Personal Development. Professional Achievement.

Institutional Policies

Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Statement

Won Institute adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and education. Won Institute prohibits illegal discrimination in its admissions practices, in its employment practices, and in its educational programs and activities on the basis of any federally or state-protected class. As a recipient of federal financial assistance for education activities, Won Institute is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to ensure that all of its education programs and activities do not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender. Sex includes sex, sex stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or parenting status.

Won Institute also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internal or external to the institution. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination, which are prohibited under Title IX and by Won Institute policy.

Any member of the campus community, guest, or visitor who acts to deny, deprive, or limit the educational, employment, residential, or social access, opportunities, or benefits of any member of the Won Institute community on the basis of sex is in violation of Won Institute’s Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy.

Any person may report sex discrimination (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to have experienced the conduct), in person, by mail, by telephone, by video, or by email, using the contact information listed for the Equity Resolution Team (below). A report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours). Although Won Institute encourages a reporter to talk with the Title IX Coordinator directly, the institute does provide a completely anonymous online reporting option through the institute’s website, located on this Title IX resource page. This report will prompt an initial assessment and may result in an investigation. However, Won Institute’s ability to respond effectively may be limited by the level of information provided and the anonymity of the report. All anonymous reports are referred directly to the Title IX Coordinator.

Questions regarding Title IX, including its application and concerns about noncompliance, should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator. Won Institute’s full Title IX Policy is available here. For more information, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Individuals who believe they have experienced sex discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in violation of Won Institute policy should contact a member of the Equity Resolution Team. To ensure privacy for all parties involved, Won Institute encourages a reporter to talk with the Title IX Coordinator directly; however, any member of the Equity Resolution Team listed below may be contacted.

Won Institute provides a confidential resource who is outside the official reporting channels. Any community member may seek confidential advice and counseling, including about sex and gender-based harassment, discrimination, or other sexual misconduct, by speaking to the Dharma Chaplain.

Dharma Chaplain 215-884-2942
Rev. Hojin Park, PhD [email protected]

A person may also file a complaint with the appropriate federal, state, or local agency within the time frame required by law.

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-1100
Customer Service Hotline: 800.421.3481
Facsimile: 202.453.6012
TDD: 877.521.2172
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.ed.gov/ocr

Office for Civil Rights, Philadelphia Office
U.S. Department of Education
The Wanamaker Building
100 Penn Square East, Suite 515
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3323
Telephone: 215.656.8541
Facsimile: 215.656.8605
Email: [email protected]

Office for Civil Rights Headquarters
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Toll Free: 800.368.1019
TTD: 800.537.7697
Web: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/

For complaints involving employment:

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
131 M Street, NE
Washington, DC 20507
Toll Free: 800.669.4000
TTY: 800.669.6820
Web: https://www.eeoc.gov/

EEOC Field Office
Philadelphia District Office
801 Market Street, Suite 1000
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Toll Free: 800.669.4000
TTY: 800.669.6820
Email: [email protected]

Within any resolution process related to this policy, Won Institute provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities and religious accommodations, when that accommodation is consistent with state and federal law.

Disability Discrimination and Accommodation Statement

Won Institute is committed to full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities, as well as other federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to individuals with disabilities.

Under the ADA and its amendments, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.

The ADA also protects individuals who have a record of a substantially limiting impairment or who are regarded as disabled by Won Institute, regardless of whether they currently have a disability. A substantial impairment is one that significantly limits or restricts a major life activity such as hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks, walking, or caring for oneself.

Anyone needing ADA accommodations or support related to educational programs or work-related access should fill out the online form. Won Institute’s ADA Administrator will review the request and determine which accommodations are appropriate and necessary. For questions, contact the ADA Administrator:

Wendy McLaughlin
ADA Administrator
800 Jacksonville Road, 2nd Floor
Warminster, PA 18974
215.884.8942
[email protected]

Students with Disabilities

Won Institute is committed to providing qualified students with disabilities with reasonable accommodations and support needed to ensure equal access to the academic programs, facilities, and activities of Won Institute.

All accommodations are made on an individualized basis. A student requesting any accommodation must fill out the online form. Students seeking accommodations should complete and submit the online form and include documentation from a health practitioner.

The ADA Administrator reviews the documentation provided by the student and, in consultation with the appropriate faculty and staff, determines which accommodations are appropriate for the student’s particular needs and academic program in accordance with Won Institute’s applicable policies.

Complaints Regarding Disability Discrimination & Accommodation

The Title IX Coordinator has been designated as Won Institute’s 504 Coordinator responsible for overseeing compliance with disability laws, including responding to grievances and conducting investigations of any allegation of noncompliance or discrimination based on disability. Grievances related to disability status or accommodations will be addressed using the procedures set in Won Institute’s Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy and Procedures.

Contact the Title IX Coordinator/504 Coordinator for a copy of the Policy on Disability Discrimination and Accommodation and for ADA-related questions on policy or procedures. Contact the ADA Administrator to request accommodation.

Drug-Free School & Workplace Statement

In compliance with the Drug-free Workplace Act of 1988, it is the policy of Won Institute of Graduate Studies to maintain a drug-free workplace and campus.

Drug & Alcohol Policies

Under the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1991, the Institute is required to notify all employees and students of its specific alcohol and drug policy. The Institute is committed to a drug-free workplace and a drug-free learning environment. The full Won Institute of Graduate Studies Drug-Free School & Workplace Policy is available on the Won Institute website.

 

Drugs

The use of narcotics, dangerous drugs, and controlled substances without a prescription on Institute premises, as elsewhere, is illegal. Won Institute prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, sale, possession, or use of any drug by any of its employees or students in its workplace, on its premises, or as part of any of its activities. In addition, the Won Institute may also, under appropriate circumstances in the institute’s discretion, discipline its employees or students in response to the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, sale, possession, or use of any drug outside its workplace or off its campus premises.

