Sexual Harassment

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. It can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, such as sexual assault or acts of sexual violence, when one or more of the following criteria are met:

• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of the individual’s employment or of the individual’s status in a program, course or activity.
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions, a criterion for evaluation, or a basis for academic decisions or other decisions which affect an individual.
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance and/or educational experience and/or creating an intimidating, hostile, and/or offensive work and/or educational environment.

Sexual harassment can be unwelcome, repeated, or severe:

• Flirting
• Unwanted touching
• Sexually suggestive messages, letters, posters, or pictures
• Comments about a person’s clothing, his or her body, or personal appearance
• Sexual advances or propositions
• Repeated requests for dates
• Pressure for sexual activity

These are just a few examples. If you are experiencing other behaviors, they may still be considered sexual harassment.

What to do if you are experiencing sexual harassment

If you or someone you know has been sexually harassed, please know that assistance is available. APU encourages all community members to seek help and report incidents of sexual harassment.

Personal Safety

• Tell others about the sexual harassment and ask them to assist you.
• If you are able, avoid being alone with those who are sexually harassing you.
• Note escalating behavior. Trust your instincts and report the behavior, especially if you think that it’s getting worse, and/or your personal safety is endangered.
• View additional personal security tips from Campus Safety.

Get Help

• Help is available from many resources on and off campus. Learn more about available resources and what they can offer.
• Consider talking with a counselor who is trained to assist you with the emotional impact of sexual harassment. You can contact the University Counseling Center at (626) 815-2109.
• To assist you in accessing resources and understanding reporting options, contact the Title IX Coordinator or any of the Title IX Deputy Coordinators.
• You have a right to stay at the university. The Title IX Coordinator has resources to help you get through tough semesters, or options if you are considering taking a break from classes.

Reporting Sexual Harassment

• If you are or have been harassed by a student, consider making a report to the Title IX Coordinator at (626) 815-2065 or Department of Campus Safety at (626) 815-5000. Sexual harassment violates the Sexual Harassment, Stalking and Sexual Violence Policy. Learn more about the Title IX investigation process and your rights and responsibilities in that process.
• If you are, or have been, harassed by a professor, staff person, or other employee of the university, consider making a report to the Title IX Coordinator at (626) 815-2065.