Faculty & Staff Response Guide
Survivors of sexual misconduct/relationship violence and stalking may turn for help to faculty and staff, who are their teachers and mentors, before seeking out other resources. This page is intended as a helpful resource to guide your conversation, should a student disclose to you.
Let the student know you are not confidential
Tell the student you would like to listen to what they have to share with you, but that you will need to let the Title IX Coordinator know what the student has disclosed to you, and that the Title IX Coordinator will follow up with the student about resources, support, and inform the student of their rights.
Determine if the student is safe
Help to re-establish safety. If the student needs a safety plan, contact University Police.
Listen without judgment
- It is not your job to be investigator, lawyer, judge or juror.
- Avoid asking “Why?”,which can sound blaming or judgmental.
- Be aware of your non-verbal behaviors, to make sure they match your verbal message.
- Realize that sometimes being an active listener is what the survivor wants.
- Respect personal space.
Provide emotional support.
- Validate and reflect feelings (e.g., “Of course you feel angry,” or “It can be scary to talk about this”).
- Be genuine in your caring and support.
- Encourage them to speak to someone at the Counseling Center (585) 395-2414 or RESTORE’s 24 hour hotline (585) 546-2777; Call the Counseling Center with them to make an appointment with a counselor.
- Respect the survivor and affirm to them that they have the ability to figure out what they need.
Respect the student’s privacy
Do not discuss the report with anyone outside of the “need to know” circle. You must inform the Title IX Coordinator, Denine Carr.
What not to do
- Conduct an independent investigation.
- Counsel either the student who’s made the report or the student/employee accused.
- Notify the accused of the allegations.
- Explain to either party how SUNY Brockport’s Title IX Grievance Policy, Code of Student Conduct, or criminal law processes work. Instead, refer them to the Title IX Coordinator.
- Attempt to mediate.
- Encourage the complainant either to file or not file a report.
- Take any action other than checking in with the student about their safety and contacting the Title IX Coordinator for next steps.