Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I file a sexual harassment complaint?
- I think I am being sexually harassed. What can I do?
- If the harassment is between two students, where do I go for help?
- I'm being harassed at work and it interferes with my ability to focus on my work. What should I do?
- I'm being harassed by my instructor and it is interfering with my ability to study and learn. What should I do?
- I'm being harassed by someone on my residence floor and I am not comfortable in my living environment. What can I do?
- What happens if a person is found to have violated the Harassment Policy?
- I know someone who I think is being harassed. Can I file a complaint?
- I am afraid of retaliation. What should I do?
- Who can I speak to confidentially about my situation?
- Who do I go to if I have been sexually assaulted?
- Can I file a complaint outside the university system?
1. How do I file a sexual harassment complaint?
To file a complaint, make an appointment with the Office for Institutional Equity (593-2620). They will discuss your options with you. If you file a complaint, the accused party will be notified and asked to respond to the allegations. Other witnesses will be interviewed, and any relevant documentation will be collected and reviewed. The Office for Institutional Equity will issue a finding summarizing the evidence and stating whether the Harassment Policy has been violated. If the Policy was violated, appropriate corrective action will be taken.
You can learn more about the complaint process from these offices:
- Office for Institutional Equity
- University Human Resources
- Office of Legal Affairs
- Office of the Ombudsman
- Counseling and Psychological Services
2. I think I am being sexually harassed. What can I do?
a. If you feel safe doing it, speak to the harasser and ask him/her to stop the behavior that makes you uncomfortable.
b. You can file a complaint with the Office for Institutional Equity.
c. You can ask a staff or faculty member for assistance. This could be a department chair, a representative of HR, an advisor or work supervisor.
d. You can talk to someone in the following offices to determine your next step: - Office for Institutional Equity
- Office of the Ombudsman
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Employee Assistance Program
- University Human Resources
- Office of Legal Affairs
3. If the harassment is between two students, where do I go for help?
a. If you are a student and you are being harassed by another student, you can file a complaint with:
b. If you need to speak to someone confidentially before making a decision, you can consult with: - Counseling and Psychological Services
4. I'm being harassed at work and it interferes with my ability to focus on my work. What should I do?
a. You can ask your supervisor or human resources representative to help you resolve the situation informally within the department.
b. You can file a complaint with the Office for Institutional Equity
c. The following offices can help you in deciding what to do:
- Office for Institutional Equity
- Office of the Ombudsman
- Counseling and Psychological Services
5. I'm being harassed by my instructor and it is interfering with my ability to study and learn. What should I do?
a. You can ask the chairman of your department or the Dean of your College to help you resolve the situation within the department.
b. You can file a complaint with the Office for Institutional Equity
c. The following offices can help you in deciding what to do:
- Office for Institutional Equity
- Office of the Ombudsman
- Counseling and Psychological Services
6. I'm being harassed by someone on my residence floor and I am not comfortable in my living environment. What can I do?
a. It is important that you speak to a University Housing staff such as your Resident Assistant or Resident Coordinator to address your concerns about your living environment.
b. You can file a complaint with the Office for Institutional Equity
c. The following offices can also help you in deciding what to do:
- Office for Institutional Equity
- Office of the Ombudsman
- Counseling and Psychological Services
7. What happens if a person is found to have violated the Harassment Policy?
The University will first investigate to see if the Harassment Policy has been violated; if it has, the University will take appropriate disciplinary or remedial action such as:
- Probation
- Educational programming or behavioral coaching
- Transfer to a different work unit, class or residence hall
- No-contact orders
- Suspension, termination, or expulsion from the university
8. I know someone who I think is being harassed. Can I file a complaint?
Yes, the University does consider third party complaints. 9. I am afraid of retaliation. What should I do? The University has a policy prohibiting retaliation against individuals who, in good faith, bring forth a claim of harassment.
10.Who can I speak to confidentially about my situation?
The following resources can provide confidential advice and/or counseling and will NOT report the situation to any University officials:
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Employee Assistance Program
11. Who do I go to if I have been sexually assaulted? Take yourself to a safe place and seek help through:
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Office of Health Promotion
- Ohio University Police Department (OUPD)
12. Can I file a complaint outside the university system?
Yes, you may choose to meet with a private attorney about seeking a civil protective order and other legal remedies outside the University. You may also file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Top
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