We are committed to providing a productive environment that supports an open exchange of ideas, that provides equal opportunities for everyone to learn and thrive, and that promotes an environment that is free of bias, discrimination, and harassment. All campus community members are expected to treat each other with respect and utilize appropriate reporting and support resources if unacceptable behavior occurs.

 

Expected Behavior and Harmful Behavior

Expected Behavior

  • Be respectful and considerate.
  • Be aware of and welcoming of those with different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.
  • Think about how your words and actions impact those around you. Remember that intent is not enough; you also need to think about impact.
  • Report any harmful behavior that you witness.

Harmful Behavior

  • Offensive, intimidating, discriminatory, or hostile comments or jokes related to race, color, religion, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, socio-economic status, power differential, or physical appearance.
  • Making comments of any type that make assumptions about others based on how they present themselves.
  • Commenting on physical appearance.
  • Referencing someone’s documentation status without the explicit consent for disclosure by the individual.
  • Personal attacks, demeaning comments, or insults of any type.
  • Bullying, including coercion of anyone perceived as different or vulnerable.
  • Intentionally talking over or interrupting others or repeatedly disrupting someone else’s teaching, working, or speaking.
  • Unwelcome physical contact, sexual attention, or innuendo.
  • Photographing or recording of an individual without consent.
  • Microaggressions of any type*.

*Microaggressions are intentional or unintentional, verbal or nonverbal, intentional or unintentional, snubs, slurs, or insults, that are antagonistic, disparaging, or negative, and are aimed at people based on their identities. The impact of microaggressions is cumulative, and thus can be deeply hurtful.

Microaggressions can be very subtle and/or unconscious; therefore, to identify these behaviors in ourselves requires being thoughtfully self-reflective. Examples include microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations.

Also, see Student Code of Conduct, Faculty Code of Conduct, Student Community Standards, and Campus Principles of Community.

Reporting Violations of Community Standards and Getting Support
If you have experienced or witnessed harassment, microaggressions, and/or misconduct of any kind, there are several ways to report these incidents.  Even if you are not sure if the incident is offensive enough to warrant eventual disciplinary action, you are encouraged to report it. All information submitted using the on-line reporting forms below is private, meaning your name will not be revealed to the offender without your permission. Reporting and support options are listed below:

You can submit a report to the Science Division DEI Committee, and will have the following options:

  • You can submit an anonymous report of a specific incident or a general concern.
  • You can submit a report about a specific incident and we will contact you to discuss your options.  Please note that if you report a Title IX violation (sexual harassment, assault, misconduct), we are obligated to share your report with the Title IX office.
  • You can submit a general description of your concern and we will contact you to discuss your options.

PBS DEI Committee

You can submit a report of sexual harassment and/or misconduct directly to the Title IX office.

Title IX

You can submit a report of hate/bias incident directly to the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Hate/Bias

You can submit a report to the Equity and Equal Protection Office if you have experienced discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, religion, disability, sex, gender, age and other protected identities.

Equity & Equal Protection

You can report a student conduct violation, as described in the Student Handbook and Policies.

Student Conduct

In addition to the options listed above, you can also learn more about the available resources and reporting mechanisms as follows:

  • Getting support within your department:  If you feel comfortable, you could start by using the support mechanism within your department. Check with your department’s staff about what support is offered.
  • Getting support from the PBSci division.  To talk to someone outside of your department, you are encouraged to contact:

In addition, there are several other ways to get support.

UCSC Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers confidential consultation and support.

CAPS

UCSC Campus Advocacy Resources and Education offers confidential consultation, support and advocacy for those impacted by sexual violence, dating/domestic violence and stalking.

CARE

UCSC Conflict Resolution office offers prevention, effective management, and informal confidential resolution of conflict at all levels.

Conflict Resolution

UCSC Slug Support offers early intervention for students experiencing stress.

Slug Support

UCSC also has many Resource Centers and Initiatives to support students.

Resource Centers