1. I’m not sure whether the behavior I’ve experienced is sexual harassment. Who can help me assess the situation?

All of the following confidential resources are available to help you evaluate the situation to determine whether or not the behavior is sexual harassment:

• Rape Victim Advocacy Program
• Women’s Resource and Action Center
• Office of the Ombudsperson
• Faculty and Staff Services
• University Counseling Service

[Read more]

2. I have been sexually harassed. What can I do to stop it?

• If you’re comfortable doing so, you can speak directly to the harasser and ask him/her to stop the behavior that is making you uncomfortable.
• You can ask an academic or administrative officer (which includes DEOs, Directors of Undergraduate/Graduate Studies, academic advisors, supervisors, and human resource representatives) for assistance.
• You can file a formal or informal complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.
• The following confidential resources are also available to help you evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action to stop the unwanted behavior:
• Rape Victim Advocacy Program
• Women’s Resource and Action Center
• Office of the Ombudsperson
• Faculty and Staff Services
• University Counseling Service
  

[Read more]

3. Who can I speak to confidentially about my situation?

All of the following resources can provide confidential advice and/or counseling, and will NOT report the situation to any other University officials:

• Rape Victim Advocacy Program
• Women’s Resource and Action Center
• Office of the Ombudsperson
• Faculty and Staff Services
• University Counseling Service

[Read more]

4. I’m not sure if I want to file a complaint. Who can help me decide?

All of the following resources can provide you with thorough information about the complaint process, and help you make a decision about whether you want to file a complaint:

• Rape Victim Advocacy Program
• Women’s Resource and Action Center
• Office of the Ombudsperson
• Faculty and Staff Services
• University Counseling Service

[Read more]

5. How do I file a complaint?

To file a formal complaint, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. [Read more]

To file an informal complaint, you may contact your DEO, Dean, Director of Graduate/Undergraduate Studies, academic advisor, supervisor, human resources representative, or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.

6. What will happen if I file a complaint?

If you file a formal complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, the accused party will be notified and asked to respond to the allegations. Other witnesses will be interviewed and any relevant documentation will be reviewed. The Office of Equal Opportunity will issue a finding summarizing the evidence and stating whether the Policy on Sexual Harassment has been violated. If the Policy was violated, appropriate corrective and/or remedial action will be taken, which may include disciplinary action and educational programming.

If you file an informal complaint, the University will take appropriate action to resolve the situation within your unit.

The following offices can provide additional information about the complaint process:

• Rape Victim Advocacy Program
• Women’s Resource and Action Center
• Office of the Ombudsperson
• Faculty and Staff Services
• University Counseling Service

[Read more]

7. Where can I find someone to go with me when I file a complaint?

The Rape Victim Advocacy Program and the Women’s Resource and Action Center can provide an advocate to accompany you when you file a complaint and throughout the complaint process. [Read more]

8. Will someone advocate for me during in the complaint process?

You may choose to bring a support person or advocate from the Rape Victim Advocacy Program or the Women’s Resource and Action Center when filing a complaint and throughout the complaint process. The person investigating your complaint must remain neutral throughout the investigation. [Read more]

9. I’m afraid to be around the person who is harassing me. What resources are available to help me?

If you believe there is an immediate threat of danger, contact the Department of Public Safety at (319) 335-5022.

The following offices can provide additional counseling and support services:

• Rape Victim Advocacy Program
• Women’s Resource and Action Center
• Office of the Ombudsperson
• Faculty and Staff Services
• University Counseling Service

[Read more]

10. I need help coping with my emotions relating to the harassment. What resources are available for me?

All of the following offices provide confidential counseling services:

• University Counseling Service
• Faculty and Staff Services
• Rape Victim Advocacy Program
• Women’s Resource and Action Center

[Read more]

11. I’m being harassed at work and it is interfering with my ability to focus on my work. What can I do?

• You can ask your supervisor or human resources representative to help you resolve the situation informally within the department.
• You can file a formal complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. [Read more]
• All of the following offices can provide confidential assistance to help you decide how to handle the situation:
• Rape Victim Advocacy Program
• Women’s Resource and Action Center
• Office of the Ombudsperson
• Faculty and Staff Services
• University Counseling Service

[Read more]

12. I’m being harassed by my instructor and it is interfering with my ability to study and learn the material. What can I do?

• You can ask your DEO, Director of Graduate/Undergraduate Studies, or Dean to help you resolve the situation informally within the department.
• You can file a formal complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. [Read more]
• All of the following offices can provide confidential assistance to help you decide how to handle the situation:
• Rape Victim Advocacy Program
• Women’s Resource and Action Center
• Office of the Ombudsperson
• Faculty and Staff Services
• University Counseling Service

[Read more]

13. I’m being harassed by someone on my residence hall floor and I don’t feel comfortable in my living environment. What can I do?

• It is important for you to speak with University Housing staff, such as your Resident Assistant or Hall Coordinator, to address your concerns about your living environment.
• You can file a formal complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. [Read more]
• All of the following offices can provide confidential assistance to help you decide how to handle the situation:
• Rape Victim Advocacy Program
• Women’s Resource and Action Center
• Office of the Ombudsperson
• Faculty and Staff Services
• University Counseling Service

[Read more]

14. Are there resources available to pursue a complaint outside of the University system?

Yes, you may choose to consult with a private attorney about seeking a civil protective order and other legal remedies outside of the University.

You also may file a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

15. How can I be supportive of someone who has been sexually harassed or assaulted?

The Rape Victim Advocacy Program and the Women’s Resource and Action Center can provide you with information and resources. [Read more]

16. What are the possible consequences to the harasser if I file a complaint?

The University may take any appropriate disciplinary or remedial action such as:

• suspension from the University
• probation
• educational program
• transfers to a different work unit, class, or residence hall
• no-contact orders

17. I know someone else is being harassed. Can I file a complaint?

Yes, the University accepts third party complaints.

18. Does the University policy apply to off-campus behavior?

Yes, if the effects of the off-campus behavior create an intimidating or hostile University environment.

19. My ex (or an acquaintance) keeps following me around campus. What can I do?

Stalking can be a form of sexual harassment, and so you may choose to file a University complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. [Read more]

You also may file a criminal complaint with the law enforcement agency in your area.