Please contact the Title IX Coordinator by emailing [email protected] if you are interested in access to resources. Scheduling a meeting with the Title IX Coordinator does not commit you to the University taking action.
Parties have the right to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice to all meetings, interviews, and hearings that are part of the investigation, adjudication, and appeal process. They may be, but are not required to be, an attorney. The advisor may provide support and private counsel to the party. However, except for the questioning of witnesses during the hearing, the advisor may not advocate on behalf of a party, be actively involved in any proceedings, or directly address the Investigating Officer, hearing officer, or appeal officer.
The University is not required to provide a party with an advisor in any circumstance except where the party does not have an advisor present at the hearing and requests that the University provide an advisor.
Please review the Policy for more information about advisors.
These reporting options will maintain confidentiality unless required by law to break confidentiality. Any parties involved in a complaint may speak with:
Mental health professionals are required to disclose information where there is an imminent threat of the person harming themselves or others.
Individuals that have experiencd sexual assault, domestic assault, dating violence,
or stalking have the option to:
- notify proper law enforcement authorities, including on-campus and local police;
- be assisted by campus authorities in notifying law enforcement authorities if the
victim so chooses; and
- decline to notify such authorities.
The University will not require an individual to speak with law enforcement officials,
but strongly recommends that all Complainants who have experienced a criminal offense
report to local law enforcement agencies.
The filing and process for addressing sexual harassment with a law enforcement entity is a separate process than the University’s. In most cases, the University will not wait for a conclusion from any criminal investigation or impending court proceedings, except in cases where the University temporarily delays its investigation while criminal investigators gather evidence. Law enforcement’s determination of whether or not to initiate prosecution will hold no weight on the University’s decision to charge a Respondent through the University’s resolution process. Individuals interested in contacting local law enforcement can contact Public Safety for assistance.
Ferris State Department of Public Safety
Hours: 24/7 Dispatch, Phone: (231) 591-5000
KCAD Reception/Security Desk:
(616) 451-2787
A personal protection order (PPO) is a court order to stop threats or violence against
you. A PPO can help protect someone who has experienced threats, violence, or harassment.
Individuals can get a PPO if they have a reasonable fear for personal safety.
Forms to request a PPO can be found through the Michigan Courts website.
The Ferris State University Department of Public Safety Officers can assist in the process of obtaining a Personal Protection Order.
KCAD students may go directly to the Grand Rapids Police department to request a PPO. KCAD staff will assist students in this process if requested.
Individuals can also contact Legal Aid. The University does not endorse any legal agencies and it is soley the decision of the individual if they choose to engage with legal assistance.
Legal Aid of Western Michigan
Phone: (616) 774-0672
Confidential sexual assault hotlines can provide support as well as information on medical care, reporting, and legal options.
Women’s Information Service (WISE)
24/7 Crisis line
Phone: (231)796-6600
Michigan Sexual Assault Help Line
Phone: 1-855-VOICES4
YWCA of West Central Michigan
Phone: (616) 776-7273 24/7 line
25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Counseling Services
- Medical Services and Forensic Exams
- Short-term Emergency Shelter
- Advocacy and Resource Services
Crisis Hotlines
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call or Text: 988
This line also offers free chat functions: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
Trevor Project Helpline (LGBTQ Support): Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
Phone: (866) 488-7386
Text/chat is available from a computer
YWCA of West Central Michigan
Phone: (616) 776-7273 24/7 line
25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Counseling Services
- Medical Services and Forensic Exams
- Short-term Emergency Shelter
- Advocacy and Resource Services
Preserving evidence is crucial for a successful criminal investigation and prosecution. Harmed persons and witnesses of a crime are encouraged to preserve evidence by not altering the crime scene, not washing or changing clothes, and maintaining any electronic communications related to the incident.
Harmed persons and witnesses should save any text messages, emails, voicemails, social media posts, screenshots, photographs, and other forms of evidence. Physical evidence, such as clothing or objects at the scene, should be secured in a paper (not plastic) bag to prevent deterioration.
