Policies & resources

Discrimination and Harassment Prevention and Response Including Sexual Misconduct Report

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to work, learn, live, and socialize together without fear of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination. The purpose of this report, released publicly for the first time, is to educate the University community about what the University does to prevent sexual misconduct and how the University detects and responds to reports of it. The Title IX Office is a resource for all University community members; however, this report primarily focuses on students’ experiences with the office.

View the report

Relevant Policies

Sexual Misconduct, including sexual assault and other forms of discrimination on the basis of sex and gender identity or expression, is unacceptable and prohibited by the University of Rochester [University]. The University takes all complaints of this nature seriously and has several policies pertaining to or created for the purpose of ensuring all complaints of sex-based harassment are responded to efficiently, thoroughly, and in accordance with relevant laws.

The University has multiple policies pertaining to or created for the purpose of ensuring all complaints are responded to efficiently, thoroughly, and in accordance with relevant laws. Together, these various policies reflect the University’s strong commitment to preventing and appropriately responding to all complaints of sex-based harassment.

• Student Sexual Misconduct Policy
• University of Rochester Title IX Policy
• University Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment (Policy 106)

Additional Information and Resources for Students

As a community, we believe it is imperative that everyone has access to sexual misconduct reporting options and support services, even if they do not wish to formally report an incident.

This guide outlines resources and reporting options for complaints about sexual misconduct and sexual violence. For more information on reporting options, you can visit the ‘Reporting Options’ tab found on our webpage. 

Student complaint against another student

Access the reporting options and resources guide [PDF]

Student complaint against Faculty/Staff/Visitor

If you believe you have been harassed or assaulted by a staff or faculty member, or by another member of the University community or a visitor, you also have the option of making a formal complaint under the University’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, which can be found here: Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment (PADH).

For more information about the University’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, please visit the Institutional Office of Equity and Inclusion PADH Reporting Information.

If you wish to file a formal complaint, complete the PADH Formal Complaint Form. 

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Additional Information and Resources for Students

University of Rochester: Confidential Resources

Individuals who are confidential resources will not report information to law enforcement or University officials without your permission, except in extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency, imminent threat to self or others, or where there is mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse. Accordingly, sharing information with a confidential resource will not result in a report to the University, an investigation, or disciplinary action.

Confidential Resources are not required to report the details of an incident to the Title IX Coordinator. However, they are asked to submit an anonymous report with information regarding the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as the type of conduct that occurred. The anonymous report does not need to include any personally identifiable information regarding the individuals involved in the incident.

Honoring your request for confidentiality may limit our ability to meaningfully investigate and pursue disciplinary action against an accused individual.

University Confidential Resources include:

University Counseling Center (UCC): 585-275-3113
Third Floor, UHS building
738 Library Road
Susan B. Anthony Circle

UCC Eastman School Office: 585-275-3113
ESM Living Center, Room 107
A limited number of appointments are available.
Call (585) 275-3113 to schedule an appointment.

Visit the University Counseling Center website

University Health Service (UHS)
Licensed medical professionals acting in accordance with their professional responsibilities
UHS River Campus Office: 585-275-2662
1st Floor, UHS Building
738 Library Road, River Campus

UHS Medical Center Office: 585-275-2662
Room 1-5077, UR Medical Center (The entrance is at 250 Crittenden Blvd.)

UHS Eastman School Office: 585-274-1230
Room 106, ESM Student Living Center

Visit the University Health Service website

Non-professional counselors and advocates
These individuals can also assist you without sharing information that could identify you. At the University of Rochester, they include:

University Chaplains: 585-275-4321
500 Wilson Blvd., River Campus

Visit the University Chaplains website

University of Rochester: Private Resources

Even University offices and employees who are not Confidential Resources will maintain your privacy to the greatest extent possible. The information you provide to a non-confidential resource will be relayed only as necessary to investigate and seek a resolution.

The University will seek consent from you before conducting an investigation. You may decline to consent to an investigation, and that determination will be honored unless we determine that failure to investigate may result in harm to you or other members of the University community. If we determine that an investigation is required, we will notify you and take immediate action as necessary to protect and assist you.

If you disclose an incident to a non-confidential resource but wish to maintain confidentiality or do not consent to the institution’s request to initiate an investigation, the Title IX Coordinator will weigh your request against our obligation to provide a safe, non-discriminatory environment for all members of our community, including you.

The factors to be considered include, but are not limited to:

• whether the accused has a history of violent behavior or is a repeat offender;
• whether the incident represents escalation from previously noted behavior;
• the increased risk that the accused will commit additional acts of violence;
• whether the accused used a weapon or force;
• whether the victim/survivor is a minor;
• and whether we possess other means to obtain evidence such as security footage, and whether the report reveals a pattern of perpetration at a given location or by a particular group.

On-campus Private Resources include:

• Catherine (“Kate”) Nearpass, Title IX Coordinator and Assistant Vice President for Civil Rights Compliance, 585-314-5723 or cnearpass@ur.rochester.edu
• Deputy Title IX Coordinators in each of the schools
• Center for Student Conflict Management, 585-275-4085
• The Care Network, www.rochester.edu/CARE
• The Department of Public Safety, 585-275-3333

Additionally, all members of the University community are encouraged to report any instances or claims of Sexual Misconduct, to the Title IX Coordinator.

Responsible Employees who receive or learn of reports or concerns of Sexual Misconduct as defined within University policy must promptly (as soon as practical as and no later than forty-eight (48) hours) report to the University Title IX Coordinator.

“Responsible Employees” are student and non-student employees of the University who:

• Supervise University employees, including student employees and faculty members,
• Have been designated as a Campus Safety Authorities pursuant to the Clery Act,
• Serve as a Deputy Title IX Coordinators at one of the University’s schools and within the Department of Athletics,
• Have a job title with the word “dean” in it, or
• Work in any of the following departments/offices: Department of Public Safety, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Student life offices in each of the University’s schools, or Department of Residential Life.

Only the employees listed above are required to report Sexual Misconduct, but other University policies may mandate reporting by certain people, and everyone is encouraged to report it.

If you would like more information about the University’s policies and processes or if you would like to discuss a particular incident and the options available to you related to that incident, please contact Catherine (“Kate”) Nearpass, Title IX Coordinator and Assistant Vice President for Civil Rights Compliance, 585-314-5723, or email at cnearpass@ur.rochester.edu.

Rochester Area Resources

These agencies are not obligated to report to the University.

RESTORE Sexual Assault Services 24-hour crisis hotline, referral, support, short-term crisis counseling, legal, police, and medical accompaniment.	585-546-2777
Willow Domestic Violence Center Willow is available for all survivors. All genders. All ages. All types of abuse. All free and confidential. 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, court accompaniment, short-term counseling and support.	Call: 585-222-7233 TEXT: 585-348-7233 info@willowcenterny.org
Out Alliance Business Directory Champions for LGBTQ Life and Culture in Rochester. The business directory contains resources that are maintained by the LGBTQ+ community as inclusive or specific LGBTQ+ resources.	585-244-8640 info@outalliance.org
211/LIFE LINE 24/7 crisis/suicide intervention. Services Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Cayuga and Seneca Counties. Provides assistance and referrals for emergency food, shelter, clothing, crisis counseling, substance abuse issues, employment, financial, legal issues, physical and mental health needs.	Dial 211 TTY: 585-275-2700
Deaf IGNITE Willow’s Deaf IGNITE is a signing-centric service supporting the needs of deaf survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual violence. Hearing advocates are available 24 hours a day.	585-286-2713 TEXT: 585-348-7233 DeafIGNITE@willowcenterny.org
Trillium Health Trillium Health is a community-based health center offering affordable, high-quality primary and specialty care, including LGBTQ+ affirming health care.	585-545-7200
Healing through Education Advocacy and Law (HEAL) Collaborative Headquartered within Strong Memorial Hospital, the HEAL Collaborative offers people who have experienced interpersonal violence access to physical and mental health services, as well as legal and social support, all in one place.	585-275-4325
Rochester Police Department (RPD)	Dial 911
RPD Victim Assistance Unit Short-term crisis counseling, referrals, advocacy, court accompaniment, assistance in filing for NYS victim's compensation.	585-428-6630
Monroe County Sheriff's Office Victim's Assistance Program Short-term crisis counseling, advocacy, referral, case status and court information, assistance in filing for NYS victim's compensation.	Pittsford: 585-753-4389 Henrietta: 585-753-4403 Ogden: 585-753-4455
Victim and Witness Assistance Bureau within the Monroe County District Attorney's Office Case information, court assistance, restitution request forms, parole information, referral services, other support.	585-753-4573
Monroe County Sexual Health Clinic Sexual Health Clinic that does testing and treatment of Sexually Transmitted infections, Testing for HIV, HIV Pre and Post-exposure Prophylaxis referrals (PrEP and PEP).	585-753-5481
The Legal Aid Society of Rochester Provides high quality, free or low-cost legal representation and advocacy to financially eligible residents of Genesee, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne Counties in family law matters. Assistance with Family Court Orders of Protection.	585-232-4090
Legal Assistance of Western NY LawNY® is a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance or advice for a legal issue that is not a criminal matter.	585-325-2520 TTY: 585-325-2547

New York State Resources

These agencies are not obligated to report to the University.

