If you have been reported for potential wrongdoing, we recognize that this is challenging and creates uncertainty. Our OCRC team is here to support all parties involved, so we have gathered some helpful resources that may help you navigate this situation.
Take care of your mental health
There are many Confidential and Private Resources available to you, including USC Student Health, which offers counseling and mental health services for students, and the USC WorkWell Center, which offers counseling services for faculty and staff.
Reach out to trusted contacts for support during this time, such as your parents or other family members, friends, or advisors.
Prepare for possible next steps
Familiarize yourself with the university’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (the Policy), the two formal resolution processes, and alternative resolutions.
Both the formal resolution processes and alternative resolutions for addressing Prohibited Conduct are grounded in fairness and support for all parties. The Formal resolution processes include procedural protections that ensure notice, equitable opportunities to participate, and a neutral and impartial investigation, resolution, and appeal.
A report of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, including Title IX Sexual Harassment, may be resolved through a variety of ways, including:
- a formal resolution process, which involves a prompt, thorough, equitable, and impartial investigation, and a live hearing in certain instances, as well as an appeal.
- an alternative resolution process (in some instances), which requires the voluntary and written consent of the Reporting Party and the Respondent.
In all formal and alternative resolution processes, the university will treat reporting parties and respondents (individuals who have been reported to OCRC) fairly by following the resolution process before the imposition of any disciplinary sanction against a respondent. Upon receipt of a report of Prohibited Conduct, the university will conduct an initial assessment of the available information in determining how to proceed.
If a case involving you proceeds, you will be contacted by a member of our OCRC team to discuss the process.
Be sure to follow any and all university directives during this time that may require some action on your part, such as a mutual avoidance of contact directive. Throughout the process, OCRC will work with you to provide you with reasonably available supportive measures.
You have the right to be accompanied at any meeting or proceeding under the Policy and the applicable resolution process by an advisor of your choice who may be any person, including an attorney.
For more information on what an advisor is and what they do, visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
Be careful to not do anything that may be perceived as retaliation
The Policy prohibits retaliation of any kind. While this can be a challenging process, be thoughtful about who your trusted contacts are and who you have discussions with, in order to maintain the integrity of an investigation.
Be sure to follow university directives during this time that may require some action on your part, such as a mutual avoidance of contact directive. Be aware that you are responsible for retaliation that occurs through your actions; if your friends retaliate, you might be held responsible.