1. Responding to
Sexual Misconduct
AND OTHER HARMFUL BEHAVIOR
The University of Central Florida does not tolerate sexual misconduct or harmful behavior
which occurs on or off the UCF campus. Sexual misconduct and other harmful behavior
include sexual harassment, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Any disclosures of sexual misconduct will be taken seriously. This document describes
reporting options, resources and rights for students who have been victims of sexual
harassment, stalking, or sexual assault. Remember that UCF Cares about you.
This campus resource guide has been designed for students to
explain options and resources following a sexual assault. These include access
to safety planning, reporting, counseling, and long-term healing. The purpose of
this resource guide is to provide a roadmap of different offices on campus, as well as
local and national organizations, that can assist you as you make informed decisions.
Know your rights. Know your options. Know our resources.
2. Contents
What is Sexual Assault or Sexual Misconduct? ………………………………………………………………3
I may have experienced sexual misconduct – How can I report? ……………………………………5
Where can I get Help? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………6
What if I am victimized by a UCF Student? …………………………………………………………………….8
What if I am victimized by a UCF Employee? ……………………………………………………………….10
Important Contact Numbers ………………………………………………………………………………………..11
3. What is Sexual Assault or
Sexual Misconduct?
You are not to blame,
even if you:
Sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, is a
choice one person makes to ignore or deny
someone else’s wishes and autonomy through
violent sexual means. Sexual assault is never the
fault of the person experiencing harm, no matter
the circumstance or the type of relationship
between those involved.
A common feeling shared by those who have
survived a sexual assault is that they somehow must
have been to blame for what happened. If you are
having similar thoughts and feelings, it is important
to know that no one ever asks to be raped or
sexually assaulted.
• Did not say no.
• Had too much to drink.
• Used drugs.
• Froze in response to what was happening.
• Did not fight back.
• Have little or no memory of what happened.
• Have had sex with this individual or someone
else before.
• Said "yes" to one type of sexual intimacy but not
to what happened.
• Were sexually assaulted by someone who…
…is related to you.
…is popular or influential.
…has the same gender identity as you.
…you know and trust.
…you did not know.
4. Sexual misconduct,
according to the
UCF Golden Rule
Student Handbook, is:
Consent:
Any nonconsensual sexual conduct, or attempted
nonconsensual sexual conduct, which occurs on or off the
UCF campus.
A person shall not:
Knowingly take advantage of another person who
is under 18 years of age, mentally challenged,
under the influence of prescribed medication,
alcohol or other chemical drugs, or who is not
conscious or awake, and thus is not able to give
consent as defined above.
Further, a person shall not physically or verbally
coerce another person to engage in any form of
sexual conduct, to the end that consent as defined
above is not given.
• To be valid, consent must be freely and actively
given in mutually understandable words or actions.
• Consent must be ongoing throughout a sexual
activity.
• Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
• Consent to one form of sexual activity can never
imply consent to other forms of sexual activity.
• Consent is not the lack of resistance; there is no
duty to fight off a sexual aggressor.
• The existence of a dating relationship between the
persons involved, or the fact of past sexual
relations, should never by itself be assumed to be
an indicator of consent.
• Whether one has taken advantage of a position of
influence over another may be a factor in
determining consent.
Anyone can be sexually assaulted:
Regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or age. It is a traumatic event, and you may experience a wide
array of emotions, including fear, shock, confusion, disbelief, embarrassment, shame, guilt, and a tremendous sense of
loss. These are all common reactions to what has happened.
Rape is a crime:
• Even if the individual knows the offender, including family, friends, co-workers, and intimate partners.
• Even if the survivor does not fight back or is threatened or coerced into participating.
• Even if the survivor is unconscious or under the influence of drugs or alcohol (illegal, underage, or otherwise).
5. I may have experienced sexual misconduct –
How can I report?
Any student who believes that they are a victim of any type of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct has
reporting options available to address this behavior. Listed below are reporting options for you to consider.
University of Central Florida Police
police.ucf.edu | 407-823-5555 or 911
Report the incident to the UCF Police Department by calling their phone number. This option is available even if the
alleged perpetrator is not a student. If you are in an emergency, please call 911.
Title IX Coordinator,
Maria Beckman
eeo.ucf.edu | 407- 823-1336
When the alleged perpetrator is a university
employee: The UCF Equal Opportunity and
Affirmative Action Programs Office (EO/AA)
investigates sexual harassment and sexual assault
claims severe enough to interfere with access to
educational programs in accordance with federal
and state laws, including Title IX.
EO/AA can also help when changes are needed
within classes or campus housing, or in other
situations to protect the victim from further harm.
For more information, please call this office.
Deputy Title IX Coordinator,
Dana Juntunen
osrr.sdes.ucf.edu | 407-823-4638
When the alleged perpetrator is a student: The Office
of Student Rights and Responsibilities promotes a
campus climate of integrity, civility, accountability, and
student well-being by providing a wide array of
resources, education, and support services for the
university community.
Students who wish to report a concern may seek
assistance from the Deputy Title IX Coordinator. This
staff member will explain your options and resources
and attend to your immediate needs for safety and
interim measures (e.g., no contact orders, housing and
academic accommodations, counseling).
