Frequently Asked Questions

• The University Policy goes above what is required by the new federal regulations. The Policy is broader in scope and addresses all types of sexual misconduct, including the more narrowly defined Title IX sexual harassment and covers misconduct occurring off-campus. By creating an inclusive umbrella policy, the University maintains compliance with federal Title IX regulations while ensuring and continuing all areas of alleged sexual misconduct are addressed. The University utilizes one procedure for resolving cases of Prohibited Conduct for students, staff, and faculty. 

The Title IX Coordinator/Officer leads, coordinates, and oversees the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct (OCRSM), including OCRSM’s efforts regarding compliance training, prevention programming, and educational programs. 

• Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Title IX defines Sexual Harassment as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: Quid Pro Quo, Hostile Environment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking. 
• The University’s Policy includes conduct under Title IX and also addresses conduct of Other Sexual Misconduct and Retaliation. This includes Sexual Harassment not within the confines of an Education program Activity, Sexual Coercion, Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Intimidation, Attempted Sexual Assault, and Other Sex-Based Offenses.
   

Supportive Measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the Complainant or the Respondents. The purpose of Supportive Measures is to restore or preserve equal access to Education Programs or Activities without unreasonably burdening the other party. 

Supportive Measures may become available upon the Title IX Coordinator or OCRSM receiving notification of alleged Prohibited Conduct and do not require the filing of a Formal Complaint.

• OCRSM, in consultation with other appropriate University officials, considers Parties’ wishes with respect to facilitating the planning and implementation of any of the following Supportive Measures including, but not limited to:
  • Academic Accommodations
  • Housing Accommodations
  • Employment Accommodations
  • Care and Support
  • Community Education
  • Safety
  • University Referrals
  • Other appropriate, reasonably available services
• Examples of Supportive Measures may include, but not limited to: 
  • Extensions of academic deadlines 
  • Rearranging class schedules 
  • Facilitating changes in on-campus housing
  • Arranging different work shifts or a temporary assignment
  • Referral to CARE to Stop Violence 
  • Assistance in arranging appointments with University resources
  • Safety planning
  • No Contact Order

All University of Maryland students, employees (faculty and staff), volunteers, and visitors.

• Quid Pro Quo: An employee (staff or faculty) conditioning the provision of aid, benefit, or service of the University on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual contact.
• Hostile Environment: Unwelcome conduct that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive to deny a person equal access to the University’s Education Program or Activity.
• Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking.
   

Sexual Harassment that occurred outside of the United States or not within an Education Program or Activity, Sexual Coercion, Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Intimidation, Attempted Sexual Assault, and Other Sex-Based Offenses.

Yes, the Policy applies to online or electronic conduct. 

Yes. Title IX regulations narrowly define conduct to mostly on campus conduct. However, the University continues to address off campus Prohibited Conduct under the new interim Policy including reported Prohibited Conduct outside of the United States.

No. Speaking with someone, including the Title IX Coordinator/Officer or a Responsible University Employee, does not mean that you need to participate in an investigation. OCRSM will provide you with resources and reporting options to make the decision that is best for you.

Yes. The criminal process and the OCRSM reporting process are separate processes but can occur at the same time.
 

OCRSM is not a confidential reporting resource. Maintaining the privacy of the individuals involved is a priority, and OCRSM is committed to only sharing information on a need-to-know basis. If you are seeking confidential resources, you can speak to one of the confidential resources listed below.

• Confidential resources may be able to assist individuals in navigating advocacy, therapy, counseling, and emotional support services.  The following confidential resources on campus include:
  • Campus Advocates Respond and Educate to Stop Violence (CARE)
    • health.umd.edu/CARE
    • 301-314-2222 | 24/7 Crisis Line: 301-741-3442
  • University Counseling Center 
    • counseling.umd.edu
    • 301-314-7651 | After Hours Crisis Support: 301-314-7651
  • Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)
    • health.umd.edu/fsap
    • 301-314-8170 | 301-314-8099
  • Behavioral Health Center
    • health.umd.edu/behavioral-health
    • 301-314-8106
  • Campus Chaplains
    • thestamp.umd.edu/memorial_chapel/chaplains
    • 301-405-8450 | 301-314-9866
• For a list of additional confidential resources that can be found off campus, please visit Section X of the Policy.

Your request for anonymity will be considered by the Title IX Officer. Anonymity or withholding certain information may hinder the ability to effectively resolve your report and provide you with Supportive Measures. 

The University requires that RUEs (any university administrator, supervisor, faculty member, campus police, coach, trainer, resident assistant, or non-confidential first responder) must promptly notify the Title IX Officer of any report of sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct brought to their attention.