The University will make every effort to promptly investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination or harassment, with due regard for fairness and the rights of both the complainant and alleged offender, and to conduct all proceedings in the most confidential manner possible.

Any member of the University community who experiences discrimination or harassment should immediately report the incident to the Affirmative Action Office, an administrator in his or her department or unit, or the Office of Human Resources. In cases where an individual reports alleged discrimination or harassment to an administrator, faculty member, or staff member, the person receiving the complaint should contact the Affirmative Action Office to discuss resolution and ensure consistent responses to issues across units.

The Affirmative Action Office has primary responsibility for resolving discrimination and harassment complaints. If unsuccessful at resolving the issue informally, the Affirmative Action Office may investigate to reach a formal determination on the merits of the allegations.

The internal investigation process may vary on a case by case basis, but will include the following:

Acknowledging the receipt of the complaint within five business days, with an explanation of the process and anticipated time frame for action, and notifying the alleged offender of the complaint and providing an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

If there is evidence of discrimination or harassment, the University will make every effort to ensure the discrimination and/or harassment immediately stops and does not recur. The complainant will be informed of the corrective measures taken. In the event a remedy to resolve the issue is proposed, the complainant will have 30 days to respond to the offer.

Retaliation against any person who files a complaint of discrimination, participates in an investigation, or reasonably opposes a discriminatory employment or educational practice or policy is prohibited under University policy, and by state and federal law.

Affirmative Action Office
328 Boucke, University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 863-0471 V/TTY

Web page last modified February 9, 2012