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 misconduct or discrimination that meets one or more of the following criteria, even if such information is received outside the research setting:
- Is alleged to have been perpetrated by an OSU student, staff, or faculty member, agent/volunteer 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 misconduct or discrimination for more detailed information.
How will this impact my research at OSU?
The requirement to consult with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access applies to all OSU employees (except those exempted by law), which includes GTAs and GRAs. Other student researchers and non-employees 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 misconduct or discrimination, or includes open-ended prompts about personal trauma?
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.
If individually identifying information about the research participant is then disclosed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access or other non-study team members, this would constitute an anticipated adverse event. The Principal Investigator must submit an Incident Report 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 constitutes a reportable event to the HRPP office since it was unanticipated. The Principal Investigator must complete and submit an Incident Report in Cayuse HE within three days of learning of the issue.
What are the reporting requirements if my study participants are anonymous?
If your study participants are anonymous, in the event a reportable disclosure is made you should still reach out to the University Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, so that they can make the determination of whether a disclosure is actionable based on the specifics of the case. Contact the HRPP for additional guidance once the report has been made.
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 misconduct and discrimination