Faculty
Faculty Handbook
University Policies
Sexual harassment
The following is reprinted from a brochure prepared by the Faculty and the Office of the President, The University of Texas at Austin.
Sexual Harassment: What is it?
"Sexual harassment" of students is defined as either unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, by a faculty member or other employee of The University of Texas at Austin, when:
- submission by a student to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a condition for academic opportunity or advancement;
- submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that student; or
- the intended effect or reasonably foreseeable effect of such conduct is to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for the student.
What is the University's Policy?
Sexual harassment is against the law. It is also prohibited by University policy, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments to the Civil Rights Act. It is the policy of The University of Texas at Austin to maintain an educational environment free from sexual harassment and intimidation. Sexual harassment is expressly prohibited and offenders are subject to disciplinary action. In other words, all students at The University are entitled to study and work free from the threat of sexual intimidation and discrimination from faculty and other University employees. In addition to complying with the above policy dealing with sexual harassment, students and faculty members should avoid compromising situations involving any romantic or sexual relationship between a faculty member and a student who is enrolled in a course taught by the faculty member or who is otherwise under the supervision of the faculty member.
This policy is not intended, in any way, to discourage the interaction of faculty and students where harassment or a conflict of interest is not a factor; however, the policy is intended to clarify that it is inappropriate for a faculty member to form romantic or sexual relationships with students working under the faculty member's direct supervision.
What are the Options for Complaining About Sexual Harassment?
An Informal Conversation
An informal conversation with the Assistant Dean of Students is strictly confidential. In an informal conversation, you can ask the Assistant Dean to help you:
- Identify the problem: What's making you uncomfortable? Jokes? Pressure for dates? Sexual bribery?
- State your concerns: What's bothering you the most? Grades? Embarrassment? Other reprisals?
- List your options: Is this sexual harassment? What resolutions are desirable? A class or section change? Strategies for dealing with the harasser? A formal complaint?
- Locate other resources: What's the effect on your personal life? Would you like to see a counselor to deal with the stress?
Students often resolve the problem informally. In some cases, however, students decide to initiate a formal complaint against the harasser.
A Formal Complaint
The Assistant Dean of Students, a department chair, or other University administrator can discuss with you the procedures for making a formal complaint of sexual harassment against an employee of the University:
- The student writes, signs, and submits a formal complaint to the Assistant Dean of Students, department chair, or dean. The signed statement must include the name of the harasser and a detailed description of the sexually harassing incident or incidents.
- Investigation and resolution of the complaint will be through the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. Every effort is made to protect the rights of the individuals involved, which includes hearing from both sides and maintaining confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.
- Upon completion of the investigation, The University will take appropriate administrative and disciplinary action.
Why Seek Help or Report Sexual Harassment?
Most victims find themselves confused by sexual harassment and reluctant to discuss it with anyone. Victims usually fear reprisals and may even blame themselves. Harassers count on their victims' silence. It is important to seek counsel to protect not only yourself but others from unwanted sexual attention and sexual advances that are known to interfere with academic performance. If you would like further information about sexual harassment, call The University's telephone tape system for anonymous information. Call 471-3313 between 8am and 2am, ask for tape 68, "Sexual Harassment: What to Do Next";.
How to Report It
The University recognizes the difficulty of making complaints of sexual harassment and has asked the Office of the Dean of Students to be available for informal discussions as well as formal complaints. Call Gage Paine, Assistant Dean of Students, 471-6259, Office of the Dean of Students. While The University has given the Office of the Dean of Students the primary responsibility for hearing students' questions about and complaints of sexual harassment, you can also consult the chair of your department, other University administrators, or the University Ombudsman. All University administrators have been advised to report student questions and complaints regarding specific instances of sexual harassment to the Assistant Dean of Students.