Supporting the Full Participation of the University Community
Dear Members of the University Community,
The University of Chicago welcomes and values individuals from all backgrounds as integral members of the UChicago community. We are committed to supporting our faculty, other academic appointees, postdoctoral researchers, students, and staff to ensure they can fully engage in campus life and produce their best work. With Autumn Quarter now underway, I write to provide information on the University’s non-discrimination policies, efforts, resources, and steps you can take to help all members of the UChicago community fully participate at our institution.
The University prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected classes. For more information, see the University’s Non-Discrimination Statement.
The University makes substantial efforts to prevent and address discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct and to continually enhance accessibility for all members of the campus community. If discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct occurs, the University is committed to stopping the conduct, preventing its recurrence, and remedying its effects. Equal Opportunity Programs (EOP) is the office on campus responsible for coordinating the University’s compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing non-discrimination, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and the Violence Against Women Act.
Below is information on how to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, along with details on support and resources for members of the University community. You’ll also find information on related non-discrimination policies and the steps you can take to help support full participation at UChicago.
-
Know and Follow University Policies. The University’s Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct; Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment; and Policy on Consensual Relationships define relevant standards, terms, processes, reporting obligations, and support services.
-
Report Incidents to the Center for Awareness, Resolution, Education, and Support (UChicago CARES). Any member of the University community who experiences or becomes aware of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct is encouraged to disclose the conduct to UChicago CARES. UChicago CARES provides response, support, resources, and resolution options as appropriate. For more information, including the online reporting forms, visit the UChicago CARES website.
-
Access Resources and Support. The University provides resources and support services, including confidential resources, to individuals who have experienced discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct. For more information, please review the University’s resource guides for students, faculty/other academic appointees/staff/postdoctoral researchers, and individuals with reporting responsibilities. The CARES website also provides information on policy updates and the 2024 Title IX regulations issued by the Department of Education.
-
Familiarize Yourself with Reporting Responsibilities. Certain individuals, including those with supervisory, managerial, and administrative authority at the University, are responsible for reporting incidents under University policy. For more information on reporting responsibilities, review this video on reporting responsibilities and related summary, available on the UChicago CARES website.
-
Consider Accessibility in your Teaching, Research, Work, Study, and Other Participation in University Life. Accessibility is a responsibility shared by all members of the University community. Accessibility resources, including Access UChicago Now, the Center for Digital Accessibility, the Accessible Event Resource Guide, and the Accessible Event Resource Guide Checklist provide information on accommodations, digital accessibility (including the Digital Accessibility Policy), creating accessible digital content, and planning accessible events. Recognizing that access may not be accomplished in the same way for every program participant or employee, the University provides accessibility for people with disabilities through accommodations. Accommodation requests based on a disability are facilitated through Student Disability Services (for students), EOP (for faculty, other academic appointees, and postdoctoral researchers), and Employee and Labor Relations or unit human resources partners (for staff).
-
Complete Annual Non-Discrimination and Unlawful Harassment Training. This training is required annually for all faculty, other academic appointees, postdoctoral researchers, students, and staff. You will receive a message in the coming weeks with details on completing the online training, which you will access through Workday. Please visit the Annual Training Requirement website for more information on this and other optional trainings provided by EOP.
These policies, initiatives, and resources are designed to strengthen the University’s efforts to addressing discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct while fostering a safer, more inclusive, and accessible environment for living, learning, and working. Please refer to them as needed throughout the academic year. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to this important work.
Sincerely,
Bridget
-------
Bridget Collier
Associate Provost for Equal Opportunity Programs