Responsible Employees

SPEAKER 1:
Hi there!
As a member of the USF Title IX Office, I’m really excited to share a little bit about who we are, what your responsibilities are as a responsible employee or as a student leader, and—most importantly—how to support students and yourself.

SPEAKER 2:
Before we dive in, a quick but important note.
This video includes content that may be triggering for some. We’ll be discussing topics like sexual harassment and sexual violence—things that may feel personal, especially if you or someone you know has experienced harm.

SPEAKER 1:

Most of this presentation is not explicit or graphic, but it is always important that you take care of yourself and do what you need to address your emotional and mental wellness.

Counseling, through CAPS, is available for all students and is a confidential resource if you need a place for support. For staff at USF, the employee assistance program offers online therapy, or 8 sessions. 

SPEAKER 2:
In this presentation, you’ll hear terms like “assault”—these aren’t included for shock value, but are used to reflect the language in our policies and reporting processes.

SPEAKER 1:

 At USF, we are committed to ending gender discrimination and sexual violence.
One way we ensure this is by promptly and appropriately responding to all reports of gender discrimination and sexual violence.

 That’s where responsible employees come in.

USF designates all USF employees or student leaders, like resident advisors, unless a confidential resource, as responsible employees. You may have heard this called mandatory reporting. This means the same thing as a responsible employee. 

SPEAKER 2:

 So—what is a responsible employee?

It’s any employee of USF who’s required by policy to share knowledge, notice, and/or reports of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation with the Title IX Coordinator,or if there is immediate danger, to Public Safety.

SPEAKER 1:
This includes behavior that may violate our University Policy on Nondiscrimination based on Sex and Gender, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct.
 

Reporting isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s also about protecting the health and safety of our community. By having responsible employees on campus, the Title IX office can provide options for survivors and support after harm has occurred.

SPEAKER 2:

 So, who exactly is a responsible employee?

Almost all USF employees—staff, faculty, librarians, adjuncts, temporary staff, volunteers—and even some student leaders, like resident advisors or community assistants or teaching assistants, are responsible employees.

SPEAKER 1:
The only people who are not required to report are confidential resources: These include licensed clinicians at CAPS and ordained clergy acting in their spiritual advisor role. 

These resources must still act within local, state, and federal law. More information is provided at the end of the video.

SPEAKER 2:
If you are unsure about your role, contact the Title IX office directly—we’re happy to clarify.

SPEAKER 1:

 Now—what types of things must you report?
Anything that may fall under our policy, including:

• Sexual harassment
• Stalking
• Sexual exploitation
• Sexual assault
• Intimate partner violence
• Domestic violence

Reporting for child abuse or elder abuse, falls under the California Abuse and Reporting Act and is managed by Risk Management at USF.

SPEAKER 2:
But here’s something important to keep in mind—
You are not an investigator.
Your job isn’t to ask for all the details, but to listen and then share what was disclosed to you with the Title IX Office. You cannot withhold any information that is shared. 

SPEAKER 1:
Asking questions like who, what, where, when, how, can not only be retraumatizing for someone not ready to relive the experience, but often places the survivor in a position to have to justify or explain their decisions. This can sometimes unintentionally lead to a dynamic of victim blaming. 

Instead, let the individual lead the conversation. Let them share as much or as little as they would like, and explain that anything they tell you will be shared with the Title IX office. 

SPEAKER 2:
If you are an employee, you are required to report anytime you are working or interacting in your professional role.

If you are a student leader, you only need to report when you are on duty or if the person is coming to you because of your campus position—for example if you are an RA and it’s someone in your residence hall.

SPEAKER 1:
And don’t worry—if you are the person experiencing harm, you are not required to report your own experience. But we do encourage you to seek support and report if you feel comfortable doing so.

SPEAKER 2:
So, how do you report?
The easiest way is through the online reporting form on the Title IX website.

SPEAKER 1:
You can also report by phone, by email, or by stopping by our office—here’s a look at our space in Lone Mountain Room 145.

SPEAKER 2:
If you use the form, remember: as a responsible employee, you cannot submit it anonymously, and you must include all the information shared with you—even if someone asks you not to.

SPEAKER 1: slide 1-

 After you submit, you’ll get a confirmation email that the report was received by the Title IX office. Depending on the details, the Title IX Office may or may not follow up with you directly. The office won't reach out to you to share any updates or outcomes, as that information is protected by student and employee privacy rights.

SPEAKER 2:  slide 11

So what happens to the report?
 

Once it’s received, the Title IX Office reviews the information. If the person who experienced harm is identified, they’ll receive an outreach email within two business days. This is why it is crucial to report within 24 hours of receiving the information for the Title IX office to conduct timely outreach. 

SPEAKER 1:
We can track whether that email is opened. If there’s no response, we send a second message—then we will pause unless we hear back.

 The choice to respond—or not—is always up to the survivor.

SPEAKER 2:
And just to clarify: we don’t automatically reach out to the person alleged to have caused harm. That only happens if the survivor specifically requests it, or if there’s a serious threat to safety.

SPEAKER 1:
Finally, a reminder about confidential resources—
CAPS licensed clinicians and ordained clergy are available if someone wants to talk in confidence. They are not required to report to Title IX, but still act in compliance with local and federal laws. 

SPEAKER 2:
Whether you are supporting a student, a colleague, or yourself—there are resources available. And by understanding your role as a responsible employee, you help create a safer and more supportive USF community.

SPEAKER 1:
Thanks for being here and for doing your part.

SPEAKER 2:
And remember—when in doubt, reach out to the Title IX Office. We are here to help.