Discrimination and Harassment Prevention and Response

The University of California Office of the President is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals who participate in university programs and activities can work together in an atmosphere free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation or intimidation.

Every member of the community should be aware that the university prohibits, in accordance with its policies: discrimination, bias, retaliation, sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Such behavior violates both law and university policy. The university will respond promptly and effectively to any report of harassment and discrimination and will take appropriate action to prevent, correct, and when necessary, discipline behavior that violates university policy.

Who to contact

If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination or if you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment or sexual violence, the Discrimination/Affirmative Action/Title IX Officer, John Sims (phone: 510-987-0477), can provide information and assistance.

You can choose to remain anonymous in making a report. Anonymous reporting happens when you do not disclose your name or the identities of the other parties involved, nor request any specific action. Depending on what information is shared, action by the University may be limited. The Discrimination/Affirmative Action/Title IX Officer will determine appropriate next steps as required by relevant laws and policies.

Reporting

All reports of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or sexual violence should be reported to the Lead Discrimination/Affirmative Action/Title IX Officer. Either method below allows you to report anonymously.

The Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation Complaint Form (pdf) can be used to report complaints. To submit your complaint using the form, please make sure to save changes to the document and email the completed form to John Sims, Discrimination/Affirmative Action/Title IX Officer.

Electronic reports of other misconduct including sexual harassment and discrimination can be submitted through the EthicsPoint for Office of the President online reporting system.

All crimes in progress should be reported to 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

If you or someone you know has experienced any form of sexual violence, including sexual assault or rape, you are strongly encouraged to report the incident to your local police department, as follows:

• For all Oakland-based UCOP offices, contact UC San Francisco Police Department: (415) 476-1414
• For non-emergency incidents in Oakland (outside of UCOP offices), contact Oakland City Police Department: (510) 777-3333
• In Sacramento, contact Sacramento Police Department: (916) 808-5471
• In Washington, D.C., contact the Metropolitan Police Department Sexual Assault Unit: (202) 727-3700
• In Riverside (for UCPath employees), contact Riverside Sheriff's Department: (951) 776-1099

Individual counseling

For UCOP, the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) provides assessment, counseling and referral services for a broad range of personal and work-related issues. FSAP also has trained professionals available to offer compassionate and confidential support if you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted. To set up an appointment, call (415) 476-8279.

Key policies and procedures covering anti-discrimination and disability

• Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy Regarding Academic and Staff Employment (pdf)
  It is the policy of the University not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with the University of California. In addition, it is the policy of the University to undertake affirmative action, consistent with its obligations as a Federal contractor.
• UCOP Principles of Community
  UCOP is committed to promoting an environment that supports every person in an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation, professionalism, and fairness. Realization of this commitment requires awareness and active participation by every member of our community.
• UC Policy on Non-discrimination in Employment (pdf)
  The University of California is committed to nondiscrimination in employment and creating and maintaining a workplace free of harassment.
• UCOP Human Resources Procedures — Non-discrimination in Employment (pdf)
  Local Procedures to implement the UC Policy on Non-discrimination in Employment.
• UCOP Policy on Complaint Resolution (pdf)
  This policy provides direction and authority to resolve complaints made by employees in the Professional & Support Staff (PSS) and Managers & Senior Professionals salary grades I-VII (MSP I-VII) personnel groups.
• UCOP Human Resources Procedures on Complaint Resolution (pdf)
  Local Procedures to implement the UC Policy on Complaint Resolution.
• UCOP Policy on Reasonable Accommodation (pdf)
  The policy addresses when the University and the employee will engage in an interactive process to identify possible options for reasonably accommodating an employee’s disability.
• UCOP Human Resources Procedures on Reasonable Accommodation (pdf)
  Local Procedures to implement the UC Policy on Reasonable Accommodation for an employee’s disability.
• Bargaining Units
  Employees represented by a union may refer to their collective bargaining agreement.

Key policies and procedures covering sexual harassment or violence

• UCOP domestic abuse resources during COVID-19
• UC Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence (pdf)
  The University prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence, and such behavior violates both law and University policy.
• UCOP Human Resources Procedures — Sexual Harassment/Violence (pdf)
  This procedure provides the primary information and guidance for students, staff, or others about reporting allegations of sexual harassment and sexual violence, and for UCOP’s responsibility for responding to such reports.

The following policies and procedures address situations in which a report of sexual harassment or violence results in a recommendation for disciplinary action:

• UC Policy on Sexual Harassment and Complaint Resolution Procedures for students (pdf)
  The Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations and Students are a compendium of University-wide policies relating to student life. Section 160.00 describes the University’s policy on sexual harassment and complaint resolution procedures.
• Faculty Code of Conduct (pdf)
  This policy is the Faculty Code of Conduct as approved by the Assembly of the Academic Senate.
• University Policy on Faculty Conduct and the Administration of Discipline (pdf)
  The University policy on faculty conduct and the administration of discipline is set forth in its entirety in this policy and in the Faculty Code of Conduct.
• Non-Senate Academic Appointees/Corrective Action and Dismissal (pdf)
  This policy provides the standards and procedures for instituting corrective action or dismissal of non-Senate academic appointees.