RESPONSIBLE EMPLOYEES

As members of the UConn community, each one of us is responsible for maintaining a safe, respectful, and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment. In carrying out their reporting responsibilities, Responsible Employees play an important role in upholding these values.

What constitutes a Disclosure?

In this context, Disclosure is when a Student shares information about Sexual Assault (SA), Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and/or Stalking (S), regardless of whether the incident or experience happened recently, previously, or is ongoing.

Am I a Responsible Employee?

The vast majority of UConn Employees—including but not limited to: Faculty, Staff, Graduate Assistants, and Undergraduate Resident Assistants—are designated Responsible Employees. Exceptions are limited to: Confidential Employees (i.e. medical care and mental health providers) and Designated Confidential Employees (i.e. cultural center staff, professional staff in the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, and Ombuds).

What is required of Responsible Employees?

Responsible Employees are required to share all known details of a disclosure with the Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights (OICR) upon receipt.

Why have I been designated a Responsible Employee?

The University has designated Responsible Employees to serve in positions whereby they ensure that impacted Students receive timely and accurate information about support resources and reporting options, should they wish to pursue those avenues. Responsible Employee reporting helps inform the University of the incidents effecting our students on and off campus so the University can track patterns, respond to trends, and formulate appropriate campus-wide responses with the goal of making the campus a more safe, equitable, and inclusive environment.

Response Steps and Tips

Step 1: CARE

• Practice empathetic listening
• Let the Student disclosing set the
  pace and tone of the conversation
• Withhold judgment
• Avoid questions or statements that
  imply fault or blame
• Stay aware of your biases and
  assumptions
• Pay attention to the Student's verbal
  and non-verbal cues

Step 2: INFORM

• Remind the Student of your
  reporting responsibilities at an
  appropriate time
• Explain the purpose of your
  reporting responsibility
• Inform the Student that they may
  receive outreach from a University
  administrator regarding resources
  and reporting options, and it is their
  choice to respond

Step 3: CONTACT

• Promptly notify OICR
  ◦ Email: equity@uconn.edu
  ◦ Online form:
  equity.uconn.edu/reporting-form/
  ◦ Phone: 860-486-2943
• Be prepared to share all details known to
  you, including:
  ◦ names
  ◦ dates
  ◦ location

What to Consider Saying

• "Thank you for sharing this with me."
• "I'm sorry you are going through such a difficult time."
• "I care about you and your experience."
• "How can I best support you?"
•  "Are you feeling (emotionally and physically) safe?"
•  "I have a responsibility to notify OICR. This information sharing
  is meant to ensure that you will receive the appropriate level
  of assistance, support, and/or University resources, should
  you wish" (i.e. the purpose of your reporting responsibility).

What to Avoid Saying

•  Commands or questions that demand or pry for more
  information than the Student readily reveals (e.g. "Tell me every
  detail from beginning to end.")
• Questions or statements that imply fault (e.g. "Why/how did you
  let this happen?")
•  Questions that invalidate the Student's experience (e.g. "Are you
  sure you're remembering everything correctly?")
• Statements that promise outcomes that are outside of your
  control (e.g. "There's no way he/she/they won't get expelled.")
• Directive statements that include the word 'should' (e.g. "You
  should tell your parents" or "You should definitely report to the
  police.")

What Happens Next

Following receipt of a report, the student will be offered supportive measures (e.g. housing and classroom modifications) and connected with support resources. It is the student's choice to respond or engage with those resources. OICR and/or the Office of Community Standards will determine the appropriate investigatory action based on the wishes of the student, level of detail provided, and if there is any risk to individual or community safety. Students do not need to pursue an investigation to receive supportive measures from the University.