A student is considered a student of a faculty member when the student is registered in a course taught by the faculty member and has not yet received a final grade, when the student is assigned to be advised by the faculty member, when a faculty member will serve as a member of the student's thesis or dissertation committee, or at any time when a faculty member has a supervisory or evaluative relationship with a student. An example of this might be a situation in which the faculty member serves on a fellowship committee. An example of this might be a situation in which the faculty member serves on a fellowship committee. For purposes of this policy, and with express reference to all supervisory relationships, any person who has the power to evaluate the work performance of another, or to dispense or influence rewards or punishments of another, may not subject such other person to any continuing unwelcome sexual conduct regardless of whether submission to such conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a basis for a decision affecting such person or whether such conduct creates a hostile environment. While such conduct may fall short of unlawful conduct, University of Detroit Mercy recognizes its responsibility to prevent such conduct from reaching the level of unlawful conduct through early intervention.
Sexual harassment consists of verbal and physical behaviors.
Warning About Retaliation Retaliation against anyone who has reported, or is thought to have reported, or who has participated as a witness in a complaint of sexual harassment is prohibited. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of this policy and shall be independent of whether a charge or informal complaint of sexual harassment is substantiated. Encouraging others to retaliate also violates this policy. Examples of retaliation include, but are not limited to, unfair grading, unfair evaluation, unfair assignments, withholding or delaying of necessary information, ridicule, oral or written threats or bribes, unfair increase or reduction of work loads and arbitrary denial of leave, or cancellation of classes. This policy shall not be used to bring frivolous or malicious charges against students or employees.