A Word About Privacy and Confidentiality
Some of the resources available are labeled “private” and some are labeled “confidential.” These terms both mean that your information and your dignity are treated with great care at all times. And in all cases, you remain in control of what information you choose to share. The difference between the two terms rests with whether or how that information may be further shared on your behalf.
A private resource (for example, Case Management in the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Title IX Compliance) is one that connects you with needed assistance and resources that involve other Offices, groups, or organizations. For example, if you need adjustments to your academic schedule or to your housing, these organizations can help make this happen. It does mean that your personally identifiable information will be shared with those who need to know (and no others). Similarly, your information might be shared with those authorities needed to assist with a no-contact directive or any other more substantial measure. Note: your information will not be shared beyond a strictly need-to-know basis and is kept private.
A confidential resource (for example, Health Services, Counseling Services, or the University Ombuds) is one that you may freely share information with and, unless you give specific, written permission, these resources are not permitted to share that information with anyone else unless someone’s safety or well-being is in jeopardy. Confidential resources can be especially helpful in identifying the next steps that you might wish to take in a given situation.
In formal investigations undertaken by the Office of Title IX Compliance, the identities of anyone sharing information with the Director or an Investigator are treated as private and would only be shared with those who have a legal or procedural right to that information. No form of retaliation is ever permitted against anyone whose name or identity surfaces in any facet of our work with you.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about how privacy and confidentiality work to serve and safeguard your best interests, or to report any instances of retaliation that you or others might encounter.