Sexual Misconduct: Resources, Services, and Options at ODUS
The Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students (ODUS) coordinates and manages all undergraduate disciplinary matters, including alleged violations of the University’s sexual misconduct policy. ODUS staff members include the deans (whose offices are on the third floor of West College) and directors of student life (DSLs, one in each residential college).
All reports of sexual misconduct will receive prompt and thorough attention at ODUS. Options will be discussed with the complainant so as to allow him or her to make informed decisions. When a report of sexual misconduct is made to ODUS, information will be gathered by an ODUS staff member. Whether an inquiry will lead to formal charges and an 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 one of several disciplinary authorities, all of which are supported or staffed by ODUS: the Faculty-Student Committee on Discipline’s Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct, the Residential College Disciplinary Board, or one of the deans. Precisely how a disciplinary matter is resolved will depend on its facts and circumstances, but ODUS is the central source of information about the disciplinary process for all undergraduates.
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, ODUS staff members are committed to remaining neutral and objective regarding allegations of sexual misconduct.
Students should refer to Rights, Rules, Responsibilities and should inquire further at 308 West College for complete and up-to-date information about the disciplinary process. See also these Frequently Asked Questions regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and parties' rights under the University's discipline process.
If you believe that an act of sexual misconduct has occurred:
- You are encouraged, but not obligated, to engage with the disciplinary process by making an appointment with a dean at ODUS or the DSL at your residential college.
- A report of sexual misconduct to a dean or DSL 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 ODUS or elsewhere at the University about sexual misconduct.
- If you are interested in learning more about the disciplinary process in general terms without triggering a full inquiry, a dean or DSL 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, a dean or DSL will ask you for a statement and gather information about the case.
- ODUS staff members cannot advise you as to whether you should request disciplinary action or pursue a criminal or civil complaint.
- Where an allegation of sexual misconduct is to be formally adjudicated, a dean or DSL will familiarize the complainant with his or her 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.
- A report of sexual misconduct to a dean or DSL 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:
- ODUS staff members can also discuss interim measures and non-disciplinary options with complainants.
- 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 an adjudication, if a student is found responsible for a violation, a DNCO may be written or re-written to reflect the finding.)
- ODUS can also provide complainants with information and referrals to other campus partners, such as the Office of the Dean of the College, the Housing Department, 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.
- 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 an adjudication, if a student is found responsible for a violation, a DNCO may be written or re-written to reflect the finding.)
If you are alleged to have committed sexual misconduct:
- A dean or DSL at ODUS 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, a dean or DSL will prepare your case for adjudication by the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct, the Residential College Disciplinary Board, or a dean, depending on the facts and circumstances of the case.
- ODUS 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. A dean or DSL 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 ODUS:
During the academic year, ODUS is open from 8:45AM-5:00PM, Monday-Friday. (Summer hours are 8:30AM-4:30PM, Monday-Friday.) After hours or on holidays, information is relayed to the on-call dean by the Department of Public Safety (609-258-3333 or 8-3333 from any campus phone).