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Student Planner 2009-2010

Sexual Harassment

U.M. Collected Rules & Regulations, 330.060 - Executive Order No. 20, 3-17-81, rev. 7-1-81, 9-20-83, 3-93, 12-98

The University is committed to maintaining an atmosphere that is free of sexual harassment. It is the responsibility of all faculty, staff, and students to help promote and maintain such an atmosphere.

The Collected Rules and Regulations of the University of Missouri define sexual harassment as either:

  1. Unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual activity by a University employee in a position of power or authority to a University employee or a member of the student body, or
  2. Other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by a University employee or a member of the student body to a University employee or a member of the student body, when:
    1. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used explicitly or implicitly as a condition for academic or employment decisions; or
    2. The purpose or effect of such conduct is to interfere unreasonably with the work or academic performance of the person being harassed; or
    3. The purpose or effect of such conduct to a reasonable person is, to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Informal Consultation:

The University has an affirmative obligation to investigate every formal complaint of sexual harassment. Students, staff, and faculty are entitled to proceed directly to the filing of a formal complaint based on an allegation of sexual harassment. However, the campus also has individuals available who are willing to talk confidentially with students, staff, and faculty who believe they may have experienced sexual harassment but are not ready to file a formal complaint. Such discussions may, but need not, lead to the filing of a formal complaint, and a formal investigation.

These individuals include:

Miranda Duncan Public Policy Research Center 516-6040
Sharon Clark Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences 516-5300
Deborah Burris Director, Office of Equal Opportunity 516-5695
Sharon Biegen Director, Counseling Services 516-5711
Mary Brown President, Staff Association 516-6016



These individuals are available to talk informally and confidentially with those who believe they may have experienced sexual harassment, and, where appropriate, to attempt to resolve, on an informal basis, whatever issues these individuals may have.

Filing a Formal Complaint:

The following have been designated by the Chancellor as the individuals who will assist faculty, students, and staff in filing formal complaints of sexual harassment. Each is willing to discuss issues in an informal fashion, but each is also under an obligation to initiate an investigation if he or she believes there are probable grounds for a case of sexual harassment.

Faculty: Academic Affairs, 516-5372.

Students: Student Affairs, 516-5211.

Staff: Office of Equal Opportunity, 516-5695.