Publication Information
Publication and Contractual Information
The provisions of this catalog do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, between any applicant or student and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The university reserves the right to change any of the provisions, schedules, programs, courses, rules, regulations, or fees whenever university authorities deem it expedient to do so.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status; or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees, or applicants; or any other basis protected by law. Discrimination or harassment on any of these bases is prohibited by Policy 1025, "Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy."The university is subject to Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Equal Pay Act; the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974; Federal Executive Order 11246; Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA); Virginia's State Executive Order Number Two; and all other applicable rules and regulations.
Information about campus and workplace violence prevention is available online. Individuals with questions or concerns about Policy 1025, any of these regulations, or related issues should contact:
Kathryn Reardon Polidoro - Director Title IX Compliance/Coordinator
Equity and Access (0150)
Email: polidoro@vt.edu
Office for Equity and Accessibility
North End Center, Suite 2300
300 Turner Street NW
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-1824
Policy Statement on Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on sex and falls within the statutory prohibitions against sex discrimination. The university is committed to maintaining a working and a study environment free of sexual harassment. Accordingly, in compliance with Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, it is the university's policy not to tolerate any verbal, nonverbal, or physical behavior which constitutes sexual harassment (please see University Policy 1025; the University's policy on harassment, discrimination, and sexual assault). Responsible employees are required to report their knowledge of sexual harassment to the University's Title IX Coordinator. Personnel with supervisory responsibilities are required to take immediate and appropriate action when incidents of alleged sexual harassment are brought to their attention and should do so in consultation with the University's Title IX Coordinator. Violations of the policy prohibiting sexual harassment may lead to disciplinary actions, including reprimand, suspension, or termination of employment or academic status.
Sexual harassment is defined as conduct of any type that is based upon a person's sex (including pregnancy), and unreasonably interferes with the person's work or academic performance or limits participation in university activities, or creates a working or learning environment that a reasonable person would find hostile, threatening or intimidating. Sexual harassment includes sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual jokes, and unwelcome sexual touching, among other things.
Faculty, staff, students, and applicants for employment or admission with complaints of sexual harassment should contact the Office for Equity and Accessibility for resolution options. Individuals may file a complaint of harassment and/or discrimination by returning a complaint form.
Faculty, staff, and students may file complaints outside the university. Students may file complaints with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Education. Faculty and staff may file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Anyone seeking guidance, resources for support, or general information may contact the Office for Equity and Accessibility at equityandaccess@vt.edu. The Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Kelly Oaks may be reached at 540-231-2010.