FAQ

What happens after I file a report?

Reports are received by the Bias Reporting Team, which comprises trained professionals in Student Affairs, the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Affirmative Action, Campus Ministry, the Georgetown Police Department and other University offices. A member of the team will contact you to request a meeting. At that time the team member will verify the facts of the report; and ask whether you desire any additional support, such as counseling or referral to another University resource.

Will my report be investigated?

The Bias Team member who meets with you will help you determine whether there is sufficient information to pursue an investigation through the Georgetown Police Department or file a complaint with the Office of Student Conduct.

What happens with electronic bias related incidents reported through UIS?

If the person responsible for the online abuse is a member of the University community, the matter will be referred to the appropriate department for resolution (e.g. Student Affairs for an incident involving two students).
In the event that someone not affiliated with Georgetown is involved in the incident (such as a customer of a third-party Internet Service Provider or e-mail Service Provider), UIS will report the incident to them. In these cases, the third party’s policies and procedures may affect information disclosure and resolution of the incident.

Is the process confidential?

The reports are confidential but not anonymous. The reporting form asks for contact information so that a Bias Reporting team member can contact you. The reported statistics do not include any information about who filed the reports.

Who Can File a Bias Related Incident Report?

Any student, staff, faculty member or visitor to campus can report a bias related incident that occurs anywhere on campus.

Can a third party file a report?

Yes. For example, RAs in residence halls often file reports on behalf of residents who experience a bias related incident but may not want to report it themselves. In such cases, the Bias Team member who receives the report responds to the person who filed it, and through that person seeks to ensure that the one who experienced the incident receives any necessary services. Other community members, including faculty members, chaplains, advisors, coaches and any trusted confidante, are also encouraged to file third-party reports.