Initiating a Report
Any person with a good faith reason to believe an Emerson student has violated a Community Standard may initiate a report by submitting the following information, in writing, to the Office of Community Standards (OCS) or the Emerson College Police Department (ECPD):
- Name(s) of the student(s) reported to have violated College’s Community Standards
- Clear explanation of the nature of the incident
- The names and contact information of any witnesses
An individual may submit a report directly to the OCS by filling out an incident report on the OCS website, contacting the OCS directly or by contacting a member of the Housing and Residence Life staff. An individual wishing to submit a report to ECPD must contact the ECPD.
When reporting an incident, the reporting party is not required to provide their name or contact information, however, it is recommended in the event clarifying information is needed by the OCS or ECPD. The failure of a reporting party to produce their name and contact information may impair the ability of the College to process the report. Should the reporting party provide their name and contact information, the information will be handled in compliance with the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Review of Report
Reports Received by the Office of Community Standards will be reviewed and assessed by the Assistant Dean or Campus Life or designee to determine if the reported information should proceed to the Student Conduct Process for further review. At the discretion of the Director of Community Standards or designee, reports of violations of law will be reported to ECPD. Community members submitting reports (Complainants) may be asked to participate in the Student Conduct Process. Complainant participation is welcomed but not required. The failure of a Complainant to participate may impair the ability of the College to process the report. Please note that reports submitted may be shared with professional staff in other College offices on a need to know basis. Such offices may include, but are not limited to, Housing and Residence Life, ECAPS, and the Dean of Students.
Reports Received by ECPD will be reviewed in accordance with ECPD procedure. At the discretion of the Chief of ECPD or designee, reports can be referred to another law enforcement agency and/or referred to the Office of Community Standards. Please note that reports submitted may be shared with professional staff in other College offices on a need to know basis. Such offices may include, but are not limited to, Housing and Residence Life, ECAPS, and the Dean of Students.
Sexual Misconduct Policy Reports will be immediately forwarded to the College’s Title IX Coordinator, so that the Title IX Coordinator can assess if the report falls within the purview of the College’s Process for Resolving Complaints of Sexual Misconduct Against Emerson Students.
Bias Related Behavior Reports will be immediately forwarded to the Chief Human Resources Officer so that the Chief Human Recourses Officer can assess if the report falls within the purview of the College’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.
