The University of Maine System is committed to providing a safe environment which promotes the dignity and worth of each member of the community. In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of pluralism, the University does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. For this reason, the University will not tolerate discrimination, discriminatory harassment, sexual assault and other sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or retaliation in any form.
Complaints or Reports of Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment, Retaliation, Sexual Assault, Domestic violence, Dating violence or Stalking
The University strongly encourages anyone who has been the victim of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, retaliation, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, to report the incident to the University. A report can be made at any time, no matter when the incident happened. Reporting the incident to the University does not mean that you have to file a formal complaint or participate in the University’s disciplinary process or bring criminal charges. Reporting the incident, however, will allow the University to provide you with all of the support and services, both on campus and off campus, that are available to you.
Any individual may make a third-party complaint about discrimination, discriminatory harassment, retaliation, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking experienced by another. Individuals are encouraged to contact the appropriate office identified below as soon as possible. Upon receipt of such information, the University will determine whether further action, including contacting the alleged victim, is warranted. If a concern is reported by someone other than the alleged victim, and the alleged victim is unwilling or unable to cooperate with an investigation, the University’s ability to respond may be significantly limited.
A. Complaints or Reports of Conduct by Employees
All complaints or reports relating to discrimination, discriminatory harassment, retaliation, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking by a University employee should be made to the Equal Opportunity Director/Title IX Coordinator, Sarah Harebo at 207-581-1226
The Title IX coordinator is the person responsible for the University of Maine System’s overall compliance and response to incidents of sexual assault, sexual harassment and sex discrimination in general.
B. Complaints or Reports of Conduct by Students
All complaints or reports relating to discrimination, discriminatory harassment, retaliation, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking, by a University student should be made to Laura Rodas at 207-621-3226 who will notify the campus Title IX coordinator of the complaint or report.
C. Complaints or Reports of Conduct by Third Parties (Campus Guests, Vendors, Contractors, etc.)
All concerns regarding discrimination, discriminatory harassment, retaliation, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking by third parties such as vendors, contractors and campus guests should be made to the Title IX coordinator Sarah Harebo at 207-581-1226. Upon receipt of a report or complaint, the University will respond as appropriate, given the nature of its relationship to the third party.
In addition, the law prohibits retaliation against an individual for opposing any practices forbidden under this policy, for bringing a complaint of discrimination or harassment, for assisting someone with such a complaint, for attempting to stop such discrimination or harassment, or for participating in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a complaint of discrimination or harassment.
Possible Disciplinary Sanctions for Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, and Stalking
Any person found to have committed the offense of Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, or Stalking by the University of Maine at Augusta’s Conduct Committee and/or the State of Maine judicial system will be subject to severe disciplinary sanctions which may include immediate suspension or dismissal.
Victim’s options for changing Academic Situations
Any victim of sexual assault, other sexual misconduct, or stalking has the right to request a change in academic situations, such as arranging extra time to complete or re-take a class.
Procedures for On-Campus Disciplinary Action
- Accuser and accused will have the same rights to have others present at any hearing, including the assistance of an advisor and/or legal counsel.
- Accuser and accused will both be informed of the outcome of any such hearings when the charge is Title IX violation. Victims shall be informed of their option to notify proper law enforcement authorities, and their option to be assisted in doing so.
- Investigations of complaints shall be reliable, adequate and impartial.
- Cases shall be adjudicated using a Preponderance of the Evidence Standard.
If a rape, sexual assault, other sexual violence, or stalking is reported to a University official, the victim will be informed of their option to notify proper law enforcement authorities and will be assisted in doing so if requested. A student may file a criminal complaint and a Tile IX complaint with the University simultaneously.
Counseling Services
Counseling services are provided on campus, free of charge, to any student victim of a rape or sexual assault who desires this service. Students may self-refer online. Referrals can also be made to outside providers for assistance, including local sexual assault resource centers.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights is the entity that is charged with enforcing Title IX compliance. Inquiries about these issues may also be referred to the local branch of the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), 8th Floor, Five Post Office Square, Boston MA 02109-3921, telephone (617) 289-0111, fax (617) 289-0150, TTY (877) 521.2172 or email: ocr.boston@ed.gov. The website for the Office of Civil Rights can be located by following this link: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html