POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT & MISCONDUCT

I. Introduction

The University of Alaska is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is safe and fosters the dignity, respect and worth of students, faculty and staff. Each member of this community has the responsibility to practice the highest ethical principles and standards of conduct. Persons who do not adhere to these principles and standards by the commission of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, damage the community and it's members.

The University of Alaska will not tolerate sexual harassment or sexual misconduct. Any kind of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, including rape and other types of sexual assault, whether committed by a stranger, friend, or steady dating partner against women or men, is a violation of the law and the policy of the University of Alaska. UAF will also provide assistance and support for victims of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct and will work toward the apprehension of alleged assailants. Additionally, educational programs directed at prevention and awareness of sexual misconduct will be made available to the campus community.

The University of Alaska prohibits sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. Actions which result in charges of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct under this policy do not preclude civil and/or criminal liability under State law.

This policy governs the conduct of all University of Alaska students. (Related policies governing the conduct of faculty, staff and administrators.)

A. Sexual misconduct is defined as sexual contact without consent by an acquaintance or a stranger and includes but is not limited to: intentional touching without consent, either of the victim or when the victim is forced to touch, directly or through clothing, another person's genitals, breasts, groin, thighs, or buttocks; rape (sexual intercourse without consent whether by an acquaintance or a stranger); aggravated assault; aggravated sodomy (sexual penetration with an object without consent); sodomy (oral or anal intercourse without consent); non-consensual kissing; statutory rape; child molestation; aggravated child molestation; voyeurism, and public indecency.

To constitute a lack of consent, the acts must be committed either by threat, force, surprise, intimidation, or as a result of the victim's mental or physical impairment of which the accused was aware or should have been aware. Mental or physical impairment refers to the victim's inability to understand the situation, understand the consequences of his/her choices, or to express his/her desires. This may include, but is not limited to, intoxication, being under the influence of drugs, unconsciousness, or other cognitive impairment, or being under the age of consent..

It is a violation of this policy to engage in any form of sexual activity or conduct without the consent of the other person. Such consent may be withdrawn at any time, without regard to activity preceding the withdrawal of consent.

B. Sexual harassment of employees or students in the University System is prohibited and shall subject the offender to dismissal or other sanctions after compliance with procedural due process requirements. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature which is pervasive and/or severe can constitute sexual harassment, including but not limited to, verbal misconduct without accompanying physical contact.

To file a complaint or inquire about the polices concerning sexual harassment or sexual misconduct at theUniversity of Alaska, students should contact the Dean of Students at their University .

A charge of sexual misconduct under this policy will be considered a major rule violation, and persons found guilty of such charges will be adjudicated through the established judicial process regarding major rule violation found in the Student Conduct Code. Guilty parties will be subject but not limited to the following Disciplinary Measures: Expulsion, Disciplinary Suspension, Reprimand, Restriction, Disciplinary Probation, Fines, and Restitution. Students who are also employees may additionally be subject to staff policies and procedures.

An alleged victim may wish to report the incident to the police. It is always the alleged victim's choice as to whether to report an act of sexual misconduct. The identity of the alleged victim will be protected to the fullest extent under the law. Reporting sexual misconduct does not mean the alleged victim has to prosecute. However, it does begin the Institute's formal investigation of the issue and serves as a form of official documentation of the incident should the decision to prosecute be made at a later date.

Time is of the essence when a sexual assault has occurred. The sooner an assault is reported, the easier it is to collect valuable evidence. Alleged victims may report a sexual assault to campus police, local police, a rape crisis hotline, or emergency room personnel, who will assist with the reporting process.

However, individuals seeking assistance in connection with sexual misconduct are not obligated to take further action.

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Contact Us

The Women's Center is located in the Eielson building (adjacent to Signer's Hall) room 112

Phone: 474-6360 Email: fywoc@uaf.edu

Last updated on November 14, 2008

UAF is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution