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As an institution within the University of Maine System, the University of Southern Maine is part of the System’s Unified Accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) which accredits schools and colleges in six New England states. Accreditation by NECHE indicates that the institution has been carefully evaluated and found to meet standards agreed upon by qualified educators and the federal government.
The University of Southern Maine does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status and gender expression), national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veterans status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Equal Opportunity, University of Maine System, (207) 581-1226.
The University of Southern Maine reserves the right to revise, amend, or change items set forth in this catalog from time to time. Accordingly, readers of this catalog should inquire as to whether any such revisions, amendments, or changes have been made since the date of publication. The University reserves the right to cancel course offerings, to set minimum and maximum class sizes, to change designated instructors in courses, and to make decisions affecting the academic standing of anyone participating in a course or program offered by the University of Southern Maine.
Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, Stalking and Retaliation and Title IX Sexual Harassment
The University of Southern Maine does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.
The University will respond to complaints and reports of violations of this policy in a prompt, fair, impartial and equitable manner. Regardless of whether a complaint is filed, the University will respond promptly and reasonably when it has notice of potential sexual misconduct that is covered by this policy. The University will take steps to end and prevent recurrence of violations of this policy and to correct their discriminatory effects on the complainant and others when a determination of responsibility has been made against a respondent. In responding to all complaints and reports, the University will act to ensure the safety of students, guests, and employees while complying with state and federal laws and provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements and employee handbooks.
Individuals with questions about Title IX, or who would like to report a violation, are encouraged to contact any of the persons or agencies listed below. In addition, any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone or by electronic mail by using the contact information listed below for the Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinators, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report. Reports can be made during non-business hours by mail to the listed office addresses or by using the listed telephone numbers or e-mail addresses. Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.
The grievance procedures and process, including how to file a report and how the University will respond can be found at https://www.maine.edu/title-ix/
The Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, Stalking, and Retaliation and Title IX Sexual Harassment policy and procedures may be found at: https://www.maine.edu/board-of-trustees/policy-manual/section-402/
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students: Sarah E. Holmes
Phone: 207.780.5767
Email: sarah.e.holmes1@maine.edu
Office: 180 Portland Commons, Portland Campus
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees: Krissinda Slack
Phone: 207.581.1206
Email: Krissinda.slack@maine.edu
Office: Chadbourne Hall Room 412, Orono, ME 04469
UMS Title IX Coordinator for Employees: Liz Lavoie
Phone: 207.581.1206
Email: titleix@maine.edu
Office: Chadbourne Hall Room 412, Orono, ME 04469
Consenting Relationships
Consenting relationships may constitute sexual harassment. When a professional power differential exists between members of the University of Maine System and a romantic or sexual relationship develops, there is a potential for abuse of that power, even in relationships of apparent mutual consent. Faculty and staff members are strongly advised not to engage in such relationships and must report any such relationship to Human Resources, without exception.
The Consenting Relationship Guidelines can be found at: https://www.maine.edu/human-resources/human-resources/guidelines-regarding-consenting-relationships/. Further, the University System prohibits the abuse of power in romantic or sexual relationships.
To assure that power is not abused and to maintain an environment free of sexual harassment, a faculty or staff member must eliminate any current or potential conflict of interest by removing himself or herself from decisions affecting the other person in the relationship. Decisions affecting the other person include grading, evaluating, supervising, or otherwise influencing that person’s education, employment, housing, or participation in athletics or any other University System activity.
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