Confidential Support

Confidential support resources must keep your identity and what you tell them in confidence. They must not disclose to the Title IX Coordinator what they learned from you unless there is an imminent risk of hard to self or others. Some confidential resources also have an evidentiary privilege that prevents the person from being compelled to testify in a civil or criminal court proceedings. You have a right to ask a confidential support person whether they are also privileged.

Confidential reports can be made to mental health counselors that COA contracts with or with the family nurse practitioner in COA’s health clinic. You can also talk with any of the following confidentially: a counselor off campus, with a medical practitioner, a religious leader, and/or someone at AMHC Sexual Assault Services (1-800-871-7741).

An extensive list of both on and off-campus resources can be found by downloading our COA On and Off-Campus Resource Guide (PDF).

Private Support

Private support resources will safeguard your privacy and will only disclose what they learn with others on a need-to-know basis. Private resources are required to tell the COA Title IX Coordinator when they hear about incidents of sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, or sexual harassment. All employees of COA are considered private support or Responsible Employees.

Public Safety

  • Local Police, Emergency: 911
  • COA Emergency Line: (207) 288-9001
  • Night Watch: (207) 288-2944, ext. 5800
  • Student Life Emergency Phone: (207) 266-5890

In all emergencies, 911 can be dialed from any on-campus phone to reach local law enforcement or emergency medical services. COA’s Public Safety Department can also help students make contact with the local police departments. Please know that any College action and outcome will be independent of any police investigations and actions.

Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator

  • Puranjot Kaur, Title IX Coordinator: (207) 288-5015, ext. 5614
  • Zach Soares, Deputy Title IX Coordinator: (207) 801-5663

Student Life

  • Joshua Luce, Dean of Student Life: (207) 801-5670
  • Barbara Conry, Director of Student Support and Wellness: (207) 801-5671
  • Maya Caines, Director of Residence Life and the Student Experience

Anonymous Support

Sometimes survivors feel safer remaining anonymous. Anonymous support services don’t require you to disclose your identity to them at all.

Off-Campus: Local to Hancock County

AMHC Sexual Assault Support Services
24/7 Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

NextStep Domestic Violence Project
24/7 Helpline: 1-800-315-5579

Off-Campus: Maine

Maine Crisis Line/Suicide Prevention Hotline
24/7 Hotline: 1-888-568-1112

Teen Text Support Line
Daily from 12:00pm-10:00pm: (207) 515-8398

Off-Campus: National

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
24/7 Lifeline: 988

National Crisis Textline
24/7 Text: HOME to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
24/7 Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN)
24/7 Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE

Trans Lifeline
24/7 Helpline: 1-877-565-8860

Trevor Project
24/7 Helpline: 1-866-488-7386

Resources for Respondents: What to do if You Have Been Accused of Sexual Misconduct

If you have been accused of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking there are resources on and off campus to guide you through the process and procedures. It is important for you to know that you are considered “not responsible” for violating College of the Atlantic policy unless and until a preponderance of the evidence prove that a violation has occurred.

Familiarize Yourself with Policies and Procedures

If you are accused, you should familiarize yourself with the applicable policies and procedures:
COA’s Sexual Misconduct Policy (PDF)
COA’s Policy for Addressing Formal Complaints Under the Title IX Regulations (PDF)

Additional Policies and Procedures for Students

Amorous Relationships
Discrimination
Judiciary Hearing
Social Misconduct

Additional Policies and Procedures for Employees

Administrative and Support Staff Manual
Faculty Manual

On-Campus Resources

On-campus resources if you have been accused:

  • COA’s Title IX Coordinator can help navigate the process and procedures.
  • COA confidential on-campus counseling.
  • You have the right to have an advisor of your choice attend any and all meetings with you. If you do not have an advisor, please reach out to the Title IX Coordinator who can assist you in getting one.

Supportive Measures

Supportive measures will be offered to both the Complainant and the Respondent. All of which may have an impact on both parties. Some may include:

  • A mutual no contact order may be instituted to eliminate contact between both parties.
  • Equitable academic accommodations may be utilized to ensure both parities have equal access to classrooms, extracurricular, or other campus activities.
  • A change in on-campus living arrangements may be made so that both parties no longer share a living space.
  • The complainant may engage in other safety planning activities.
  • Counseling services are available on any student.
  • Other supportive measures that you may need can be discussed with the Title IX Coordinator.