This story is one part of a series of articles on sexual assault awareness at the University of Oregon. Read Emerald editor Sami Edge’s letter to find out why we’ve dedicated today’s edition of Emerald Monday to the topic.
Dealing with sexual violence within a university is complex. Here’s a breakdown of  the process and what it means for University of Oregon students to report a sexual assault:
Office of Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity
Cases first go through the Office of Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity, which oversees Title IX compliance.
“When that report comes forward we really are working on having a victim-centered and sensitive response,” Penny Daugherty, director of the AAEO, said in an email.
The Office of the Dean of Students will be the first contact with the accuser. It provides information on resources and services.
The AAEO then invites the student to learn about the process for holding the accused accountable. After that, the AAEO asks the student if they want to engage in the process.
The Title IX investigator will meet with the accuser the accused and any witnesses or those who may have additional information. The investigator will review any documentary evidence, like emails and text messages and will follow up  if need be.
The Title IX investigator creates a report outlining evidence in the case, analysis and the investigator’s conclusion of whether the evidence establishes a university policy violation. All AAEO investigations involving alleged sexual misconduct goes to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
The OSCCS has the power to levy sanctions against the respondent. Student conduct staff members like Sandy Weintraub, the director of Student Conduct and Community Standards, meet with accused students in what’s called an administrative conference.
“Usually it’s the opportunity for them to be heard,” Weintraub said. “Often they will explain their side of whatever incident may have happened.”
There used to be an option to choose between administrative conferences and panel hearings, where the respondent and complainant are in the same room. The board of trustees removed the option for a panel hearing in September.
After reviewing the Title IX report, talking with the accused, hearing a statement from them if they wish to make one, asking questions, etc. the OSCCS issues a sanction.
“It’s always a case by case decision,” Weintraub said. “It’s important to understand that the facts that are present in every case are very different in every case.”
Sexual misconduct sanctions could result in suspension, expulsion or a permanent separation from the university depending on the case.
“Obviously we need to consider both the safety of the campus community but also the effect that it has on someone’s academic career moving forward in both cases. So it can be a difficult decision.”
Do students report to UOPD or EPD?
Some survivors report to the police, but do students report to the EPD or the UOPD?
That differs on a case-by-case basis, according to UOPD spokesperson Kelly McIver. McIver said that both agencies work with one another and the district attorney’s office to respond.
“There may be incidents that would occur on university property that we could refer to EPD because they could have more resources,” McIver said in an email. “The reverse might happen for an off-campus incident that involves a university-affiliated person. UOPD’s preference is to handle any incident on university property, as long as we have the capacity to provide the best service to the survivor.”