Members of Pacific University (the “University”) community, guests and visitors have the right to be free from sexual harassment, violence, and discrimination. All members of the university community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. The policies and procedures for addressing sex discrimination, and sex based harassment have been developed to reaffirm this expectation and to provide recourse for those individuals whose rights have been violated. 

The university is committed to providing a learning environment that affirms the dignity and inherent worth of every member of the university community. The Student Code of Conduct is an overarching set of regulations and procedures designed to protect and foster such a learning environment and includes within it this Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy. Human Resources policies, including the University Faculty and Governance Handbook and Staff Handbook, also include prohibitions on sexual misconduct and discrimination on the basis of sex and other protected classifications.

The university maintains a policy of zero tolerance for sexual misconduct regardless of the sexual orientation or gender identity of individuals. Zero tolerance means the University will take steps to address all unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature and will impose sanctions on anyone who violates this policy. Resolution by the university is intended to help bring an end to harassing or discriminatory conduct, prevent recurrence, and address the effects on the survivor and the community. This policy serves (1) as a measure to evaluate if behaviors trespassed on community values and (2) as a guide for students, employees, and third parties about the University’s expectations for responsible and respectful sexual communication and interaction.

Other related policies:

Pregnancy and Related Medical Conditions Policy

Title IX

For reporting and support options, please visit our Title IX webpages.

Pacific University of Oregon is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals enjoy freedom from discrimination, including discrimination or harassment, or retaliation on the basis of sex, as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Harassment or discrimination based on pregnancy, marital status, or parental status is prohibited and illegal in the University’s education programs and activities, including, but not limited to, admissions, hiring, leave policies, employment policies, and health insurance coverage. The University establishes this policy to ensure the protection and equal treatment of individuals who are pregnant, experiencing a medical condition related to pregnancy, including lactation, or the need to express breast milk for a child.

Pacific University is an academic community – a community where the pursuit of knowledge, understanding and skills are the common ideals, which unite us as its members. An academic community in which students, faculty and staff members come together in voluntary association is based upon the fundamental respect members maintain for themselves and for others. Personal integrity is valued above all else, and each community member is expected to maintain integrity in every situation no matter how trivial. Students are required to engage in responsible social conduct that reflects credit upon the University community and to model good citizenship at all times. Preserving the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and guests is one of the paramount duties of the University. Responsible membership in the community is exemplified by close attention to the safety of one’s fellow members. Toward these ends, the University has established policies, standards and guidelines that collectively define the Student Code of Conduct.

Nothing in these policies or guidelines is designed, nor should be construed to inhibit students’ abilities to strive for true academic freedom or to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world.