Faculty & Staff: Responsible Employees

Faculty & Staff: Responsible Employees

Am I considered a Responsible Employee?

All university employees are considered Responsible Employees with exception to those specifically designated as confidential resource:

  • Glassboro/Campus Campus: Rowans Counseling/Psychological Services
  • CMSRU Campus: Rutgers Student Wellness Program
  • Virtua SOM Campus: Counseling Services in Rowan SOM Health and Wellness Center

As a Responsible Employee you must report to the Title IX Coordinator any incidents of possible sexual harassment, sexual assault and sexual misconduct. Reports must be made within 24 hours.

The Office of Student Equity and Compliance (OSEC) has created a Responsible Employee Guide in order to aid you in navigating the process.

Importance of Responsible Employees:

Employees are uniquely positioned to assist students/colleagues experiencing sexual harassment, sexual assault and sexual misconduct because they often see the warning signs - absence from class, decreased productivity, lower grade, and social withdrawal - before others.

As a valuable and respected member of the campus community you play an important role in preventing and responding to sexual misconduct and harassment. Responsible Employees can help support an educational environment free of sexual harassment, sexual assault and sexual misconduct by:

  • Modeling respectful behavior
  • Speaking up and intervening if you see inappropriate behavior or students or colleagues making inappropriate comments or jokes
  • Inviting a staff member from the OSEC to your department, office or class to talk about Title IX
  • Including recommended language about Title IX and resources in your syllabus

 

Responsible Employee Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What am I required to report?
Responsible Employees must report any disclosures or allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating/domestic violence, or sexual misconduct involving a student or employee.
What information should I include in the report?
  1. Include as much detail as possible, such as:
    1. Names of those involved (complainant, respondent, witnesses)
    2. Date, time, and location of the incident
    3. A summary of what was shared with you (Do not investigate or ask for more information than what the person voluntarily provides.)
What if the person asks me not to tell anyone or report?
You can let them know you are not a confidential resource and that you are required to report to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure they are offered support and resources. You can also refer them to confidential resources if they prefer to speak with someone privately.
Do I need the student’s permission to report?
No. You are obligated to report regardless of whether the student gives you permission. However, the student can choose whether or not to participate in any follow-up process
What happens after I make a report?
The OSEC will reach out to the person who may have experienced harm (indentified Complaniant) to offer supportive measures, resources, and options. The person is not required to participate in an investigation or take formal action.
Will I be kept informed after I make a report?
Due to privacy laws, you may not receive detailed follow-up.
What supportive role can I still play after reporting?
  1. Listen without judgement
  2. Let the student or employee know you care about their well-being
  3. Remind them that OSEC will be reaching out
  4. Offer to walk them to a confidential or support resource
  5. Refrain from asking for more details but offer empathy and support

Request a Training

The Office of Student Equity and Compliance (OSEC) offers training university-wide. The focus is on Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in all educational settings for both students and employees and Discrimination, Harassment and retaliation.

The target audience for this training event includes faculty, students, groups, clubs and organizations. 

To book an event, please forward the best date/time for your event to Brandy Bennett at bennettb@rowan.edu , indicate your preference of either face-to face or virtual setting.