Carnegie Mellon University

V. How the University Responds to Reports

A. Supportive Measures

The university is committed to helping Complainants continue their education and employment after experiencing Prohibited Conduct. Regardless of whether a person chooses to pursue an investigation, alternative resolution, a formal resolution, or chooses not to pursue any further process, the Title IX Coordinator or a designated university official conducts an initial assessment to determine next steps and will initiate contact to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures.

Supportive Measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services, accommodations, and other assistance that the university offers and may put in place, without fee or charge, after receiving notice of possible Prohibited Conduct. Supportive Measures are designed to restore or preserve access to the University’s Programs and Activities, protect the safety of all parties and the university’s educational environment, or deter Prohibited Conduct, while not being punitive in nature or unreasonably burdening either party.

Supportive Measures are available regardless of whether the matter is reported to the university for the purpose of initiating a formal resolution under this Policy and before, after, and regardless of whether a Formal Complaint is filed. A Complainant who requests Supportive Measures retains the right to file a Formal Complaint, either at the time the Supportive Measure is offered or requested or at a later date. Any Complainant that requests Supportive Measures will be informed in writing of their right to simultaneously or subsequently file a Formal Complaint pursuant to this Policy.

Upon receipt of a report, the Title IX Coordinator, or their designee, will contact the Complainant (1) to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures and (2) to explain that Supportive Measures are available with or without the filing of a Formal Complaint. The Title IX Case Manager helps determine the appropriate Supportive Measure(s) to be implemented. The Title IX Case Manager will assess with the Complainant the unique facts and circumstances of their situation and identify steps to help the individual meet their educational or employment expectations. The Title IX Coordinator, or their designee, will serve as the point of contact for implementing any identified measures to ensure the burden of implementation does not fall on the recipient of the Supportive Measures.

Supportive Measures will not be disciplinary or punitive in nature and will not unreasonably burden, or unreasonably interfere with the educational pursuits of, either party. Whether a possible Supportive Measure would unreasonably burden either party is a fact-specific determination that takes into account the nature of the educational programs, activities, opportunities and benefits in which an individual is participating.

Supportive Measures may also be requested by and made equally available to Respondents, witnesses, and other impacted members of the University Community.

Examples of Supportive Measures include:

  • Academic support services and accommodations, including the ability to reschedule classes, exams and assignments, transfer course sections, or withdraw from courses;
  • Academic schedule modifications (typically to separate Complainant and Respondent);
  • Work schedule or job assignment modifications (for university employment);
  • Changes in on-campus work or university housing location;
  • On-campus counseling services and/or assistance in connecting to community-based counseling services;
  • Assistance in connecting to community-based medical services;
  • No contact agreements (agreements between parties to stop all attempts at communication or other interaction with one another);
  • Temporarily limiting an individual's access to certain university facilities or activities;
  • Work schedule or job assignment modifications,
  • Information about and/or assistance with obtaining personal protection orders;
  • Leaves of absences;
  • Increased monitoring and security of certain areas of the campus;
  • Individualized limitations on the parties’ communications and interactions with each other; or
  • A combination of any of these measures.

The university will maintain Supportive Measures provided to the Complainant or Respondent as confidential to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the university’s ability to provide the Supportive Measures.

B. Support and Resources

All members of the Carnegie Mellon community may seek support and access resources on and off-campus that are available at no cost. The Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX can assist individuals in accessing these resources or individuals may contact the departments or organizations directly.

Some of these resources are designated as confidential. Other resources provide support, but may need to involve the Title IX Coordinator and/or the University Police Department. Regardless of whether the university determines that Prohibited Conduct occurred, the university will offer resources or assistance to Complainants, Respondents, witnesses, and other impacted community members after receiving notice of alleged Prohibited Conduct. The university will also assist those individuals in identifying and contacting external law enforcement agencies and community resources, when desired by the individual.

1. Confidential Resources

Carnegie Mellon understands that some individuals impacted by Prohibited Conduct, particularly conduct involving sexual violence, may not be ready or may not be willing to report through a channel that may lead to an investigation or other university action, no matter how discreet. For such individuals, Carnegie Mellon maintains several confidential reporting options.

These resources can provide individuals with assistance, support, and additional information. Confidential Resources are prohibited from disclosing confidential information unless (1) given permission by the person who disclosed the information; (2) there is an imminent threat of harm to self or others; (3) the conduct involves suspected abuse of a minor under the age of 18; or (4) as otherwise required or permitted by law or court order. Confidential Resources may be required to report non-identifying information to CMUPD for crime reporting purposes.

2. Campus Resources

  1. Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) (Student only)
    412-268-2922 
  2. University Health Services (Student only)
    412-268-2157
  3. Employee Assistance Program (Employees only)

3. Community Resources

  1. Women's Shelter and Center of Greater Pittsburgh
  2. Pittsburgh Action Against Rape
  3. Center for Victims
  4. Persad