The University of Illinois System is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe space in which to learn and work. Part of this commitment includes ensuring all persons understand the expectation to prevent and report sexual misconduct and to help protect minors.
Required Training for DPI Leads (including program facilitators)
DPI designated individuals are required to complete two trainings: 1.) Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements training; and 2.) Preventing Sexual Violence for DPI Leads and Learners.
To view the first training, visit Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements. The second training consists of reviewing material on this webpage. The material to review starts below under the heading “Preventing Sexual Violence for DPI Leads and Learners”. Upon completion of both trainings, log your acknowledgement here.
See University of Illinois System Protection of Minors Policy for more information. Questions may be directed to protectminors@uillinois.edu.
Preventing Sexual Violence for DPI Leads and Learners
The System Offices Sexual Misconduct Policy’s (Policy) purpose is to foster an educational and workplace environment free from gender and sex discrimination, including Title IX sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct; to encourage reporting of alleged violations of the Policy; and to provide for appropriate corrective action when violations of the Policy occur.
The University of Illinois System Offices (“System Offices”) prohibit and do not tolerate gender or sex discrimination, which includes Title IX sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct. To prevent discrimination on the basis of gender or sex, the System Offices ensure access to equitable educational opportunities and program participation across the University of Illinois System. No one is, on the basis of gender, sex, or actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any University of Illinois System education program or activity.
When referring to the System Offices Sexual Misconduct Policy, the following are some key terms to be aware of. Further definitions are available in Appendix A of the Policy.
Consent
Consent means mutually understood words or actions indicating a freely given, informed agreement to engage in a particular sexual activity with a specific person or persons. Consent must be voluntarily given and cannot be the result of coercion. A person's lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission resulting from the use or threat of force does not constitute consent. A person's manner of dress does not constitute consent. A person's consent to past sexual activity does not constitute consent to future sexual activity. A person's consent to engage in sexual activity with one person does not constitute consent to engage in sexual activity with another. A person can withdraw consent at any time.
A person cannot consent to sexual activity if that person is unable to understand the nature, fact, or extent of the activity or give knowing consent due to circumstances, including without limitation the following:
- the person is incapacitated due to the use or influence of alcohol or drugs;
- the person is asleep or unconscious;
- the person is under the legal age to provide consent; or
- the person has a disability that prevents such person from having the ability or capacity to give consent.
To be found responsible in a case involving a Complainant who could not consent to sexual activity, the Respondent must have known, or should have known, the Complainant was unable to understand the nature of the sexual activity or give knowing consent due to the circumstances. “Should have known” is an objective, reasonable person standard. That is, would a reasonable person have recognized that the Complainant could not consent to the sexual activity.
Retaliation
Retaliation means intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX, its implementing regulations, or the System Offices Sexual Misconduct Policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under the Policy. Retaliation may include, but is not limited to harassment, discrimination, threats, or adverse employment action. Any person or group within the scope of the Policy who engages in prohibited retaliation is subject to a separate complaint of retaliation under the Policy.
Reporting Sexual Misconduct as a Victim
If you are the victim of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, or have information about the commission of such offenses, you are encouraged to inform the police by dialing 911 or report to the police department at your school, college, or university.
You are also encouraged to report allegations involving sexual misconduct to the System Offices Title IX Coordinator using the following contact information:
- Telephone: (217) 333-7671
- E-mail: systemofficetitleIX@uillinois.edu
- Mailing address: 452 Illini Union Bookstore Building, MC312, 807 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820
- In person: 807 South Wright Street
The System Offices Title IX Coordinator can also assist with requests for confidential counseling and supportive measures, such as extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments.
Please see the following for further information.
Healthcare Resources
If you are the victim of sexual violence, the System Offices also strongly encourages you to go to a hospital emergency room, with a friend if possible. Healthcare providers can treat the physical consequences of sexual violence, such as injuries, concerns of pregnancy, and/or sexually transmitted diseases. Healthcare providers can also collect evidence even if you choose not to immediately seek criminal charges against an alleged offender. Healthcare staff are required by Illinois law to contact local law enforcement; however, you choose whether to speak with police personnel or decline to do so.
- There are many hospitals in the vicinity of DPI including:
​Confidential Advisors and Counseling
DPI learners desiring to speak with a confidential advisor may consult with the following confidential advisor resources:
Confidential Advisors have no obligation to report crimes to the System Offices or law enforcement. University Confidential Advisors report to their respective universities anonymous statistical data about the number and type of incidents of sexual misconduct they receive reports on so the information can be included in their university’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (also known as the Clery Report).
Professional counselors at these locations can provide support, help find needed resources, and talk with you about your reporting options. The System Offices Title IX Coordinator can also assist with requests for supportive measures, such as changes in workplace situations because of an incident.
Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Centers
How can I Intervene Safely in a Potential Situation
Bystander intervention is a prevention strategy that encourages witnesses to take safe action when they see a situation that might lead to sexual violence or abuse, and to support victims after an incident. We all have a part to play in keeping the community safe. Click here to learn more about bystander intervention.