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Discrimination occurs when you’ve been treated differently than others because you possess certain characteristics. These characteristics may include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital and parental status, disability, sexual orientation or genetic information.

Harassment involves unwelcome conduct and, in some cases, can be unlawful. This can entail something that’s said or written, or even a graphic or physical contact. The person or people committing the offending behavior are deliberate in their actions and create a hostile environment.

Privacy ensures your right to know how your personal information is collected and disclosed. For example, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of your student records.

Confidentiality, on the other hand, means the information you discuss is a secret and it not share with anyone else.

A responsible employee is required to report sexual misconduct that has been brought to their attention. Your conversation with a responsible employee is not confidential. These employees typically include faculty, staff, resident assistants, graduate students with classroom responsibilities and any employees identified as Campus Security Authorities. ¼¤Çé¿ì²¥ can designate other individuals involved in university-sponsored/related activities as responsible employees on a case-by-case basis.

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A confidential employee will not disclose information from your discussion without your permission. Confidential employees and resources at ¼¤Çé¿ì²¥ include:

• Health Services employees
• Counseling and Mental Health Services employees
• Employee Assistance Program employees
• Ombuds Office employees
• Victim Services employees
• Student Legal Services employees
• Volunteer chaplains

There are a number of ways you can help a friend who confides in you. The resources section of this page has information about what’s available on campus, as well as contact information. You may also reach out to the Ombuds Office which is a helpful resource if you’re unsure of which reporting avenue to take. The Ombuds Office is an informal, independent, confidential, neutral office that offers assistance and impartial advice regarding concerns related to ¼¤Çé¿ì²¥.

A bias incident involves any conduct, speech or expression that’s motivated — whole or in part — by bias or prejudice. Acts of bias are not tolerated at ¼¤Çé¿ì²¥. If you have a concern about a bias incident, please reach out to someone.

If you’re unsure about a situation, reach out to the Ombuds Office. It provides you with a place to discuss the incident and offers guidance on which reporting avenue that you’ll want to take. The Ombuds Office is an informal, independent, confidential, neutral office that’s available to assist you and provide impartial advice regarding any concerns that you may have related to ¼¤Çé¿ì²¥.

Please note, however, that communication with the Ombuds Office does not constitute notice to ¼¤Çé¿ì²¥. Due to its confidential nature, it will not disclose information to the University Compliance, Ethics, and Risk or any other central or investigative office. Instead, you will need to report suspected conduct separately upon determining the options available to you.

If you believe that you’ve been subjected to acts of retaliation, please file a written or verbal complaint with the University Compliance, Ethics and Risk or through the ¼¤Çé¿ì²¥ IntegrityLine.

The University Compliance, Ethics, and Risk will conduct an investigation and/or contact the appropriate university offices for review.