6. I may have experienced sexual misconduct –
Where can I get help?
In addition to reporting options, there are several different resources on campus to assist a student who is
a victim of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct.
Victim Services
victimservices.ucf.edu | 407-823-1200
You may feel more comfortable discussing reporting and non-reporting options with a Victim Advocate. They are well
versed in both the conduct and criminal processes, and will be able to answer most questions that you may have and/or
accompany you through the process. They also offer forensic exams. Advocates are on call, available 24/7 including after
hours, weekends and holidays. If you are currently in crisis, please call 911.
Advocates can provide crisis counseling and emotional support along with other resources as needed. Advocates can
help victims explore their rights and options and provide information about the civil, university, and criminal justice
systems so that victims can make informed decisions about what is best for them. They can also provide referrals to
both on and off campus resources.
Student Care Services
scs.sdes.ucf.edu | 407-823-5607
Student Health Services
hs.sdes.ucf.edu | 407-823-2701
SCS offers guidance, resources, and referrals
to UCF students who are experiencing a
stressful situation which significantly impacts
academic or personal success.
The SCS team coordinates referrals to campus
and community resources, develops action
plans for student success, oversees the
Student of Concern process, and provides
education and outreach to university and
community members. Our goal is to intervene
before a student reaches crisis level and
ensure the safety of both the student and the
UCF community.
Student Health Services provides a number of
health related services for students. Student
Health Services offers a variety of different
programs and referrals that can help assist
with payment concerns or STD tests.
There is also a clinic which provides
gynecological care, where they are devoted to
providing a warm and sensitive environment.
As such, the clinic is staffed by all female
providers. There is no charge for an office visit
or examination, but certain procedures and
laboratory tests (i.e. pap smear), do require
relatively small fees.
7. - More Ways to get Help
Counseling and Psychological Services
caps.sdes.ucf.edu | 407-823-2811
This resource is free of charge, and provides comprehensive psychological services to university enrolled students. If you
are visiting CAPS for the first time, you will be scheduled to meet with a counselor for an initial assessment. You may call
them or make an appointment at the office.
Scheduling of these appointments starts at 8:30am each day Monday-Friday, but after hour assistance is available. Call
their number and press #5, and you will be immediately connected to a licensed therapist. If you are in crisis, please call
911 or inform the receptionist and they will make every attempt to respond to you as soon as possible.
Shield
shield.ucf.edu/students | 407-823-1200
UCF Cares
cares.sdes.ucf.edu | 407-823-5607
Shield is UCF’s online source for information
about identifying, preventing, and responding
to sexual misconduct including sexual assault
and sexual harassment affecting members of
the UCF community.
Shield is a great source for off-campus
resources. Because this is an online source,
the number listed here forwards to Victim
Services’ 24/7 advocacy and support number.
This service is an umbrella of care-related
programs and resources dedicated to
fostering a caring community of Knights and
aimed at assisting students in need.
The goals of UCF Cares are to offer care
related resources and programs focused on
health and safety, finding an appropriate
network of support, connecting with
advocacy and providing education and
training. UCF Cares focuses on provided
resources and support for four main focus
areas: safety and wellbeing, sexual violence,
mental health, and respect.
8. What if I am victimized by a UCF Student?
It is a violation of University policy to engage in any form of retaliation or intimidation in connection with
complaints of sexual harassment, stalking, relationship violence and sexual assault. Any such acts of
retaliation or intimidation by a UCF student should be reported to the Office of Student Conduct.
Interim Measures
The University will maintain consistent contact with the parties to ensure that all safety,
emotional, and physical well-being concerns are being addressed. Interim measures may be
imposed or requested regardless of whether formal disciplinary action is sought by the victim
or the University:
• issuing a no contact order
• access to counseling services and assistance in setting up an initial appointment
• providing alternative course completion options
• assistance from University support staff in completing housing relocation
• providing an escort to ensure safe movement between classes and activities
Overview of the Student Conduct Process
The University has an obligation under Title IX to
investigate reports of sexual misconduct and
harassment (including sexual violence) and take prompt
and appropriate action. If a victim does not wish to
come forward, it will limit the University’s ability to
take action. For reports received regarding cases of
sexual misconduct and harassment (including sexual
violence) against students or student organizations, the
Deputy Title IX Coordinator within Student
Development and Enrollment Services assists in
conducting an investigation, recommending corrective
action and serving as a point of contact to direct
students to appropriate campus and community
resources.
Victims may choose whether or not to pursue any
action through the University student conduct review
process. Victims who do not choose the University
student conduct review process may choose how to
proceed within the student conduct review process. If
a victim of sexual misconduct or harassment (including
sexual violence) requests confidentiality or asks that
the matter not be pursued, the University will
determine whether or not the matter will be pursued
by means of the student conduct review process within
a reasonable time frame from the receipt of the
incident report.
