Title IX/Sexual Misconduct

Sexual Misconduct as used in this Policy means the following forms of sex discrimination and other misconduct: Title IX Sexual Harassment, Non-Title IX Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Stalking, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, ₁ and Sexual Exploitation, as each of those terms is defined in Section VI. PROHIBITED CONDUCT

₁ Some instances of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking may not be sexual in nature. For purposes of this Policy, the term “Sexual Misconduct” encompasses all instances of Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking (as those terms are defined in this Policy), regardless of whether there is a sexual component to the behavior. 

Consent means words or overt actions by a person in advance clearly communicating a freely given present agreement to participate in a particular sexual contact or activity. Words or overt actions clearly communicate consent when a reasonable person in the circumstances would believe those words or actions indicate a willingness to participate in a mutually agreed-upon sexual contact or activity. Although consent does not need to be verbal, verbal communication is the most reliable form of asking for and obtaining consent. It is the responsibility of the person initiating the specific sexual contact or activity to obtain consent for that contact or activity.

The definition of consent is subject to the following:

• Consent to one form of sexual contact or activity does not, by itself, constitute consent to any other forms of sexual contact or activity.
• Consent can be withdrawn at any time. When consent is withdrawn, the sexual contact or activity for which consent was initially provided must stop.
• Consent is active, not passive. Silence or the absence of resistance or saying “no,” in and of themselves, cannot be interpreted as consent.
• Whether an individual actively and willingly participates in conduct may be a factor in determining whether there was consent.
• Previous relationships or previous consents do not, by themselves, constitute consent to future sexual contact or activity. In cases of prior relationships, the manner and nature of prior communications between the parties and the context of the relationship may be factors in determining whether there was consent.
• An existing sexual, romantic, or marital relationship does not, by itself, constitute consent.
• Prior sexual activity with other individuals does not imply consent.
• Consent cannot be procured, expressly or implicitly, by use of force, intimidation, threats, or coercion, as that term is defined in the full policy.
• An individual known to be—or who should be known to be—incapacitated, as defined in the full policy, cannot consent to sexual contact or activity initiated by another individual.
• Use of alcohol or other drugs will never function to excuse behavior that violates this Policy.
• Consent can only be given if one is of legal age. In Missouri, the legal age of consent is 17.

Evangel encourages all individuals to seek the support of on-and off-campus resources, regardless of when or where an incident occurs. These resources can provide guidance on reporting options and information about available resources. 

Confidential Resources. The University recognizes that some individuals may wish to keep their concerns confidential. Confidential communications are those communications which cannot be disclosed to another person, without the reporter’s consent, except under very limited circumstances such as allegations involving the physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect of a child (under the age of 18) or vulnerable adult or an imminent threat to the life of any person. Individuals who desire the details of Sexual Misconduct to be kept confidential should speak with a medical professional, professional counselor, minister or other pastoral counselor (who function in that official capacity), or trained victims’ advocate.

On Campus 

• Evangel’s Counseling Center 417-865-2815 ext. 7222

Some confidential employees serve in multiple roles on campus. If you are seeking assistance of one of the confidential employees in their role as a confidential employee, you should contact them through the office contact information listed above and should make clear prior to disclosing any information that you are seeking their assistance as a confidential employee.

Off Campus

• National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673)
• The Victim Center 417-863-7273 or 417-864-7233
• McGuire Christian Counseling 417-866-7773
• Ozark Counseling Center 417-869-9011

Non-Confidential Reporting Resources. Non-confidential communications are those communications with any University employee who is not a confidential resource as identified above. Only confidential resources can promise confidentiality. All other University employees who become aware of incidents or allegations of Sexual Misconduct have a responsibility to report the matter to the Title IX Coordinator. University employees who are not confidential resources will strive to remind an individual of their reporting obligations before the individual has disclosed a situation that requires reporting to the Title IX Coordinator.

Upon receiving a report of Sexual Misconduct, the Title IX Coordinator will promptly contact the complainant to discuss the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a formal complaint and to explain the process of filing a formal complaint.

The University encourages anyone who has experienced or knows of Sexual Misconduct to report the incident to the University. An individual may report Sexual Misconduct to the University by contacting the following:

Title IX Coordinator:

Mark Entzminger 
417-865-2815, ext. 7997 
titleix@evangel.edu 
Cantrell Student Union, Suite 106 
1111 N Glenstone Ave. 
Springfield, MO 65802 

Title IX Deputy Coordinators:

Robert Bartels (Employees) 
Director of Human Resources 
Office: Riggs Hall, 309 
Phone: (417) 865-2815, ext. 7311 
bartelsr@evangel.edu 

Gina Rentschler (Students) 
Director of Student Programming 
Phone: (417) 865-2815, ext. 7317 
rentschlerg@evangel.edu 

Steve Gause (Students) 
Dean of Students 
Phone: (417) 865-2815, ext. 7409 
gauses@evangel.edu

Some types of Sexual Misconduct prohibited by this Policy, such as Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking, and certain forms of Sexual Exploitation, may also constitute criminal conduct. Individuals who believe they may have been subjected to criminal Sexual Misconduct are strongly encouraged to notify local law enforcement authorities or the Evangel Public Safety Department. If the individual requests, campus authorities will assist in notifying law enforcement authorities. The University will, at the direction of law enforcement, provide complete and prompt assistance in obtaining, securing, and maintaining evidence in connection with criminal conduct that violates this Policy. Individuals also have the option to decline to notify law enforcement.

Individuals may file a criminal complaint and a formal complaint under this Policy simultaneously. Reporting to law enforcement is not necessary for the University to proceed with a complaint resolution process.

If you would like to report criminal sexual conduct to law enforcement, Springfield Police Department can be contacted by calling 911 or 417-864-1810.

Resources for Students:

1. Evangel’s Counseling Center 417-865-2815 ext. 7222 
2. Evangel’s Public Safety 417-575-8911

Resources for Anyone: 

1. National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673) 
2. The Victim Center 417-863-7273 or 417-864-7233 
3. McGuire Christian Counseling 417-866-7773 
4. Ozark Counseling Center 417-869-9011 

• For Students
• For Staff
• For Grievance Pool