) based on race or other protected status; (2) is unwelcome; and (3) either (i) in the case of a student, denies or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school education program; or (ii) in the case of an University employee, is sufficiently severe and pervasive as to change or alter the individual’s working conditions. Conduct that satisfies these elements violates this policy and also is a form of prohibited discrimination. If any one of these three elements is missing, the conduct is not racial or other harassment, although it may violate other University policies.

• No policy can anticipate each and every comment or behavior that may constitute prohibited racial or other harassment. The following includes a non-exhaustive list of conduct and/or comments that may violate the university’s policy:
• Use of racial epithets or slurs by one student toward another student, or by a university employee to another student or employee
• Negative stereotyping based on race, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status
• Derogatory jokes based on race, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status
• Written or graphic material that shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group and that is exhibited anywhere on the University’s premises or circulated in the workplace or educational environment, including through university email

The university encourages any individual (whether an employee or student) who perceives a violation of this policy, regardless of the offender’s identity or position, to report the situation using the University’s Grievance Procedure for Resolving Complaints of Alleged Violations of Equal Employment Opportunity, Sexual Harassment, Racial Harassment, Other Harassment and Reasonable Accommodation (hereinafter Grievance Procedure). Any administrator, faculty member, or noncertified staff who becomes aware of alleged violations of one or more of these policies must report the situation pursuant to the Grievance Procedure.

If an individual feels he or she cannot use the Grievance Procedure, he or she should notify the vice president of financial services (office number: 785.594.8347) Baker University, 618 Eighth Street, P.O. Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065 to discuss the situation.

The university will promptly investigate all complaints it receives of alleged violations of its Equal Employment Opportunity, Harassment, and/or Reasonable Accommodation policies. Furthermore, the university will keep the complaint and its investigation as confidential as possible under the circumstances. Finally, no individual who makes a good faith complaint pursuant to this policy will be retaliated against for making such complaint and/or cooperating in the university’s investigation.

When an individual is found to be in violation of the university harassment policy, the university will take the corrective action it believes is appropriate to end the inappropriate behavior and to prevent a recurrence. Such action may include, but is not limited to the following.

For faculty, staff, and student employees: Warning, Censure, Reassignment of duties, Demotion, Suspension without pay, Dismissal

For students: Disciplinary warning, Disciplinary probation, Suspension, Expulsion.

Complaints may be filed through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Kansas Human Rights Commission. Students may file complaints through the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education or the Kansas Human Rights Commission.

Kansas City Office, U.S. Dept. of Education, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, MO 64114-3302, 816.268.0550, OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov

The following is the procedure for resolving complaints of alleged violations of equal employment opportunity, sexual harassment, racial harassment, other harassment, and reasonable accommodation policies

The university prohibits discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, religion, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This procedure should be used to report alleged violations of the University’s equal employment opportunity, harassment (including racial and sexual harassment), and reasonable accommodation policies.

Any employee who has a complaint of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or failure to provide reasonable accommodation, should contact his or her immediate supervisor or the Director of Human Resources. If an employee takes the complaint to his or her immediate supervisor, the supervisor should direct the complaint to the Director of Human Resources.

Absent extenuating circumstances, within 30 business days from receiving the complaint, the Director of Human Resources or his or her designee will take appropriate steps to conduct an investigation, including contacting the complainant, witnesses, if any, and the alleged wrongdoer. Some investigations may take longer depending on the availability of witnesses or other relevant information. The complainant will be notified of any expected delays to the extent possible.

Based on the results of the investigation, the Director of Human Resources will take steps appropriate under the circumstances, including affecting an informal resolution of the matter or, in the event a violation of the university’s equal employment opportunity, discrimination and/or harassment policy is found, taking appropriate corrective action to address the alleged misconduct and prevent a recurrence.

The complaint and resulting investigation will be kept as confidential as possible under the circumstances. The Director of Human Resources will inform the complainant in writing when the investigation is concluded, and generally, the results of the investigation (although, to protect the confidentiality of all involved, he or she will not discuss the specifics of the investigative interviews and/or of any corrective action taken). No employee who raises a good faith complaint pursuant to this policy or who cooperates with an investigation will be retaliated against as a result. Any perceived retaliation should be reported immediately pursuant to this procedure.

