Sexual Misconduct / Sexual Assault and Violence Initiative

Welcome to Oakland University, an inclusive and diverse community that respects the rights, viewpoints and lifestyles of all of our community members.

At Oakland University, we strive to maintain an environment free from discrimination and harassment on any basis.

Here, we are vigilant and attentive to foster and maintain a welcoming, secure and safe environment for OU students, faculty, staff and visitors.

An essential part of our commitment is the highest priority we place on upholding laws that prohibit sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence and stalking, like the Federal Law known simply as “Title IX”.

Sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are not tolerated at OU.

Title IX states that: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

As members of the OU community, we all play a part in developing and maintaining a safe and supportive social and learning environment.

We all strive to create a campus environment where every student feels safe to report any behavior they feel is inappropriate.

OU’s Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator are here to receive and investigate claims of sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, whether the claim involves another student, an OU faculty or staff member, an employee of a vendor, or a visitor.

When a report is made to the Title IX Coordinator, OU provides a supportive environment for everyone involved to make sure each person knows the process and the resources available to them.

The Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator will guide all students involved in the complaint process, and help them navigate the resources available to them.

One concept that everyone needs to clearly understand is “consent”.

“Consent” is the affirmation of a conscious and freely made decision made by each person, especially to consent to sexual activity.

Consent to engage in sexual activity on one occasion is not consent to engage in sexual activity on another occasion.

Silence is not consent.

Consent, once given, can also be withdrawn at any time.

When a person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or is experiencing mental or physical distress, then their conscious decision-making process may be impaired and their apparent consent may not be valid.

If coercion, intimidation, threats or physical force is used, then there is no consent.

For additional guidance on consent, please refer to the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Our challenge to all members of the OU community is straightforward: If you see something, say something.

For more information and additional resources, please contact Chad Martinez, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator at Oakland University or Jessie Hurse, the Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Associate Dean of Students.