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Harassment Complaint Resolution Procedures: If You Receive a Complaint

If You Receive a Complaint

Members of of the university community have both rights and responsibilities related to resolving harassment complaints. Make sure you understand these clearly and seek assistance if you need clarification.

Your Rights

• It is your right to work and/or learn in a harassment-free environment.

Your Responsibilities

• You are responsible for understanding and complying with the Harassment and Discrimination Policies.
• You are responsible for responding to concerns in a prompt manner.
• You are responsible for maintaining impartiality.
• You are responsible for maintaining confidentiality (to a limited extent).
• You are responsible for knowing whom to contact for assistance in resolving concerns.

What You Should Do

• See Preventing Harassment at NC State.

• Read the Harassment and Discrimination Policies.

• Review NC State's Resolution Procedures for Harassment Complaints.

• Help the person who has the complaint understand the resolution options that are available. See the Harassment Complaint Resolution Options.

• SPA employees must follow the SPA Grievance Process if they wish to retain their appeal rights through the Office of State Personnel. Be sure that persons with complaints discuss their concerns with someone in the Employee Relations section of Human Resources.

• Consult with the Office for Institutional Equity & Diversity, Office of Student Conduct or Human Resources for advice regarding resolution.

• Consult with the Office for Institutional Equity & Diversity to ensure consistent interpretation of policy and confirmation of any previous relevant complaints.

• If you observe or are approached about discrimination or harassment, take action.

• Maintain impartiality. Avoid expressing opinions about the character or ability of the accused or other persons involved. Do not make proclamations about whether you believe or disbelieve the grievant or whether you believe or disbelieve that harassment has occurred.

• Maintain confidentiality; however, you should not make promises regarding complete confidentiality.

• Maintain documentation regarding any matters involving discrimination or harassment.

• Bottom line: Be a good supervisor -- show respect for others, listen to their concerns, and help resolve them. When in doubt, get help.

Whom You Should Contact for Assistance

You are encouraged, and you should feel free, to seek assistance, information, and guidance from any of these resources.

• Your Supervisor
  Any situation

• Office for Institutional Equity & Diversity
  Any situation

• Human Resources
  Situations involving SPA employees with a concern about any other employee

• Office of Student Conduct
  Situations involving a concern about a student

Resources

• Administrator’s Guide for Resolving Unlawful Harassment Claims