Confidentiality
About Confidentiality
Additional details related to confidentiality and the disciplinary process from NCSC Board Policy 3020 are noted below:
The college appreciates the privacy concerns inherent in allegations of sexual violence or sex harassment. To protect students’ privacy rights, the names of students or other identifying information, especially that which is contained in written documents and notes, will only be disclosed to third parties if: (a) prior written permission is given by the student concerned; (b) the disclosure is necessary to conduct an investigation; (c) the disclosure is necessary to pursue disciplinary action; or (d) the disclosure is otherwise required by law.
Students will be informed that the college has a legal duty to include information about reports of criminal sexual misconduct in annual security report statistics which do not identify the parties involved.
If an alleged victim is under the age of 18 years, the college will obtain consent from the parents or guardians prior to beginning an investigation or disclosing information, unless otherwise required by law. If the alleged victim requests confidentiality, asks that the report not be pursued, or declines to participate in an investigation or disciplinary proceeding, the college will document the request. The college will take reasonable steps to investigate and respond to reports consistent with such a request, if possible. Requests will be evaluated and weighed against the college’s responsibility to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment.
If you want to talk to someone confidentially
Contact the Wayne State College Counseling Center at 402-375-7321. Wayne State College counselors provide students free, confidential services and work hard to support you on your academic and personal journey. The office creates a safe environment for students to freely express their concerns and/or issues. Please note that talking to a counselor, nurse, or licensed athletic trainer does NOT constitute filing a complaint or giving notice to the college on any Title IX-related issue.
There are also victim advocacy centers in town such as Haven House and national hotlines you can call if you’re just needing to talk through it.
Exceptions Regarding Employee Reporting
The law recognizes and protects the confidentiality of communications between a person seeking care and a medical or mental health professional.
- Medical or mental health professionals employed by the state colleges (licensed student counselors and nurses) respect and protect confidential communications from students, faculty, and staff to the extent they are legally able to do so.
- Confidential employees are not required to report incidents of sexual harassment or sex discrimination of which they become aware to the Title IX coordinator and may respect and protect confidential communications from students, faculty, and staff to the extent they are legally able to do so. Confidential employees may have to breach a confidence, however, when they perceive an immediate and serious threat to any person or property.
- All college employees (including confidential employees) are required by state law to report allegations or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect, including sexual assault or abuse of a minor, to either law enforcement or the Department of Health and Human Services. The Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is 1-800-652-1999. In Nebraska, the age of majority is 19.
