Frequently asked questions
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How do the investigations work?
Depending on the needs of the survivor, the investigations of TPD and Campus Security would co-occur if they are requested. This means that both departments would do investigations separately and in a timely manner. Investigations do not automatically start at TU if the survivor only wishes to make a report.
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What if I file a report but don't want an investigation. Is it automatically sent to the police?
No. Unless there is an impending threat to a person’s life, the report is protected with the same security that student health information is protected.
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Will an email go out to campus if I report? Will it have my name on it? Will they tell the person if I choose to identify them?
Not necessarily. If a student were to report something that happened very recently, or if an incident is particularly violent or threatening e.g. a weapon was used, due to Clery Act requirements the University is obligated to warn students. However, if a report happened years ago or if no weapon were used and the student merely wishes to have their report counted an email may not be sent. Regardless of all of this, that email will not bear the name of the reporting party, nor the responding party. Simply filing a report with the University does not automatically mean that the responding party will be notified.
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Can I get accommodations and resources even if I don't want an investigation?
Yes you can, in filing a report with the University you are entitled to any reasonable interim measures you request. The Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator can help facilitate this process.
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If I report, does an investigation automatically start?
No, the University follows the wishes of the reporting party as closely as they can without putting others in danger. The only exception is if the person you are reporting against represents a marked danger to the community in that they have threatened the life of another person or if the assault was particularly violent.
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Will the accused person find out if I report and I ask that an investigation not be conducted?
No. The University of Tulsa is a small campus and therefore many survivors worry that their report will become common knowledge to other students. Unfortunately, students may speak between each other about occurrences like this on campus. However, The University keeps students’ information private to protect their health information, narratives and experiences. Therefore, if no investigation is requested the University will have no reason to disclose to the responding party that they have been named in an allegation.
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What if my boss/professor is the person who is harassing me?
You can still report and receive resources. Title IX protects students and employees at the University of Tulsa from retaliation if survivors decide to report and engage with the process of adjudication.
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What if the person who assaulted me is not a part of the TU community?
Students and employees are still able to access all our resources even if the other person is not at TU. An example would be working with the Title IX coordinator and Campus Security to have a trespass ban instated. This can help survivors feel safe on campus.
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What if it happened over summer, at home, etc?
It does not matter when or where an assault occurred, the University can provide students and employees with resources. For example, if a student was at home for the summer and was assaulted and they came back to school for a fall term they could access our Counseling Services and receive referrals to any of our community partners include Domestic Violence Intervention Services of Tulsa (DVIS). DVIS provides advocacy services that range from counseling, to help with obtaining protective orders through the Family Safety Center, to sexual assault forensic exams. All of these services are free.