SUBJECT:  Formal Review of UC Policy Proposals

The University of California is proposing the following:

* New Policy on Conflicts of Interest Created by Consensual
   Relationships
* Revised Policy on Sexual Harassment and Procedures for Responding to
   Reports of Sexual Harassment

The proposed policies are accessible on the UC Office of the President's Web site at: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/notice/proposed_policies.html

This constitutes a formal review and all UCSD employees are encouraged to provide comments by November 14, 2003 to:

* Staff employees: Jenni Leibman, Director of Employee Relations, at
   jleibman@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-4136
* Academic employees: Kristi Petruzzelli, Director Academic Employee
   Relations, at kpetruzzelli@ucsd.edu or (858) 822-2041.

These policies were developed by a work group of representatives from Academic Affairs, the Academic Senate, General Counsel, Student Academic Services, and UCOP Human Resources, as well as campus Human Resources and Title IX staff. The policies incorporate comments from the Academic Personnel Directors, Chief Human Resource Officers, Title IX Officers, Vice Chancellors - Student Affairs, and other campus leaders.

The proposed new Policy on Conflicts of Interest Created by Consensual Relationships covers all members of the University community, including faculty and other academic personnel, senior managers, staff employees, students and contract employees. The policy addresses the potential conflicts of interest which may be created when one individual in a consensual relationship has supervisory, decision-making, oversight, evaluative, or advisory authority over the individual. In addition, the policy prohibits relationships between students and particular members of the University community, such as senior managers, coaches, and professional counselors. Violations of the policy may be addressed through existing applicable academic, student, or staff complaint resolution, grievance, and/or disciplinary procedures.

The proposed revised Policy on Sexual Harassment and Procedures for Responding to Reports of Sexual Harassment updates the policy and procedures from April 23, 1992. The policy and procedures cover all members of the University community, including faculty and other academic personnel, staff employees, coaches, medical residents, students, and non-student or non-employee participants in University programs. Revisions to the policy include:

* An updated definition of sexual harassment
* A clarification of the University's obligation to respond promptly and
   effectively to reports of sexual harassment
* Provisions for training employees and educating the University
   community regarding sexual harassment
* A prohibition on filing intentionally false reports
* A statement that the policy will be implemented in a manner that
   recognizes principles of free speech and academic freedom

The procedures of the revised Policy include a requirement that each location designate a Title IX Compliance Coordinator to receive reports of sexual harassment and to oversee the sexual harassment prevention program. The procedures also require each location to develop procedures for responding to reports of sexual harassment, including provisions for early resolution, formal investigations, and complaints or grievances involving allegations of sexual harassment.

                                                Marsha A. Chandler
                                                Acting Chancellor