Columbia University: Reporting Inappropriate Behavior As A Student

how does a student report inappropriate behavior at columbia university

Columbia University offers a variety of avenues for students to report inappropriate behaviour. The university is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all its members, free from discrimination, harassment, and gender-based misconduct. Students can report incidents of inappropriate behaviour through various channels, including the Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Gender-Based Misconduct Office, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, and the University Ombuds Office. These offices provide support, resources, and guidance to students and are dedicated to fostering a respectful and tolerant atmosphere within the university community.

Characteristics Values
Reporting procedure Students can report inappropriate behaviour to the Student Conduct and Community Standards online, by phone, or in person.
Reporting options Students can choose to report anonymously or include their personal information.
Support The Gender-Based Misconduct Office provides support and resources to students affected by gender-based misconduct.
Disciplinary action Disciplinary action can range from a disciplinary warning to dismissal from the university.
Confidentiality Columbia University offers confidential resources, such as medical providers and counselling services.
Retaliation protection The university prohibits retaliation against students who report inappropriate behaviour in good faith.
Formal investigation Formal investigations can be conducted by deans, vice presidents, and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.
Mediation The university offers informal mediation through the Ombuds Office and formal mediation through the Associate Provost for Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.
Cyberbullying Cyberbullying incidents can be reported to the CUIT Service Desk, who will forward the complaint to the Director of Computer Security.

shunstudent

Reporting inappropriate behaviour by faculty members

Columbia University offers multiple avenues for students to report inappropriate behaviour by faculty members. The University is committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination and harassment and has outlined various procedures to address student grievances. Here is a step-by-step guide on reporting inappropriate behaviour by faculty members at Columbia University:

Step 1: Understanding Inappropriate Behaviour

Inappropriate behaviour by faculty members can take various forms, including discrimination, harassment, or gender-based misconduct. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the University's policies and definitions of inappropriate behaviour. Columbia University's Non-Discrimination Policy prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or other inappropriate categories. The University also has a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based misconduct, which includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence.

Step 2: Informal Counselling and Mediation

The University offers informal counselling and mediation services to students who feel their professors have acted inappropriately. Students can confidentially discuss their concerns with the University Ombuds Office, accessible at http://ombuds.columbia.edu. The Ombuds Officer provides information, clarifies University policies, and offers confidential advice. They can also refer students to other offices for further assistance or engage in informal mediation if requested. However, it is important to note that the Ombuds Officer does not have the authority to conduct formal investigations.

Step 3: Formal Grievance Procedures

If informal counselling and mediation are insufficient, students can pursue formal grievance procedures. Columbia University has outlined specific steps for addressing student complaints against faculty members:

  • Department Chairs and Deans: Students can approach the chair of the department in which the course is offered for advice and assistance. If unsatisfied with the department chair's response or if the chair is part of the problem, students can seek assistance from the dean of their School or the dean/vice president overseeing the School offering the course. The deans and vice presidents are authorised to conduct formal investigations and take disciplinary action if inappropriate behaviour is substantiated.
  • Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action: If students believe they have been victims of discrimination, sexual harassment, or other forms of gender-based misconduct by faculty members, they can seek assistance from the Office of the Associate Provost for Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (http://eoaa.columbia.edu). The Associate Provost is empowered to conduct investigations, provide confidential advice, and engage in informal mediation.
  • Student Conduct and Community Standards: Students can report incidents of gender-based misconduct, discrimination, or harassment to the Student Conduct and Community Standards office (http://studentconduct.columbia.edu). Within this office, the Gender-Based Misconduct Office (GBMO) specifically addresses gender-based misconduct and provides support and accommodations to affected students.
  • Title IX Coordinator: Columbia University's Title IX Coordinator can receive reports about incidents and provide resources for general questions related to gender-based misconduct.

Step 4: Additional Resources

In addition to the steps outlined above, Columbia University offers other confidential resources for students:

  • Columbia Health Services: Medical providers who can offer support and maintain confidentiality.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services: Confidential resources for students seeking mental health support.
  • Sexual Violence Response: Resources and assistance for students affected by sexual violence.
  • Office of the University Chaplain: Confidential support and guidance for students.

Step 5: Reporting Cyberbullying

In the specific case of cyberbullying, which includes intimidating or harassing communication via social media or email, students can report incidents to the CUIT Service Desk by calling 212-854-1919 during daytime hours, visiting the Walk-in Center at 202 Philosophy Hall, or submitting a ticket at https://cuit.columbia.edu/service-desk. CUIT will forward cyberbullying complaints to the Director of Computer Security, who will work with relevant departments to address the issue.

It is important to remember that Columbia University is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all its members. Students should feel empowered to utilise these resources and report any inappropriate behaviour by faculty members to ensure their well-being and uphold the University's values.

shunstudent

Reporting cyberbullying

Columbia University defines cyberbullying as any communication received via social media or email that seeks to intimidate, harass, threaten, or otherwise harm people or the university's internal or external Information Resources. It also includes transmitting materials in violation of the University's sexual harassment, hostile workplace, or protection of minors policies, or that violates the policies of external networks and resources.

