University Support and Interim Measures
The UO is committed to a fair, unbiased, and consistent learning environment where every student is treated with dignity and respect and is granted all procedural protections afforded by the Student Conduct Code.
Upon request, the university can provide interim measures to support respondents including: making transportation and work arrangements, making financial aid arrangements, providing visa and immigration assistance, or connecting with off-campus resources. The respondent support services person who reaches out to you can assist in arranging these types of interim measures, as well as deputy coordinators, the Office of the Dean of Students, and the Title IX Coordinator’s designees.
Title IX Respondent Resource Services
Support is available through the Office of the Dean of Students to help respondents understand available resources and guide them as they go through the conduct process. The respondent support services coordinator will reach out to students accused of Title IX-related conduct code violations in order to offer and provide these individualized support services:
- A safe and supportive listening space
- Navigation, guidance and coordination through the conduct process
- Examples of support include (1) assistance with appropriate academic or other reasonable support measures; and (2) navigation of logistical challenges such as interim suspensions and restrictions of privileges and/or access to dining facilities.
- Referrals to campus and community resources
- See additional resource list below. Individualized resources may be identified as needed.
For these reasons, our respondent support services coordinator will reach out to students at the request of the director of student conduct or the Title IX coordinator. Students accused of sexual misconduct subject to the Student Conduct standard operating procedures may contact the respondent support services coordinator in the Care and Advocacy Program by emailing mwoods4@uoregon.edu.
The Role of Respondent Support Services Coordinator
If you have been accused of sexual violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence or stalking, respondent support services coordinators can:
- Help you understand your rights
- Explain and help you navigate the investigation and adjudication processes, including formal hearings
- Refer you to campus and community resources, such as for psychological counseling, legal services and other needs
- Assist with securing an interpreter or translator, if needed
- Review of documents and materials, including documents related to the investigation, the final report, and sanctioning agreements, to assist in understanding the process
- Assistance with appropriate academic or other reasonable support measures
- Navigation of logistical challenges such as interim suspensions and restrictions of privileges and/or access to dining facilities
- Help to cope with and understand the conduct process, potential outcomes, and the appeals process.
Respondent support services coordinators are NOT:
- Advocates on behalf of the respondent
- Providers of legal advice
- Investigators or adjudicators in the Title IX process
What to Do If You are a Respondent
If you have been reported to have committed act(s) of sexual misconduct, it is likely that you have many questions and may be experiencing a range of emotions such as helplessness, anger, confusion, or betrayal. You may be unsure how to respond to the situation and who is available to support you. You are not required to be part of an official investigation to access resources on and off campus.
Reach out to the confidential respondent support services coordinator, Tamara Woods, via Microsoft Bookings or via email at mwoods4@uoregon.edu.
Additionally, you may find it helpful to reach out to a personal support person such as a friend, parent, or other trusted individual to help you process.
What to Do If Your Friend is a Respondent
If a friend or someone you know is reported to have committed act(s) of sexual misconduct, it is likely that you have questions and may be struggling to understand what has happened. You may be experiencing a range of emotions such as helplessness, anger, confusion or betrayal. If your friend has told you that they have been reported to have committed act(s) of sexual violence, they may be turning to you for help and support. You may be unsure how to respond to your friend or the situation.
Here are a few ways you can help your friend through this experience:
- Direct your friend to resources. The Office of the Dean of Students can and will help a Respondent understand their rights, resources and what may happen next. Helping your friend access these resources is a step you can take to provide support in what may be a confusing and emotional time for both of you.
- Recommend that your friend seek counseling services to deal with their emotions. It may also be helpful for you to seek counseling to help you process any emotions and trauma you may be experiencing as a result of the situation.
- Get educated on the issue of sexual misconduct. The information on this Web site can answer some of the questions you may have. If you are seeking additional information on sexual violence, please contact Care and Advocacy Program.
- If able, be available to listen in a non-judgmental manner. They may not feel comfortable talking about the matter, but let your friend know you will listen.
- Familiarize yourself with the sexual misconduct policy.
Remember, being a good friend does NOT mean:
- Approving of your friend’s actions and/or choices. You can help your friend without making a judgment as to whether or not an act of sexual misconduct occurred. Determining if a crime or policy violation took place is the responsibility of the legal system and/or campus administrators.
- Telling your friend what to do.
- Blaming the student who has brought the complaint.
- Telling others about what might have happened and violating their confidentiality and trust.
- Taking action against your friend or the reporting student. Violence or retaliation is not the answer to helping your friend. Remember, harassing and threatening behaviors are not helpful and could undermine any court or university proceeding taking place. It could also jeopardize your own standing at the university.
Learn More About the Rights of a Respondent
Counseling Services
University Counseling Services offers confidential support, evaluation, and counseling for students experiencing personal difficulties including students accused of conduct code violations. Professional counseling staff, licensed psychologists, or therapists with experience with these issues are available to assist students. Students can make an appointment by calling 541-346-3227.
Health Services
University Health Services is committed to providing students with physical and emotional care at all times. The medical team provides services including emergency contraception, antibiotics to prevent infection, physical exams, as well as other services. Staff also treat students who are experiencing difficulty sleeping, anxiety, or depression. In addition, they can provide access to other resources, including referrals to on- and off-campus support services. Students can make an appointment by calling 541-346-2770.
Housing Assistance
Students who no longer feel safe in their homes are eligible for housing assistance. A variety of housing options are available depending upon students' specific circumstances.
- On-campus housing support: Students living on campus should contact the ASUO Office of Student Advocacy at 541-346-3722 to discuss issues related to on-campus housing.
- Off-campus housing support: Students living off campus should contact the ASUO Student Legal Services at 541-346-4273 to discuss issues related to off-campus housing or visit asuolegal.org.