The University of California, Santa Cruz, is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of sexual harassment and sexual violence. The sexual harassment of students and employees, including sexual violence, interferes with their right to work and learn in a safe environment and is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Act.
The UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment prohibits sexual violence, including sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. The Policy also prohibits sexual harassment and other specific forms of sexual misconduct. The Policy applies broadly and protects faculty, staff and students.
It is important that all members of our community act as active bystanders to prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence in our community. A critical component of this is fulfilling the Policy’s Responsible Employee reporting obligation. Any employee who is not expressly defined as a “Confidential Resource” pursuant to the policy is a Responsible Employee who must inform the UC Santa Cruz Title IX Office when, in the course of their work, they become aware that a student has experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence. Faculty, managers and supervisors, human resources administrators and academic personnel have a broader obligation, and must inform the Title IX officer when they get a report of sexual harassment or sexual violence from a colleague, a subordinate or anyone else affiliated with the University. Reporting to the Title IX officer ensures that those affected by sexual harassment and sexual violence can learn about their rights and resources, and make an informed choice about how to proceed.
A Responsible Employee fulfills their obligation by making an online report to the Title IX Office or by calling the Interim Title IX Officer, Cherie Scricca, at (831) 459-2462 and providing whatever information they have about the incident, including the names and contact information of any individuals involved. A Responsible Employee should not conduct any investigation and should not share the information with anyone other than the Title IX officer.
The Policy prohibits retaliation against Responsible Employees and others who report sexual harassment or sexual violence to the Title IX office, or who assist the Title IX office with responding to such a report.
There are confidential resources available on the campus. Most importantly, the CARE Office provides confidential support to UC Santa Cruz students, faculty and staff affected by sexual harassment or sexual violence. In addition, CARE Director Kelsey Ferrell is available to provide training on how to support staff and faculty when they disclose and how to provide bystander interventions. Other confidential and resources are listed on the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response website (safe.ucsc.edu). Anyone seeking help can also contact the UC Santa Cruz Police Department or call 831-459-2231.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Policy or related procedures and requirements, please contact the Interim Title IX Officer Cherie Scricca at 831-459-2462 or email at cscricca@ucsc.edu.
Creating a community free of sexual violence and sexual harassment requires an ongoing commitment from everyone. Please join in reaffirming this commitment.