Students at the College of Arts and Sciences on the Baldwin City campus who have a complaint of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or failure to provide reasonable accommodation, should contact Dean of Students, Baker University, 618 Eighth Street, P.O. Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065, 1.785.594.8431.

Students at the School of Nursing should contact the VP and Dean of the School of Nursing, 1500 SW 10th Street, Topeka, KS 66604 (785.354.5854).

Students enrolled at the School of Education (graduate programs and continuing education) and School of Professional and Graduate Studies should contact the VP and Dean of the School of Education or School of Professional and Graduate Studies, 7301 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210, (913.491.4432, Ext. 8492).

All campuses have reporting options to EthicsPoint: Dial toll-free 866.879.0422 or online.

If a faculty member, administrator, and/or noncertified staff receives notice of a complaint of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and/or failure to accommodate, he or she must notify the Director of Human Resources, Baker University, 618 Eighth Street, P.O. Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065, 1.785.594.8382.

Absent extenuating circumstances, within 30 business days from receiving the complaint, the VP and Dean or Director of Human Resources or his or her designee will take appropriate steps to conduct an investigation, including contacting the complainant, witnesses, if any, and the alleged wrongdoer. Some investigations may take longer depending on the availability of witnesses or other relevant information. The complainant will be notified of any expected delays to the extent possible.

Based on the results of the investigation, the VP and Dean or Director of Human Resources will take steps appropriate under the circumstances, including affecting an informal resolution of the matter or, in the event a violation of the University’s equal employment opportunity, discrimination and/or harassment policy is found, taking appropriate corrective action to address the alleged misconduct and prevent a recurrence.

The complaint and resulting investigation will be kept as confidential as possible under the circumstances. The VP and Dean or Director of Human Resources will inform the complainant in writing when the investigation is concluded, and generally, the results of the investigation (although, to protect the confidentiality of all involved, he or she will not discuss the specifics of any investigative interviews and/or any corrective action taken). No student who raises a good faith complaint pursuant to this policy or who cooperates with an investigation will be retaliated against as a result. Any perceived retaliation should be reported immediately pursuant to this procedure.

Any individual (employee or student) who is dissatisfied with the results of the University’s investigation and/or resolution, may appeal the University’s decision within five business days by preparing and delivering a written notice of appeal to the Chief Operating Officer, Baker University, P.O. Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065 (785.594.8311). The appeal should set forth a brief statement of the decision appealed, the resolution desired, and any additional information the individual believes is relevant to the outcome.

Upon receiving the written notice of appeal, the Chief Operating Officer or his or her designee, shall request copies of all information gathered in the underlying investigation and resolution. In addition, in his or her discretion, the Chief Operating Officer or his or her designee may contact the complainant, witnesses, and/or the individual filing the appeal for further information. To the extent possible (without compromising the quality of the review), within 15 business days of receiving the written notice of appeal, the Chief Operating Officer or his or her designee shall notify the individual filing the appeal in writing the outcome of the appeal. The Chief Operating Officer’s determination shall be considered final.

The appeal will be kept as confidential as possible under the circumstances. No individual who exercises his or her right to appeal the determination will be retaliated against as a result. Any perceived retaliation should be reported immediately pursuant to this procedure.

Students with unresolved concerns regarding courses and programs authorized through the State Authorization Reciprocal Agreement (SARA) can download a Kansas Board of Regents 

 and follow the directions for submission.

Any employee who has a complaint of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or failure to provide reasonable accommodation, should contact his or her immediate supervisor or the Director of Human Resources. If an employee takes the complaint to his or her immediate supervisor, the supervisor should direct the complaint to the Director of Human Resources.

Absent extenuating circumstances, within 30 business days from receiving the complaint, the Director of Human Resources or his or her designee will take appropriate steps to conduct an investigation, including contacting the complainant, witnesses, if any, and the alleged wrongdoer. Some investigations may take longer depending on the availability of witnesses or other relevant information. The complainant will be notified of any expected delays to the extent possible.

