Faculty and Staff Title IX Resources

Learn About Title IX Services and Other Information for Faculty and Staff

Title IX protects people who are participating in, (or attempting to participate in) any educational program or activity that receives federal funding. Title IX protects individuals from discrimination based on sex, which includes protection from sexual harassment, sexual assault, pregnancy and parenting discrimination or other forms of sex discrimination (visit the Title IX definitions page to see a comprehensive list of protections). Employees, students, athletes and community members involved in (or attempting to participate in) any educational programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance are all protected under Title IX. Title IX requires that all areas of these institutions must operate in a nondiscriminatory manner.

As recipients of these funds, institutions, offices, faculty and staff may not retaliate against a person for opposing an unlawful educational practice or policy, or because a person has made allegations, was a witness or participated in any complaint action associated with Title IX.

Title IX services are available to students, faculty and staff who are affected by discrimination protected under Title IX. Title IX includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, pregnancy and parenting status and equity in athletics.

The Deputy/Title IX Coordinator at each institution is responsible for investigating allegations of gender discrimination and serves as a resources point person for all who have been affected.

All faculty and staff are mandated reporters.

All faculty and staff are considered mandatory reporters, which means that we collectively have a legal and moral responsibility to provide appropriate support and assistance to any individual who has or is experiencing an incident protected by Title IX. All University of Maine System employees are mandatory reporters with the exception of professional and pastoral counselors, licensed clinical counselors and their clinical interns when acting in their counseling capacity; licensed health professionals, and researchers involving human subjects. If a student, visitor or faculty or staff member has disclosed to you that they are involved in or have previously been involved in a Title IX situation or incident, as a mandatory reporter you must report this information by contacting a Deputy/Title IX Coordinator or filling out this form (External Site).

Understand How Title IX May Affect You as an Employee of the University of Maine System

Training for staff members:

The University of Maine System requires that all employees take an annual Title IX training through UMS Academy to better understand their responsibilities under Title IX.

Directory suppression:

Whenever questioned about a student, please be mindful that students may have their “directory information” made private through directory suppression. Directory suppression requires that employees of the University of Maine System may not answer questions or requests for information about a student who has requested Directory Suppression, provided there is not a release in place or a court order. Directory information includes:

• Student name
• Address
• Telephone number
• University email address
• Date of birth
• Honors and awards
• Current major
• Degrees earned
• Enrollment status
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• Most recent educational institution attended
• Athletics participation
• Student athlete height and/or weight

Staff members who manage student workers:

A student worker who has been affected by Title IX does not need to disclose the incident or situation to you, but they may receive reasonable work accommodations such as a change in University-related work schedules, job assignments or more. The Deputy/Title IX Coordinator works with impacted students to determine supportive measures and then makes arrangements for appropriate accommodations with the staff members. Such communications with staff are upon request and the nature of the incident is not disclosed.

Staff members who have been affected by Title IX:

Staff members who are affected by a Title IX situation or incident may also reach out to their campus Deputy/Title IX Coordinator for support. Pages on this site that may prove helpful if you have been affected by a Title IX situation or incident include: what to do if you have been assaulted and what to do if you have been accused. Any person living in the State of Maine may file to be made part of the Address Confidentiality Program (External Site) to have their public information removed from the public record.

Employee Assistance Program:

Full time faculty and staff may qualify for the University of Maine System Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is a benefit to help employees and families cope with challenging times. Qualifying faculty and staff may utilize up to six complimentary counseling sessions, as well as other support services, through the EAP.

The EAP is a free, voluntary and confidential service provided by Cigna. It provides employees, retirees and their household members with assessments, consultations and referrals to resources. The EAP is designed to assist you in dealing with a wide variety of personal concerns. You can reach them by calling 1-877-622-4327 or visiting myCigna.com (External Site). The employer ID is UMS.

Confidential Resource Advisors:

Any staff member, regardless of full or part-time status, can connect with their campus Confidential Resource Advisor (CRA) to receive free and confidential support, resources, and information.