Reporting a Bias Incident
In alignment with our values of diversity, equity and inclusion, the College of Fine Arts is committed to fostering a community that cultivates a sense of belonging for all our members. To help ensure a safer environment for all, the College of Fine Arts, in congruence with the University’s Statement of Assurance, has created a college-wide process for Bias Reporting and Response.
Allows the informant to remain anonymous or disclose their identity — it is their choice.
This reporting process allows the college to be aware of and keep data on incidents so that repeated issues can be monitored and quickly remedied, so broader school issues can be addressed with new policies and the schools and college can assess the effectiveness of our policies.
What is a “bias incident”?
Bias incidents, whether intentional or unintentional in their occurrence, contribute to creating an unwelcoming environment for individuals and groups at the university and will be addressed.
Why report a bias incident?
Each member of the college community has the responsibility to ask questions, seek guidance and report suspected bias incidents. Reporting is an important way to create a safer and more inclusive environment in which all members can achieve their potential. We encourage any member of our community who has experienced or witnessed unfair and/or hostile treatment based on identity to report it.
How to report a bias incident at the College of Fine Arts
Please use the Reporting a Bias Incident to CFA form to report an incident of bias impacting a member of the College of Fine Arts community. Reports will be reviewed during business hours of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday (excluding university holidays and closures). Reports received outside of business hours will be reviewed during the next business day. All new reports will be reviewed by the CFA Bias Response Team.
NOTE: This is not an emergency service. If you have an emergency, call University Police at 412-268-2323
Process
Upon receipt of the report, the CFA Bias Response Team will contact the reporter to schedule an in-person or virtual meeting. During the meeting, the CFA Bias Response Team will:
- Actively listen to ensure a clear understanding of the details of the incident.
- Identify campus resources to help the reporter understand their options.
- Walk the reporter through next steps.
Next steps include:
- The incident will be categorized as (1) an incident to be addressed through the college OR (2) be referred to another university unit to best support the complainant and address the incident.
- Other university or college units include: Heads of School, Institutional Equity and Title IX, Student Affairs, etc.
- Please note: If the incident is an act of discrimination, the report will be sent to the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX for formal processes.
- In their assessment, if this is an incident the CFA Bias Response Team will address, in collaboration with those impacted, they will determine which of the following responses is warranted:
- Conversation of Concern – an informal conversation with the involved parties to resolve the issue through awareness and accountability.
- Restorative Justice – a dialogic process involving all parties (victims, offenders and immediate communities involved) to determine together the best way to repair the harm caused. This requires all parties working together utilizing an ethic of care.
- Disciplinary Action – a formal process to be determined by the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX.
- After a process is completed, a report detailing the complaint and outcome will be documented for record.
Additional University Resources
Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS)
CaPS provides a safe, confidential environment to address the mental health needs of the CMU community through a variety of services. This department assists students who need to connect with mental health resources in the community and support staff, faculty and family members who have concerns about the well-being of a student. Contact CaPS by calling 412-268-2922 or by visiting 1060 Morewood Avenue.
Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX
This department offers reporting options and resources for anyone who has experienced a bias incident related to gender identity, birth sex, gender expression or sexual orientation. Anjali Nair serves as the Title IX & Community Standards Investigator, jointly with the Office of Community Standards and Integrity. Susie Walker serves as the Case Administrator for the Insitutional Equity and Title IX Office. The Title IX Initiatives Office can be reached by visiting 4615 Forbes Ave, calling 412-268-7125 or by emailing tix@cmu.edu.
Human Resources
Bias incidents involving university employees (faculty and staff) may be reported to the Office of Human Resources. Jennifer Pablonis is the staff ombudsperson. She can be reached at 412-268-1018.
University Police
CMUPD can be an entry point for any student, faculty or staff member regarding experiences they have had either on or off-campus involving a violation of university policy or local/state law. Filing a report can be merely informational in nature at the outset and the responding officer will then outline options available to the reporting party based on the specific situation. Contact CMUPD by calling 412-268-2323 or by visiting 300 South Craig Street.
On-line with Option to be Anonymous
Visit the online Ethics Hotline. Submissions are reported to appropriate university personnel and handled discreetly.