Based on the results of the investigation, the Director of Human Resources will take steps appropriate under the circumstances, including affecting an informal resolution of the matter or, in the event a violation of the university’s equal employment opportunity, discrimination and/or harassment policy is found, taking appropriate corrective action to address the alleged misconduct and prevent a recurrence.

The complaint and resulting investigation will be kept as confidential as possible under the circumstances. The Director of Human Resources will inform the complainant in writing when the investigation is concluded, and generally, the results of the investigation (although, to protect the confidentiality of all involved, he or she will not discuss the specifics of the investigative interviews and/or of any corrective action taken). No employee who raises a good faith complaint pursuant to this policy or who cooperates with an investigation will be retaliated against as a result. Any perceived retaliation should be reported immediately pursuant to this procedure.

Students at the College of Arts and Sciences on the Baldwin City campus who have a complaint of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or failure to provide reasonable accommodation, should contact Dean of Students, Baker University, 618 Eighth Street, P.O. Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065, 1.785.594.8431. 

Students at the School of Nursing should contact the VP and Dean of the School of Nursing, 1500 SW 10th Street, Topeka, KS 66604 (785.354.5854). 

Students enrolled at the School of Education (graduate programs and continuing education) and School of Professional and Graduate Studies should contact the VP and Dean of the School of Education or School of Professional and Graduate Studies, 7301 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210, (913.491.4432, Ext. 8492). 

All campuses have reporting options to EthicsPoint: Dial toll-free 866.879.0422 or online. 

If a faculty member, administrator, and/or noncertified staff receives notice of a complaint of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and/or failure to accommodate, he or she must notify the Director of Human Resources, Baker University, 618 Eighth Street, P.O. Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065, 1.785.594.8382. 

Absent extenuating circumstances, within 30 business days from receiving the complaint, the VP and Dean or Director of Human Resources or his or her designee will take appropriate steps to conduct an investigation, including contacting the complainant, witnesses, if any, and the alleged wrongdoer. Some investigations may take longer depending on the availability of witnesses or other relevant information. The complainant will be notified of any expected delays to the extent possible. 

Based on the results of the investigation, the VP and Dean or Director of Human Resources will take steps appropriate under the circumstances, including affecting an informal resolution of the matter or, in the event a violation of the University’s equal employment opportunity, discrimination and/or harassment policy is found, taking appropriate corrective action to address the alleged misconduct and prevent a recurrence. 

The complaint and resulting investigation will be kept as confidential as possible under the circumstances. The VP and Dean or Director of Human Resources will inform the complainant in writing when the investigation is concluded, and generally, the results of the investigation (although, to protect the confidentiality of all involved, he or she will not discuss the specifics of any investigative interviews and/or any corrective action taken). No student who raises a good faith complaint pursuant to this policy or who cooperates with an investigation will be retaliated against as a result. Any perceived retaliation should be reported immediately pursuant to this procedure.

Any individual (employee or student) who is dissatisfied with the results of the University’s investigation and/or resolution, may appeal the University’s decision within five business days by preparing and delivering a written notice of appeal to the Chief Operating Officer, Baker University, P.O. Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065 (785.594.8311). The appeal should set forth a brief statement of the decision appealed, the resolution desired, and any additional information the individual believes is relevant to the outcome. 

Upon receiving the written notice of appeal, the Chief Operating Officer or his or her designee, shall request copies of all information gathered in the underlying investigation and resolution. In addition, in his or her discretion, the Chief Operating Officer or his or her designee may contact the complainant, witnesses, and/or the individual filing the appeal for further information. To the extent possible (without compromising the quality of the review), within 15 business days of receiving the written notice of appeal, the Chief Operating Officer or his or her designee shall notify the individual filing the appeal in writing the outcome of the appeal. The Chief Operating Officer’s determination shall be considered final. 

The appeal will be kept as confidential as possible under the circumstances. No individual who exercises his or her right to appeal the determination will be retaliated against as a result. Any perceived retaliation should be reported immediately pursuant to this procedure.