Won Institute does not allow any form of drug paraphernalia on property owned or controlled by the Institute. Any student or employee found in possession of drug paraphernalia (bongs, pipes, rolling papers, hookahs, grinders, scales, etc.) will be in violation of this policy.

Each Won Institute employee will, as a condition of employment, abide by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. Pursuant to the Act, any employee engaged in the performance of a federal grant or contract is required to notify his or her supervisor no later than five days after any conviction under a criminal drug statute for a violation that occurred in the workplace. When a supervisor is notified by an employee of such a conviction, they shall immediately notify the institute’s director of administration. The director of administration will notify the chief administrative officer who will report it to any appropriate federal agency within ten (10) days of receiving notice of such conviction.

Refer to the Won Institute of Graduate Studies Drug-Free School & Workplace Policy for the complete policy on Drugs.

 

Alcohol

Won Institute permits the lawful keeping and consumption, in moderation, of alcoholic beverages on its property or property under its control by persons of legal drinking age (21 years or older), as described in the full policy.

While persons of legal age may choose to possess and consume alcoholic beverages, they are expected to do so consistent with the concept of responsible and moderate consumption. Won Institute will not tolerate abusive or dangerous consumption or any disruptive or disorderly conduct related to the excessive consumption of alcohol either on or off the campus.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages or possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages in public places, including hallways, lounges, buildings, outdoor spaces, or anywhere on Won Institute grounds without authorization from appropriate officials is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may not be possessed or consumed in classrooms, administrative areas, or clinics without authorization from appropriate Won Institute officials.

Refer to the Won Institute of Graduate Studies Drug-Free School & Workplace Policy for a complete list of prohibited conduct related to alcohol.

 

Sanctions

Criminal enforcement for violations of federal, state or local laws may be conducted by local, state, or federal authorities, on or off campus. In addition, any Won Institute student or employee who violates this policy or is convicted under a criminal drug or alcohol statute for a violation occurring on or outside the workplace or campus premises will be subject to the Won Institute disciplinary procedures which impose sanctions up to and including expulsion or termination from employment, and/or referral for prosecution. Students or employees may be required to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

Unlawful possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs may lead to a referral to the appropriate local, state, and/or federal authorities for prosecution for a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the nature of the offense. The sanctions for such offenses may include fines and/or imprisonment. Violations will lead to termination of any Title IV funds a student is receiving.

The Won Institute Drug-Free School & Workplace Policy contains a complete list of local, state, and federal penalties and sanctions.

 

Health Risks

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.

Persons under the influence of alcohol are also at higher risk to become perpetrators or victims of crime, abuse or sexual assault. Such persons might also manifest behaviors that violate Won Institute’s employment policies and procedures or the Code of Conduct, leaving the employee or student open to sanctions or disciplinary actions that could include termination or expulsion from the Institute.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants may have irreversible physical abnormalities and intellectual disability. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other children of becoming alcoholics.

Drugs

For a summary description of the health risks associated with controlled substances see the chart based on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency guide on drugs of abuse in Appendix B of the full policy entitled “Controlled Substances – Uses and Effects.”

Sources of Assistance

The Institute encourages individuals with alcohol or other drug-related problems to seek assistance. The Academic Dean is available for coordinating the assistance. They can also provide employees or students with additional information on local, state, and national resources for those seeking assistance.

Cigarette Smoking Policy

The premises of the Won Institute shall remain a smoke-free environment. The only exception permitted is the therapeutic use of moxibustion in the AcS and CCHM program classes and acupuncture clinics, and the use of incense or candles in the meditation classrooms.

FERPA STATEMENT

Won Institute of Graduate Studies maintains student education records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, Public Law 93-380, as amended. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.

Click here for the full Won Institute of Graduate Studies FERPA Policy. All questions regarding Won Institute FERPA Policy should be directed to the Registrar.

Student Rights

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

  • The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day Won Institute of Graduate Studies receives a request for access. For a definition of Education Records, see the full Won Institute of Graduate Studies FERPA Policy.

  • The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

  • The right to provide written consent before Won Institute of Graduate Studies discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

  • The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Won Institute of Graduate Studies to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202.

Disclosures Without Consent

FERPA permits the disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. An overview of Disclosures without Consent can be found in the full Won Institute of Graduate Studies FERPA Policy.

Directory Information

Directory information is information contained in the education records of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Won Institute of Graduate Studies may disclose directory information without prior written consent unless notified in writing to the contrary. Won Institute of Graduate Studies is not responsible for directory information released prior to a directory hold being placed. Directory Information includes: name, address, telephone number, date of birth, e-mail address, dates of attendance, major field of study, name of most recent previous school attended, participation in officially recognized activities, photograph, awards, honors, degree(s) conferred, date of graduation, full or part-time status.

Currently enrolled students have the opportunity to withhold disclosure of all categories above under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Won Institute of Graduate Studies will not partially withhold this information, so students are advised to think carefully before withholding disclosure. To withhold disclosures, written notification must be delivered to the Registrar’s Office.

Additional Information

Click here for the full Won Institute of Graduate Studies FERPA Policy. All questions regarding Won Institute FERPA Policy should be directed to the Registrar.

Further information about FERPA can be found on the web site of the Department of Education:

https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

Contact Title IX

Anonymous Reporting

An anonymous report will prompt an initial assessment and/or may result in an investigation. However, Won Institute’s ability to respond effectively may be limited by the level of information provided and/or the anonymity of the report. All anonymous reports are referred directly to the Title IX Coordinator.

Won Buddhist Studies Programs Webinar - 3/21 @ 6pm

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