Columbia University: Reporting Inappropriate Behavior As A Student

how does a student report inappropriate behavior at columbia university

Columbia University provides several avenues for students to report inappropriate behaviour. The university has a strict non-discrimination policy and does not tolerate any form of gender-based misconduct, sexual harassment, or cyberbullying. Students can report incidents electronically or in person at the Office of Institutional Equity or the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI). The university offers resources and support for students, including the Gender-Based Misconduct Office, which works to ensure the safety and well-being of students affected by gender-based misconduct. Additionally, students can seek assistance from their school's student affairs staff, department chairs, or the University Ombuds Office for issues with professors.

Characteristics Values
Reporting methods Electronically, in person, by phone, or by submitting a ticket
Who can report? Students, staff, faculty, and community members
What can be reported? Discrimination, sexual harassment, cyberbullying, gender-based misconduct, and grievances
Where to report? Office of Institutional Equity, Center for Student Success and Intervention, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, Gender-Based Misconduct Office, University Ombuds Office
Support and resources Doxing Resource Group, counseling, mediation, investigations, sanctions, accommodations, and relief

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Reporting inappropriate behaviour online

Columbia University offers several avenues for students to report inappropriate behaviour online. The University's reporting policies are designed to address all affiliates' needs and ensure that discrimination or harassment is appropriately addressed. Students can file incident reports electronically through the University Life website (universitylife.columbia.edu/report). The website provides a list of sites through which community members, including students, can file reports.

Students can also report incidents of discrimination, sexual harassment, and cyberbullying online. Columbia University's Department of Computer Science provides specific instructions for reporting these types of incidents. For cyberbullying, students can report 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. For discrimination and sexual harassment, students can report through the “Report an Incident” button on the University Life website, which will route the report to the relevant office.

In addition to the online reporting options, Columbia University provides other resources for students to address inappropriate behaviour. Students can seek advice and assistance from the chair of the department in which their course is offered. If unsatisfied with the department chair's assistance, they may escalate the issue to the dean of their school or the vice president overseeing the school. The deans and vice presidents are authorised to conduct formal investigations into student complaints against professors and take appropriate actions.

Furthermore, Columbia University has a Gender-Based Misconduct Office (GBMO) that works with all students affected by gender-based misconduct, including those bringing complaints, responding to complaints, or serving as witnesses. The office ensures the safety and well-being of students and assists with obtaining necessary accommodations. The University also offers informal counselling and mediation services through the Ombuds Office (http://ombuds.columbia.edu) for students who encounter problems they feel they cannot discuss with their professors.

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Reporting inappropriate behaviour in person

Columbia University offers several avenues for students to report inappropriate behaviour in person. The University's reporting policies are designed to support all affiliates, including students, and address their needs.

Reporting In-Person:

Students can report inappropriate behaviour in person at the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) at 80 Claremont Ave, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10027. The OIE is an impartial body that conducts thorough investigations into complaints of discrimination, harassment, or other inappropriate behaviour. They treat all parties with respect and dignity and ensure a fair process.

Additionally, students can visit the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI) on the 8th floor of Watson Hall, 612 West 115th Street. The CSSI provides support and resources to students and can help navigate challenging situations.

Reporting Gender-Based Misconduct:

Columbia University has a Gender-Based Misconduct Office (GBMO) that works with all students affected by gender-based misconduct, including harassment, assault, stalking, and dating violence. The GBMO investigates reports, ensures student safety, and provides support and relief. Students can speak directly with case managers in this office to discuss incidents or seek advice.

Reporting Academic Concerns:

For issues related to academic concerns, complaints, or grievances involving professors or faculty, students can approach the chair of the department in which their course is offered. If unsatisfied with the assistance received, they can seek help from the dean of their School or the vice president overseeing the School. The deans and vice presidents are authorised to conduct formal investigations and take appropriate actions.

Reporting Cyberbullying:

In cases of cyberbullying, which includes intimidating or harassing communication via social media or email, students can report in person by visiting the Walk-in Center at 200 Philosophy Hall during daytime hours. The CUIT Service Desk will forward the complaints to the Director of Computer Security, who will work with relevant offices to address the issue.

It is important to note that Columbia University is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all students and does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or any form of inappropriate behaviour. The University offers various resources and support systems to address these issues and encourages students to utilise these reporting avenues.

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Discrimination and harassment

Columbia University has a strict Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy and Procedures for Students. The university does not tolerate discrimination or discriminatory harassment and is committed to providing a safe and non-discriminatory educational environment for its students. This policy meets relevant legal requirements, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal, state, and city laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and religion, among other categories.

