University Reporting and Support

University Reporting Pacific takes incidents of sexual misconduct very seriously and strongly encourages students to report all incidents. Students are free to report instances of sexual misconduct to the University regardless of whether or not they choose to press formal charges with law enforcement. In all situations, Pacific's goal is to treat all complainants (alleged victims) with sensitivity and fairness while also ensuring that the respondent (alleged perpetrator) receives appropriate due process. Both the complainant and the respondent are entitled to a support person throughout the reporting, investigation and hearing process. Please refer to Modified Hearing Procedures for Victim/Witness Protection (Section 46) for more information. If a student discusses the incident with a University staff, or faculty member, with the exception of therapists from Counseling Services and the Student Victim Advocate, who are confidential resources, the staff member or faculty member must contact the Student Victim Advocate to file an Anonymous Report of sexual misconduct, which will be forwarded to Public Safety, as required by the Clery Act. Options for Filing a Report Confidential Report of Sexual Misconduct (Anonymous Report): Any student, staff, or faculty member may file an anonymous report.  The report form need not include the name of the complainant nor the accused unless the student chooses to include them.  Initials of the complainant should be included to be able to keep a record of the report in the event the complainant wishes to file a formal report at a future time. Filing an anonymous report will assist the University in compiling crime statistics.  It will not result in a police investigation. Copies of the report form are available online and can be found on the Student Victim Advocate site found on the Public Safety main page. <a href="http://www.pacific.edu/Student-Life/SafetyPacific.html">http://www.pacific.edu/Student-Life/SafetyPacific.html</a> Formal reports: Students may elect to file a formal report through the Student Victim Advocate or Public Safety. A formal report will include the names of the student filing the report and will include the name of the accused, if known.  If a student chooses to file a formal report, then either or both of the following procedures may result: <ul> <li>University Student Conduct Process: The Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards will review the referral to determine if there is sufficient evidence to file a complaint against a student for a violation of this Code and to hold a student conduct hearing or engage in alternative complaint resolution options.</li> <li>Criminal Justice Process: The report may lead to a review by the criminal justice system, whether or not the University judicial system is reviewing the matter. Students may choose to report these incidents to the University's Department of Public Safety or to any other law enforcement agency.  The Student Victim Advocate or Public Safety Officer can assist in the reporting process within the criminal justice system.</li> <li>Civil Suits: A victim can file a civil suit for monetary damages against an alleged perpetrator for causing physical or emotional injuries, regardless of the outcome of the student conduct process or criminal prosecution.</li> </ul>   University Support Student Victim Advocate (209.403.0250): Trained to support and assist any student who has experienced a sexual assault, harassment, or crime. The Student Victim Advocate can explain options regarding medical care, academic concerns, housing, counseling, student conduct process, and filing a report. Reassignment of Rooms & Classes:  When a student alleging a sexual assault or sexual harassment and the accused attend the same class or reside in the same campus residence or in close proximity to one another, the student may make a request through the Student Victim Advocate for consideration of immediate reassignment. The Student Victim Advocate will consult with the appropriate areas and request that changes be made if possible regarding class changes. A safe room is available on a temporary basis through the Student Victim Advocate. Education and Counseling: University of the Pacific offers educational programming to students, faculty, and staff on sexual assault and sexual harassment.  The University provides medical treatment and counseling to students who may have been a victim of sexual misconduct.