To report cyberbullying, students can contact the CUIT Service Desk by calling 212-854-1919 during daytime hours, visiting the Walk-in Center at 202 Philosophy Hall (daytime hours only), or submitting a ticket at https://cuit.columbia.edu/service-desk. The CUIT will forward cyberbullying complaints to the Director of Computer Security in the CISO office, who will work with Public Safety, OGC, and Student Conduct and Community Standards to determine if the offensive material exists on a University resource.

If the cyberbullying occurs on external systems, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, or Snapchat, CUIT cannot directly mitigate the issue. However, other departments may be involved, depending on the target of the bullying. Students can also report incidents to the Student Conduct and Community Standards at http://studentconduct.columbia.edu/. The university's policy specifies prohibited conduct and outlines reporting options and available resources, including accommodations and interim measures.

Additionally, Columbia University offers several avenues of assistance to students encountering problems with their professors or feeling discriminated against. These include informal counselling and mediation through the University Ombuds Office (http://ombuds.columbia.edu) and formal grievance processes through the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (http://eoaa.columbia.edu). It is essential to recognise that the university prohibits retaliation against any student who brings forth a grievance procedure in good faith.

shunstudent

Reporting gender-based misconduct

Columbia University is committed to providing a learning, living, and working environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. The university also fosters a nurturing and vibrant community founded on the fundamental dignity and worth of all of its members. This includes maintaining an environment free from sexual harassment and assault, and all other forms of gender-based misconduct.

The Gender-Based Misconduct Office (GBMO) within Student Conduct and Community Standards has case managers who can speak with any student about gender-based misconduct questions or incidents. This office also investigates reports of policy violations by students and is available to help all students with support and accommodations. The office will work with all students affected by gender-based misconduct – including students bringing complaints, responding to complaints, or serving as witnesses – to ensure their safety and promote their well-being.

Students can report incidents to the Student Conduct and Community Standards online. Reports are routed promptly to the relevant office. Anyone can also report discrimination or harassment using the "Report an Incident" button in the upper right corner of the University Life website.

Columbia University's Gender-Based Misconduct and Interim Title IX Policies and Procedures for Students is one part of the University’s multifaceted approach to eliminating gender-based misconduct from its community. This approach also includes educational programs; services and resources for those affected by gender-based misconduct; accessible, prompt, and fair methods of investigation and resolution of reports of misconduct; and protections designed to prevent against recurrence.

Throughout an investigation and the adjudication process, both complainants and respondents have a right to respect, dignity, sensitivity, and support, along with information and accommodations as appropriate. Columbia University students may choose to have an attorney-advisor; if requested, the University will arrange for an attorney-advisor at no cost to the student.

The process generally begins with an initial assessment of a complaint, followed by case conferences, investigation, and adjudication if necessary. Every case is different, and the Office tailors each investigation to the specific facts of the case while maintaining a meaningful opportunity for all parties to be heard.

Other resources:

Columbia offers a number of other confidential resources to students:

  • Columbia Health Services Medical providers
  • Counseling and Psychological Services
  • Sexual Violence Response
  • Office of the University Chaplain

University Ombuds Office:

When students encounter problems that they feel they cannot discuss with their professors, they may, instead, turn to the University Ombuds Office for information, clarification of University policies, and confidential advice. The Ombuds Officer may refer students to other offices for further assistance or engage in informal mediation at the request of students. The Ombuds Officer does not have the authority to conduct formal investigations.

shunstudent

Student behavioural misconduct policy

Columbia University's Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Columbia University, we are committed to fostering an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. We believe in the fundamental dignity and worth of all our students, faculty and staff. We strive to create a nurturing and vibrant community where everyone can pursue their learning and programs without distraction.

Reporting Inappropriate Behaviour

Columbia University offers multiple avenues for students to report inappropriate behaviour.

Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic and Dating Violence, Stalking

Students can report incidents of discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking to the Student Conduct and Community Standards at http://studentconduct.columbia.edu/.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can be reported to the CUIT Service Desk by calling 212-854-1919 during the daytime, visiting the Walk-in Centre at 202 Philosophy Hall, or submitting a ticket at https://cuit.columbia.edu/service-desk.

Gender-Based Misconduct

The Gender-Based Misconduct Office within Student Conduct and Community Standards has case managers who can speak with any student about gender-based misconduct questions or incidents. This office also investigates reports of policy violations by students and is available to help all students with support and accommodations.

Issues with Professors

When students encounter problems with professors that they feel they cannot discuss directly, they may turn to the University Ombuds Office for information, clarification of University policies, and confidential advice. The Ombuds Officer may refer students to other offices for further assistance or engage in informal mediation at the request of students.

Students may also approach the chair of the department in which their course is given for advice and assistance in resolving problems with individual faculty. If they are not satisfied with the assistance they receive or consider the chair to be part of the problem, they can seek help from the dean of the School within which they are enrolled or the dean or vice president overseeing the School within which the course is offered.

