Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Reporting to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA)

I received an email with resources from EOA. Why?

Anyone can report any concerning behavior to EOA. Likely, an individual saw or heard something that caused them to be concerned that you may have experienced sexual misconduct, discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or retaliation. When EOA receives a report, we will reach out to the impacted individual up to three times to share information on their available resources, rights, and options. No one has to meet with EOA, and we will stop reaching out before our third attempt if we receive a response (either that the person wants to meet with us or ask us for no further contact). EOA is available to help talk through your options privately while you decide how best to move forward, if at all.

If you are confused about why you were contacted by EOA or if you have questions, you are welcome to email [email protected].

Can I report anonymously?

Yes, except for “Responsible Employees,” anyone can make a report anonymously. However, EOA’s ability to respond, provide supportive measures, or investigate may be limited by the amount of information available.

I’m a Responsible Employee. Do I have to report sexual misconduct, discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation? What if this impacts my relationship with the impacted individual?

Yes, with the exception that responsible employees are not required to self-report incidents that have happened to them personally. See the Responsible Employee policy for more information.

It is important to remember that notifying EOA about concerns should not be perceived as violating an individual’s trust. Rather, you are referring an impacted individual to a university resource that can provide them with information on their resources, rights, and options. The person can then choose whether and how they would like to engage with our office, or any other resource provided to them.

Does reporting mean I have to engage with EOA or participate in an investigation?

No. No one is required to meet with EOA, and reporting does not automatically start an investigation. Reporting allows EOA to connect with individuals and offer them resources, rights, and options without further obligation. Additionally, reporting can be a way to document an incident in case there are future issues or to let the university know of a concern.

Who does my report go to?

Reports of sexual misconduct, discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or retaliation should all be made to EOA. EOA will review the report and reach out to offer resources, rights, and options. In rare cases, reports may be referred to another appropriate office, but the person who submitted the report will be notified in writing.

When can I expect to be contacted by EOA after making a report?

EOA’s goal is to respond to reported concerns within one business day. However, if you do not hear from EOA within three business days, EOA may be experiencing a delay in procedures. You are welcome to email [email protected] to inquire about the status of your report at any time.

Is there a time limit on when I can report an incident?

There is no time limit on reporting an incident. You can report to EOA at any time, no matter how long ago the incident occurred. Be aware that different offices or agencies might have specific reporting deadlines. Consider documenting information and/or preserving evidence (which could include a confidential sexual assault exam, text messages, pictures, logs, copies of documents, etc.) should you want to report at a later date

What happens if I change my mind and no longer want to engage with EOA?

EOA respects your decision to choose whether or not to engage with our office. You are in control of how you wish to engage with our office. If you decide you no longer want to work with EOA, you are not obligated to do so. EOA would still document your report, and should you want to re-open your report, you are welcome to do so.

Can I be disciplined or experience adverse effects for reporting to EOA?

OSU’s Retaliation policy prohibits any action that adversely affects an individual's employment, education, or access to a university program or activity due to their engagement in a protected activity. Reporting to EOA is considered a protected activity, and you can report any allegations of potential retaliation to EOA.

If someone did something that impacted me and I report it, will the person know that I filed a report about something they did?

When EOA receives a report, we invite the person impacted by the behavior to meet with us to discuss their resources, rights, and options. We will not tell the accused person (the “respondent”) about the report without your knowledge.

Does EOA share information with law enforcement?

EOA does not share information with law enforcement unless a person asks us to except in a few rare circumstances, including concerns of child abuse/neglect, immediate safety concerns on campus, or threats of harm to individuals.

Can I report to EOA and law enforcement?

Yes, you can report to EOA and law enforcement either separately or we would be happy to coordinate with local law enforcement so you can share information with us both at the same time.