Faculty and Academic Staff Handbook

19th Edition, 2008

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Chapter VII: UWS and UWRF Policies

7.5 Sexual Harassment :1990 Code of Conduct

7.5.1 Introduction

The Umbrella Policy for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Codes of Conduct addresses all forms of discrimination and harassment. Sexual harassment is intended to be covered by this document. Informal and formal adjudication approaches are described. The policy addressing sexual harassment includes all campus employees, students, guests, or officials. The formal complaint procedures are intended to be compatible with existing institutional policies, UW-System codes, and collective bargaining agreements. Throughout the policy statement, the role of the Assistant to the Chancellor for Equity, Compliance, and Affirmative Action is emphasized as a resource in the conflict resolution and adjudication process. The policy must be viewed as one aspect of an overall strategy to improve the campus climate. Equally important is the implementation of a variety of educational programs designed to increase sensitivity to issues of sexual harassment. It is recognized by the authors of this policy that ignorance, insensitivity, and limited awareness regarding sexual harassment are often at the root of acts resulting in the degradation and humiliation of individuals. Thus, educational intervention is also emphasized as a preferred intervention in the resolution of complaints at the informal level.

7.5.2 Definition

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1. submission to such conduct is made a stated or implied condition of an individual's employment, career advancement, grades, or academic achievement;
2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting that individual; or
3. such conduct has the purpose and effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic environment or performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.