SUBJECT:  Deadline Extended - Formal Review of New Policy on Conflicts
                       of Interest Created by Consensual Relationships and Revised
                       Policy on Sexual Harassment and Procedures for Responding to
                       Reports of Sexual Harassment

On October 23, 2003, a Campus Notice was disseminated to announce the formal review of the two new University of California policy proposals as referenced below. In accordance with UC systemwide directions, the deadline for receipt of individual feedback from the UCSD community on these important policy proposals has been extended to December 15, 2003. Therefore, any additional comments regarding these policies must be directed to the contacts indicated below and received by close of business, December 15, 2003. The original Campus Notice is being reissued for your information and convenience.

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 December 15, 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