Frequently Asked Questions

If I report an incident or speak to a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, will my information remain private?
Deputy Title IX Coordinators will protect your privacy and share information only on a need-to-know basis. Deputy Title IX Coordinators report information about disclosures to the Title IX Office, which provides guidance on actions taken to address sex- or gender-based discrimination. In cases of sexual assault or other criminal conduct, Deputy Title IX Coordinators will also share nonidentifying details about the incident with the Yale Police Department for statistical purposes (as required by the federal Clery Act) and will advise you about the resources and assistance that the police can provide.
 
You can choose what information you would like to share with a Deputy Title IX Coordinator and, unless there is an immediate or ongoing risk to individual or community safety, choices regarding next steps will generally be left up to you.
I’m not ready to notify a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Who can I speak to confidentially?

You can speak with a confidential resource. When consulted in their professional capacities, confidential resources will not reveal any information you share without your explicit permission except in circumstances where there is an ongoing threat to your or another person’s health and safety. Confidential resources include SHARE counselors, mental health and other healthcare providers, and chaplains.

Can I report a concern anonymously?

Yes. If you want to speak with someone anonymously, you can always contact the SHARE Center. Additionally, Deputy Title IX Coordinators can discuss options with you, without you having to share your name or personal information. You can also share a concern anonymously with the Title IX Office through the online reporting form. Please note that while the Title IX Office will review all concerns reported through the online reporting form, those submitted without sufficient information may inhibit the University’s ability to respond or take corrective action.

If I talk about my experiences with anyone, will they have an obligation to report it to the University?

It depends. Certain members of the Yale community have Title IX reporting responsibilities and have an obligation to share information about incidents related to sexual misconduct with a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Individuals with reporting responsibilities include all faculty, deans, academic administrators, coaches, teaching assistants, and others who have an official supervisory or education role. This includes students in certain leadership positions (e.g., CCEs, FroCos). You can read more about Title IX reporting responsibilities on this page.

I don’t want to pursue an investigation process, but I do want someone to intervene. Who do I talk to?
There are a variety of options available without pursuing an investigation process. You can make a disclosure to a Deputy Title IX Coordinator who can provide supportive measures. Supportive measures include, but are not limited to, academic accommodations, workplace modifications, and changes to residential assignments on campus.
I want to make a change, but I’m scared of retaliation. Who can I speak with?

As described in Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, Yale prohibits retaliation. If you are concerned about potential retaliation, a Deputy Title IX Coordinator can help you.

What if I’m not sure whether the conduct I experienced was sex- or gender-based discrimination?

If you are feeling worried or unsure about a situation, Yale has trained resources available to support you. The SHARE Center is a great place to start, but you should also feel free to contact a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Both of these resources will work together with you to understand the situation and help you find a resolution.

What if one of the people involved in the sexual misconduct or other form of sex- or gender-based discrimination was not a member of the Yale community?
If you are not a member of the Yale community, but your experience involves someone who is, you will have access to Yale’s support and reporting resources. You can speak to the SHARE Center, discuss options with a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, and/or file a criminal complaint with the Yale Police Department. In some circumstances, you may also be able to pursue a formal complaint of sexual misconduct through the University-Wide Committee on Sexual Misconduct. 
 
If you are a member of the Yale community, but your experience of sexual misconduct involves someone who is not, you can also receive support and make a report to the University. The University may in turn support you if you decide to report the misconduct to the appropriate authorities (e.g., the person’s school, employer, the New Haven Police Department, etc.).
I witnessed an incident of sexual misconduct, but I am not directly involved with the situation. Should I report it?

If you are not an individual with reporting responsibilities, you are under no obligation to report an incident, but you may still do so. Reporting will allow the University to respond to the incident and provide resources as appropriate. If witnessing an incident has affected you, the SHARE Center is always available to talk to you. The SHARE Center can also help you provide support to the affected parties. For more information about supporting individuals, visit the Support Someone Else page. 

I am the leader of a Yale-sponsored organization/program. Can I exclude a member because they have been accused of sexual misconduct?

Organizations/programs that receive Yale funding should not deny an individual membership in or exclude an individual from participating in the activities of the organization/program on the basis of alleged sexual misconduct or alleged violations of Yale policy. Organizations should not investigate or adjudicate alleged sexual misconduct in place of established Yale disciplinary processes. Leaders and members of organizations with concerns about sexual misconduct are strongly encouraged to contact the Yale Title IX Office for guidance and resources.

Is there a time limit on when a disclosure can be made?

No, you can come forward at any time. However, you are encouraged to make a report as soon as possible, because it is often the case that the earlier an incident is reported, the more effectively it can be investigated. If the respondent is no longer a part of the Yale community by the time the report is made, the University may not be able to take disciplinary action against that person through the University-Wide Committee on Sexual Misconduct. You may also still utlilize Yale’s support resources. 

How long does it take to have supportive measures put in place?

A Deputy Title IX Coordinator will start working on the supportive measures right away. In most cases, they will be confirmed within a couple of days. Many supportive measures are ongoing, and the Deputy Title IX Coordinator will collaborate with you to ensure that they are proceeding according to your needs. Other campus offices may need to be brought in to manage on-going accommodations, but the Deputy Title IX Coordinator will always consult with you before taking any action. Your information will only be shared with these partners to the extent necessary to provide the accommodation(s).

Does seeking a resolution with the University preclude me from filing a criminal complaint or pursuing legal recourse?

No. The University encourages you to seek whatever resolution is most comfortable to you. Any member of the community can report sexual misconduct or other crimes to the Yale Police Department or to the corresponding local police department. Additionally, if you decide to report a concern to the police, all university resources still remain fully available to you.

What materials are used to train Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers and persons who facilitate alternative resolutions processes?

The following trainings are provided to Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers and persons who facilitate alternative resolutions processes:

  • Student Conduct Institute Title IX Training 

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