New York State Hotline for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Provides supportive phone counseling, safety planning, and information and referral for survivors, professionals, and concerned others regarding domestic/family violence, sexual violence, and elder abuse.	800-942-6906 TEXT: 844-997-2121
New York State Office of Victim Services Provides compensation to innocent victims of crime for their out-of-pocket losses associated with crimes. OVS additionally can educate you on your rights as a victim of a crime.	800-247-8035 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
New York State Police Campus Sexual Assault Victims Unit Non-emergency, toll free hotline to report Campus Sexual Violence to the New York State Police.	844-845-7269
Survivor Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes Our 24/7 Bilingual Hotline assists survivors of Domestic/Dating/Family Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, Bullying & Child Abuse Services.  Assists with inquiries regarding safe shelter options, creating safety plans, providing emotional support and referrals to other agency supports.	800-456-1172

National Resources

These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Callers can connect free of charge to the phone hotlines. Individuals can also connect with trained hotline staff online through a secure chat messaging system, if available. These services are confidential.

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.	1-800-656-4673
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to people in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.	Dial 988
The National Domestic Violence Hotline Operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse.	1-800-799-7233 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) VP: 1-206-812-1001 Text ‘START’ to 88788
Crisis Text Line Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform.	Text ‘HOME’ to 741741
Love is Respect Highly-trained advocates offer confidential support for teens, young adults, and their loved ones seeking help, resources, or information related to healthy relationships and dating abuse in the US. They also provide information and support to concerned friends and family members, teachers, counselors, service providers and members of law enforcement.	1-866-331-9474 TTY: 1-800-787-3224 Text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522
1in6 (24 Hour Online Helpline for Male Survivors) This free and anonymous helpline is available 24/7, for men who’ve experience sexual abuse or assault and for those who care about them.	https://1in6.org/helpline/
Veterans Crisis Line Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This free support is confidential and available 24/7.	Dial 988 then Press 1 TEXT: 838255 TTY: 1-800-799-7899
StongHearts Native Helpline 24/7 free, confidential and anonymous culturally-appropriate domestic, dating, and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans.	1-844-762-8483
Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 free and confidential support and crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.	1-800-985-5990
National Human Trafficking Hotline 24/7 free and confidential support around sex and labor trafficking. Support is provided in more than 200 languages.	1-888-373-7888 TTY: 711 TEXT: 233733 help@humantraffickinghotline.org

LGBTQ+ Specific National Resources

Most of these services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Individuals can connect free of charge to the phone hotlines where they will connect with trained LGBTQ+ hotline staff online or through a secure chat messaging system, if available. These services are confidential.

The Trevor Project National organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people.	1-866-488-7386   Text ‘START’ to 678678
Trans Lifeline Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.	877-565-8860
The Anti-Violence Project AVP empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.	1-212-714-1141 Bilingual Services available
The Network/La Red 24-hour hotline provides confidential emotional support, information, referrals, safety planning, and crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, BDSM, polyamorous and queer communities being abused or who have been abused by a partner. We also offer information and support to friends, family, or co-workers on the issue of domestic violence in LGBQ/T communities. All hotline staff are trained in domestic violence, peer counseling, crisis intervention, and safety planning.	1-617-742-4911 (Voice) 1-800-832-1901 (Toll-Free)
FORGE FORGE is a progressive organization whose mission is to support, educate and advocate for the rights and lives of transgender individuals and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies). FORGE is dedicated to helping move fragmented communities beyond identity politics and forge a movement that embraces and empowers our diverse complexities.	Non-Emergency phone: 1-414-559-2123
LGBT National Help Center Serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning community by providing free & confidential peer-support and local resources. All calls and online services are provided by highly trained LGBTQ volunteers.	1-888-843-4564 (LGBT National Hotline) 1-800-246-7743 (LGBT National Youth Talkline) www.lgbthotline.org