Dear University of Maryland community,
This is an update on actions by the University of
Maryland to strengthen a learning and working environment that is free of
sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct.
Creating such an environment is the responsibility of every
member of our 50,000-strong University community of students, faculty and
staff.
The University recently published its new policy and
procedures on sexual misconduct among students http://www.umd.edu/Sexual_Misconduct/policies-and-procedures/
. The policy defines the proscribed
conduct and mandates educational programs to heighten awareness and prevent
sexual misconduct. The procedures
describe how to report misconduct and how these complaints will be investigated
and adjudicated.
Both comport with the guidelines issued by the Office of
Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education, the agency charged with
implementing the Title IX law on sex discrimination. The new policy and
procedures are in effect on an interim basis while the University Senate
reviews them. The new policy and procedures on sexual misconduct involving
faculty and staff will be ready by end of this calendar year.
All students, faculty, and staff will be required to
complete a training program on sexual misconduct prevention.
The required online training for undergraduates will
begin this week and must be completed by December 10, 2014. Students will
receive an email with instructions on how to complete it.
The training focuses on (1) what constitutes sexual
misconduct, (2) the consequences of engaging in sexual misconduct, (3) the
reporting options and support resources available within and outside the
campus, and (4) actions to reduce the risks of such misconduct. Later, the
University will provide in-person bystander intervention training. Training for
faculty and staff will be ready later this academic year.
The new website of UMD's new Office of Sexual Misconduct
and Relationship Violence has additional resource information: http://www.umd.edu/Sexual_Misconduct/
. The director and UMD Title IX Officer
is attorney Catherine A. Carroll.
I encourage you to take the "Rule of Thumb
pledge," the centerpiece of the University's public awareness campaign: http://www.umd.edu/Sexual_Misconduct.
You may also follow the campaign on Twitter @RuleofThumbUMD.
Each of us must assume responsibility and take action to
prevent sexual misconduct. Together, we can do it.
Sincerely,
Wallace D. Loh
President, University of Maryland
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