In an email sent to the Oregon State University community on Jan. 27, President F. King Alexander announced that the university has launched a webpage for promoting its available services for handling sexual misconduct.
The webpage, which can be accessed through OSU’s homepage, provides information on the university’s programs and services dedicated to resolving sexual misconduct. These programs include the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, Survivor Advocacy Resource Center, Office of Human Resources, Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance, Accountability and Integrity Hotline, University Ombuds Office, Office of Research Integrity, and Environmental Health and Safety.
After it was revealed by USA Today that Louisiana State University administration allegedly ignored reports of sexual misconduct by students while Alexander was president, Alexander strongly encouraged the OSU community in a November email to report instances of sexual assault so they could be handled by the university.
In the email from Jan. 27, Alexander continued to urge students and staff to report on sexual misconduct.
“The University Code of Ethics was adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2014. According to the code, employees are expected to report any violation of law or university policy that they become aware of. Examples of violations include harassment, sexual misconduct, illegal or fraudulent activity, conflicts of interest and other unethical conduct,” he wrote.
For employees who do not feel comfortable reporting such concerns, Alexander pointed to the option of anonymously discussing issues with the OSU Accountability and Integrity Hotline.
“The university contracts with EthicsPoint, an independent, third-party vendor, to provide a confidential and anonymous telephone and web system for reporting concerns,” Alexander wrote. “All actionable reports made through this hotline will be reviewed by the Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance, an independent unit, and will be investigated by the appropriate office.”
He ended the email by stating, “Anyone who provides a good faith report of misconduct is protected from retaliation under OSU policy and state law.”
By Cara Nixon
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