Emergency or Immediate Reporting Options

The University encourages all individuals to seek assistance from a medical provider and/or law enforcement immediately after an incident of sexual misconduct. This is the best option to ensure preservation of evidence and to begin a timely investigative and remedial response. The University will assist any Bay Path community member to get to a safe place and will provide transportation to the hospital, coordination with law enforcement, and information about the University’s resources and complaint processes.

Assistance is available from the University 24 hours a day year-round by calling the University Campus Public Safety number (413.565.1225).  Any individual can request that a member of the Bay Path CPS respond and take a report, or request to speak with a Dean of Students or a member of the Counseling Center.  There is no requirement that an individual file an incident report with Bay Path Campus Public Safety in order to speak with the Title IX coordinator or a member of the Counseling Center.

A medical provider can provide emergency and/or follow-up medical services, and the ability to discuss any health care concerns related to the incident in a confidential medical setting may bring peace of mind. The medical exam has two goals: first, to diagnose and treat the full extent of any injury or physical effect (sexually transmitted infection or pregnancy) and second, to properly collect and preserve evidence. There is a limited window of time (typically 72 to 96 hours) following an incident of sexual assault to preserve physical and other forms of evidence. Taking the step to gather evidence immediately does not commit an individual to any course of action. The decision to seek medical attention and gather any evidence will remain confidential and preserve the full range of options to seek resolution through the University’s complaint processes or through the pursuit of criminal action.