UCM's Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, or Retaliation Grievance Process

Grievance Process: Discrimination, Harassment, & Sexual Misconduct

University of Central Missouri | Office of Equity & Access

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) is committed to protecting all participants in our programs and activities—including academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and employment programs—whether they take place on or off campus.

By law, UCM has a responsibility to respond promptly and equitably to reports of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation.

⚖️ Our Commitment to a Fair Process

The University’s grievance process acts independently from any civil or criminal proceedings. We aim to provide a safe, healthy environment through effective policies and comprehensive training for all students and staff.

Core Standards of the Process

Our grievance procedures are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and support for all parties involved:

• Support & Options: We provide immediate support and multiple options for members of the University community who have experienced misconduct.

• Equitable Rights: Both the complainant and the respondent are guaranteed equal rights. No disciplinary action is taken until a formal determination of responsibility has been made.

• Impartial Resolutions: Complaints are resolved through a timely, fair, and impartial process.

• Standard of Evidence: Determinations are made using the preponderance of the evidence standard (meaning it is "more likely than not" that the alleged conduct occurred).

• Expert Oversight: Cases are handled by University officials specifically trained in investigation and bias-free determination to promote safety and equity.

• Right to an Advisor: Both parties have the right to have a support person or advisor present during all stages of the investigation and resolution.

• Simultaneous Notification: Both parties are notified in writing at every stage, including the status of the investigation, hearings, and appeals.

• Informal Resolution: When appropriate, complaints may be resolved informally if both parties provide mutual agreement.

• Right of Appeal: Both the complainant and respondent have the right to appeal the hearing officer's decision.

• Retaliation Protection: UCM strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual for filing a complaint or participating in an investigation.

🆘 Reporting & Resources

If you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation, please know that assistance is available.

• For Emergencies: Call 911.

• Public Safety (Non-Emergency): 660-543-4123.

• Title IX Coordinator: 660-543-4114.

Equity Administration & Title IX Oversight

University of Central Missouri

The University’s Equity Administrators and Title IX Coordinators are responsible for the comprehensive monitoring and oversight of policies related to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation. Their work ensures UCM remains compliant with federal and state laws while fostering a safe environment for all faculty, staff, and students.

📋 Duties and Responsibilities

The Equity/Title IX team manages the overall implementation of university policies, including:

• Compliance Oversight: Ensuring the university meets all legal requirements under Title IX and related civil rights laws.

• Grievance Coordination: Managing the formal process for reporting and resolving complaints of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.

• Investigations: Overseeing impartial investigations into reported violations of university policy.

• Education & Training: Coordinating mandatory training and educational communications for the entire UCM community.

• Policy Implementation: Developing and maintaining prohibitions against retaliation and ensuring equitable treatment for all parties.

👤 UCM Equity & Title IX Contacts

If you have questions, need to report an incident, or require support, please contact our campus administrators directly.

🏛️ External Reporting: Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

If you prefer to contact an external agency regarding concerns of discrimination or sexual misconduct at the University, you may contact the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Missouri is served by the regional office located in Kansas City:

Kansas City Office for Civil Rights

One Petticoat Lane

1010 Walnut St., Suite 320

Kansas City, MO 64106

• Telephone: 816-268-0550

• Fax: 816-268-0599

• Email: OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov

Information for Faculty: Syllabus Requirements & Mandated Reporting

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) is committed to a campus culture defined by safety, equity, and respect. To ensure students are aware of their rights and the resources available to them, faculty are encouraged to include specific language regarding nondiscrimination and reporting duties in their course syllabi.

📄 Recommended Syllabus Statement

Faculty may copy and paste the following text into their course materials:

Nondiscrimination and Sexual Misconduct Statement

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) seeks to foster a safe and healthy environment where discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation will not be tolerated in university programs, activities, employment, and education.

 

The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic, including age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, disability, and all other legally protected characteristics in matters of admissions, employment, education, or in the programs or activities of the University.

 

📢 Understanding Mandated Reporting

It is important for both students and faculty to understand the reporting obligations of university employees.

• Who is a Mandated Reporter? All faculty and most staff members at UCM are considered mandated reporters.

• The Obligation: If a faculty or staff member receives information regarding an incident of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation, they must disclose all details to the Equity Administrator/Title IX Coordinator.

• The Purpose: This requirement ensures that the University can provide the affected individual with official support, resources, and information regarding their options for resolution.

Note to Students: As your instructor, I am a mandated reporter. This means I am required to report information shared with me regarding discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation.

🆘 Support and Reporting Options

If you, or someone you know, has experienced discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation, assistance is available. UCM strongly encourages all members of the community to seek support.

How to Take Action:

• Report an Incident: Contact the Equity Administrator/Title IX Coordinator directly to start a formal or informal report.

• Learn Your Options: Review the University grievance process and the various supportive measures (such as academic accommodations or no-contact orders) available to you.

• Confidential Resources: If you wish to speak with someone who is not a mandated reporter (such as a counselor or healthcare provider), please visit our confidential resources page.

Click Here to Report an Incident or Access Resources