Sexual Assault Policy

This policy is available on-line: http://cmu.edu/policies/documents/Assault.html

The Carnegie Mellon University community is committed to the standard that all members of the community shall be able to pursue their interests free from non-consensual sexual contact. Therefore, 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.

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 University Police 24 hours a day at 412-268-2323. 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 University Police, through the Student Life Office at 412-268-2142 or through Counseling & Psychological Services at 412-268-2922. (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 University Police, the Student Life Office or one of the sexual assault advisors immediately. Students should also be aware of the university policy against sexual harassment.