The policy applies to all current students and active alumni, as well as student groups and their members and affiliates. It also covers social media postings, flyers, posters on campus, and other forms of prohibited conduct. When a report is made, the university will assess whether the alleged speech or conduct created or contributed to a hostile environment and will take appropriate steps to address the issue and provide support to those affected.

Students can file an incident report electronically or in person at the Office of Institutional Equity or the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI). The report is then reviewed, and it is determined whether it should go to CSSI or OIE or be referred elsewhere. The appropriate office will then determine whether more information is needed and assess the report for possible university policy violations. Irrespective of whether the report is referred elsewhere or an investigation is initiated, resources and support are always available for students.

In addition, Columbia University has a Gender-Based Misconduct Office (GBMO) that investigates reports of sexual and gender-based misconduct involving students. This includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The office works with all students affected by gender-based misconduct to ensure their safety and promote their well-being.

If students encounter problems with individual faculty members, they may approach the chair of the department for advice and assistance. If unsatisfied, they may seek assistance from the dean of the school or the dean or vice president overseeing the school within which the course is offered.

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Gender-based misconduct

Columbia University does not tolerate any form of gender-based misconduct. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, gender-based harassment, stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence are all forms of gender-based misconduct. This type of misconduct does not have to be sexual in nature and can occur between strangers, acquaintances, or people involved in an intimate or sexual relationship.

The Gender-Based Misconduct Office (GBMO) works with all students affected by gender-based misconduct, including those bringing complaints, responding to complaints, or serving as witnesses. The office ensures the safety of these students and promotes their well-being. The office will also assist students with obtaining accommodations to provide support and relief.

Students can file an incident report electronically through the University Life website or in person at the Office of Institutional Equity or the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI). The report is then reviewed, and a determination is made as to whether the complaint should go to CSSI or OIE, or if it should be referred elsewhere. The complainant or reporter is contacted, and additional resources or support may be provided. Investigations are tailored to the specific facts of each case, and all parties are treated with respect and dignity.

If students feel that their professors have not lived up to their responsibilities, they can seek informal counseling and mediation or formal grievance processes. They may also approach the chair of the department in which their course is given for advice and assistance. If they are not satisfied with the assistance received, they may seek assistance 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.

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Student grievance procedures

Columbia University offers multiple avenues for students to report inappropriate behaviour. The University's reporting policies are designed with all affiliates' needs in mind.

Students can file an incident report electronically through the sites listed on the University Life webpage (universitylife.columbia.edu/report). They can also make reports in person at the Office of Institutional Equity or the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI).

The University offers several avenues of assistance to students who feel that their professors have not lived up to their responsibilities. These include informal counselling and mediation, as well as formal grievance processes. Students can turn to the University Ombuds Office for information and guidance. 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 received, they may seek help from the dean of the School within which they are enrolled or the dean or vice president overseeing the School offering the course. The deans and vice presidents are authorised to conduct formal investigations of student complaints against professors and provide relief or impose sanctions.

In cases of discrimination or sexual harassment by faculty, students may seek assistance from the Office of the Associate Provost for Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. The Associate Provost is empowered to conduct investigations of complaints, provide confidential advice, and engage in informal mediation.

Students can also report cyberbullying 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.

The Gender-Based Misconduct Office (GBMO) works with students affected by gender-based misconduct, including those bringing complaints, responding to complaints, or serving as witnesses. The office ensures their safety and promotes their well-being, assisting 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.

It is important to note that Columbia University believes in fostering an atmosphere of tolerance and civility, where both students and faculty have the right to express their views freely. Faculty must present their ideas in an environment that is open to divergent views and must not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or other inappropriate categories.

Frequently asked questions

You can report gender-based misconduct to the Gender-Based Misconduct Office (GBMO). The office will work with all students affected by gender-based misconduct and ensure their safety and well-being.

Discrimination or harassment can be reported online on the University Life website. You can also report it in person at the Office of Institutional Equity or the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI).

Students can approach the chair of the department for advice and assistance in resolving problems with individual faculty members. If this is not satisfactory, they can seek assistance 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.

Sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, gender-based harassment, stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence are all forms of gender-based misconduct. These behaviors do not have to be sexual in nature but can occur between strangers or acquaintances.

Cyberbullying can be reported to the CUIT Service Desk by calling 212-854-1919 during daytime hours, visiting the Walk-in Center at 200 Philosophy Hall, or submitting a ticket online.

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