Policies at UTD |
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Sexual Assault PolicyIt is the policy of the university to strive to maintain an environment that is free from intimidation and inappropriate sexual conduct. In particular, the university will not tolerate any form of sexual assault, including, but not limited to, acquaintance rape, date rape, sodomy, and sexual assault with an object, fondling or any other form of non-consensual sexual activity. A student who individually, or in concert with others, participates or attempts to participate in a sexual offense, regardless of whether it takes place on or off campus, is subject to disciplinary action, not withstanding any action that may or may not be taken by the police. The university encourages any person who is the victim of a forcible or non-forcible sexual offense to immediately report the incident to campus authority (university police, office of the Dean of Students, university residence life personnel and Deans, Directors, Department Heads, except those with significant counseling responsibilities). Other university personnel, which may be contacted, are Student Health Services and the Women's Center. Additional resources outside the university are available. There is no requirement to notify law enforcement authorities of a sexual offense; however, the university encourages all victims to do so university personnel will assist in notifying the university police to report a sexual offense. University police should be notified as soon as possible (the preservation of evidence is crucial in a sexual offense case). Do not bathe, shower, douche or change clothing. If needed, contact one of the above mentioned resources, or a support person for assistance. University police will handle all cases that occur on campus. If transportation is needed to obtain a medical examination, the university police department will arrange for transportation to the hospital. For the protection of the victim, a pseudonym can be used in the report process. When a student reports that the campus regulation prohibiting sexual assault have been violated, informal procedures that provide for the protection of the emotional health and physical safety of the complainant may be invoked. For example, a student who lives on campus may be moved to another campus living environment if he or she chooses and if accommodations are reasonably available. Similarly, a complainant may be allowed to make changes in his or her class schedule. Such arrangements will be made through the Office of the Dean of Students. If the complainant provides credible evidence that the accused student has engaged in prohibited sexual assault, the dean may take interim disciplinary action against the accused student as appropriate. A student who wishes to file a complaint that will be addressed by the University disciplinary system should contact the dean at 883-6391. A student may choose to file a complaint with the dean whether or not the student chooses to press criminal charges. A student who wishes to file a complaint against a faculty or staff member may contact the dean as well. Procedures for discipline and dismissal of staff and faculty are outlined in the university Handbook of Operating Procedures. Not withstanding, the rights of the accused student, faculty or staff member, a complainant under this policy is entitled to the following rights:
The university counseling Center (972-883-2575) and the Dallas County Rape Crisis Center (972-653-8740) and the Collin County Rape Crisis Center (800-886-7273) are available to provide support services for anyone affected by any form of sexual assault. Students who may have been assaulted by someone who is not affiliated with the university may also contact any of the available university support services. Below is a list of educational and preventative programs and support services on campus that address the issue of sexual assault. Brochures and other printed materials are available from each office. Additional information may be obtained by calling the numbers listed.
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Sexual Harassment Policy"Sexual harassment is unacceptable behavior at UT Dallas. It is my hope that through further communication and awareness sexual harassment will disappear from our campus." - Robert H. Rutford, Faculty Member and Former President The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to the principle that the learning and working environment of its students, employees, and guests should be free from sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual conduct. Inappropriate sexual conduct is unprofessional behavior and is discouraged as a matter of institutional policy. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is illegal and is proscribed by institutional policy. All employees and students are accountable for compliance with UT Dallas policy. Established violations will lead to disciplinary actions which may include termination of employment or permanent expulsion from the University. This policy applies to all administrators and supervisors, regular and temporary faculty members, teaching and research assistants, staff members and students. It pertains to actions that affect any employee, student or guest of UT Dallas. What is Sexual Harassment?Sexual harassment of an individual, as prohibited by state and federal laws and proscribed by university policy, is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, particularly when
Examples1. Physical contact of a sexual nature including unnecessary touching, patting, hugging or brushing against a person's body 2. Explicit or implicit propositions to engage in sexual activity 3. Comments of a sexual nature, including
4. Inappropriate exposure to sexually-oriented graffiti, pictures, posters or other such materials 5. Physical interference with or restriction of an individual's movements Consensual Sexual RelationshipsConsensual sexual relationships between members of the University community constitute a dimension of sexually related conduct that requires explicit attention in a Sexual Harassment policy. When these relationships occur between peers, they do not violate institutional policy, although the working and learning environments of the University are not appropriate places for the manifestations of sexual intimacy. However, a consensual sexual relationship between individuals who occupy different levels of authority in the institution automatically and inevitably carries the potential for evolving into a sexual harassment case of very serious implications, either from a subsequent change of attitude by the subordinate partner or from a contemporary complaint from a disadvantaged third party. Relationships of this sort are explicitly discouraged. It follows that consensual sexual relationships between faculty members and students in a school or program, or between administrators or supervisors and staff in an office or program are especially discouraged. They are proscribed in those instances in which the partner with higher status and/or power has explicit or implicit authority over, or the power to reward or punish, the partner with lower status and/or power. What do I do if I think I may be experiencing sexual harassment?Know your rights.
State your objections at the time.
Tell someone.
Document incidences.
Write a letter.
Report the problem.
Principles of UT Dallas Policy on Sexual Harassment
UT Dallas Grievance ProceduresOnce a complaint has been filed, the University has two levels of investigative and resolution proceedings, informal and formal. If after informal proceedings, the complainant and/or the person accused of sexual harassment cannot find an acceptable resolution, formal proceedings may be initiated. Informal proceedings are generally handled by the alleged offender's principal administrator, in consultation with the University's designated Responsible Official for Sexual Harassment matters, currently the Director of Personnel. In cases in which both the complainant and the accused are students, the RUO will refer complaints to the Vice President for Administration and Student Affairs, or designee. Formal proceedings will be initiated upon the submission to the RUO of a signed statement from the complainant. All such complaints will be investigated by the RUO or designee in cooperation with the appropriate line of administration. Details of these grievance procedures may be obtained from the Personnel Office or any other administrative office. The University Policy on Sexual Harassment is included in the Faculty Handbook, the University's Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, Volume IIA, Section D, and in Title V: Rules on Student Services and Activities, of the University's Handbook of Operating Procedures. Campus ResourcesStudents may report an incident of sexual harassment to any of the Directors of the Offices of Student Affairs or to any faculty member or administrator feels comfortable in discussing the matter. A faculty member, administrator, supervisor, or staff member may report an incident of sexual harassment to an immediate supervisor or to any other faculty member, supervisor or administrator with whom the complainant feels comfortable in discussing the matter. For general information, reporting incidents, or consultation on grievance procedures you may contact Human Resources Office
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