Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy

Columbia Southern University (CSU) affirms its commitment to promote the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational enterprise. All policies below are subject to CSU’s resolution process as detailed below. When the responding party is a member of the CSU community, the resolution process is applicable regardless of the status of the reporting party who may be a member or non-member of the campus community, including students, student organizations, faculty, administrators, staff, guests, visitors, vendors, etc.

The Title IX Coordinator oversees implementation of CSU’s policy on equal opportunity, harassment, and nondiscrimination. The Title IX Coordinator acts with independence and authority free of conflicts of interest. To raise any concern involving a conflict of interest by the Title IX Coordinator, contact the Director of Human Resources at CSU-HR@@columbiasouthern.edu. To raise concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest with any other administrator involved in the resolution process, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Inquiries about and reports regarding this policy and procedure may be made internally to:

Title IX Coordinator
Institutional Effectiveness, Planning, and Compliance
21982 University Lane
Orange Beach, AL 36561

Phone: (251) 981-3771 ext. 1352
Email: CSU-Title-IX@columbiasouthern.edu

Inquiries may be made externally to:

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100

Customer Service Hotline: (800) 421-3481
Fax: (202) 453-6012
TDD: (800) 877-8339
Email: OCR@ed.gov
Web: http://www.ed.gov/ocr

Regional Contact:
United States Department of Education
Office of Civil Rights, Atlanta Office
61 Forsyth St., Southwest, Suite 19T70
Atlanta, GA 30303-8927

Phone: (404) 974-9406
Fax: 404-974-9471
TDD: (800) 877-8339
Email: OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov

For complaints involving employees: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Ridge Park Place
1130 22nd Street South
Suite 2000
Birmingham, AL 35205

Phone: (205) 651-7020
Fax: 205-212-2105
TTY: (800) 669-6820

Reports of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation should be made using one of the following options:

  • If the discrimination or harassment occurs on campus, campus security should be contacted immediately at 251-981-3771 Ext. 1114.
  • If the discrimination or harassment occurs at a CSU sanctioned event, the event coordinator or law enforcement should be contacted immediately.
  • If the discrimination or harassment occurs in the classroom (including virtual classroom), the Title IX Coordinator should be contacted immediately.

In situations where sexual violence has occurred, it is strongly recommended that the victim seek immediate medical attention.

Please review the full Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy (pdf).

Training

CSU’s Title IX training includes internal and external training. The Title IX Coordinator and decision-makers are trained on the various aspects of the University’s policies and procedures. Additionally, all staff and faculty complete annual harassment and discrimination prevention training. The Title IX Coordinator has received the following training:

  • ATIXA Title IX Hearing Advisors Certification Course (2021)
  • ATIXA Title IX Coordinator & Administrator Level Five Certification Course (2022)