The Wheaton College Title IX Policy (the “Policy”) has been developed in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and accompanying regulations (“Title IX”) to provide: (1) a prompt, effective, and equitable investigation and adjudication process for complaints of conduct that may constitute discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity, and all forms of sex-based harassment (dating violence, domestic violence, hostile environment harassment, quid pro quo harassment, retaliation, sexual assault, and stalking), as defined by Title IX; and, (2) recourse for individuals whose rights have been violated.

All members of the Wheaton College community are encouraged to report any behavior which allegedly violates the Policy by:

These three options allow for reports to be submitted anonymously.

Reports of alleged sex discrimination may also be made directly to: 

  • Title IX Coordinator, Caraline Somerville, at 508-286-3261, [email protected], [email protected], or at her office in Knapton 317B *on leave for Fall 2024 semester
  • For the Fall of 2024 semester: Interim Title IX Coordinator, Djuna Perkins, [email protected] , 508-286-3261 or via the Title IX Report Form
  • Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students: Zachary Irish, Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, 508-286-8218, [email protected] 
  • Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Staff: Omaira Roy, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, 508-286-3544, [email protected] 
  • Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Faculty: TBD
  • Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Athletics: Lisa Yenush, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/SWA, 508-286-3982, [email protected]

All College employees, other than Confidential Employees, are required to report any behavior which allegedly violates the Policy by submitting a Title IX Report Form or contacting the Title IX Coordinator. Such reports cannot be made anonymously.

Please know that if you experienced sex discrimination, you may report the misconduct and seek supportive resources without making a formal complaint and/or requesting a formal grievance process.

Reporting the misconduct allows the college to:

  1. provide you with information about confidential and supportive resources
  2. implement any interim measures you may need for your safety and well-being
  3. inform you of your right to also report the misconduct to law enforcement
  4. discuss in detail the process of making a formal complaint and initiating a formal grievance process
  5. reemphasize the college’s strong stance against retaliation and that college officials will take any steps necessary to protect you and others from it

For more information about the Title IX response process, please see the Title IX Policy.

Confidential Resources

For protected, confidential guidance and support, please consider utilizing one of the following options available to the Wheaton community:

  • Wheaton Counseling Center – 508-286-3905, open during business hours [M-F 8:30am – 4:30pm, closed 12:30-1:30pm for lunch]
  • 24/7 Mental Health Support Line – 508-286-3905. Available to all Wheaton College students by calling the above number and following the voicemail instructions at any time of day or night, from anywhere in the world. 
  • New Hope – local rape and domestic violence center based in Attleboro – including 24 hour hotline. In-state calls contact: 800-323-4673; out-of-state calls contact: SafeLink at 877-785-2020 and ask to be transferred to New Hope’s Hotline
  • Wheaton College Confidential Resource Provider: Melanite Gonzalez, 508-286-3905, [email protected]