11.C Procedures for Addressing Sexual Harassment Claims/Resources

The Office of Institutional Equity is responsible for ensuring the University’s compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. However, a discrimination free environment is the responsibility of every member of the community. The University can take corrective action only when it becomes aware of problems. Therefore, persons who believe they have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment are encouraged to come forward promptly with their inquiries, reports, or complaints, and to seek assistance within the University. A number of options exist for resolving sexual harassment complaints, from informal resolution processes to formal investigations and grievance procedures. Individuals also have the right to pursue a legal remedy for sexual harassment in addition to or instead of proceeding under the University Sexual Harassment Policy, SPG 201.89-0.

For more information about these options or to obtain assistance with sexual harassment issues, faculty are encouraged to contact one of the University’s trained sexual harassment liaisons. A report can be made centrally or locally on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, or Flint campus. Centrally, informal reports or complaints may be received on the Ann Arbor Campus by representatives of the Office of Institutional Equity (763-0235, TTY 647-1388, or at institutionalequity@umich.edu), the Office of the Ombuds (students only, 763-3545), the Office of the Dean of Students (students only, 764-7420), the dean’s office of the Horace H. Rackham Graduate School (graduate students only, 764-4400), the Center for the Education of Women (764-6005), and the Department of Public Safety (763-1131). On the Flint Campus, offices with trained liaisons include the Office of University Human Resources (810/762-3150). On the Dearborn Campus, individuals may contact the Human Resources Office (313/593-5190). At the local level, persons designated to receive informal reports or complaints include any dean or department head or their designees (at least one of whom must be a female in each school or college). Inquiries and complaints of sexual harassment will be treated with the maximum degree of confidentiality. Only when required by law or when personal safety is at risk will confidential information be acted upon or disclosed to others without a complainant’s consent.

Before or concurrently with discussing the problem with a University representative, an individual may find it helpful to consult with a counselor. The following offices can advise and support individuals who have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment:

• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP), 936-8660 (see Section 15.F);
• The Spectrum Center (previously the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Program Office), 763-4168;
• Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC), 998-9368 (24-Hour Crisis line 936-3333);
• Counseling and Psychological Services (for students), 764-8312.

On the Flint Campus, individuals may contact the Women’s Educational Center, 810/237-6648 or the Student Development Center, 810/762-3456.

Discussions with representatives of these offices are not considered official reports to the University and will not, without additional action by the complainant, result in intervention.

When the behavior may constitute a threat to the individual’s safety, he or she should promptly alert the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 763-1131, or in the event of an emergency, call 911.

Faculty Handbook: Sexual Harassment: