Affirmative Action and Title IX Complaints

Who Can File

Those who can file a complaint include a current or former student; a current or former employee; a current or former applicant for admission or employment; or a person other than a student or employee who alleges to have been subjected to conduct that could constitute a violation of the PAA if they were participating or attempting to participate in the College’s education program or activity.

How to File

Complaints should be filed directly with Dr. Kathryn C. Senie, Director of Compliance who serves as the Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and ADA Coordinator using the options below.

*For PDFs, download, complete the form, and email the document or hand deliver a printed copy to:

Kathryn C. Senie, J.D., Ed.D.
Director of Compliance
Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator
ADA Coordinator
Ira H. Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons (B19), room 153
413-755-5642
kcsenie@hwfj-art.com
Mailing Address: One Armory Square, Suite 1, PO Box 9000, Springfield, MA 01102-9000

Privacy and Confidentiality

Privacy

Conversations are kept as private as possible, but information about incidents of Discrimination; Discriminatory Harassment, Retaliation, and Sex-Based Harassment may be shared with relevant administrators if the Campus needs to take action for reasons of community safety. In all cases, the wishes of the person initiating the conversation are given full consideration.

Confidentiality

The College has designated the following as either a Confidential Employee or Confidential Resource Provider whose communications are privileged or confidential under Federal or State law. They may discuss student/employee concerns without obligation to report to the Title IX Coordinator or Campus Police.

  • Confidential Employee: David Forton, MS, LMHC, Senior Academic Counselor, Office of Disability Services (B19) room 141G, dcforton@hwfj-art.com or 413-755-4332.
  • Confidential Resource Provider: YWCA of Western, MA free and confidential counseling with a domestic violence/sexual assault counselor (staff) at (413) 732-3121 ext. 303 or 24/7 Hotline (413) 733-7100

Alternative Complaint Processes

In addition to the above complaint process, if you believe you have been subjected to discrimination you may file a formal complaint with the following governmental agencies. Filing a complaint under the College’s PAA does not prohibit you from filing a formal complaint with the governmental agencies set forth below. 

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination ("MCAD")

Boston Office
One Ashburton Place
Rm. 601
Boston, MA 02108 
(617) 994-6000 

Worcester Office
Worcester City Hall
18 Chestnut St., Rm. 520
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 453-9630

Springfield Office
436 Dwight St., Rm. 220
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 739-2145

United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC")

15 New Sudbury Street
Room 475, MA 0203-0506
1-800-669-4000

United States Department of Education Office For Civil Rights (“OCR”)

5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 289-0111