Baker University is committed to providing “reasonable accommodations” in keeping with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disability Act of 1992. Students must provide appropriate documentation of the disability, which should include appropriate diagnostic testing and a recommendation form prepared by qualified personnel outside of Baker University. “Reasonable accommodations” will be determined by university staff in consultation with the student, faculty and/or staff member. Accommodations are not retroactive. Examples of accommodations include, but are not limited to, advocacy, extended test time, testing environment with minimal distractions, note-taking services, assistive technology, assessment referral, registration assistance, accessibility, and liaison to university academic service areas and to community agencies. Baker University staff provides accommodations only in the sense that they send confidential letters to faculty or administrative staff (in the cases of housing or dining services) explaining the nature of the student’s disability and suggested accommodations. These support services are designed to equalize opportunities for students with disabilities, not to lower academic standards or to alter the essential nature of the degree requirements. To that end, accommodations at Baker University do not include the following:

Reduced standards of academic performance
Special classes or programs for students with learning disabilities
Evaluation or diagnostic testing of learning disabilities
Separate or special tutorial programs for students with disabilities
Waivers of essential academic courses

Although certain facilities are not fully accessible to physically handicapped persons, Baker University will take such actions as are necessary to ensure that no qualified person is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or use of any programs or activities provided by the University. Baker will meet federal standards of accessibility by reassignment of classes or other services to accessible locations, or through alterations or new construction. Structural changes to existing facilities will not be required where other methods are sufficient to comply with the federal standards as published.

Baldwin City Campus | Student Academic Services Office, 785.594.8352 School of Nursing | Student Affairs Specialist, 785.354.5850 Other Campuses |  ADA Compliance Officer (Overland Park, Kansas) 913.491.4432.

Baker University maintains compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 as amended. FERPA defines educational requirements which are designed to protect the privacy of students concerning their records maintained by Baker University.

FERPA accords students certain rights with respect to their education records.

The right to inspect and review their records
The right to request the amendment of their education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of privacy or other rights
The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in their education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent
The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA

All requests to release, inspect, or review education records or to petition to amend education records should be made in writing to the University Registrar – Baker University P.O. Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006.

Education records may be disclosed without prior written consent to school officials having a legitimate educational interest. A school official is defined as a person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position (including law enforcement and health staff); a person or company with whom the university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; a student serving on an official committee (such as a disciplinary or grievance board) ); or a student engaged in a teaching assistantship learning experience. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to perform a task that is his or her professional responsibility, related to a student’s education, related to the discipline of a student, or necessary for supportive service to the student. Determination of legitimate educational interest will be made by the University Registrar. Education records may also be disclosed without prior written consent of students in order to comply with a judicial order or subpoena, after receiving official documentation from a parent or guardian that establishes that the dependent status of a student and to various federal, state, and local authorities as outlined in the FERPA statute.

Release of Directory Information

Baker University hereby gives notice that it has designated the following categories of personally identifiable information as “directory information” under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (as amended). This information can be released without the prior consent of students as permitted by law. Under the terms of FERPA, Baker University defines directory information as follows: 

Name
Date of birth
Permanent address and telephone number
Baker email address
Dates of attendance
Enrollment status
Class level
Major area(s) of study
Honors and awards
Degree(s) conferred (including dates)
Photograph
Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
Height and weight of athletes

In order to request that your directory information not be made available to the public (including friends, family, and current or potential employers), a signed form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. All inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the University Registrar (785.594.4530 or records@bakerU.edu).

Baker University hereby gives notice that it has designated the following categories of personally identifiable information as “Directory Information” under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (as amended). This information can be released without the prior consent of students as permitted by law. Under the terms of FERPA, Baker University defines “Directory Information” as follows:

Name
Permanent address and telephone number
Baker email address
Dates of attendance
Enrollment status
Class level
Major area(s) of study
Degree(s) conferred (including dates)
Date of birth
Height and weight of athletes
Academic honors and awards

To request that your “Directory Information” not be made available to the public (including friends, family, and current or potential employers), a signed form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. All inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the university registrar (785.594.4530 or records@bakerU.edu ).