February, 2003
MEMORANDUM
To: Deans, Directors, Department Chairs, Department Administrators/Secretaries, and Personnel Representatives
From: Peter D. Spear, Provost Re: Responsibility for Addressing Sexual Harassment Concerns and Complaints
NOTE: Please forward this memorandum to managers, supervisors and principal investigators. To assist you with this effort, we are sending an e-mail copy of this memorandum to you.
As part of our effort to improve campus climate, we have been working to heighten awareness about sexual harassment issues and assure a prompt and appropriate response to concerns and complaints. Our Sexual Harassment Information and Resources Project includes the identification and training of sexual harassment contact persons campus-wide, the development of informational materials, and the presentation of sexual harassment information sessions to all academic, administrative, and service units.
This month, we are sending all employees an updated brochure, “Sexual Harassment: Defining and Addressing a Community Concern,” which emphasizes the responsibilities of individuals in positions of authority (principal investigators, supervisors, managers, department chairs, directors, deans) as well as the roles of sexual harassment contact persons and other campus resources. A copy of my letter to employees and this brochure are enclosed.
Role and Responsibilities of Deans, Directors, Department Chairs, Managers, Supervisors and Principal Investigators
You are responsible for taking appropriate action to resolve sexual harassment concerns and complaints. Specifically, I am asking you to:
- create an environment in which employees and students can approach you with concerns or complaints
- take every complaint seriously and appropriately address all complaints
- encourage employees and students to consult with campus-level resources
- ensure that no retaliation occurs against a person who alleges harassment
- ensure that a person charged with harassment is not assumed guilty and/or disciplined on the basis of allegations
- consult with the Office of the Provost, the Equity & Diversity Resource Center, or other campus resources if you have questions or concerns about your role
Role and Responsibilities of Sexual Harassment Contact Persons
Sexual harassment contact persons are responsible for providing information and appropriate referrals to you and to other campus resources. They will:
- provide information about our campus sexual harassment and consensual relationship policies
- provide information about options for resolving complaints
- discuss initial concerns and refer appropriately
You can find the names of sexual harassment contact persons on the sexual harassment information & resources website: http://www.wisc.edu/edrc/sexualharassment/contact2.html
You may address questions about this campus-wide effort, the enclosed materials, or your role and responsibilities to Bernice Durand, Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Climate, Office of the Provost, , 262-5246, or Luis Piñero, Assistant Vice Chancellor/Director, Equity and Diversity Resource Center, lapinero@vc.wisc.edu, 263-2378.
Enclosures: Letter to All Employees Sexual Harassment: Defining and Addressing a Community Concern Brochure