All OSU employees are required to consult with the University Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access if they receive information about sexual harassment or sexual violence that meets one or more of the following criteria:

  • Is alleged to have been perpetrated by an OSU student, staff, or faculty member, OR
  • Has occurred on OSU property or during an OSU activity, OR
  • Has created continuing effects in the educational setting

Please see the OSU policy on responding to disclosures of sexual harassment and sexual violence for more detailed information.

How will this impact my research at OSU?

The requirement to consult with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access is specific to OSU employees.  Student researchers who learn of reportable events should discuss this information with the Principal Investigator (PI) on the study.  It is then the responsibility of the PI to contact the Title IX Coordinator.

If the research topic is sexual harassment or sexual violence

If there is a reasonable expectation that the target population will disclose information triggering the need for consultation with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, a plan for this circumstance must be included in the research protocol and the consent form.

In the event that individually identifying information about the research participant is disclosed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access or other non-study team members, this would constitute an anticipated adverse event and an incident report must be submitted to the HRPP within 30 days of the disclosure. Please see the 'Post Approval' page for information on submitting reportable incidents.

If the research topic is not sexual harassment or sexual violence

If a research participant discloses information triggering the need for consultation with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, this will constitute a reportable event to the HRPP office since it could not have been anticipated.  The Principal Investigator must complete and submit the reportable event form within three days of learning of the issue. This form can be found on the 'Post Approval' page.

Resources

Below are links to additional information that is available through the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access and through Student Health Services.

OSU policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence

Sexual violence awareness and prevention

Survivor Advocacy and Resource Center