This page contains a quick summary of information found on more detailed UO webpages, linked below. In the event of disagreement, use information from the official webpages.
As UO employees we should know how to respond if someone tells us about harassment or discrimination they have experienced or observed. The necessary actions depend on your reporting category. Almost all faculty, staff, and graduate students are “Assisting Employees”, and you would likely know it if you are not. The following information is for Assisting Employees.
1. Listen
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Listen before providing referrals, advice, or information.
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Respond with respect, kindness, and compassion. Avoid being judgmental, paternalistic, or doubting.
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Do not investigate, gather more information or ask for details.
2. Look for these special cases
If you think there is a threat to the health or safety of any person...
- You should file a report with the OICRC.
- You may also wish to report a safety concern to the Dean of Students’ office. These reports are only reviewed during work hours.
- In a more urgent situation, you may prefer to contact 911 or UOPD.
- Tell the person about your actions, so they are not surprised when they are contacted, and they can alert you if they think being contacted would cause further distress.
- If you are unsure about whether to report a safety concern, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 541-346-3216.
If the person is describing sex or gender-based harassment, assault, stalking, or violence...
- Tell the student about the SAFE website and 24-hour hotline (541-346-SAFE).
- Fill out this checklist after your interaction with the student. You don’t need to fill it out during your conversation, so you can be more fully engaged in listening.
- Do not keep notes separate from this form.
If the potential victim is under 18...
- Ask about the person’s age.
- If the person is under 18, explain that you are a mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect.
- If child abuse or neglect is reported, you must fulfill your reporting obligations.
3. Ask if they want help filing a report
Assisting Employees should not share disclosures with OICRC without consent, but you should...
- Tell the person they can file a report to the OICRC and direct them to the website to report discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
- Tell them that reports may be submitted anonymously, though the university’s ability to repsond to an anonymous report may be more limited.
- Offer to help them fill in the reporting form.
Most people don't know what the OICRC is, or what filing a report means. Here is some info:
- The OICRC (Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance) is staffed by people trained to investigate allegations of violations to UO’s policy on prohibited discrimination and retaliation.
- They follow this process when the person accused is a student.
- They follow this process when the person accused is a UO employee.
- They respect the rights of the complainant (the victim) and the respondent (the accused). This includes protection from retaliation.
4. Provide resources for support
Care and Advocacy Program: (541) 346-8194
- This program helps students, staff, and faculty navigate personal crises, mental health concerns, unanticipated family situations, and unexpected life events.
- Appointments are oftentimes available within a week.
- Book by phone or online.
SAFE: (541) 346-SAFE
- For victims and survivors of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, gender-based harassment or bullying, or stalking.
- Available 24 hours a day for confidential advice and assistance.
- Calling the hotlilne will connect them with with somebody who will listen and help guide them as they figure out what to do next.
Student Survivor Legal Services (541) 346-8555
- Free and confidential resource for students in Lane County who have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking.
- Students can meet with a licensed attorney to discuss various legal options and receive guidance on managing practical problems.
- Appointments booked by phone or online.
UO Counseling Services (541) 346-3227
- Call during office hours to make an appointment.
- Any time UO’s Counseling Services office is closed, telephone calls are redirected to a mental health professional who can provide support.
- You may also wish to walk the person over to the UO Health Services Building (SW corner of 13th and Agate) to help book an appointment.
UO Ombuds Program (541) 346-6400
- Free confidential, impartial, independent, and informal conflict management assistance.
- The ombudsperson will not tell them what to do and will not take action against their wishes.
- The ombudsperson will talk them through strategies, options, and resources for addressing their concern.
- Appointments can be scheduled by phone or email.