The sexual harassment policy of the University of Colorado at Â鶹¹ÙÍø has been revised, effective immediately, based on input from numerous individuals and groups on campus and review by legal counsel.
Chancellor Richard L. Byyny recently approved the revised policy, which will continue to evolve with ongoing reviews and updates.
"I urge everyone in the campus community to read the revised policy and develop a clear understanding of its intent and directives," Byyny said. "Sexual harassment is prohibited on this campus. Action will be taken in cases where harassment is found to have occurred."
CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø faculty, staff and students are encouraged to report instances of alleged sexual harassment to a co-chair in the Office of Sexual Harassment Policy.
New changes in the policy include a prohibition of amorous relationships "where an evaluative relationship exists," such as between a faculty member and a student in his or her class or between a supervisor and an employee. The previous policy allowed such relationships as long as full disclosure was made and alternate arrangements made for evaluative decisions.
According to the policy, such relationships jeopardize the integrity of academic or employment decisions. Situations involving spouses are covered under the university's Conflict of Interest and Nepotism Policy.
Other changes include adding the title of "supervisor" to the list of people who must report any complaint of sexual harassment. Also, investigations of formal sexual harassment complaints now could be handled by one of the co-chairs of the Office of Sexual Harassment Policy, as determined by the chancellor.
Copies of the updated policy are being distributed to offices throughout the campus. They also are available by contacting the Office of Sexual Harassment Policy at (303) 492-2127. In addition, the updated policy will be available on the CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø web site at: .