It is the responsibility of the entire university community to foster a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment at NDSU.  While it is vital that all members of the campus community contribute to these efforts, NDSU employees have specific responsibilities when they observe, or receive a report of, discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation.

Who is considered an NDSU employee for mandatory reporting purposes related to discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation? 
Anyone who is on NDSU payroll, regularly works at an NDSU facility, or volunteers at NDSU is considered an NDSU employee for mandatory reporting purposes related to discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation.  If you are unsure whether you are considered a mandatory reporter, please contact the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Equity for assistance.

What exactly does discrimination, harassment, and retaliation mean? Please see the link for “Definitions” on the homepage.  If you have additional questions, please contact the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Equity for assistance.

What are my mandatory reporting responsibilities if I OBSERVE discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation at NDSU? All NDSU employees who observe discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation must promptly report the observed incident by completing the NDSU Discrimination/Harassment/Retaliation Report Form (Report Form).

What are my mandatory reporting responsibilities if I RECEIVE a report of alleged discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation? 

• For all NDSU employees:  All NDSU employees who receive a report of alleged discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation involving an NDSU student must promptly report the information received by completing the Report Form.
   
• For NDSU supervisors, managers, department heads, deans, directors, or administrators:  In addition to the mandatory reporting responsibilities of all NDSU employees, individuals in these specific job categories who receive a report of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation involving NDSU employees must promptly report the information received by completing the Report Form. 

What does it mean to “receive” a report of alleged discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation? An NDSU employee has received a report of alleged discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation when an incident(s) has either been directly reported to the employee or when the employee is otherwise aware of the alleged incident(s) of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation.  When in doubt, report the information of which you are aware by using the Report Form.

I am a mental and/or physical health professional at NDSU.  Do I need to disclose reports of alleged discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation that I receive in the scope of my employment? If you are a mental and/or physical health professional at NDSU and, pursuant to the rules of your profession, you are allowed or obligated to maintain confidentiality, you are not required to disclose reports of alleged discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation that you receive in the scope of your employment.  

What should I do if it seems that someone is going to tell me information that I will need to report – should I encourage the individual not to tell me as I am a mandatory reporter? NDSU employees should not dissuade individuals from providing them with reports of alleged discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation, but should also inform individuals of their responsibilities as mandatory reporters. NDSU understands that sometimes individuals need the opportunity to discuss their concerns with others before filing a complaint of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation and that these opportunities for discussion are complicated by the presence of mandatory reporters at NDSU. However, NDSU strives to be as aware as possible of potential incidents of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation at NDSU so that adequate and appropriate responses, remedies, and prevention mechanisms can be implemented.  The following confidential resources are available to those who would like to discuss concerns involving discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation:

For Students:
Counseling Center
Student Health Service
Sexual Assault Prevention and Advocacy (SAPA)
Ombudsperson

For Employees:
Employee Assistance Program
Ombudsperson

For more information: https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/134.pdf

To whom do I submit a Report Form?  File a Report. You may also come to our office Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, call us (701) 231-7708, or email us ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu        

What happens after I submit a Report Form?  The Equal Opportunity and Title IX Compliance Office  will determine what action, if any, needs to be taken by NDSU in response to the information reported.  NDSU is guided by Policy 156: Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Complaint Procedures, Policy 156.1: Title IX Complaint Procedures, and Policy 162: Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy in making an appropriate determination.  

Is there training available regarding mandatory reporting responsibilities? Yes.  All NDSU employees are required to take in-person training every three years regarding federal and state non-discrimination laws, regulations, and policies and the accompanying rights and responsibilities regarding the same.  You may also contact the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Compliance Office with any questions or concerns regarding your mandatory reporting responsibilities.

For more information on mandatory reporting responsibilities at NDSU, please see NDSU Policy 156 or contact the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Compliance Office.