Sexual Misconduct and Title IX

Policies & resources

Relevant Policies

Sexual Misconduct, including sexual assault and other forms of discrimination on the basis of sex and gender identity or expression, is unacceptable and prohibited by the University of Rochester [University]. The University takes all complaints of this nature seriously and has several policies pertaining to or created for the purpose of ensuring all complaints of sex-based harassment are responded to efficiently, thoroughly, and in accordance with relevant laws.

Together, these various policies reflect the University’s strong commitment to preventing and appropriately responding to all complaints of sex-based harassment.

Current Policies

University of Rochester Policy on Title IX Sex Discrimination, Sex-based Harassment, and Sex- and Gender-based Misconduct
1. Prohibited behavior that occurred on or after August 1, 2024 is subject to this policy
The Policy against Discrimination, Harassment, and Discriminatory Employment/Service Practices(“PADH”)
1. Prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected status
2. For more information about the University’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Discriminatory Employment/Service Practices please visit: University Prohibition of Harassment and Discrimination.

Past Policy

University of Rochester Title IX Policy
1. Prohibited behavior that occurred on or after August 1, 2020 – July 31, 2024 is subject to this policy

University of Rochester: Confidential Resources

Individuals who are confidential resources will not report information to law enforcement or University officials without your permission, except in extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency, imminent threat to self or others, or where there is mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse. Accordingly, sharing information with a confidential resource will not result in a report to the University, an investigation, or disciplinary action.

Confidential Resources are not required to report the details of an incident to the Title IX Coordinator. However, they must provide information on how to contact the Title IX Coordinator and how to make a complaint of Sex Discrimination, including Sex-based Harassment; and that the Title IX Coordinator may be able to offer and coordinate supportive measures, as well as initiate an informal resolution process or an investigation under the grievance procedures established in the Title IX Policy.

Honoring your request for confidentiality may limit our ability to meaningfully investigate and pursue disciplinary action against an accused individual.

Confidential Employees providing services in the following offices can offer Legal Confidentiality due to their status as licensed medical/healthcare professionals acting within the scope of their professional responsibilities:

University Confidential Resources include:

University Counseling Center (UCC) Available to University students. Outside of UCC office hours, there is a UCC professional on-call to address urgent mental health crises and emergencies.
UCC River Campus Office 585-275-3113 River Campus, UHS building, Third Floor 738 Library Road Susan B. Anthony Circle	UCC Eastman School Office 585-275-3113 ESM Living Center, Room 107

University Health Service (UHS) Licensed medical professionals acting in accordance with their professional responsibilities.
UHS River Campus Office 585-275-2662 1st Floor, UHS Building 738 Library Road, River Campus	UHS Eastman School Office 585-274-1230 Room 106, ESM Student Living Center	UHS Medical Center Office 585-275-2662 Room 1-5077, UR Medical Center (The entrance is at 250 Crittenden Blvd.)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Provides confidential guidance and support for addressing a variety of personal and work-related challenges.
Main Office 585-276-9110 179 Sully’s Trail Suite 200 Pittsford, NY 14534	URMC 585-276-9110 300 Crittenden Boulevard Mental Health and Wellness Rochester, NY 14642

University Ombuds Office University Ombuds will maintain confidentiality on campus, but cannot offer legal confidentiality in a process external to the University, such as a court proceeding.
Lynett Van Slyke, MS, Med 585-275-9125 l.vanslyke@syria-events.com	Frederick C. Jefferson, Jr, EdD, MA, MS, BS 585-275-9125 fjefferson@admin.syria-events.com	Ombuds Affiliate Network Find contacts by school and unit by clicking here

University Chaplains Please note that only ordained clergy and faith leaders can offer legal confidentiality.
River Campus 585-275-4321 1045 Wilson Blvd. Rochester, NY 14627	URMC 585-275-2187 Strong Memorial Hospital, 1-3302

University of Rochester: Private Resources

A private resource is someone who will not disclose information learned from you or the University’s process unless necessary, such as to connect you with resources, implement supportive measures, and implement a grievance process or the outcome of a grievance process.

The University will seek your consent prior to conducting an investigation. You may decline to consent to an investigation, and that position will be honored except in specific circumstances that suggest not doing so could result in continued discrimination or harassment, or harm to you or other members of the University community. To make this decision, we would evaluate several factors, including but not limited to: pattern behavior, an escalation of behavior, use of a weapon, whether the affected person is a minor, and/or whether the respondent is an employee. For this reason, if you decide not to meet with our office, we will conduct an assessment of any required next steps using the information available in the initial report.

