VI - 1.30(A) - UMB PROCEDURES ON SEXUAL ASSAULT

(Approved by the President, effective July, 1994; revised June, 1996; revised May, 2000; revised January, 2007.)

I. Purpose and Scope

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Sexual Assault Procedures are designed to comply with the requirements of the USM Board of Regents' Policy on Sexual Assault, VI-1.30, and State and Federal laws. These procedures apply to all UMB faculty, staff and students.

II. Educational Programs

Public Safety offers Rape Aggression Defense Training (RAD) on techniques for the prevention of becoming a victim of an attack and for defense. The classes are held two days a week. For more information, see the Public Safety website.

III. Reporting of Sexual Assaults

1. The University Police, located at the Pine Street Station, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alleged victims may access its Victim/Witness Assistance Program anytime of the day or night to report a sexual assault.

2. The nearest facility equipped with the Maryland State Police sexual assault evidence collection kit is the University of Maryland Medical System Emergency Room.

3. UMB recognizes that a student, faculty or staff member who has been sexually assaulted may choose to report the matter to an individual, either on or off-campus, with whom they are most comfortable. Two off-campus organizations offering assistance to victims of sexual assault are the Sexual Assault Recovery Center and the House of Ruth. Sexual assaults also may be reported to the Baltimore City Police. However, the campus encourages an alleged victim to report a sexual assault to one of the following campus-based initial contacts:

   (1) Employee Assistance Program;

   (2) Student and Employee Health;

   (3) Student Affairs; or

   (4) Public Safety.

4. Each one of the initial contacts will encourage the alleged victim to contact appropriate law enforcement and/or medical personnel as soon as possible following the incident to receive guidance in the preservation of evidence needed for proof of criminal assaults and the apprehension and prosecution of assailants. Each initial contact will assist the alleged victim at their request with:

   (1) notification of off-campus authorities;

   (2) obtaining medical attention, including providing transportation;

   (3) access to counseling both on and off campus;

   (4) notification of the appropriate school disciplinary board and student affairs office, if the accused is a UMB student;

   (5) notification of Human Resource Services, if the accused is a UMB staff member;

   (6) notification of the appropriate Dean, if the accused is a UMB faculty member; and

   (7) notification of the appropriate authority regarding:

   (a) possible absences from employment or the academic program; and/or

   (b) to arrange an alternative academic, living or employment situation, if such alternative is available, feasible, and appropriate to the facts of the sexual assault reported.

IV. Campus Disciplinary Procedures

1. In addition to any criminal or civil remedies available, if the accused is a UMB student, faculty or staff member, the appropriate employing department/school or school's judicial board will initiate and follow through with the applicable process with regard to a sexual assault complaint. If there is a finding of sexual assault, the finding must be reported according to federal and State laws.

2. (1) Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during the applicable campus process.

   (2) Both the accuser and the accused will be informed of the outcome of any campus proceeding brought which alleges a sexual assault.

3. Students, faculty or staff found in violation of the sexual assault policy will be subject to discipline, including, but not limited to, expulsion or termination of employment.

V. These procedures are effective immediately.