Sexual Misconduct: Resources, Services, and Options at the Graduate School
The Office of the Dean of the Graduate School coordinates and manages all graduate disciplinary matters, including alleged violations of the University’s sexual misconduct policy.
All reports of sexual misconduct will receive prompt and thorough attention at the Graduate School. Options will be discussed with the complainant so as to allow her or him to make informed decisions. When a report of sexual misconduct is made to the Graduate School, information will be gathered by the associate dean for Student Life or a designated University administrator. Whether an inquiry will lead to formal charges and adjudication will depend on a number of factors, including the wishes of the complainant, the available evidence, and the seriousness of the alleged behavior.
Where appropriate, sexual misconduct cases are adjudicated by the associate dean for Student Life or the Faculty-Student Committee on Discipline’s Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct. Precisely how a disciplinary matter is resolved will depend on its facts and circumstances, but the Graduate School is the central source of information about the disciplinary process for all graduate students.
The University is committed to gathering information about and adjudicating alleged disciplinary violations in a thorough, objective, and fair manner. In view of their roles within the disciplinary process, Graduate School deans are committed to remaining neutral and objective regarding allegations of sexual misconduct.
Students should refer to Rights, Rules, Responsibilities and should inquire further at 109 Clio Hall for complete and up-to-date information about the disciplinary process. See also these Frequently Asked Questionsregarding allegations of sexual misconduct and parties' rights under the University's discipline process.
If you believe that an act of sexual misconduct has occurred:
Students should refer to Rights, Rules, Responsibilities and should inquire further at 109 Clio Hall for complete and up-to-date information about the disciplinary process. See also these Frequently Asked Questionsregarding allegations of sexual misconduct and parties' rights under the University's discipline process.
If you believe that an act of sexual misconduct has occurred:
o You are encouraged, but not obligated, to engage with the disciplinary process by making an appointment with the associate dean for Student Life.
o A report of sexual misconduct to the associate dean or a Graduate School staff member is likely to trigger that administrator’s obligation to inquire further, and may possibly result in a hearing, which could limit the confidentiality of the information. For this reason:
Students are strongly encouraged to speak first to a SHARE counselor before speaking with an administrator at the Graduate School or elsewhere at the University about sexual misconduct.
Students are strongly encouraged to speak first to a SHARE counselor before speaking with an administrator at the Graduate School or elsewhere at the University about sexual misconduct.
o If you are interested in learning more about the disciplinary process in general terms without triggering a full inquiry, the associate dean for Student Life can explain your options without asking you for particulars about your situation. If you decide that you would like to make a formal complaint and provide details, the associate dean will ask you for a statement and gather information about the case.
o The associate dean cannot advise you as to whether you should request disciplinary action or pursue a criminal or civil complaint.
o Where an allegation of sexual misconduct is to be formally adjudicated, the associate dean for Student Life will familiarize the complainant with her or his rights and opportunities. In particular, complainants in cases heard by the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct will be reminded that they may be supported throughout the process by an adviser from within the current residential University community.
· The associate dean can also discuss interim measures and non-disciplinary options with complainants.
o Your options may include a Dean’s No-Contact Order (DNCO), which curtails communication and contact between particular students. Generally, a DNCO is a non-disciplinary option that is available even in the absence of a formal complaint or adjudication and has no implications regarding whether there has been a violation of policy. (Following adjudication, if a student is found responsible for a violation, a DNCO may be written or re-written to reflect the finding.)
o The associate dean can also provide complainants with information and referrals to the Office of Academic Affairs and campus partners, such as Graduate Housing and the Department of Public Safety, to help with additional interim measures and non-disciplinary options. Where appropriate and where available, such options may include escorts around campus, academic extensions, and/or room changes.
If you are alleged to have committed sexual misconduct:
· The associate dean or a designated University administrator will interview you and gather information about your case. During the information gathering stage, you will be invited to submit a written statement, to identify documents that are relevant to the case, and to provide the names of witnesses who should be interviewed.
· If you are charged with a violation of University policy, the associate dean may directly adjudicate or prepare your case for adjudication by the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct, depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. (Note: the associate deans in the Graduate School, normally, adjudicate less serious alleged infractions –i.e., infractions that may not result in separation from the University.)
· The Graduate School is committed to conducting inquiries and adjudications in a way that is fair, consistent, and transparent. You will be afforded all of the rights and opportunities guaranteed by Rights, Rules, Responsibilities. The associate dean will familiarize you with these rights. In particular, in cases that are heard by the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct, you will be reminded that you may be supported throughout the process by an adviser from within the current residential University community.
· You will be provided with all information relevant to the adjudication and informed about potential outcomes, in accordance with Rights, Rules, Responsibilities.
Contacting the Graduate School:
During the academic year, the Graduate School is open from 8:45 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. (Summer hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.) After hours or on holidays, information is relayed to the associate or assistant dean by the Department of Public Safety (609-258-3333 or 8-3333 from any campus phone).
During the academic year, the Graduate School is open from 8:45 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. (Summer hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.) After hours or on holidays, information is relayed to the associate or assistant dean by the Department of Public Safety (609-258-3333 or 8-3333 from any campus phone).