Title IX

Title IX requires the University to authorize at least one employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with Title IX. Harding has designated two Title IX coordinators:

1. The University Title IX Coordinator is responsible for the University's overall compliance with Title IX and coordinates the University's response to formal complaints by students, is the University's contact for student complainants, and is the contact for reports from third parties.

2. The Title IX Coordinator for Employees coordinates the University’s response to formal complaints by employees against other employees and assists with employee respondent cases.

Title IX Coordinators:

Kevin Davis
Executive Director of Title IX and Compliance
Harding University
915 E. Market Ave.
Kendall Hall, Office 113
Searcy, AR 72149
501-279-4595
kdavis@harding.edu

Amie Carter
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees
Assistant Director of Human Resources
Harding University
915 E. Market Ave.
Ezell Building, Office 131
Searcy, AR 72149
501-279-4027
ascarter@harding.edu

Debra Nesbitt
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students
Pryor Hall Residence Life Coordinator
Harding University
915 E. Market Ave.
Pryor Hall, RLC Office
Searcy, AR 72149
501-279-5900
dnesbitt@harding.edu

Title IX Training for Coordinators, Investigators, and Hearing Officers

Title IX coordinators, investigators, and hearing officers receive training on the definitions of misconduct under the Title IX Misconduct policy, the scope of Harding’s education program or activity, how to conduct an investigation and grievance process including hearings and appeals, and how to serve impartially, including by avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue, conflicts of interest, and bias. These individuals receive annual training on the issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and how to conduct an investigation and hearing process that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability.

Investigators receive training on issues of relevance to create an investigation report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence. Hearing officers receive training on issues of relevance of questions and evidence, including when questions and evidence about the complainant's sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant.

Materials used to train Title IX coordinators, investigators, and hearing officers will not rely on sex stereotypes and will promote impartial investigations and adjudications of formal complaints of Title IX misconduct.

Materials used to train Title IX coordinators, investigators, and hearing officers can be found here:

Annual Title IX/VAWA Hearing Panel Training

Annual Title IX/VAWA Investigator Training

Annual Training for Title IX Coordinators and Deputy Coordinators

Annual Title IX/VAWA Hearing Panel Training

Informal Resolution Training

In accordance with the Take it Down Act, Harding University has created a Request for Content Removal Page. Completion of the form in detail will make it possible for Harding to promptly view and address the reported content.

Reports submitted through this page involving intimate images or conduct that may constitute sex-based harassment — including online or digital sexual harassment — may be shared with the University’s Title IX Coordinator and may initiate a Title IX outreach and review process. Appropriate supportive measures may be offered to the reporting party, including counseling, academic adjustments, housing or workplace accommodations, and other non-disciplinary support services, regardless of whether a formal Title IX complaint is filed.

To speak directly with the Title IX Coordinator, contact Kevin Davis at 501-279-5000 or kdavis@harding.edu.

Victim Rights page

Security Report page

The NCAA Board of Governors issued a revised Policy on Campus Sexual Violence on April 27, 2021. Starting in the 2022-2023 academic year, this policy requires that students participating in athletics annually disclose whether they have engaged in conduct that resulted in discipline through a Title IX or sexual misconduct proceeding or in a criminal conviction for sexual, interpersonal, or other acts of violence. Transfer student-athletes also must disclose whether a Title IX or sexual misconduct proceeding was incomplete at the time of transfer. The policy also requires institutions to take reasonable steps to confirm whether these student-athletes have been disciplined or convicted for such conduct, and requires imember institutions to share relevant disciplinary information with each other when a student-athlete attempts to enroll in a different member institution.

The NCAA recognizes each member institution must collect and confirm this information in a manner consistent with federal and state law and may choose to collect additional information beyond the scope of the NCAA Board of Governors Policy on Campus Sexual Violence based upon their own policies and procedures.

