University Policies

Policy of Non-Discrimination

Pursuant to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Executive Order 11246 as amended by 11375, and the Montana State Human Rights Act - Montana State University Billings has a policy of non-discrimination in employment practices and in admission, access to, and conduct of educational programs. Discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, handicap, marital status, sexual orientation, or parental status.

Montana State University Billings reaffirms its desire to create a work environment for all employees, and a study environment for all students, which supports, nurtures, and rewards career and educational goals on the basis of ability and work performance, regardless of sex.

Sexual harassment of employees by co-workers, superiors, or students or of students by students, staff, faculty, or administrators, which imposes a requirement of sexual cooperation as a condition of employment or academic advancement, is inimical to this environment. Montana State University Billings prohibits such conduct.

Montana State University Billings affords any student, employee, or applicant for admission or employment the opportunity to file a discrimination grievance.  Inquiries or grievances by students regarding discrimination or harassment based on physical or mental disability should be directed to Trudy Carey, Director of Disability Support Services, Academic Support Center, Room 1, at 657-2283.

Inquiries or grievances of any faculty, staff, or visitor related to unlawful discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status should be directed to Janet Simon, Director of Human Resources, 1500 University Drive, Student Union Building, Room 225, at 657-2278.
 
Inquiries or grievances related to Title IX and athletics should be directed to Krista Montague, NCAA Compliance coordinator, PE Building, Room 155 at 657-2061.

Sexual Harassment

Montana State University Billings affirms its desire to create and maintain a work environment for all employees, and a study environment for all students, which supports, nurtures, and rewards career and educational goals on the basis of ability and work performance regardless of gender.

Sexual harassment of employees by co-workers, superiors, or students or of students by students, staff, faculty or administrators is unacceptable.  Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct or written communication of an intimidating, hostile, or offensive sexual nature.  In addition, sexual harassment behavior includes conduct in which:

1. The employee’s or student’s submission to the conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s employment or education.
2. The employee’s or student’s submission to, or rejection of, such conduct is used as the basis for employment or educational decisions.
3. The conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Montana State University Billings prohibits such conduct.  Furthermore, sexual harassment is a violation of state and federal equal opportunity and nondiscrimination regulations.

Misconduct action will be taken when instances of sexual harassment are identified and confirmed, filed, and result in a finding of probable cause.  Retaliation against persons who file complaints is a violation of laws prohibiting discrimination and will result in misconduct action against offenders.  Supervisors who knowingly condone or fail to report incidents of harassment will themselves be subject to discipline, including possible individual liability and/or criminal charges.

Complaints of sexual harassment must be filed with Janet Simon, Director of Human Resources/EEO-AA Office, McMullen Hall 310, Phone (406) 657-2278.

Sexually Explicit Materials in the Workplace

In keeping with its policy on sexual harassment, Montana State University Billings desires to create a working environment for employees and a learning environment for students which is free of sexual harassment and intimidation.  Materials such as calendars, posters, post cards, photographs, and cartoons which contain sexually explicit images or language can create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment and may subject persons of either sex to humiliation, embarrassment or discomfort. Such materials are inappropriate and should be removed from the workplace.

This policy applies to space provided by the University such as offices, shops, classrooms, hallways, lounges, computer labs (including the Information Commons located on the lower level of the Library), and study carrels.

This policy does not apply to:  

(1) libraries, resource rooms, research collections;

(2) materials related to course content or assignments;

(3) displays and exhibits in galleries and museums; or

(4) private rooms or family housing units which are rented from the University.

Complaints regarding sexually explicit materials in the workplace should be filed with Janet Simon, Director of Human Resources/EEO-AA Office, McMullen Hall 310, Phone (406) 657-2278.  Failure to comply with this policy may be a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, and may subject a student to disciplinary action.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Montana State University Billings Policy Statement

In accordance with the ADA, Montana State University Billings ensures academic program accessibility as well as building accessibility for all persons with disabilities.  No individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of Montana State University Billings, or be subject to discrimination by any such entity.

Students
Any student with disabilities concerned about accessibility and/or accommodation issues should contact Trudy Carey, the Director of Disability Support Services, Academic Support Center, Phone (406) 657-2283 (Voice/TTY).

Annual Crime Report

In November of 1990 the Student Right-to-Know Act was signed into law. The Act mandates that institutions of higher education report and make available to both current and prospective students and employees the occurrences of specific crimes at each respective campus. In addition to the number of reported specified crimes, the institutions must report the number of arrests for liquor violations, drug-abuse violations, and weapon violations. The report is available through the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, (406) 657-2307, or the Office of Human Resources /EEO-AA, (406) 657-2278.