USF System regulations and reporting requirements specific to student mistreatment and abuse are referenced below. A complete index for Regulations and Policies may be accessed here.
...
Bullying is defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a pattern of repeated aggression with deliberate intent to harm or disturb a victim despite apparent victim distress and a real or perceived imbalance of power (e.g., due to age, strength, size, social status). Bullying is professional misconduct and is a violation of academic standards subject to sanction by USF Student Code of Conduct (USF System Regulation 6.0021). Allegations of professional misconduct are also subject to review for disciplinary action under the STUDENT ADVANCEMENT PROCEDURES AND DUE PROCESS.
...
Student complaints or grievances related to discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status are governed by the USF System Discrimination and Harassment Policy 0-007.
...
Retaliation, Retribution or Reprisals are prohibited (USF System Policy 0-20). When appropriate, department administrators will work with the designated University offices to promptly respond to and remedy any circumstances contributing to a hostile environment and to assure first-party and third-party Title IX reporting is protected from any adverse consequence, harassment, intimidation or discrimination.
...
Sexual harassment and sexual violence are prohibited forms of sexual discrimination (Title IX Federal Statute, USF System Policy 0-004). Sexual harassment is defined as conduct of a sexual nature or with sexual implications “sufficiently serious that it interferes with or limits a student’s ability to participate or benefit from the University programs”, creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. This conduct may include but is not limited to the following: inappropriate touching; the display of sexually explicit or suggestive materials; use of sexually explicit or suggestive language or gestures; and subtle pressure for sexual activity, as well as demands for sexual favors or physical assault. Sexual violence is a criminal offense (to include domestic violence, dating violence and stalking). One single allegation, if proven without a reasonable doubt, is sufficient to qualify this College as a hostile learning environment.
...
The Clery Act requires this University to disseminate formal notice of nondiscrimination and formal policies for “prompt and equitable” reporting options (to include complaint/grievance procedures and accommodations) for individuals/environments affected by any allegations of discrimination. Applicable USF System Policies 0-007 and 0-004. The circumstances of any allegation and the responsibility status of the individual “who knows or should know” largely determines if the obligation to report is voluntary or compulsory, as set forth below.
...