Staff Reporting Guide
Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Reporting
Sexual harassment and sexual violence (sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking) are against the law and UC Policy.
The UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH) Policy requires all employees to inform Title IX of any report of sexual harassment or sexual violence they receive from anyone affiliated with the University.
The Title IX Office will work with the reporting party to determine how to proceed, with an emphasis on creating safety, connecting parties to resources, and informing parties of their rights and options.
Click here to review the UC Policy.
REPORTING FOR NON-SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES
If in the course of your work, you become aware that a student has experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking, you must promptly contact the UCSC Title IX Office using this online reporting link or by calling (831) 459-2462.
If the situation involves any immediate danger to health or safety, call 911.
REPORTING FOR SUPERVISORS, MANAGERS, HR, AND ACADEMIC PERSONNEL
If, in the course of your work, you get a report of sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking, you must promptly contact the UCSC Title IX Office using this online reporting link or by calling (831) 459-2462.
If the situation involves any immediate danger to health or safety, call 911.
You do not need to be certain that the incident constitutes sexual harassment or sexual violence and you should not investigate.
The Title IX Officer will assess the information and determine the appropriate next steps.
DETAILS YOU MUST REPORT
You must share with the Title IX Office whatever information has been shared with you, including the names of any individuals involved, their contact information, and the details of the incident.
You should not press the individuals involved for information that they do not want to share.
REQUESTS FOR CONFIDENTIALITY
If a student requests to speak to you confidentially, you can say something like:
“I want to help but I want to remind you that I am required to report any incidences of sexual harassment or sexual violence to the Title IX office of the University. I do this because it's my obligation, but more importantly, I do this because I want to be sure that you are kept safe and informed of the resources and your rights and options. Title IX will reach out to you via email and you can decide whether you want to meet with them.”
You should also remind them about confidential resources, for instance:
“If you want to talk confidentially, the CARE Office and CAPS are confidential resources that I can refer you to. If you decide to talk to me, I will do my best to help you and will keep what you say private, only talking to Title IX and my supervisor to ensure that you get the support that you need."
CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT
If a student who has experienced sexual violence or sexual harassment tells you they are unsure what to do next, refer them to the confidential CARE Advocates who can help them to explore options and provide support. You can also refer them to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or the EAP if they are an employee.
You must provide them with a copy of the resources and options handout which can be found here.
REPORT
Anyone can report a possible Title IX incident using this online reporting link or by calling (831) 459-2462.
Reports of sexual violence and sexual harassment can also be made, depending on the wishes of the complainant, to the UCSC Police Department (831) 459-2231 or the appropriate law enforcement agency depending on where the crime was committed.
When sexual violence has been reported, responsible employees should respect the desire of the complainant with regards to calling law enforcement, unless there is an immediate safety or medical threat.
If there is an immediate safety need or medical concern, responsible employees should call 911.
AMNESTY
To encourage reporting, and because alcohol and other drugs are often involved in sexual violence reports, neither student complainants nor student witnesses in an investigation will be subject to discipline for violations of the student conduct policy at or near the time of the incident with a few exceptions:
- Conduct placed the health or safety of another at risk
- Plagiarism, cheating, or academic dishonesty
- Egregious conduct, such as the sale of drugs or providing alcohol to an under-aged person.
