Policies, Procedures, and Protocols

This section outlines the University of Massachusetts Amherst's commitment to creating a safe and equitable environment. It includes comprehensive policies addressing discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation, along with procedures for resolving complaints involving students, employees, and others.

Resources detail the current and archived procedures, Title IX compliance, and related policies like affirmative action and support for service animals. The policies ensure accountability while safeguarding against retaliation, promoting fairness and inclusion across campus.

Learn more about these policies and procedures for specific cases.

Like other campuses across the country, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is required to comply with a multitude of federal laws regarding sexual violence response:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)) is the landmark federal law, originally known as the Campus Security Act, that requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. The law is tied to an institution's participation in federal student financial aid programs and it applies to most institutions of higher education both public and private. The Act is enforced by the United States Department of Education.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that receives federal funding. Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment, sexual battery, sexual assault, and rape. Title IX applies to all public and private educational institutions receiving federal financial assistance.

Step 1: Automated Response

Once a online incident report is received, an automated response immediately provides crisis resources.

Step 2: Engaging those who are impacted

Within 36 hours of receipt of the report (with the exception of weekends), OEI meets with the reporting party or person directly affected, obtains more details about the incident, and connects them to relevant supports.

Step 3: Leadership Engagement

Relevant campus administrators are informed of the incident and advised regarding any necessary and appropriate actions that need to be taken.

Step 4: Action Steps

The offices of the appropriate campus administrators take the necessary actions, and provide additional supports to affected parties as necessary.

Step 5: Track Climate Incidents

All climate incidents that are reported to the OEI are tracked publicly. An annual climate incident report is prepared to enable ongoing and comparative assessment of incidents.

1. Assess Safety

Assessment of Immediate Safety Concerns: May include UMass Police Department (UMPD); Center for Women and Community (CWC); and/or the Massachusetts Court System.

2. Determine the Appropriate Follow Up

If a Harassment Prevention Order is Granted OR a Law Enforcement Proceeding Underway (arrest, charges), etc. then the Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) - Title IX (TIX) Coordinator will put appropriate Supportive Measures and Interim Restrictions in place, which can include no-contact directives, housing or campus restrictions, and emergency removals.

3. Consult with Campus Partners

The Title IX Team may consult with Campus Partners. They may include Student Life and Campus Life (SACL), Academics, Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH), Dean of Students Office (DOSO), Human Resources (HR), et 

4. Promptly Outreach to the Reporting Party and Offer an Intake Meeting

Title IX staff will conduct an initial assessment to assess safety concerns during the intake meeting and discuss your desired outcome. You will be informed of your rights per UMass Policy and State and Federal Law. Together, you will discuss what sorts of supportive measures you need, such as academic accommodations, changes to living arrangements, a no-contact order, or changes to work schedule. Arranging supportive measures does not require other parties to be involved.

Once supportive measures are arranged, possible resolutions will be discussed. This could involve an informal resolution—such as training, informational meetings, or education—with the accused. There could also be mediation, which requires all parties to agree to the terms. The matter may proceed to a formal investigation.

If you don’t wish to move forward, or if there isn’t enough information to conduct an investigation, the matter may be closed. 

If the Reporting Party declines an intake or does not respond to outreach, EOA will send the Party an closure email with Resource Information. Possible outcomes from the intake meeting are: supportive measures only or a formal complaint filed.