Appointment of Confidential Advisor and Victim Support
Pursuant to the Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act, survivors of sexual violence have access to Confidential Advisors who can provide emergency and ongoing support to survivors of violence. Under the act, “sexual violence” means physical sexual acts attempted or perpetrated against a person’s will or when a person is incapable of giving consent, including without limitation, rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse, and sexual coercion. A survivor of sexual violence is a student who has experienced sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking while enrolled at NLU. NLU, however, provides access to Confidential Advisors for all Complainants.
Confidential Advisors are authorized and trained to provide the following services:
- Inform the Complainant of the Complainant’s choice of possible next steps regarding the Complainant’s reporting options and possible outcomes, including without limitation, reporting pursuant to this policy and notifying local law enforcement.
- Notify the Complainant of resources and services for survivors of sexual violence, including, but not limited to, student services available on campus and through community-based resources, including without limitation sexual assault crisis centers, medical treatment facilities, counselling services, legal resources, medical forensic services, and mental health services.
- Inform the Complainant of the Complainant’s rights and NLU’s responsibilities regarding orders of protection, no contact orders, or similar lawful orders issued by NLU or a criminal or civil court.
- Provide confidential services to and have privileged, confidential communications with Complainant in accordance with Illinois law.
- Upon the Complainant’s request and as appropriate, liaise with campus officials, community-based sexual assault crisis centers, or local law enforcement and, if requested, assist the Complainant with contacting and reporting to campus officials or local law enforcement.
- Upon the Complainant’s request, liaise with the necessary campus authorities to secure interim protective measures and accommodations for the Complainant.
NLU has entered into agreements with the following agencies to provide individuals to serve as Confidential Advisors:
24/7 Confidential Advisor
Mujeres Latinas en Accion - Chicago
Crisis Hotline: (312) 738.5358
www.mujereslatinasenaccion.org
University Confidential Advisor
Caroline Kenerson
Skylight Counseling Center
caroline@skylightcounseingcenter.com
(312) 631-3775
(847) 529-8300
counseling@nl.edu
For an updated list of Confidential Advisor agencies, please consult NLU’s website at nl.edu/sexualrespectandTitleIX or contact the Title IX Coordinator at dlaban@nl.edu, or 312.261.3162.
Counseling
In addition to the services described above, the University also can provide counseling referrals and resources to anyone affected by an incident of sexual misconduct or relationship violence. Students seeking counseling referrals for licensed mental health professionals should contact the Office of Student Experience at 888.658.8632 x3568 or email counseling@nl.edu.
Academic Accommodations
Immediately following a reported incident and while investigation is ongoing, the University reserves the right to take whatever measures it deems necessary to protect a student’s rights and personal safety. These efforts may include changes to academic, living, dining, transportation, and working situations, obtaining and enforcing impact course/work schedules, class assignments, presence on NLU campuses and other measures. The University may provide accommodations and take other protective measures regardless of whether the student pursues a complaint pursuant to this policy or reports the incident to local law enforcement.