Published: July 8, 2019

Sexual harassment can be a tricky subject to navigate. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions from graduate students about sexual harassment.ÌýÌý

On-campus resources

Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder has a variety of on-campus resources that can provide support if you or a friend are experiencing sexual harassment.Ìý

  • °Õ³ó±ðÌýÌýprovides free and confidential support to students, staff and faculty. They can help you navigate resources, explore reporting options and connect with other resources.Ìý
  • °Õ³ó±ðÌýOffice of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC)Ìýis the official reporting office for complaints of sexual misconduct, protected-class discrimination and harassment at Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder.Ìý
  • ÌýoffersÌýa variety ofÌýconfidential counseling services for students including brief individual counseling, workshops and groups.ÌýÌý
  • OmbudsÌýprovides confidential support for students. Their office listens to concerns, provides impartial perspective and helps students develop options and strategize resolutions to university-related issues.ÌýÌý

What is the difference between flirting at work, asking a colleague out and sexual harassment?Ìý

The keyÌýdifference betweenÌýflirting and sexual harassment is whetherÌýor notÌýthe behavior is wanted and mutual.ÌýColleagues can flirt if it isÌýwelcome and reciprocated. Similarly, asking a coworker out is okay, butÌýpunishingÌýor continuing to pursueÌýsomeone for saying, "no," is not.Ìý

WhatÌýcounts asÌýsexual harassment?Ìý

Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder defines sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favorsÌýand other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.Ìý

How can someone report sexual harassment?Ìý

Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder has a variety of resources forÌýstudents who may be experiencingÌýsexual harassment. Students, staff and facultyÌýare encouraged toÌývisit theÌýÌýto explore their options. OVA provides free and confidential support for students, staff and faculty for a number of concerns, including sexual harassment. Official reports can be filedÌýthroughÌýan online submission form toÌýtheÌýOffice of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC).Ìý

How does Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder respond to reports of sexual harassment?Ìý

Once a report is filedÌýwith OIEC, a representativeÌýwill follow up andÌýprovide information on confidential resources. They willÌýreview options for interim remedies and supportive measures, such as changes to academic, living,Ìýtransportation andÌýwork situations.ÌýOnce the initial inquiry is complete, reportsÌýcan be resolved informally or through an official adjudication process by OIEC.ÌýÌý

What is the difference between an informal resolution and anÌýofficialÌýadjudication?Ìý

Informal resolutionsÌýdo not determine if a policy was violated. These types of resolutions allow the university to tailor resolutions to the unique facts and circumstances of an incident and discuss appropriate behavior going forward.

A formal adjudicationÌýis anÌýinvestigative process conducted by trained officials who are neutral fact finders to determineÌýwhether a policy violation occurred. If someone is found responsible for violatingÌýuniversityÌýpolicy through the formal process,Ìýit will most likely result in some form of disciplinary actionÌýbased on the severity of the behavior, up to and including being suspended, expelled, demoted or fired from the university.Ìý

How should you respond if someone tells you they are experiencing sexual harassment?Ìý

If someone discloses an experience of sexual harassment to you, it isÌýimportant to listen non-judgmentallyÌýand check in on their safety. Take them seriously, validate their feelings and support their decisions regarding how they wish to move forward.Ìý

If you are not sure what to do, reach out to OVA for support. They provide free and confidential support for students, staff and faculty. You can reach out to them for support and guidance on how to help a friend or yourself.