Editor's
notes:
POLICY TITLE:
DATE OF ISSUANCE: This policy was unanimously endorsed by the Faculty Senate Student Affairs Council on 10/10/91, and was unanimously endorsed by the Student Senate on 10/12/91. It appears in the current issue of the Student Handbook.
ACCOUNTABLE DEPARTMENT/UNIT: Office of the Dean of Student Affairs. Questions about policy content should be directed to the dean, Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, 412-268-2075. To report an incident, call security at 412-268-2323; help is available 24 hours a day. To contact a sexual assault advisor you may call Campus Police, 412-268-2323; the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, 412-268-2075; Counseling and Psychological Services, 412-268-2922; or consult the online directory of advisors at https://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/student-life/saa/advisors/saa-list.pdf.
In addition to the responsible parties identified above, concerns regarding sexual harassment and questions about this policy or the processes outlined in this policy may be submitted to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, G. Richard Tucker at 412-268-5865, grtucker@andrew.cmu.edu or 5000 Forbes Avenue, 609B Warner Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Concerns may also be submitted to the University’s Hotline at 1-877-700-7050.
ABSTRACT: It is a violation of Carnegie Mellon's community standards to have sexual contact with any member of the community without the clear, freely chosen consent of those involved.
MISC: See also the Policy Against Sexual Harassment.
NOTE:
On
April 4, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights issued
a “Dear Colleague Letter” providing significant guidance for sexual
harassment and sexual violence prevention, remediation and enforcement programs
under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The University believes that its
existing Policy against Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Policy are
consistent with the spirit and intent of the Dear Colleague Letter, and is
currently engaged in a comprehensive review of these two policies to evaluate
the necessity for substantive and procedural revisions.
Prior to
approval of revisions to the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Policies
(which are scheduled for formal policy review in AY 2012-13), the University
recognizes that it must adjust certain substantive and procedural provisions in
its current policy statements to comply with particular mandates in the Dear
Colleague Letter. Thus,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the text of the existing policies,
the University has implemented and will continue to implement the following
substantive and procedural changes: inclusion of sexual violence and sexual
assault within the scope and definition of sexual harassment; application of
the policies to vendors and visitors of the University and prompt remedial
action where appropriate; express recognition that confidentiality cannot be
guaranteed in all cases because of the University’s obligation to
investigate and safeguard the campus community; cessation of mediation as a
mechanism for resolution of sexual assault cases; and application of the
preponderance of the evidence standard in any formal sexual harassment or
sexual assault proceedings.
Questions should be directed to: G. Richard
Tucker, the University’s Title IX Officer; Gina Casalegno, Dean of
Student Affairs; Dianne Kenney, Associate
VP for HR; or James Mercolini, Deputy General Counsel.
Sexual
Assault Policy
The
Persons bringing action under this policy are encouraged to pursue the incident through the criminal justice system and/or the university disciplinary system. No disciplinary or other action is taken in such cases without the clear, informed agreement of the individual bringing the charge forward. The university provides advice and emotional support to assist any individual in better understanding and pursuing the matter through one or both of these judicial systems. In addition, the university provides direct medical treatment and counseling, referral to additional medical and counseling support where appropriate, and other support to any individual involved in such an incident.
These cases are dealt with in a confidential, supportive and discrete manner. Any individual involved in such an incident may contact the Campus Police 24 hours a day at x8-2323. The university has a panel of sexual assault advisors available to assist any individual involved in such an incident. These advisors include students and staff and may be contacted through the Campus Police, through the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs x8-2075, or through Counseling and Psychological Services at x8-2922. (Students contacting any of these offices should simply tell the receptionist that they would like to discuss a sexual assault and they will immediately be put through to the appropriate advisor.) Students should contact one of these advisors at any time to discuss an incident or a concern relating to sexual assault.
All members of the university community are encouraged to take every measure available to eliminate rape and sexual assault on this campus. In addition to campus educational efforts, peer influence will be central to protecting members of the community from assault. Any student aware of a sexual assault on the campus is encouraged to contact the Campus Police, the Student Life Office, or one of the sexual assault advisors immediately.
Students also should be aware of the university policy on sexual harassment, which can be found in the Student Handbook.
