If you want to make an inquiry relating to a concern about sexual harassment, and you want to be sure that it remains completely confidential, you can either:

a) make your inquiry to the University Office of Ombuds Services, who keeps it confidential to the fullest extent permitted by law, even if you identify the harasser, or

b) make your inquiry to any other member of the university community (who is not bound to keep it confidential), but you should do so in a nonspecific manner without disclosing information that could identify the accused. By not providing information that will enable the identification of the accused, you can ensure that the matter will be kept confidential.

This is necessary because, once you disclose information sufficient to identify the accused, the University may be legally obligated to investigate. This is because the University is required by state and federal laws to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.

If the University conducts an investigation, either as a result of a complaint or on its own initiative, it will most likely need to disclose your identity and the nature of the charges you are making. Although your wishes regarding confidentiality will still be considered, they must be balanced against the responsibility of the University to act upon the information and the right of the accused to be informed of the allegations and their source. Likewise, other witnesses may need to be consulted. The University will limit any disclosures to what is reasonably necessary to conduct a fair investigation and to decide upon and carry out appropriate discipline. All participants in an investigation will be advised that they are obliged to maintain confidentiality as well.

If a University grievance or disciplinary charge, government agency charge, or lawsuit is filed later, access to evidence is governed by law and by the regulations accompanying the specific procedure being implemented.