Reaffirmation of Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Offenses

As we begin a new academic year, it is imperative that we act as a community to prevent sexual violence and sexual harassment, provide confidential resources to those impacted, and to report it when it occurs. Real change in our community relies upon us working together as active bystanders to prevent and oppose this conduct.

New in 2021-2022, I am pleased to announce the expansion of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (OEOD) Sexual Harassment Advisors (SHA) program to help students, staff, and faculty on campus and at UCI Health with issues of sexual harassment. I want to thank our 38 dedicated staff and faculty SHAs across UCI for their commitment to assisting the UCI community with this important issue.

Under the UC SVSH Policy and UCI Guidelines on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment, all university employees who are not designated confidential (including staff, faculty, and student-staff) are Responsible Employees and must make a report to the OEOD/Title IX when they learn through the course of their employment of an incident of sexual harassment or sexual violence (including sexual assault, stalking, relationship violence, and other sexual misconduct) involving students. Supervisors, faculty, Human Resources, and UCIPD have a further duty to report all incidents involving any person affiliated with the university. This includes patient complaints of sexual misconduct made to UCI Health. Reporting to OEOD ensures a consistent university response and that those affected by sexual violence and sexual harassment can learn about their rights and options and be given access to the assistance and support services available. To request training, make reports, or seek assistance, see OEOD’s website or contact OEOD at 949-824-5594, oeod@uci.edu. Additionally, the UCI Police Department can help with emergency situations, safety escorts, and criminal complaints of sexual violence.

• Those affected by sexual violence or sexual harassment can receive confidential support and assistance through the CARE office.
• Additional resources are available to all of our community here.
• Those accused of engaging in sexual violence or sexual harassment in a university administrative process can receive information and assistance through the Respondent Services Office.

At UCI, our leadership remains committed to ensuring that students, staff, and faculty are able to participate in their education and employment free of sexual harassment. Thank you for joining me in this commitment to making UCI a safe and harassment-free space.

Chancellor Howard Gillman