Title IX

The College is committed to fostering an environment free from gender-based discrimination and harassment, including sexual assault and all other forms of gender-based misconduct. Bowdoin College's Title IX policy governs reports of alleged Sexual Harassment under Title IX.  

You can view the full text of Bowdoin College's Title IX policy for a definition of what constitutes “sexual harassment” under Title IX, detailed information about the process, dismissal of formal complaint, formal resolution, appeals, alternative resolution, records and training materials, and policy interpretation and amendments. 

In addition to the conduct addressed under this Policy, the College prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct as set forth in the Student Code of Community Standards, Faculty Handbook, and Employee Handbook.

Report an Incident

There are two primary ways to report an incident of sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, or concerns regarding violations of Title IX:

1) Contact the Campus Title IX Coordinator

To make a report or to understand the reporting process, contact the Campus Title IX Coordinator in person, over the phone, or by email.

Melissa Martin, Campus Title VI and Title IX Coordinator 

38 College St. Room 102
(207) 721-5509
titleix@bowdoin.edu

Rachel Reinke, Resources Specialist and Confidential Resource Advisor (CRA)
(207) 725-3037 or to rreinke@bowdoin.edu 

Conversations with the CRA are privileged and confidential. A person making a report through the CRA must affirmatively request the CRA to make a report on their behalf. 

2) Make a Report Online

You may also choose to report the incident using the Sexual Misconduct and Gender-Based Violence Report Form. Reporters may remain anonymous through this online form.

Required Reporting by College Employees

College employees* must report possible sexual harassment to Melissa Martin, the campus Title IX coordinator, to make sure that the impacted individual is offered appropriate resources and necessary protection. Responsible employees should not disclose information to local law enforcement.

*The Confidential Resource Advisor, and practitioners in Bowdoin's Health and Wellness department can keep the information disclosed to them privileged and confidential. Additionally, Bowdoin has non-reporting staff members who are not required to notify the Title IX Office of reports of possible sexual harassment.

The confidential resource advisor is a resource available to students, faculty, and staff that provides confidential support for individuals who have experienced or are experiencing any form of sexual or interpersonal violence.

Contact: Rachel Reinke, Confidential Resource Advisor (CRA)
Email: cra@bowdoin.edu, rreinke@bowdoin.edu, (207) 725-3037
Location: Banister Hall (Chapel), room 108

Resources

Emergency Resources

Assistance from the following resources can be obtained twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of whether Bowdoin is in session:

• Bowdoin Office of Safety and Security: x3500 or (207) 725-3500

  Safety and Security can provide students transportation to and from any of the Brunswick-area, off-campus resources listed below.

  Brunswick Police Department: 911 or (207) 725-6620  

  Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine (SASSMM): (800) 871-7741

  Through These Doors: (866) 834-4357

  Mid Coast Hospital: 911 or (207) 729-0181

Both Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine and Through These Doors staff 24/7 free, confidential helplines with local Maine, trained Maine advocates.

Campus Resources

Confidential and Privileged Campus Resources

Certain College employees are confidential and privileged resources, meaning these staff members are not legally permitted to release any information shared with them except under limited circumstances that pose an imminent danger to the individual or others or as otherwise required by law, such as disclosure of sexual abuse of a minor.

• Rachel Reinke, Confidential Resource Advisor, rreinke@bowdoin.edu, (207) 725-3037 
• Clinicians in Counseling Services: 207-725-3145
• Clinicians in Health Services: 207-725-3770

Non-Reporting Resources on Campus

There are currently three Bowdoin staff members to whom reports of Sexual Harassment may be made and who will not disclose identifying details of such reports to the Campus Title IX Coordinator. Bowdoin refers to these individuals as "Non-Reporting Resources" and they will hold information in confidence and not release any information shared with them except (1) by permission of the person making the report; or (2) under limited circumstances that pose an imminent danger to the individual or others or as otherwise required by law. Please note: These individuals do not have legal privilege.

• Natalie Turrin, Ph.D., director of the Center for Sexuality, Women, and Gender (SWAG)
• Maddy Magnuson, Associate Director of Gender Based Violence Prevention and Health Education
• Julie Barnes, Director of the Rachel Lord Center for Religious and Spiritual Life 

Incidents of discrimination, sexual harassment, or other concerns related to possible violations of Title IX are handled by Melissa Martin, Bowdoin's campus Title IX coordinator. Upon receipt of a report, the Title IX Office will take all reasonable steps to ensure the support and safety of those involved, as well as that of the campus community. This usually involves reaching out to the individual who may have experienced of the misconduct to offer campus resources and any necessary protection.

After reporting an incident:

• The Title IX Coordinator will reach out and offer to meet with you to discuss supportive measures and concerns, and you may bring a supporter to that conversation;
• you will be connected to potential resources, and
• you will be treated with respect and dignity as you think through how you would like to proceed.

The College encourages reporting discrimination, sexual harassment, or other concerns related to possible violations of Title IX in all cases. Impacted individuals who report misconduct will generally not be held responsible for actions that might otherwise constitute a violation of the College Policy (e.g., underage drinking), as long as their actions did not put another student or the community at risk.

Bystanders are witnesses to incidents of sexual assault or gender-based violence. They have the opportunity to intervene and make a difference on campus. Active bystanders may choose to:

• Check in with the people involved, if it is safe to do so.
• Create a distraction to keep a situation from escalating.
• Reach out for additional help (e.g., call 911, Bowdoin Security, or contact (Melissa Martin).

Bowdoin College is committed to protecting members of our campus community from sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment and sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The following are data, reports, and training materials relating to sexual and other misconduct.

Title IX Coordinator Training (2022)

Title IX Investigator and Adjudicator Training (2020)

Clery Reports