Reminder of Reporting Responsibility

The recent events surrounding Dr. Larry Nassar and Michigan State University are a timely reminder that each one of us must uphold our common values in all we do as members of the university community.

Living our values requires each of us to comply with the laws and university policies that prohibit sexual harassment and sex offenses.

In addition to holding ourselves accountable to these policies, we as a community must hold each other to a high standard of conduct. Anyone who becomes aware of an incidence of sexual misconduct or a physical threat in our community should step forward promptly to report it. All members of our community can act to prevent and stop sexual harassment and sex offenses by reporting incidents to the Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity when they do occur. It is important that everyone know that retaliation is strictly prohibited by the university, and so each member of our community should feel secure in speaking out against sex offenses and sexual misconduct without fear of reprisal. 

Per the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment, all university employees (including staff, faculty and student employees) must make a report to OEOD when they learn through the course of their employment of an incident of sexual harassment or sex offense (sexual assault, stalking, sexual misconduct or dating/domestic violence) involving students. Additionally, supervisors and faculty have a further duty to report all incidents involving staff or faculty that they learn of during the course of their employment. Reporting to OEOD ensures that those affected by sexual harassment or sex offenses can learn about their rights and options and be given access to all the assistance and support services available. Additionally, the UCI Police Department can assist with emergency situations and criminal complaints.

Those affected by sexual harassment or sexual violence can receive confidential support through the Campus Assault Resources & Education office. Those accused of engaging in sexual harassment or sex offenses can receive information and assistance through the respondent services coordinator. Additionally, helpful information and resources are available to all of our community at http://soinfo.uci.edu.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the policy or your responsibility to report, please contact OEOD at 949-824-5594 or oeod@uci.edu.

Thank you for all you do to uphold our standards of excellence, integrity and respect.

Fiat Lux,

Chancellor Howard Gillman