Policies and Processes
The university’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (the Policy) and its two accompanying Resolution Processes (Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (DHR) and Sexual Misconduct) apply to the university community, including students, student organizations, faculty and staff (including healthcare and student staff who supervise others), and third parties.
OCRC is responsible for implementing our Policy and applicable processes.
The Policy
The Policy (effective Jan. 1, 2022), which incorporates the university’s Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement, prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of all protected characteristics and related retaliation — the latter arising from protected activity under the Policy. It also defines how the university will respond to reports of Prohibited Conduct, including sexual and gender-based harassment and related retaliation; sexual assault; dating violence; domestic violence; stalking; and other forms of prohibited conduct.
The Policy is organized by section for ease in locating specific topics.
Our Resolution Processes
To implement the Policy, the university developed formal and alternative resolution processes to investigate and/or otherwise address reports of prohibited conduct.
Formal Resolution Processes
Because Title IX mandates more prescriptive resolution processes, the university maintains two distinct processes for resolving a Formal Complaint. Visit the Formal Resolution Processes page to learn about the key steps, and read the details of the two formal processes below.
- Resolution Process for Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (effective Aug. 14, 2020)
- Resolution Process for Sexual Misconduct (effective Jan. 1, 2022)
Alternative Resolutions
Where it is presented as an available option and both parties consent, a constructive resolution outside of the formal process may be pursued. Visit the Alternative Resolutions page to learn more about this option and important details.
Archived Policies and Resolution Processes
The university may occasionally revise its Policy and Resolution Processes as necessary and appropriate in accordance with any new federal or state requirements and, when there is the discretion to do so and appropriate, in response to community feedback. The last revision was Jan. 1, 2022 to continue to ensure compliance with updated California legal requirements (SB 493) and Title IX.
To request archived versions of the Policy or Resolution Processes, reach out to ocrc@usc.edu.
Your Feedback Matters
As we continue to review and monitor the implementation of the Policy and Resolution Processes, we welcome and encourage community feedback. Please note that this form is not intended for making a report of prohibited discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. To make a report, visit report.usc.edu.