If the University determines that an investigation is required, you will be notified and the University will take immediate action reasonably designed and necessary to protect and assist you. Please note that the University must respond in some form to reports of misconduct involving employees.

On-campus Reporting Private Resources include:

Title IX Coordinator

Julia Green, Associate VP for Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
585-275-1654
Wallis Hall, 147a
julia.green@syria-events.com

General Title IX team contact:
titleix@syria-events.com
Online Reporting Form

Deputy Title IX Coordinators
Contact info listed here

The Center for Student Conflict Management
The office to address and resolve issues of student conduct or violations of the Standards of Student Conduct.

585-275-4085
510 Wilson Commons
conflict.management@syria-events.com

The CARE Network
Help to identify and support students who may be struggling.

501 Wilson Commons
Submit a Concern

The Department of Public Safety
Provides emergency services and support by protecting people at the University.

Call or Text 585-275-3333, or pick up a Blue Light Phone
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
612 Wilson Blvd.
publicsafety@syria-events.com

All employees, staff, and faculty of the University who do not serve in a Confidential Employee role must notify the Title IX Office or Title IX Coordinator directly when they receive information about conduct that reasonably may constitute Prohibited Conduct as defined in the Title IX Policy, including Retaliation.

The following student-employees who receive disclosures while acting in their student-employment capacity are also expected to make a report directly to the Title IX Office:

Residential Life Staff
All student employees with responsibility for teaching or advising

Rochester Area Resources

These agencies are not obligated to report to the University.

RESTORE Sexual Assault Services Provide confidential crisis support after an instance of sexual assault, can accompany you to the hospital, or escort you to the police station at your request to file a report.	585-546-2777
Willow Domestic Violence Center Willow is available for all survivors. All genders. All ages. All types of abuse. All free and confidential.24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, court accompaniment, short-term counseling and support.	Call: 585-222-7233 TEXT: 585-348-7233 info@willowcenterny.org
Rochester Rainbow Union Community Resource Center and Library Champions for LGBTQ Life and Culture in Rochester. Our resource directory reflects the vast amounts of organizations (both LGBTQ led, and those that serve the community) that we use for referrals, collaborations, education, and information sharing	info@outalliance.org
211/LIFE LINE 24/7 crisis/suicide intervention. Services Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Cayuga and Seneca Counties. Provides assistance and referrals for emergency food, shelter, clothing, crisis counseling, substance abuse issues, employment, financial, legal issues, physical and mental health needs.	Dial 211 TTY: 585-275-2700
Deaf IGNITE Willow’s Deaf IGNITE is a signing-centric service supporting the needs of deaf survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual violence. Hearing advocates are available 24 hours a day.	585-286-2713 TEXT: 585-348-7233 DeafIGNITE@willowcenterny.org
Trillium Health Trillium Health is a community-based health center offering affordable, high-quality primary and specialty care, including LGBTQ+ affirming health care.	585-545-7200
Healing through Education Advocacy and Law (HEAL) Collaborative Headquartered within Strong Memorial Hospital, the HEAL Collaborative offers people who have experienced interpersonal violence access to physical and mental health services, as well as legal and social support, all in one place.	585-275-4325
Rochester Police Department (RPD)	Dial 911
RPD Victim Assistance Unit Short-term crisis counseling, referrals, advocacy, court accompaniment, assistance in filing for NYS victim's compensation.	585-428-6630
Monroe County Sheriff's Office Victim's Assistance Program Short-term crisis counseling, advocacy, referral, case status and court information, assistance in filing for NYS victim's compensation.	Pittsford: 585-753-4389 Henrietta: 585-753-4403 Ogden: 585-753-4455
Victim and Witness Assistance Bureau within the Monroe County District Attorney's Office Case information, court assistance, restitution request forms, parole information, referral services, other support.	585-753-4573
Monroe County Sexual Health Clinic Sexual Health Clinic that does testing and treatment of Sexually Transmitted infections, Testing for HIV, HIV Pre and Post-exposure Prophylaxis referrals (PrEP and PEP).	585-753-5481
The Legal Aid Society of Rochester Provides high quality, free or low-cost legal representation and advocacy to financially eligible residents of Genesee, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne Counties in family law matters. Assistance with Family Court Orders of Protection.	585-232-4090
Legal Assistance of Western NY LawNY® is a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance or advice for a legal issue that is not a criminal matter.	585-325-2520 TTY: 585-325-2547

New York State Resources

These agencies are not obligated to report to the University.

