Student Behavior
In Case of Harassment
Honoring diversity is one the core values of MUM. We honor cultural diversity as well as diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, and welcome everyone’s contributions.
We do not tolerate harassment in any form. This includes, but is not limited to, harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, disability, status as a veteran, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or political belief.
Complaints or incidents should be reported immediately to the Dean of Student Life or any other member of the Department of Student Life.
When the University becomes aware that harassment might exist, prompt and appropriate action will be taken.
The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs, and sexual harassment and sexual violence are types of sex discrimination. The University’s policy prohibiting sex discrimination applies to conduct on and off campus and protects students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
According to the Sex Discrimination Guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. According to the guidelines, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:
- Submissions to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic performance, or
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis of employment or academic decisions affecting such individual, or
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment.
Sexual harassment involving students may occur between two or more students, between students and faculty, or between students and administrators.
Third party harassment may occur when a person who is not the direct target of harassment suffers the consequences of harassment indirectly, for example, when a student overhears others in the classroom talking and joking about sexual subjects.
Once the University is notified of a complaint, the Dean of Student Life or her designee will conduct a prompt review. This will be conducted as confidentially as possible. The accused will be notified of the complaint, afforded an opportunity to respond, and notified of the outcome of the review.
The goal of the review will be to determine if harassment has occurred, and if so, to redress the situation, including taking appropriate steps to prevent it from happening again. The review may result in a recommendation of mediation between the parties, legal action, or disciplinary action including a warning letter, probation, suspension, or dismissal from the University. Retaliation against a person who reports harassment in good faith will not be tolerated.
If a finding of harassment is made, a record will be filed in the harasser’s file. Upon written request, the University will disclose to the alleged victim of a non-forcible sex offense, the results of any disciplinary hearing conducted by the University against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of the crime or offense.
Educational programs on sex offenses, rape, and acquaintance rape can be obtained through The Crisis Center at 1-800-464-8340, PO Box 446, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501. Such events may be reported to the Jefferson County Police Department at 1200 West Grimes Avenue and/or Campus Safety in Verrill Hall, 641-472-1117. The Chairperson of the Department of Student Life will assist you in notifying these authorities if you wish. Counseling services for victims of such offenses contact may be made with the Mental Health Center of Jefferson County at 2201 West Jefferson Avenue in Fairfield, 641-472-5771.
The content of this page was reviewed in September 2011.
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