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
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.
Discrimination and Harassment
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
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 Misconduct/Sexual Harassment (including Sexual Violence)
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.
Responsibility to Report Allegations of Mistreatment or Abuse Violations
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.
Who Should Report?
A person who believes he/she has been a victim of mistreatment or abuse maintains a right to file a formal complaint, report and/or grievance and will be encouraged to do so, though assumes no absolute duty to do so.
Any student, faculty or staff member who has direct or indirect knowledge of an alleged act of sexual discrimination should report this to their immediate supervisor for report to the designated “responsible” office.
Who Must Report?
A supervisory or responsible employee who has knowledge of an alleged incident of sexual discrimination (to include sexual harassment and sexual violence) MUST report the incident to one of two offices, as appropriate: Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity (DIEO); Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR). The responsible supervisor may also elect to directly report the incident to the USF Health Title IX Coordinator.
Process for Reporting Allegations of Mistreatment or Abuse Violations
Students are encouraged to discuss any and all issues of physical, emotional, psychological or sexual mistreatment without fear of retribution. Students who experience harassment or discrimination should contact the MCOM Office of Student Affairs, Associate Dean, for documentation and referral to the USF Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and for internal referral to the MCOM Office of Student and Resident Professional Development (Olga Skalkos, PhD, 813-974-8509) for impartial review and guidance, which may include referral to the USF Center for Victim Advocacy and Prevention, USF Counseling Center, USF Student Health Services or Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
Informal reporting of student concerns alleging faculty or resident abuse violations as it relates to students should be to the Office of Student and Resident Professional Development (Olga Skalkos, PhD, 813- 974-8509) that serves as a neutral party to guide students in appropriate matters and to provide internal and external referral, as necessary. Formal reporting of alleged faculty or resident abuse violations are through the Offices of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the Associate Dean for UME, or the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs. Alleged abuse violations by faculty will be relayed to the Faculty Affairs Dean (currently Senior Executive Associate Dean for Academic & Faculty Affairs) for action based on University Policy. Alleged violations by residents will be forwarded to the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education for action.