New sexual violence discipline policy becomes effective January 1, 2016

I am writing to let you know about significant changes that will become effective January 1, 2016 in how the University of California disciplines students who are found responsible for policy violations in cases of sexual violence (sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking).

The new rules include a minimum mandatory suspension for two years for violations of the sexual violence policy and a minimum mandatory suspension of one year for other forms of sexual misconduct.

These rules are being implemented at all 10 UC campuses with the same standards, requirements, and time frames.

The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community free of sexual violence and sexual harassment for every individual. Sexual violence and sexual harassment violate both the law and university policy.

UC President Napolitano has called for UC to be the national leader in prevention and response to sexual violence and sexual assault and formed a task force to develop new procedures and rules and create a national model. The task force process resulted in eight key overarching mandates that form the UC National Model for prevention, education, advocacy, and response.

The university has formal procedures that provide for the investigation of reports of sexual violence and sexual harassment by the Title IX office, a review of the investigative findings and sanctioning recommendations by the Student Conduct office, and the imposition of discipline by the Student Conduct office as appropriate. Both the complainant and the respondent may appeal the decision or sanctions. The new sanctions (two-year suspensions) will be imposed on students found responsible for policy violations in Title IX investigations initiated January 1, 2016 or later.

In addition, students may file reports with the UCSC Police Department for possible criminal investigation and prosecution and, regardless of how students choose to report, the CARE Advocate office is available to provide confidential support to those who have experienced any form of sexual violence.

The Title IX Office can be reached at 831-459-2462, UCSC police can be reached at 831-459-2231 ext.1, and the CARE Advocate office can be reached at 831-502-2273 and care@ucsc.edu. More information on sexual violence and sexual assault prevention policies and resources is available at safe.ucsc.edu.