Other Concerns

Students can also speak directly with someone in an office that handles their specific question or concern. For example, a student's school's student affairs staff can address questions or assist with incident reports involving students, faculty, staff or anyone else on campus.

Disciplinary Process

The student disciplinary process typically follows these steps:

  • A complaint is filed or a report of wrongdoing is received and forwarded to the Student Conduct Officer.
  • The accused student ("respondent") and the alleged victim ("complainant"), when applicable, receive written notice of the alleged violation(s) from the Student Conduct Officer.
  • An investigation is conducted into the alleged violation(s). This includes an opportunity for the parties to present all information they would like to be considered in the investigation and determination process.
  • If a respondent is found responsible for a violation of policy, corresponding sanctions are assessed.
  • The respondent receives written notice of the outcome of the investigation and any corresponding disciplinary action from the Student Conduct Officer.
  • The respondent may appeal the Student Conduct Officer's determination and/or corresponding disciplinary action.

Potential Consequences for Violations of the Student Code of Conduct

  • Disciplinary Warning: written and/or verbal notice for violation of a campus rule or regulation.
  • Restitution: reimbursement for actual damage or loss caused by violations.
  • Educational Sanctions: activities, meetings, writing assignments, community service projects, letters of apology, or other experiential activities.
  • Disciplinary Limitation: restriction from participating in certain campus events, student organizations, or entering certain campus facilities.
  • Disciplinary Probation: a student is placed on probation for a specified amount of time and may be removed from campus leadership positions.
  • Disciplinary Suspension: separation of a student from the College for a specified time period, usually no more than two years.
  • Disciplinary Dismissal: permanent separation of a student from the College.
  • Interim Suspension: immediate suspension without prior notice for students whose behaviour presents a risk to the College community.
  • Withholding Degree: the College may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the disciplinary process.
  • Revocation of Admission: admission to the College may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violations.
  • Revocation of Degree: degrees awarded may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violations committed by a student prior to graduation.

shunstudent

Where to get support

Columbia University offers several avenues of support for students who have experienced inappropriate behaviour. The University is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all its members and has outlined various resources and reporting options for students.

Gender-Based Misconduct

The Gender-Based Misconduct Office (GBMO) is a dedicated resource for students affected by gender-based misconduct. This includes students bringing complaints, responding to complaints, or serving as witnesses. The GBMO ensures the safety and well-being of these students and assists with obtaining accommodations, support, and relief. The office investigates reports of sexual and gender-based misconduct involving students, tailoring each investigation to the specific facts of the case. Students can refer to the Gender-Based Misconduct and Interim Title IX Policies and Procedures for more information.

Discrimination, Harassment, and Cyberbullying

Columbia University's Student Conduct and Community Standards handle reports of discrimination, harassment, and cyberbullying. Students can report incidents online or directly to the Student Conduct and Community Standards office. Additionally, the University's Ombuds Office offers confidential advice, information, and referrals to other offices for further assistance. This service is available if students feel they cannot discuss issues with their professors.

Academic Concerns and Complaints

For academic concerns, complaints, and grievances, students can seek guidance from the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) in their department. The DUS acts as a liaison between students and the undergraduate schools and can provide assistance and insights into academic issues. If students are not satisfied with the assistance provided by the DUS, they may escalate the matter to the dean of the School in which they are enrolled or the dean overseeing the specific course. The deans have the authority to conduct formal investigations and take appropriate disciplinary actions.

University Policies and Procedures

Columbia University's policies and procedures are outlined on their website, providing a comprehensive understanding of prohibited conduct, reporting options, and available resources. These policies cover various forms of misconduct, including student behavioural misconduct, Title IX and Sexual Harassment, and Consensual Relationships. The University encourages students to refer to these policies and seek support through the designated channels.

In an emergency, students can dial 911 or contact Columbia Public Safety at 212-854-5555.

Frequently asked questions

Inappropriate behavior at Columbia University includes any form of gender-based misconduct, discrimination, or harassment. This includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, gender-based harassment, stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence. It is important to note that gender-based misconduct can occur between strangers or acquaintances and can be committed by anyone regardless of gender identity.

Students at Columbia University have multiple options for reporting inappropriate behavior. They can either report an incident online through the "Report an Incident" button on the University Life website or contact the Student Conduct and Community Standards office at http://studentconduct.columbia.edu/. Additionally, students can speak directly with a case manager at the Gender-Based Misconduct Office, which is also within the Student Conduct and Community Standards office.

Once a report is made, the Student Conduct Officer will send written notice to both the accused student ("respondent") and the alleged victim ("complainant"). An investigation will be conducted, during which both parties will have the opportunity to present information and evidence. If a policy violation is found, corresponding sanctions will be assessed, and the respondent will be notified of the outcome and any disciplinary action. The respondent has the right to appeal the decision if they disagree with the outcome.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment