What to Do When You Receive a Complaint
The University has multiple access points to make it easy for an individual to tell someone about alleged sexual harassment. The University's policies and procedures are designed to safeguard the rights of both the complainant and the alleged harasser. Both complainant and alleged harasser should be made aware that University policy and the law prohibits retaliation of any kind by either party.
If you are an administrator, manager or supervisor, you may be approached by an individual with a complaint of sexual harassment. If you receive a complaint, you are responsible for promptly taking steps to respond. The steps you take may include:
1. handling the matter yourself by doing some or all of the following:
- working with the complainant and/or alleged harasser to achieve an informal resolution;
- conducting a prompt and thorough investigation of the charges;
- making the complainant or alleged harasser aware that support is available from the Counseling Center and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program;
- informing the complainant that the complaint is not sexual harassment, and, if appropriate, directing the complainant to another grievance policy;
- taking immediate action to protect the complainant or the integrity of the academic process.
2. referring the complainant to the Office of Affirmative Action for handling of the complaint; and
3. informing the Office of General Counsel in any instance where the complainant or alleged harasser is represented by a lawyer, or where legal action is threatened.
Remember, it is important to take prompt action on the complaint. Never ignore a sexual harassment complaint or make light of it, even if initially you think it is frivolous.