CUNY Policies - Page 5

THE CUNY POLICY ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

The CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct is a comprehensive policy that provides guidance to help the College community understand how to assist in cases of sexual violence , how to file an internal complaint with the appropriate authorities and what to expect from the complaint investigation process . The Policy also describes interim and supportive measures , the reporting and confidentiality obligations of College and University employees , reporting suspected child abuse and defines key terms so employees and students understand the concepts and terminology referenced in the policy . The Policy is posted to the Lehman College website at http :// www . cuny . edu / about / administration / offices / la / Policy-on-Sexual-Misconduct- 12-1-14-with-links . pdf . Two sections : Rules Regarding Intimate Relationships and Reporting / Confidentiality Obligations of College and University Employees are reprinted below .

Rules Regarding Intimate Relationships

Relationships between Faculty or Employees and Students : Amorous dating or sexual activity or relationships (“ intimate relationships ”), even when apparently consensual , are inappropriate when they occur between a faculty member or employee and any student for whom he or she has a professional responsibility . Those relationships are inappropriate for several reasons including the unequal power dynamic between students and faculty members and between students and employees who advise or evaluate them . If the relationship ends in a way that is not amicable , the relationship may lead to charges of and possible liability for sexual harassment . Therefore , faculty members and other employees are prohibited from engaging in intimate relationships with students for whom they have a professional responsibility , including undergraduate , graduate and professional students , and postdoctoral fellows .

Supervisors and Employees : Many of the concerns about intimate relationships between faculty members or employees and students also apply to relationships between supervisors and the employees they supervise . Those relationships are strongly discouraged . Furthermore , supervisors are required to disclose any such relationship to their supervisors in order to avoid or mitigate conflicts of interest in connection with the supervision and evaluation of the employees with whom they have an intimate relationship .

Filing a Complaint

Individuals who experience sexual harassment , gender-based harassment or sexual violence are encouraged to report the incident ( s ) to the appropriate campus officer , even if they already reported the incident to outside law enforcement and regardless of where the incident took place , that is , on or off-campus . Reporting allows the College to provide support to the individual and provides the college with the information it needs to respond promptly and appropriately . Table 2 identifies the individuals / offices that employees , students and visitors should consult to file a complaint .

What to do if you receive a complaint ( see Table 3 )

An individual who speaks to a Lehman College or CUNY employee about sexual harassment , gender-based harassment or sexual violence should be aware that employees fall into three categories : ( 1 ) “ confidential ” employees , who have an obligation to maintain a complainant ’ s confidentiality regarding the incident ( s ); ( 2 ) “ responsible ” employees , who are required to report the incident ( s ) to the Title IX Coordinator ; and ( 3 ) all other employees , who are strongly encouraged but not required to report the incident ( s ). Refer to the CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct Section VI . Reporting / Confidentiality Obligations of College and University Employees to learn more about the role of responsible and confidential employees and for the titles / positions designated as either a responsible or a confidential employee . The Policy also explains how to respond to sexual violence that occurred on or off-campus ( including CUNYsponsored trips and events ).

TABLE 2

Employees ( full and part-time )

� � � No No

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