Public Safety is available to assist with the preservation of evidence and provide guidance on the steps to take. Reporting to law enforcement is not mandatory; however, it is strongly encouraged, as doing so can help with the preservation of evidence and ensure access to protective measures and support services.
All, excluding the confidential resources detailed above, are mandatory reporters under this policy and must share all the details of the reports they receive with designated University officials. Therefore, Complainants may want to consider carefully whether to share personally identifiable details with non-confidential employees.
Title IX Coordinator: Jess Ettell Irvine, [email protected]
Additional Reporting Options
Ferris State Department of Public Safety
Hours: 24/7 Dispatch, Phone: (231) 591-5000
Crime Hotline [email protected]
Office of Student Community Standards
[email protected]
Hours: M-F, 8-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m
Phone: (231) 591-3619
Office of the Dean of Student Life
[email protected]
Hours: M-F, 8-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m.
Phone: (231) 591-5916
Non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services are without fee or charge to either party before or after the filing of a formal complaint or where no formal complaint has been filed.
This includes, but is not limited to:
The University’s Title IX staff are responsible for coordinating supportive measures. The University will maintain confidentiality of supportive measures provided to the Complainant or Respondent to the extent that maintaining confidentiality would not impair the University’s ability to provide the support.
You can also review support resources specific to your campus below:
On-Campus Financial Aid
Students should speak with the Office of Financial Aid to fully understand their aid package, but Ferris staff assisting with your complaint can also assist in navigating that conversation.
Ferris State University Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid Phone: 231-591-2110
Kendall College of Art and Design Financial Aid
Phone: 616-451-2787
Michigan Financial Assistance Services
Through the fund, victims can be compensated for medical and counseling expenses, wage loss, replacement services, and funeral expenses. Contact the Michigan Crime Victim Compensation Program to learn more.
The Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) program reimburses medical facilities for the cost of forensic exams of victims of sexual violence. This ensures that a victim will never have to pay for his or her own examination, and that any evidence to be used in an eventual prosecution is collected properly.
The Victim Information Notification Everyday (MI-VINE) provides automated telephone notifications to registered crime victims and other concerned citizens in the event of the release of a prisoner. Telephone notifications are immediate in cases such as an escape, release on bond, or discharge by Court Order. All registered persons must provide, in writing, MDOC Crime Victim Services with any changes in contact information.
Justice For Our Neighbors, West Michigan
Phone: 616-301-7461
There may be visa options, including U and T Visas for a person that has experienced sexual violence or other crimes. For specifics, we advise a person to talk to an immigration attorney.
U Visa - For victims of substantial physical or mental abuse as the result of certain criminal activity, including sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, assault, or other related crimes
T Visa - For victims of human trafficking
The Office of International Education can provide useful information regarding immigration status. Note that for questions regarding changes to other visa statuses, or legal options that fall outside of standard F-1 and J-1 student visas, or employer-sponsored work visas, consult a qualified immigration attorney.
Visa Options
F-1 and J-1 status students
H-1B, O-1, E-3, or TN employees
Where can I find a local immigration attorney?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a bureau of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), offers two sites to help individuals find free or low-cost legal representation:
USCIS Find Help in your Community Webpage | USCIS Find Legal Services Webpage
The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) provides a listing of attorneys by state who provide immigration services either for free or for little cost.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) offers an online Immigration Lawyer Referral Service that can help a student or scholar find an immigration lawyer. The American Bar Association also provides information on finding legal services by state.
To report an incident, contact one or both these on-campus resources
Title IX Coordinator
Jess Ettell Irvine
[email protected]
(231) 591-5916
Department of Public Safety
Emergencies: Dial 911
Non-Emergencies:
(231) 591-5000
Campus Crime Hotline:
[email protected]
Online Report Form
Student Complaint Policy
Gender-Inclusive and Single User Restroom Lists