University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Sexual Harassment Information and Resources
I. Introduction
II. What is Sexual Harassment?
III. What is Retaliation?
IV. A Victim’s Feelings
V. Sexual Harassment May Involve…
VI. Examples of Harassment and Retaliation
VII. What should I do if I think I have experienced or witnessed Sexual
Harassment?
VIII. Response by the University
IX. References and Resources
I. INTRODUCTION
The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is committed to fostering a collegial academic
community whose mission requires positive learning, working, and living environment that
values and protects individual dignity and the integrity of human relationships. As a place of
work and study, University of Colorado must be free of inappropriate and disrespectful conduct
and communication of a sexual nature, of sexual harassment and related retaliation and of all
forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation. The University of Colorado will not condone
sexual harassment or related retaliation of or by any member of the University community.
Individuals who violate the University Sexual Harassment Policy will be disciplined or
subjected to corrective action, up to and including termination or expulsion.
II. WHAT IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT?
Sexual Harassment is unwelcome sexual attention. It can involve intimidation, threats,
coercion or promises. Harassment may occur between any combination of members of the
campus community: student, faculty member, staff member and administrator. It generally
occurs when one person, the harasser, holds a position of real or perceived authority over the
other individual.
III. WHAT IS RETALIATION?
Retaliation occurs when adverse actions are imposed against individuals who have reported
sexual harassment or have participated in a sexual harassment complaint.
Sexual Harassment and Related Retaliation are Prohibited.
IV. A VICTIM’S FEELINGS
The classroom or work environment may become hostile, intimidating, or offensive to you or
anyone.
If you or others do not object, the harasser may continue or even intensify the behavior.
A victim may:
 have feelings of confusion, fearfulness, powerlessness, guilt or shame
 lose motivation
 experience a loss of self-esteem
 sit at the back of the classroom
 drop the class or quit the job
 change majors or change careers
If a friend or colleague appears to be harassing another individual, tell her or him you have
noticed the behavior and that it should stop.
V. SEXUAL HARSSMENT MAY INVOLVE….
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unwanted physical contact
pressure for dates or sexual favors
sexually explicit visual material (calendars, posters, cards, software, websites)
o
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promises or rewards (a better grade, a promotion) in return for sexual favors
suggestive comments about physical appearance or clothing
use or display of sexually offensive or degrading pictures or reading material not
legitimately related to the subject matter of a course
sexual teasing, jokes, remarks or questions
leering/staring, cat calls or whistling
sexual assault*
*Sexual assault differs from sexual harassment. While both are against the law, sexual assault
is a criminal act and as such should be reported to the campus or city police.
VI. EXAMPLES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND RETALIATION
 Karen meets her professor in the hallway, he puts his arm around her shoulders and
says, "I sure am glad to have you in my class, sweetie."
 Thomas goes to his class dressed for a job interview. After class his professor stops him,
looks him up and down and says that she likes his new image. She asks him to
accompany her to an out-of-town conference.
 John is given an unsatisfactory performance review because he gave information to the
investigator of a sexual harassment complaint.
 Josh and Kyle, lab partners, are having lunch in the school cafeteria. Kyle shows Josh a
risqué joke he received by e-mail. While he is reading it, Kyle places his hand on
Josh's leg.
 Professor Jones is in her office when her student, Steve, drops by and says, "I'd do
anything for an A in your class."
VII. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE EXPERIENCED OR WITNESSED SEXUAL
HARASSMENT?
1. TELL HARASSER TO STOP
If you feel comfortable doing so, directly and succinctly request that the harasser discontinue
the offensive behavior.
2. WRITE A LETTER
In some cases, a letter to the harasser will clear up any misunderstandings on both sides
and/or cause the behavior to stop. The letter should include a statement such as: "When you
(stare at me, put your hand on my shoulder, make sexual comments) I feel uncomfortable. I
want you to stop that behavior immediately."
3. TELL SOMEONE
Discussing the situation with someone will help you sort out your feelings and decide what to
do. You may want to talk to a trusted person (e.g. friend, significant other) or to the Campus
Sexual Harassment Officer.
4. KEEP A RECORD
What happened? When? Where? Were there other people around? How did you feel?
Save written, voice mail and e-mail messages.
5. REPORT INCIDENT PROMPTLY
Incidents of sexual harassment should be reported to the Campus Sexual Harassment Officer
as soon as possible. The Sexual Harassment Officer will work with you to determine the most
appropriate means to address the complaint
VIII. RESPONSE BY THE UNIVERSITY
The Sexual Harassment Officer receives reports of possible sexual harassment. When it is
determined that there may be a violation of the Sexual Harassment Policy, an investigation of
the allegation may be conducted. (The Sexual Harassment Officer will brief complainant and
respondent on the steps of any investigation and report.) If you think you are being sexually
harassed, the Sexual Harassment Officer and Committee members are only a phone call away
at 255-4324.
IX. REFERENCES AND RESOURCES
Regent Policy 2-J: https://www.cu.edu/regents/Policies/Policy2J.htm
Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures APS:
https://www.cu.edu/policies/Personnel/sexharass.html
Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures APS in Spanish:
http://www.uccs.edu/~hr/testweb/docs/NotForms/SexualHarassmentPolicySpanish.doc
Conflict of Interest in Cases of Amorous Relationships APS:
https://www.cu.edu/policies/Personnel/amorel.html
Sexual Harassment Training: My CU Portal https://my.cu.edu/
Augustine, Rosemary . . . . (719)255-4324 on campus x4324
Sexual Harassment & Discrimination Officer
SEXUAL HARASSMENT & DISCRIMINATION OFFICE
MH 403
raugusti@uccs.edu