The University may proceed with conduct action
without the victim's consent if the alleged behavior
renders others in reasonable fear of physical harm or
creates a hostile environment in which others are
unable to conduct or participate in University work,
education, research or other activities, or otherwise
adversely affects the accused student's or student
organization’s suitability as a part of the University
community. If the decision is made to proceed, the
charged student and/or charged student organization
and the victim will be notified of alleged charges and
each provided an appointment date to discuss the
matter with the Office of Student Conduct. At that
point, the victim can choose whether he or she will
participate or not in the University student conduct
review process (See UCF 5.009 and 5.013 for
information regarding the Student Conduct Review
Process.)
To encourage reporting, any individual (including a
bystander or third party) who reports sexual
misconduct or harassment (including sexual violence)
9. will not be subject to disciplinary action by the
University for one’s own personal use of alcohol or
other drugs at or near the time of the incident provided
that any such violations did not harm or place the
health or safety of any other person at risk. The
University may offer support, resources, and
educational counseling to such an individual.
The University will provide due process to students or
student organizations accused of harassment, sexual
violence, relationship violence, physical harm and
stalking. (See UCF 5.009 and UCF 5.013 for more
information regarding the student conduct review
processes for students and student organizations.)
Victim Rights during the Conduct Process
• To be informed of these rights at least five (5) business
days before a formal hearing is conducted.
• To have a person of their choice to accompany them
throughout the Student Conduct Review process. This
person will act as a support person or advisor but will
not represent the victim or address witnesses, accused
student, accused student organization, panel,
administrator or any other party or otherwise directly
participate in the hearing.
• To be notified about the available assistance at the
University of Central Florida.
• To have irrelevant past conduct, including sexual
history, excluded from the hearing.
• To be afforded access to any information that will be
used during the Student Conduct Review Process.
• To attend a preliminary conference meeting with the
Office of Student Conduct and be informed of the
available resolution options in the Student Conduct
Review Process.
• To submit a list of questions related to the alleged
incident, prior to the hearing, that she or he feels the
charged student or charged student organization should
be asked during the hearing process.
• To have equal opportunity to present relevant
witnesses and other information during the Student
Conduct Review Process.
• To view and hear the entire formal hearing whether in
person, via videoconference or telephone or by other
means available.
• To not be questioned directly by the charged student or
charged student organization during the Student
Conduct Review Process. All questions shall be asked
through a hearing officer.
• To make a “victim impact statement” and suggest an
appropriate disciplinary sanction: warning, probation,
suspension, or expulsion.
• To receive the written determination of the hearing,
appeal outcomes, and any changes to the result before
it becomes final from the University.
• To appeal the outcome of the Student Conduct Review
Process on the basis outlined in the Student Conduct
Appeals section UCF-5.010 and 5.013.
• To be given periodic status updates throughout the
Student Conduct Review Process; this generally takes
sixty (60) calendar days following receipt of an incident
report.
10. What if I am victimized by a UCF employee? –
How can I report?
Any student who believes that he or she is a victim of any type of sexual harassment or sexual violence has reporting
options available to address this behavior. Listed below are reporting options for you to review.
University of Central Florida Police
police.ucf.edu | 407-823-5555 or 911
Title IX Coordinator, Maria Beckman
eeo.ucf.edu | 407- 823-1336
Report the incident to the UCF Police
Department by calling their phone number.
This option is available even if the alleged
perpetrator is not a student.
If you are in an emergency, please call 911.
Victim Rights
• To be informed of the available resolution
options under Employee Relations and
associated union contracts
• To be treated with dignity and respect
• To be informed of campus resources to
assist in working through the situation
• To be kept informed of the status of the
case throughout the process upon request
The UCF Equal Opportunity and Affirmative
Action Office (EO/AA) investigates sexual
harassment and sexual assault claims severe
enough to interfere with access to
educational programs in accordance with
federal and state laws, including Title IX.
EO/AA can also help when changes are
needed within classes or campus housing, or
in other situations to protect the victim. In
order to initiate the sexual misconduct
complaint process against an employee, the
alleged victim should provide a verbal
statement or a detailed written statement of
the incident to the Title IX Coordinator, Maria
Beckman.
The formal complaint form:
“Make a Report” at shield.ucf.edu
If the victim does not wish to pursue the
matter, an investigation of allegations may be
needed if circumstances warrant a formal
investigation despite the alleged victim’s
preferences.
11. Important Contact Numbers
Immediate Crisis Support: 24 hours
UCF Police Department 407-823-5555 or 911
Victim Services 407-823-1200
Counseling & Psychological Services 407-823-2811
Resources and Follow-up Support Services
Student Conduct 407-823-4638
Title IX Coordinator, Maria Beckman 407-823-1336
Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Dana Juntunen 407-823-4683
UCF Cares & Student Care Services 407-823-5607
Student Health Services 407-823-2701
Ombuds Office 407-823-6440
Student Legal Services 407-823-2538
Wellness and Health Promotion Services 407-823-5841
Housing & Residence Life 407-823-4663
Student Accessibility Services 407-823-2371
We hope this resource guide will aid in the recovery of anyone affected by sexual misconduct or
other harmful behavior by providing resources and options that are available both on- and off-
campus. It is the policy of the University to foster a campus environment that is free from
intimidation and one in which students may be educated to their fullest potential.