New York State Hotline for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Provides supportive phone counseling, safety planning, and information and referral for survivors, professionals, and concerned others regarding domestic/family violence, sexual violence, and elder abuse.	800-942-6906 TEXT: 844-997-2121
New York State Office of Victim Services Provides compensation to innocent victims of crime for their out-of-pocket losses associated with crimes. OVS additionally can educate you on your rights as a victim of a crime.	800-247-8035 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
New York State Police Campus Sexual Assault Victims Unit Non-emergency, toll free hotline to report Campus Sexual Violence to the New York State Police.	844-845-7269
Survivor Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes Our 24/7 Bilingual Hotline assists survivors of Domestic/Dating/Family Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, Bullying & Child Abuse Services. Assists with inquiries regarding safe shelter options, creating safety plans, providing emotional support and referrals to other agency supports.	800-456-1172

National Resources

These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Callers can connect free of charge to the phone hotlines. Individuals can also connect with trained hotline staff online through a secure chat messaging system, if available. These services are confidential.

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.	1-800-656-4673
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to people in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.	Dial 988
The National Domestic Violence Hotline Operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse.	1-800-799-7233 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) VP: 1-206-812-1001 Text ‘START’ to 88788
Crisis Text Line Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform.	Text ‘HOME’ to 741741
Love is Respect Highly-trained advocates offer confidential support for teens, young adults, and their loved ones seeking help, resources, or information related to healthy relationships and dating abuse in the US. They also provide information and support to concerned friends and family members, teachers, counselors, service providers and members of law enforcement.	1-866-331-9474 TTY: 1-800-787-3224 Text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522
1in6 (24 Hour Online Helpline for Male Survivors) This free and anonymous helpline is available 24/7, for men who’ve experience sexual abuse or assault and for those who care about them.	1-800-656-4673 http://supportgroup.1in6.org/
Veterans Crisis Line Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This free support is confidential and available 24/7.	Dial 988 then Press 1 TEXT: 838255 TTY: 1-800-799-7899
StongHearts Native Helpline 24/7 free, confidential and anonymous culturally-appropriate domestic, dating, and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans.	1-844-762-8483
Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 free and confidential support and crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.	1-800-985-5990
National Human Trafficking Hotline 24/7free and confidential support around sex and labor trafficking. Support is provided in more than 200 languages.	1-888-373-7888 TTY: 711 TEXT: 233733 help@humantraffickinghotline.org
National Sexual Assault Legal Hotline The Hotline is staffed 24/7 by trauma-informed legal experts specializing in victim advocacy to best support all victims of sexual harassment, assault and rape to access a reputable legal team to learn their options for justice.		567-742-8837
DOD Safe Helpline Secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault.		877-995-5247 CHAT: online.safehelpline.org
The Deaf Hotline 24/7 hotline that is ASL accessible for people experiencing abuse.		855-812-1001

LGBTQ+ Specific National Resources

Most of these services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Individuals can connect free of charge to the phone hotlines where they will connect with trained LGBTQ+ hotline staff online or through a secure chat messaging system, if available. These services are confidential.

The Trevor Project National organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people.	1-866-488-7386 Text ‘START’ to 678678
Trans Lifeline Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.	877-565-8860
The Anti-Violence Project AVP empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.	1-212-714-1141 Bilingual Services available
The Network/La Red 24-hour hotline provides confidential emotional support, information, referrals, safety planning, and crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, BDSM, polyamorous and queer communities being abused or who have been abused by a partner. We also offer information and support to friends, family, or co-workers on the issue of domestic violence in LGBQ/T communities. All hotline staff are trained in domestic violence, peer counseling, crisis intervention, and safety planning.	1-617-742-4911 (Voice) 1-800-832-1901 (Toll-Free)
FORGE FORGE is a progressive organization whose mission is to support, educate and advocate for the rights and lives of transgender individuals and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies). FORGE is dedicated to helping move fragmented communities beyond identity politics and forge a movement that embraces and empowers our diverse complexities.	Non-Emergency phone: 1-414-559-2123
LGBT National Help Center Serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning community by providing free & confidential peer-support and local resources. All calls and online services are provided by highly trained LGBTQ volunteers.	1-888-843-4564 (LGBT National Hotline) 1-800-246-7743 (LGBT National Youth Talkline) www.lgbthotline.org