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8.11 / Sexual Harassment of Students
Wichita State University is committed to a community in which students,
faculty, and staff can work in an atmosphere that is free of sexual
harassment. Such behavior is costly in human terms and it is
prohibited by law and by University policy. The University
intends to prevent sexual harassment and to resolve student complaints
of sexual harassment according to the procedures contained herein.
Sexual harassment is defined in terms of unwelcome conduct (sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, written or spoken sexual
expressions, physical behavior of a sexual nature) under any of the
following circumstances:
- Submission to such conduct is either an implied or expressed
condition for instruction, employment, or other campus activity.
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for
evaluation.
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably
interfering with performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or
demeaning environment.
Students who suspect that they have been an object of sexual harassment
are encouraged to make inquiry, seek advice, and understand University
procedure. These services are provided confidentially by the
following offices: Student Life and Services, Student Advocate,
Counseling Center, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Students
may
pursue either informal or formal procedures in the interest of
resolving a complaint. Prompt initiation of a complaint is
essential. In no case will the University pursue formal
resolution of a complaint that is filed more than six months after the
date of the alleged incident.
Informal Resolution of Student Complaints:
- Discuss the complaint with the Vice President for Campus Life and
University Relations or with his/her designee.
- If the student authorizes, the Vice President or designee will
ascertain information and discuss the complaint with the persons
involved in the interest of resolution.
- Failing informal resolution, the student may (a) seek additional
advice, (b) drop the complaint, (c) initiate formal resolution.
Formal Resolution of Student Complaints:
Faculty Accused
- Within six months of alleged incident, the student must file a
written complaint with the Office of the Provost and Vice President for
Academic
Affairs and Research. The Dean of Students or designee may assist
in the preparation of the complaint and may accompany the student to
the Academic Affairs office.
- The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research
or designee
shall investigate the complaint. If it is determined that the
complaint has substance, the Vice President may initiate standard
procedures according to the University's Prohibiting Sexual
Harassment Policy.
Staff Accused
- Within six months of alleged incident, the student must file a
written complaint with the Office of the Director of Human
Resources. The Dean of Students or designee may assist in the
preparation of the complaint and may accompany the student to the Human
Resources Director's office.
- The Director of Human Resources or designee shall investigate the
complaint. If it is determined that the complaint has substance,
the Director may initiate procedures for suspension, demotion, or
dismissal pursuant to the University Handbook for Classified Staff and
Article 10 of the Kansas Department of Administration Personnel
Regulations.
Student Accused
- Within six months of alleged incident, the student must file a
written complaint with the Office of the Vice President for Campus Life
and University Relations. The Dean of Students or designee may
assist in the preparation of the complaint and may accompany the
student to the Campus Life and University Relations office.
- The Vice President for Campus Life and University Relations or
designee shall investigate the complaint. If it is determined
that the complaint has substance, the Vice President may initiate
standard disciplinary procedures according to the University Catalog
and the Student
Code of Conduct.
Students may also find it helpful to refer to Section 3.06 of
this manual, Prohibiting
Sexual Harassment.
