Students at Quincy University who experience mistreatment by someone in a position of authority may face uncertainty about where to report their concerns and how complaints are handled.

Some students say fear of losing either their academic or sports scholarship can make reporting difficult. Many athletes have said that they also fear their spot on the field would be taken away by their coach if they consider to report a claim about their coach.

At Quincy University, reporting procedures vary depending on the situation to determine which department the complaint should be reported to.

According to Dean of Students Christine Tracy, complaints are generally handled within the area where the issue occurs.

“Athletics handles their own complaints, academics handles their own complaints and depending on the complaint, security or I get involved,” Tracy said. “There is also a different process for reporting possible hazing and Title IX. Hazing and Title IX are with Rob.”

Some cases, however, may differ and then internal department handling is not the right answer. If a complaint involves student safety, potential threats, or serious wrongdoing, campus security and senior administrators may become involved.

Robert Copley, the director of security at Quincy University oversees reports such as hazing and Title IX, which includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and gender-based discrimination.

Students can file reports through several channels including contacting an on-duty security officer and submitting a form on the portal to report allegations related to hazing or Title IX.

“They could file a report with the on-duty security officer, and then it would be referred, for a follow up to me. They could contact me, directly. There is a form on the portal that is designed to be used for a wide variety of threats to the student whether it is Title IX or hazing,” Copley said.

Copley said students should call 911 if they believe they are facing an immediate threat. After emergency services are contacted, local police coordinate with campus security to address the situation.

For student-athletes, concerns involving a coach typically begin within the athletic department. Depending on the seriousness and nature of the situation, complaints may be addressed by athletic administrators, including the Athletic Director Josh Rabe.

“The first thing a student athlete should do is report the incident, actions, or all to an athletics administrator or athletic director,” Rabe said.

Issues involving academics, such as concerns about a professor or instructor, are handled separately through academic leadership which would be the Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs Sarah Vordtriede-Patton.

University officials say the presence of different reporting pathways underscores the importance of students understanding their options. Power dynamics between students and authority figures, particularly in athletics and academics, can make reporting mistreatment challenging.

“I think if there is mistreatment, the power dynamic does come to the forefront. This issue is not exclusive to athletics, as there are examples of this in other industries, criminal cases, etc.  Anytime there is a power dynamic, fear enters the equation, fear of losing something.  The people who are reporters should not fear this power dynamic and should be commended for stepping forward,”

Rabe added that university employees are required to report concerns.

“We are all mandated reporters, whether it be an assistant coach, head coach, or athletic administrator”, he said. “We are all responsible for addressing complaints.”

Students say that sometimes when you include parents or are in groups of many, reporting the issue becomes easier and more doable.

Students who believe they are experiencing mistreatment are encouraged to reach out to the dean of students, whose office is in Francis Hall, campus security in Friars Hall, classmates, teammates, or appropriate department leadership to figure out the correct reporting process for their situation.