Sexual Offenses Defined

A sexual offense is defined as a crime which occurs when an individual causes another person to engage in unwanted sexual activity by force or the treat of force. Sexual offenses may include, but are not limited to Rape (PA Crimes Code Title 18, Subsection 3121), Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (PA Crimes Code Title 18, Subsection 3123), Sexual Assault (PA Crimes Code Title 18, Subsection 3124.1), Aggravated Indecent Assault (PA Crimes Code Title 18, Subsection 3125), and Indecent Assault (PA Crimes Code Title 18, Subsection 3126).

Investigation and Disciplinary Procedures

Harrisburg Area Community College maintains a zero tolerance stance on sexual offenses. Victims of sexual offenses are STRONGLY encouraged to report the crime IMMEDIATELY to both police authorities and campus security. Immediate reporting will assist authorities in the preservation of evidence and the apprehension of the offender. Immediate reporting also facilitates college and law enforcement authorities in assisting the victim of a sexual offense in getting any help they need to recover.

Upon report of a sexual offense to the Safety and Security Department, Officers will:

Should a victim refuse police involvement, the complaint is referred the Vice President for Student Affairs who will conduct an investigation in partnership with the Director of Safety and Security into the alleged sexual offense. If the actor(s) are known or discovered in this process, and the evidence supports the validity of the accusation, disciplinary action will be taken as outlined in College Administrative Procedure #592. Sanctions that the institution may impose following a final determination of an institutional disciplinary proceeding regarding rape, acquaintance rape, or other forcible or non forcible sex offenses can range from probation to expulsion. Both the accuser and accused have a right to have others present during a college disciplinary hearing (e.g. parent(s) and/or legal counsel). Both accuser and accused will be informed of the rulings made in any campus disciplinary hearing.

Student Procedures

Should a student become the victim of a sexual assault, rape, or other sex offense, they should:

Student Resources

The Security Department will work with any college organization to produce awareness and prevention programs to be presented in the classroom or as part of an organizational event. We will also coordinate with outside organizations to ensure that any programs are up-to-date, informative, and effective.

Counselors are available to students, faculty and staff, located in each academic division and the Counseling Office on the second floor of the Cooper Student Center. The counseling staff are available throughout the day and by appointment in the evenings. During the academic year, counseling services are available daily from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and during the summer from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. During the spring and fall semesters, counselors are also available in the Counseling area of the Cooper Student Center from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Counseling hours at HACC’s other campuses are available by calling the specific campus (Lancaster, 358-2988; Lebanon, 270-4222; Gettysburg, 337-3855). Anyone desiring counseling services may contact the counseling staff in Cooper Student Center at 780-2498.

Crisis Intervention and Community Resources

Megan’s Law

The State of Pennsylvania requires ALL individuals convicted of sexual offenses in Pennsylvania are required by State law to register their address of residence and place of employment with the Pennsylvania State Police. This information is data based and made available via the internet so that the public may be aware when an offender is present in their community. For more information about the Pennsylvania Megan’s Law or to view the offender database, visit http://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us on the World Wide Web.