Response Protocol

Step 1: Report Submission and Initial Outreach

Incidents reported electronically are initially reviewed by the Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement; Director of Equal Opportunity, Title IX, and ADA Compliance; and the Associate Dean of Students for Student Development. A member of the Team or designee will contact the involved and impacted students and follow‐up with next steps.

Step 2: Threat Assessment and University Official Engagement

In all cases, a threat assessment is conducted by members of the Bias Education Response Team to ensure the physical safety of all campus members. If the person posing the potential threat is identified, they will be referred to the appropriate (student or employee) threat assessment team.

If the reported act is determined to be a bias incident, the Team will work to consider appropriate measures to address the incident. The Team does not conduct investigations into criminal allegations or alleged policy violations.  Educational and supportive measures taken by the Team would not limit one’s rights or ability to pursue other available complaint and investigatory proceedings. If it is determined that the reported incident requires a referral to another University official or investigative body, referrals will be made to:

  1. University Police regarding alleged violations of any local, state or federal laws and regulations (i.e.- a hate crime). Gender-based crimes may require permission from the victim prior to disclosure to law enforcement. University Police will conduct an investigation.
  2. Director of Equal Opportunity, Title IX, and ADA Compliance regarding alleged violations of the EO Plan or other University policy by members of the faculty or staff. Human Resources will conduct an investigation where appropriate or may refer the matter to the appropriate supervisor.
  3. Associate Dean of Students for Student Development and/or the Director of Community Standards regarding alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct, inclusive of the EO Plan, by students. These offices will direct the student disciplinary process or other interventions as deemed appropriate.
  4. Other campus officials (i.e.- the Student Assistance Team, Threat Assessment Team, Counseling Center, etc.) who maintain a need to know basis.

Step 3: Transparency and Support for Victim and Those Impacted

A member of Team will organize a coordinated response that:

  • First and foremost, affirms and considers the experience of the victim and centers the victim’s dignity, wishes, and well‐being
  • When appropriate, engages the impacted community in a learning moment
  • When appropriate, notifies the larger community of the incident and next steps

Step 4: Additional Coordinated Responses

In certain cases, and when not prohibited by state or federal law or by University policy, the Team may facilitate additional coordinated campus responses which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Identification of and referral of impacted parties and/or alleged accused parties to appropriate support resources and services on or off campus;
  • Informal resolutions, if appropriate, will be used; examples include mediation, facilitated dialogue between parties, discussions; and/or
  • Educational awareness programs for the campus community and/or residential community