Mandatory Reporters are designated university employees who are required to promptly share information about possible sex- or gender-based discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, dating or domestic violence, stalking, retaliation, or other prohibited conduct with Equity and Title IX. AU’s policies define Mandatory Reporters as: “University employees as well as non-employees who provide teaching or academic administration services to the University pursuant to a vendor contract.” The policies state that these employees “have a duty to report potential violations of this Policy and fail to do so may be subject to discipline or corrective action” and may not submit these reports anonymously.  

It’s important to note that this reporting obligation helps ensure that individuals impacted by prohibited conduct receive information about: 

• Available supportive measures 

• Reporting Options 

• Confidential and non-confidential resources 

• The University’s policies and resolution processes 

Making a report to Equity and Title IX does not require the impacted individual to participate in an investigation or formal complaint process. The purpose of the report is to connect individuals with available resources and explain their options.  

If someone shares information that may involve prohibited conduct: 

• Inform the individual of your reporting obligation as early as possible so they can decide what information they wish to share. 

• Listen with empathy and without judgment. 

• Avoid investigating or asking unnecessary questions. Gather only enough information to make the required report. 

• Submit the information promptly to Equity and Title IX HERE. 

• Remind the individual that support is available, including confidential resources if they wish to speak with someone who is not required to report. 

• Respect privacy by sharing information only with those who have a legitimate need to know.  

When possible, include: 

•  The names of the individuals involved 

•  A description of the reported conduct 

•  The date, time, and location (if known) 

•  Any immediate safety concerns 

•  Any other relevant information shared during the disclosure 

 Mandatory Reporters should avoid conducting their own investigation or collecting extensive evidence. 

After Equity and Title IX receives a report, the office will typically: 

• Reach out to the impacted individual. 

• Provide information about available resources and supportive measures. 

• Explain reporting and resolution options. 

• Answer questions about university processes. 

• Evaluate whether additional steps are necessary for the University. 

Equity & Title IX make every attempt to respect the individual’s decision regarding whether they wish to engage further, except in limited circumstances where the University must act to address community safety or comply with legal obligations.

As discussed above, not every University employee is required to report information related to prohibited conduct to Equity & Title IX. 
 

Certain professionals, including licensed counselors, medical providers, pastoral counselors, and designated Confidential Resource Advisors acting within the scope of their role, can generally maintain confidentiality as permitted by law and university policy. 
 
Individuals who wish to speak confidentially are encouraged to connect with one of these resources before sharing information with a Mandatory Reporter: Confidential Resources Page 

If you are a Mandatory Reporter, yes. You should explain your reporting obligation before or as soon as possible after a disclosure so the individual understands your role. While you must share the information with Equity and Title IX, the individual generally decides whether they wish to participate in any University process. You can learn more information about a variety of ways reporting Title IX specific matters and how they impact your role as a faculty or staff member at AU on the : Information for Staff & Faculty Page.  

No. Making a report allows Equity and Title IX to provide information about available resources, supportive measures, and reporting options. An investigation does not automatically begin simply because a report is received.

Individuals may submit a report to Equity and Title IX without identifying themselves. Anonymous reports can be an important way to share concerns, especially if someone is not ready to disclose their identity. 

However, it is important to understand that the University's ability to investigate, respond to, or resolve concerns may be limited when a report is submitted anonymously or without sufficient information. 

Please Note: University employees who are designated Responsible Employees may not fulfill their reporting obligations by submitting an anonymous report. 

An Equity and Title IX staff member will discuss available options so individuals can make informed decisions about next steps. 

No. If you are the person impacted by the prohibited conduct, you are not obligated to report that to Equity & Title IX. We strongly encourage you to report it so that the University can take steps to address the conduct and provide resources and support. Failing to report the conduct will severely limit the University’s ability to address the behavior. Also, even after you report the conduct to Equity & Title IX, you will be given the opportunity to determine what, if any, next steps you want to participate in. But you are not obligated to report to Equity & Title IX.  

If you have received sufficient information that a violation of AU policy has occurred, you should report what you know to Equity & Title IX. Equity & Title IX will reach out to the impacted individual and ask for any additional information needed to start the process. Remember, you are obligated to report but that does not automatically start an investigation – at a minimum, it will get the impacted individual necessary resources and support. 

You do not need to ask questions or begin to investigate what you have been told. Instead, share with Equity & Title IX the information you were provided. Equity & Title IX will reach out to the impacted individual to acquire the information needed to start the process.