Yes. At AU, most employees are considered Responsible Employees, unless they have been designated as a "confidential resource".

“Responsible Employee” is a Title IX term that indicates an employee who has the obligation to notify the Title IX Program Officer if they learn that a current student or university affiliate may have experienced sex-or gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence.

Specific behaviors that must be reported include: sexual assault, rape, dating or domestic violence, sexual exploitation, stalking, sex- or gender-based discrimination, and sexual harassment.

You may submit a report directly to Title IX by clicking here.

If you have a question about whether you are a Responsible Employee or about a disclosure you received, please e-mail equityoffice@american.edu.

Tell the student you need to report the concern.

• As soon as you are aware that the student may have a Title IX concern tell the student you are obligated to report so they can determine what information they would like to disclose.

“Thank you for telling me”

• Listen to the concern carefully and empathetically without judgment.
• Try not to make comments about the specific people or situations involved in the concern.

Explain that after you report to the University the student can expect an email from the Title IX Office.

• You can let the student know they are not required to follow-up with the Title IX Office.
• Students who wish to follow-up will not be required to disclose any further information or participate in an investigation process.

Remind the student about confidential resources.

Encourage, but do not pressure, the person to seek help, counseling, or medical assistance as appropriate. You can also remind them of their option to report to the Title IX Office or local police.

Confidential resources for students include: the Counseling Center, Student Health Center, ordained chaplains in Kay Spiritual Life Center, and OASIS (part of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Center). More information on confidential resources on- and off-campus can be found on the Support Guide.

The confidential campus resource for faculty and staff is the Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), more information can be found at the FSAP webpage

Faculty and staff who need additional support, should consult the Support Guide for off-campus resources.

A faculty or staff member is often the first person at the University a student will tell if she/he has experienced or is experiencing sex discrimination or sexual violence.

The student may share the information for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Requesting a different seat in class
• Requesting a room change in the residence hall
• Explaining an absence or requesting an extension
• Asking not to be placed in a group with a certain student
• Stepping down from leadership in a student organization
• Complaining about a colleague's behavior
• Explaining uncharacteristic classroom behavior
• Requesting assistance or support

All faculty and staff should be able to identify Title IX-related concerns when they are raised by a student to ensure they report these to the Title IX Office. The Title IX Office will follow-up with the student to provide a comprehensive list of resources and reporting options.

The Title IX Office may send you an email directly asking for your support of a student. Staff in the Office of Equity & Title IX are available to consult on any specific questions you may have. We can be reached at (202) 885-8080 or equityoffice@american.edu

Faculty who would like to include information about reporting and resources on their syllabi, are encouraged to use the following language: Discrimination and Harassment (Title IX)

American University expressly prohibits any form of discriminatory harassment including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. AU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information, or any other bases under federal or local laws in its programs and activities.

To communicate with the Office of Equity and Title IX to submit a report, file a complaint, or identify a concern regarding sexual harassment or sexual misconduct of any type, please submit a complaint or report. For questions about the new Office of Equity and Title IX, or for concerns or complaints on other issues of harassment or discrimination, please email equityoffice@american.edu. In addition to reporting to AU, you have the option of filing a report with the University Police (202-885-2527).

Please keep in mind that all faculty and staff who are aware of or witness this conduct are required to report this information to the university, regardless of the location of the incident, with the exception of counselors in the Counseling Center, victim advocates in OASIS, medical providers in the Student Health Center, and ordained clergy in the Kay Spiritual Life Center. For more information, including a list of supportive resources on and off-campus, contact OASIS (oasis@american.edu or 202-885-7070) or check out the comprehensive list of resources to help you find support.