Student Conduct Policies: Harassment of Other Students or Student Groups or Third Parties

Relevant Excerpt

Any prohibited behavior defined in the Student Policy on Sexual Harassment Prohibited by Title IX and/or the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment that does not fall under the jurisdiction of that policy may be handled under this Code. ...

Students are prohibited from engaging in harassment under this Code. The University will act to remedy all forms of harassment on the basis of a protected category when reported, whether or not the harassment rises to the level of creating a "hostile environment." Specific forms of prohibited conduct include:

Harassing conduct by a student (e.g., physical, verbal, graphic, or written) that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to interfere with or limit the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided by a recipient.

For the purpose of this Code and in addition to the conduct prohibited by the Student Policy on Sexual Harassment Prohibited by Title IX and/or the Student Policy on Sexual Harassment Prohibited by Senate Bill 493, “sexual harassment” means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, made by someone from or in the work or educational setting, under any of the following conditions: 

1. The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual's work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.
2. Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the educational institution.

When harassment rises to the level stated above, the University may invoke the Code of Conduct process below. The University reserves the right to address offensive conduct and/or harassment that 1) does not rise to the level stated above, or 2) that is of a generic nature and not based on a protected status. Addressing such conduct will not result in the imposition of discipline under this Code but may be addressed through respectful conversation, remedial actions, education, effective Alternative Resolution, and/or other informal resolution mechanisms. For assistance with Alternative Resolution and other informal resolution techniques and approaches, employees should contact the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Officer, and students should contact the Director of Student Conduct.