OERC has an obligation and jurisdiction to conduct at least a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the alleged conduct warrants further action. When someone has concerns about behaviors that are a potential violation of university policies, OERC can either conduct a formal resolution process – consisting of an investigation, determining whether a policy violation occurred, sanctioning, and appeal, as applicable - or resolve the issue through an informal resolution process that can include educational, restorative, and remedies-based options. Generally, the person who was impacted can decide what is best for them.

OERC acts as a neutral, objective fact-finder in the formal resolution process.

When a report is made, OERC will:

• Follow up with the person making the report, if they are reporting for someone else.
• Contact the person impacted by the behavior (the complainant).
• Provide information about confidential resources.
• Discuss with the complainant options for possible support or safety remedies, such as changes to work environments.
• Explain the available resolution options.

Even if the complainant chooses not to move forward with or participate in a resolution process (through OERC or law enforcement), they can contact OERC for support measures or assistance accessing resources.