What to do if You Have Been Accused of Sexual Misconduct
If you have been accused of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking there are resources on and off campus to guide you through the process and procedures. It is important for you to know that you are considered “not responsible” for violating University of Maine System policy unless and until a preponderance of the evidence prove that a violation has occurred.
Familiarize yourself with policies and procedures
If you are accused, you should familiarize yourself with the applicable policies and procedures:
- The Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, Stalking and Retaliation and Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy
- The University of Maine System Procedures for Title IX Sexual Harassment (PDF)
- The Institutional Equity (formerly Equal Opportunity) Complaint Procedure
- The Free Speech, Academic Freedom and Civility Policy
Additional policies and procedures for students:
- The Student Conduct Code
- The Free Speech, Academic Freedom and Civility Policy
- The University of Maine System Procedures for Title IX Sexual Harassment (PDF)
Additional policies and procedures for employees:
- The University of Maine System Employee Handbooks
- The University of Maine System FERPA Compliance Guidelines
- The University of Maine System HIPAA Policies
On-campus resources
On-campus resources if you have been accused:
- Your campus Deputy/Title IX Coordinator can help navigate the process and procedures.
- The University of Maine System has a number of confidential resources for accused, including on-campus counseling.
- University of Maine System campuses may offer student legal services if legal action is being taken against you.
- You have the right to have an advisor of your choice attend any and all meetings with you. If you do not have an advisor, please reach out to the Deputy/Title IX Coordinator who can assist you in getting one at no cost to you.
Supportive measures
Supportive measures will be offered to both the Complainant and the Respondent. All of which may have an impact on both parties.
- A mutual no contact order may be instituted to eliminate contact between both parties.
- Equitable academic accommodations may be utilized to ensure both parities have equal access to classrooms, clubs or other school activities.
- A change in on-campus living arrangements may be made so that both parties no longer share a living space.
- The complainant may engage in other safety planning activities.
- Counseling services are available on any student.
- Other supportive measures that you may need can be discussed with the Deputy/Title IX Coordinator.
Additional resources and links:
If you are unsure of what resources you need, what has happened to you or if you want to explore your options before reaching out to a Deputy/Title IX Coordinator, there are many pages on this site to help guide you through the process:
- Campus police and public safety offices on each campus
- Confidential resources across the University of Maine System
- Definitions of terms used in Title IX
- Form to fill out and submit a Title IX report (External Site)
- List of Deputy/Title IX Coordinators across the University of Maine System
- Non-confidential resources across the University of Maine System
- Title IX information for community members
- Title IX information for faculty and staff
- Title IX Information for students
- Title IX information for pregnancy and parenting
- University of Maine System Counseling Services
- “What to do if you have been assaulted” page