Responsible Employees
The University encourages all individuals who have experienced or observed discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct (including Title IX Sexual Harassment) to report that conduct to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance.
Certain university employees, called Responsible Employees, are required to report discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct that they learn about in the scope of their employment to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. University employees, including student employees and graduate students with teaching or supervisory roles, are considered Responsible Employees and must report all such allegations of which they become aware in the scope of the work for the University to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (OCR) unless they are identified as a confidential resource.
After a report is made, OCR will contact and provide support, resources, and information to the person who may have experienced misconduct, who can choose whether or not to request supportive measures and/or participate in the University's complaint resolution process.
How to Report
Reporting is available:
- Online
- By phone: (847) 467-6165
- By email: OCR@northwestern.edu
- In-person during normal business hours: 1800 Sherman Ave., Suite 4500, Evanston, IL 60201
Informing Others of Your Status as a Responsible Employee
If you believe someone intends to share information about alleged discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, it is essential to inform them of your status as a Responsible Employee. Review the script below as an example of a how to share your reporting responsibility:
"I appreciate you sharing with me and I want to hear everything you want to tell me. I just need you to know that as an NU employee I must report matters of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (OCR). They will reach out to you, but it is your choice what you share – you are not obligated to respond or engage with OCR. I can give you other resources, including people on campus who must maintain confidentiality. I would love to hear more about your experience/the incident if you want to tell me."
Responsible Employees Must
- communicate to individuals who have disclosed or who may disclose information about alleged prohibited conduct that, as a Responsible Employee, they must report such information to the University;
- promptly report all relevant details of alleged incidents (including the names, date, time, and specific location) to OCR within 24 hours; and
- refer the Reporter to a Confidential Employee if confidentiality is requested.
Responsible Employees Must Not
- submit an anonymous report to discharge their responsibilities; or
- disclose information to law enforcement without consent except in specific situations (such as an immediate risk to the safety, health, or well-being of members of the University community, or where an incident has already been reported to law enforcement).
Incidents Involving Minors
All University employees, students, volunteers, and third-party contractors are obligated to report any suspected abuse and/or neglect of a child or incidents of sexual misconduct involving minors to the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services or applicable state agency. See the University's for more information about this reporting requirement.
Exemptions from Reporting
Disclosures made in the context of "Public Awareness Events" (e.g. "Take Back the Night," candlelight vigils, protests, or "survivor speak outs,") held on the University's campus or through an online platform sponsored by the University, or during certain research studies are not subject to reporting requirements.
Confidential Employees
A Confidential Employee is a designated staff or faculty member who will not disclose information about alleged prohibited conduct without written consent or under certain exceptions (e.g., mandatory reporting of abuse of minors or elder abuse, Clery Act, court order, or where there is concern that the individual will likely cause serious physical harm to self or others). Confidential Employees can refer individuals to reporting forms if they want to make a report.
The University has published a list specifying where students and employees may access the services of Confidential Employees in the Resource Guide.
Confidential Employees Must
- communicate to individuals who have disclosed or who may disclose information about alleged prohibited conduct that, as a Confidential Employee, except as provided in the limited circumstances, their disclosure will not be shared with the university and will therefore be unable to provide university support; and
- inform such individuals about how to make a complaint and about resolution options and supportive measures offered by the university.