Responsible Employee

The Office of Civil Rights defines a "responsible employee" as one who 1. has the authority to take action to redress sexual violence or 2. has been given the duty of reporting incidents of sexual violence or 3. a student could reasonably believe has the authority to assist in addressing sexual assault. At FGCU, all employees (except for employees acting in their protected roles at FGCU in the following offices: CAPS, Student Health Services, Community Counseling Center, and the Confidential Victim Advocate) are considered responsible employees. This includes faculty, staff, and OPS employees. Adjuncts and student employees such as RAs are responsible employees.

Responsible employees need to immediately report instances or allegations of sexual assault, harassment or discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator. This can be via email, the complaint form or phone. Please provide the student name(s) and any details you may have including location of the incident(s), dates/times, and what the student shared. Supervisors who learn of employees experiencing harassment based on a protected class (race, color, religion, national origin, ability, genetic predisposition, sex, gender, etc.) must report to the incident to the OIEC. 

Not reporting risks putting the university in violation of Title IX and losing federal funding and federal fines. On a personal level, you may be liable for financial damages for not reporting. Supervisors who know of incidents and do not report may be subject to disciplinary action.

You cannot promise confidentiality or to keep secrets as a Responsible Employee. You can share that you need to report what they shared and that the student will hear from the OIEC soon.

Once you report to the OIEC, you have met your responsibility. The OIEC will take action with the appropriate individuals to address the report. You should not mediate, investigate or attempt to address the report.

If you are an employee at FGCU, yes, you need to report. 

If you experience discrimination and harassment on campus as an employee, you are able but not required to report it to the OIEC.