Harding University educates all student-athletes, coaches, and staff each year on sexual violence prevention, intervention, and response. For more information see Harding University's NCAA student-athlete serious misconduct policy.pdf.

Title IX regulations state that all Harding employees must receive annual training. As a Harding employee you are required to report immediately any information you know about suspected prohibited conduct or potential violations of the Sexual Misconduct Policy. Reports must be made to a Title IX Coordinator. Professional counselors acting in their capacity as a counselor are confidential resources and not required to report Title IX violations.

Materials used to train employees:

Title IX and Other Harassment Employee Training PPTX

Title IX and Other Sexual Misconduct Student Training PPTX

Bystander Intervention PPTX

You can report sexual harassment to any of our Title IX Coordinators:

Kevin Davis
Executive Director of Title IX and Compliance
Kendall Hall, Office 113
501-279-4595
kdavis@harding.edu  

Kevin is the initial point of contact for sexual misconduct reporting. He ensures that the entire Title IX complaint process is followed according to policy. He coordinates with Student Life, Human Resources, the Counseling Center, and the Provost Office to ensure that supportive measures are in place to ensure student and employee success.

Debra Nesbitt
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students Residence Life Coordinator, Pryor Hall Harding University
915 E. Market Ave. Pryor Hall RLC Office Searcy, AR 72149
501-279-5900
dnesbitt@harding.edu

Debra is also an initial point of contact for sexual misconduct reporting. She works with the Title IX Coordinator to ensure that the entire Title IX complaint process is followed according to policy.

Amie Carter
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees Assistant Director of Human Resources Harding University
915 E. Market Ave. Ezell Building, Office 131 Searcy, AR 72149
501-279-4027
ascarter@harding.edu

Amie is the initial point of contact for sexual misconduct reporting involving employees. Amie works with the Title IX Coordinator to ensure that the entire Title IX complaint process is followed according to policy.

Reports can be made by telephone, via email, via mail, or in person. Reports may be made at any time, including non-business hours by phone, email, mail, or the University’s website. Reports may be filed anonymously using the online reporting form or tip hotline at 501-305- 8237. The University will likely be limited in its ability to investigate an anonymous report or take responsive action unless sufficient information is provided to enable the University to conduct a meaningful investigation. The individual making the report is encouraged to provide as much detailed information as possible. 

Sexual Harassment includes the following:

• Quid Pro Quo Harassment
• Hostile Environment Harassment
• Sexual Assault
• Dating Violence
• Domestic Violence
• Stalking

See the Policy for definitions and more information

The Title IX and Other Sexual Misconduct Policy outlines a strict process to ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated, and that the due process rights of both parties are protected throughout the process. A typical Title IX Formal Complaint averages about 90 days from start to finish, but could take longer.

Accommodations

The Office of Student Life, working in conjunction with the Title IX Coordinator, may assist in providing needed accommodations to either, or both, parties. Accommodations include, but are not limited to changing class schedules, moving seating assignments in classes, chapel seating, changes in housing, etc.

The main contact for the Office of Student Life is:

Zach Neal
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students Student Center Room 218
501-279-4332
studentlife@harding.edu 

Mental Health

The Title IX process can be very stressful and can affect the mental health and well-being of the parties involved. Harding University’s Counseling Center provides counseling services with appropriate counseling needs utilizing trauma-informed counseling techniques.

The main contact for the Counseling Center is:

Lew Moore
Director of Counseling Center McInteer Building Room 313
501-279-4347
counseling@harding.edu 

In addition, students have access to Timely Care. Timely Care delivers a new virtual health and well-being platform for students. The service provides 24/7 access to virtual care at no additional cost.

What services are available?

• TalkNow - 24/7, on-demand emotional support.
• Scheduled Counseling - Select the day, time, and mental health provider of your choice. (12 visits per year)
• Self-Care Content - Yoga and meditation sessions and group conversations with TimelyCare providers on a variety of health and well- being topics.