The Department of Physics is committed to providing an environment that is welcoming, sensitive and supportive to all students. It is our policy to maintain an academic and work environment that is free of sexual harassment. The information that follows has been designed to assist you in knowing where to go if you have questions or complaints regarding sexual harassment.

Policy

Sexual harassment of faculty, staff or students is prohibited and will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment violates the dignity of individuals and impedes the realization of the University's educational mission. The University is committed to preventing and eliminating sexual harassment of faculty, staff and students through education and by encouraging faculty, staff and students to report any concerns or complaints about sexual harassment. Prompt corrective measures will be taken to stop sexual harassment whenever and wherever it occurs.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment has been defined by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• submission to such conduct is a condition for employment, promotion, grades or academic status;
• submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting an individual;
• such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering unreasonably with the individual's work or academic performance or creates an offensive, hostile or intimidating working or learning environment.

Some examples of sexual harassment are pressure for sexual activity; unwelcome hugging, patting or touching a person's body, hair or clothing; disparaging remarks to a person about his/her gender, body or clothing; sexual graffiti or visuals; repeatedly asking for a date after the person has expressed disinterest; making sexual gestures with hands or through body movements.

Who Can Help?

Penn State has a policy prohibiting sexual harassment (AD-41) and a complaint procedure to assist students, faculty and staff who have complaints of sexual harassment. Many problems can be resolved through the informal resolution portion of the process. The individuals listed below are available for you to talk with in regard to issues related to sexual harassment. Concerns/complaints may also be taken directly to the Affirmative Action Office located in 201 Willard Building (863-0471).

For a complete list of individuals who are available to help you, please see the Penn State Affirmative Action web site.

The individuals' names listed above and on the Affirmative Action web site are available to assist you in answering questions, listen to your complaint, advise you on procedures, see that appropriate action is taken, and assure that you are protected from retaliation. All situations are handled in the most confidential manner possible.