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Sexual Harassment

No member of the Duquesne University community may sexually harass another. Employees and students will be subject to disciplinary action for violation of this policy.

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassments when:

  1. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a condition of an individual’s academic or employment continuation or advancement;
  2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a criteria for academic or employment decisions affecting that individual;
  3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic or employment performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, embarrassing or offensive employment, educational or living environment.

  4. Because of the potential for sexual harassment in certain situations, the University prohibits romantic and/or sexual relationships in the following situations:

    1. No faculty member may engage in a romantic and/or sexual relationship or in romantic and/or sexual conduct with any student currently enrolled at Duquesne University.
    2. No athletic department employee may engage in a romantic and/or sexual relationship or in romantic and/or sexual conduct with a student athlete.
    3. No campus police officer or security officer may engage in a romantic and/or sexual relationship or in romantic and/or sexual conduct with any student currently enrolled in Duquesne University.
    4. No Residence Life staff member may engage in a romantic and/or sexual relationship or in romantic and/or sexual conduct with any student currently enrolled in Duquesne University.
    5. A supervisor may not engage in a romantic and/or sexual relationship or in romantic and/or sexual conduct with any employee in the supervisor’s department or division.

    What to do if you are Sexually Harassed

    Tell the harasser that you don’t like his or her behavior. You can do this in person, by telephone or by letter. It is not easy to confront harassers, but it is important. Remember: sexual harassment is illegal, and you can be protected from reprisals.

    Keep a record of events. Write down what the harasser said or did, when and where he or she did it and your response. Get the names of any witnesses.

    Talk about it with fellow workers or other students. Talking the situation over can relieve much unnecessary guilt and provide you with support. Other people may be witnesses; they may know of other victims; they may even have been victims themselves.

    Ask for help. Any of the individuals listed under University Resources can provide you with information and confidential advice. You are not required to file a formal grievance if you don’t want to. It is often better to try to settle the problem informally at first. It will be your decision. Since there are time limits on filing sexual harassment grievances, it is in your best interest to seek advice as soon as possible after you’ve been harassed.

    Where to Go if You Are Sexually Harassed

    Individuals in the offices listed below are available to help you. They can answer questions, take sexual harassment reports, give you advice on informal and formal complaint and grievance procedures, and assist you in resolving the problem informally. While confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, your privacy will be respected. You may also request information and advice anonymously if you so desire.

    University Resources

    Title IX Coordinator, Ms. Cheryl Knoch (knochc@duq.edu) 412.396.5853

  6. Affirmative Action Office: 412.396.6661

  7. Office of Human Resource Management: 412.396.6575
    hr.office@duq.edu

  8. General Counsel: 412.396.5181
    drago@duq.edu

  9. University Counseling Center: 412.396.6204