SPU’s Policy and Procedure
Highlights of SPU’s Policy and Procedure include: SPU's Policy and Procedure.
- Procedure
- Grievance Officers
- Dean of Students
- Representative from the Faculty
- Director of Human Resources
- Protections
Supervisor’s Note: Supervisors should not hesitate to contact grievance officers if an employee comes to them with a compliant. The role of the grievance officers is to give advice to those who are either unsure about whether or not they’ve been sexually harassed, but who are feeling uncomfortable in their work environment, or to those wishing to file a sexual harassment grievance. The grievance officer will facilitate the grievance procedure or other appropriate action.
Grievance Officers will not always handle a complaint on a formal basis using the formal process laid out. The key is that the University take immediate and appropriate action to resolve a complaint. That may mean a more informal process depending on the circumstances.
Accusations of sexual harassment can cause extreme pain and hardship on both those accusing and those being accused. It is very important that all matters pertaining to a complaint of sexual harassment be kept as confidential as possible.
Supervisor’s Note: It is not uncommon for alleged harassers to file libel and slander suits. If you hear of a compliant, act immediately, but be sure to only discuss what you’ve heard with those who need to know. If someone you work with brings a complaint to your attention, again, act quickly, but encourage the complainant not to discuss the complaint with others. Document everything carefully!
The SPU Policy states that alleged harassers must not retaliate against complainants and that if they do or are perceived as doing so, disciplinary action will be taken.