What is the difference between a report and a formal complaint?

Submitting a report does not automatically start a formal process.

When OICRC receives a report of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, we will reach out to the Complainant (the person who is alleged to have been harmed) to offer support resources and options for addressing the reported conduct. While OICRC must sometimes investigate conduct that has been reported, most reports can be resolved without a formal investigation. The university will provide resources and supportive measures to a Complainant reporting harm without regard to whether there is a formal investigation.

A formal complaint is the first step in a formal investigation and puts the Respondent (the person accused of misconduct) on notice that the university is investigating their behavior.

A report does not automatically mean interim action will be taken.

When the reported conduct raises a concern about the physical safety of one or more members of the campus community, the university may take interim action. The term “interim action” refers to measures that burden the Respondent and that are designed to prevent a recurrence of the conduct at issue. Interim action can include limiting a Respondent’s access to campus or even exclusion of the Respondent from campus, though exclusion from campus is rare.

What is the difference between filing a report and talking to a Confidential resource?

When a report is filed with OICRC, the OICRC team will consider what, if any, University action may be necessary to address the reported conduct. University action may include providing the Complainant with supportive measures and asking Complainant to meet with an investigator.

When a Complainant meets with a confidential resource, that conversation is confidential and will not be shared with OICRC or any other office without the Complainant’s permission. If someone discloses information to a confidential resource, the university will not be aware of the disclosure and therefore will not be able to intervene in the situation or otherwise address the conduct.

If I make a report, will my name and other personal information be kept confidential?

In almost all instances, the university will not share a complainant’s name or personal information with a respondent. Nor will the respondent be made aware that a report has been filed. The university will only make a respondent aware of a report over a complainant’s objection if the disclosure is necessary to protect a person or the campus community. Such instances are very rare. You may review our notice of privacy here.

Confidential staff are always available via safe.uoregon.edu and can help students explore their reporting options.

What happens if I report to a Deputy Title IX Coordinator?

If you report to a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, that person will submit a report to the Title IX Coordinator. You will receive outreach from OICRC. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator will work with the Title IX Coordinator to provide supportive measures and to make referrals to appropriate resources.

I know someone who experienced gender discrimination, sexual assault, or sexual violence. What should I do?

Encourage the person who experienced sex or gender-based violence to contact a Confidential Advocate at 541-346-SAFE or via safe.uoregon.edu. Confidential resources are available 24-7 to offer information and options.

What happens if I disclose to an Assisting Employee?

With limited exception, Assisting Employees are not required to report what you share with them to the Title IX Coordinator, but they will make a report if you ask them to. Their main focus is to provide you support and connect you to resources. The first exception to not sharing information is if an Assisting Employee has reason to believe there is a high risk of physical harm to a person or campus community, such as in the case of a threat of violence. Also, Assisting Employees are mandatory reporters of child abuse and will share information if a minor is being abused or neglected.

Assisting Employees will also confer with Care and Advocacy Program staff, but they will not share your name or any other identifying information about you. They will not share your information with other third parties such as your parents. Assisting Employees will help you file a report, if that is what you want to do.

If I share information with a professor or graduate employee, do they have to report the incident to the university?

Probably not. Most faculty and graduate employees are Assisting Employees.

What happens if I disclose information to a Designated Reporter?

A Designated Reporter is required to submit a report to OICRC when they receive a report of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Thereafter, someone from OICRC will reach out to the Complainant. Designated Reporters will not otherwise disclose the information you shared with them.

What if I am a minor (under the age of 18)?

All university employees who have reason to believe that a person under the age of 18 has been abused or neglected are required to report the suspected abuse or neglect to the Department of Human Resources or law enforcement, which includes UOPD.

Can I talk to someone to better understand my options before making a report?

Students are encouraged to contact a Confidential Advocate at 541-346-SAFE to discuss their reporting options. Information is also available at safe.uoregon.edu/know-your-options.

Can I file a complaint outside of the University?

Yes. The Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Education has the authority to investigate complaints claiming the university discriminated on the basis of sex or gender.

Filing a complaint outside of the university limits the ability of the Office of the Title IX Coordinator, Care and Advocacy Program, and other campus entities to provide support and resources to the affected individuals.

How many people with disabilities and people with Limited English Proficiency access the University's complaint reporting and resolution services?

The university ensures access to the complaint process for individuals with disabilities or limited English proficiency by providing materials in an alternate format, translation services, or direct assistance. Individuals who need auxiliary aids or language assistance may contact OICRC via telephone at 541-346-3123 by email at oicrc@uoregon.edu or by using the online form on the website.

The university also provides free aids and services, such as qualified sign language interpreters and written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, etc.), to communicate effectively with persons with disabilities. And the University provides free language services, such as qualified foreign language interpreters and information written in other languages, to ensure meaningful access to programs and activities for persons with limited English proficiency.