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The CSU has a new policy on freedom of expression. Learn more.

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Addressing Other Conduct of Concern

Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to promoting a culture of respect and professionalism in all areas of work, residence, and education. It is crucial for individuals who have encountered incidents of unprofessional conduct, microaggressions, acts of intolerance, or any other disruptive or abusive behavior by a member of the Cal Poly Humboldt community to have the opportunity to report it and to have their concerns addressed.

This reporting website demonstrates the University's commitment to effectively addressing complaints and concerns not covered by existing laws or policies, such as discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Please do not be concerned about submitting the incorrect form; our team will review all reports and ensure they are directed to the appropriate office. Once submitted, all complaints will be processed, tracked, and documented to ensure a timely and equitable response.

To learn more about the Conduct of Concern reporting process, please click on the questions below.
Trainings for Employees
  • “Recognizing and Addressing Micro-Behaviors in the Workplace,” CSU Learn Training Module
  • “Principles of Supervision,” a training for new supervisors, offered by Systemwide Learning and Development
  • “Chairing for Success,” a training for new department chairs, offered by Systemwide Learning and Development
  • CSU Academy, a training for emerging leaders in higher education, offered by Systemwide Learning and Development
  • The Deans’ Academy, a training for new deans, offered by Systemwide Human Resources
Resources for Everyone

More resources will be added soon.

Background Information: 

 

In 2022, the California State University Chancellor's Office contracted with the Cozen O’Connor Institutional Response Group to assess how the CSU and its 23 campuses respond to reports and incidents of discrimination and harassment—which includes all conduct that falls under Title IX law. In an effort to improve Title IX processes, the CSU used the findings by Cozen O’Connor to implement improvements both at the system level and at all CSUs. Click HERE to learn more about our Campus Implementation Team. 

One of the primary findings in the Cozen O'Connor reports was that there was a need to address behavior by members of the campus community that they termed “other conduct of concern”. Across all campuses, they found, there was a trend of individuals reporting incidents of unprofessional conduct, abusive conduct, microaggressions, acts of intolerance, and other disruptive behavior that were minimally investigated, if at all. These were cases that did not meet the criteria to be addressed through established federal & state laws, or existing CSU or university policies such as: Title IX/CSU Nondiscrimination Policy; Student Code of Conduct; or Collective Bargaining. Additionally, there was no written process for case management, follow up, or documentation. 

In summer of 2023, prior to the report released by Cozen O’Connor, work had already begun at Cal Poly Humboldt to address issues with the student grievance policy. Led by the Associate Dean of Students, at the time, a group of stakeholders from several campus departments met to form the Complaint Process Development Committee. One of the initial observations was that the existing policies and procedures needed revision, with the goal of better serving individuals who experienced or observed harmful behavior by members of the campus community. In subsequent meetings, it was decided to appoint someone to serve as the Complaint Process Coordinator. This individual is responsible for reviewing all reports of "other conduct of concern," assigning these cases to the appropriate administrator, and monitoring the handling of these cases to ensure that complaints are documented and processed to completion. 

In April of 2024, the Chancellor's Office released a draft "Systemwide Guidance: Responding to Other Conduct of Concern at the CSU" with preliminary guidelines, instructing all California State Universities (CSUs) to address specific behaviors categorized as "Other Conduct of Concern."  Cal Poly Humboldt is ahead of many CSU’s in how we are already responding to complaints of this nature. Work continues, within the committee and across the University, to implement best practices in addressing concerning behavior. All members of the campus community deserve to abide in a respectful and professional environment.

The CSU System defines “other conduct of concern” (OCC) as “behavior or actions (such as abusive conduct, microaggressions, acts of intolerance, or other forms of unprofessionalism) demonstrated by a member of the campus community or department that greatly impacts an individual's overall well-being to the point where it impairs their ability to fully participate in their educational or work environment.”

The CSU refers to conduct that is incongruous with CSU’s shared values as “Other Conduct of Concern” (OCC) if it includes one or more of the following:

  • Conduct that is directed at a person because of their protected status, but that does not violate CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy because the conduct is not “severe,” “pervasive” or “persistent” as defined by CSU policy and federal and state law. 
  • Conduct that is materially disruptive to the learning, living, or working environment of the CSU, but for which discipline likely may not be imposed because it constitutes protected speech or conduct.
  • Conduct that is considered “abusive” as defined in Cal. Govt Code section 12950.1(h)(2) or otherwise unprofessional, for which discipline may be imposed in accordance with Education Code section 89535(b). 

Procedures have been established to address alleged violations to Title IX/CSU Nondiscrimination Policy such as sexual misconduct; dating/domestic violence; stalking; discrimination and harassment based on a protected status; and retaliation for reporting instances. There is also the Student Conduct Process which holds individuals accountable for violating the Student Code of Conduct.

Additionally, protocols are in place for resolving disputes within collective bargaining units involving staff and faculty. It is crucial to address harmful behavior that may not be explicitly covered by current laws or policies, which is why Cal Poly Humboldt has implemented the "other conduct of concern" reporting process.

There are no mandatory requirements in place for individuals to report behavior that falls under the definition of "other conduct of concern”. Often complaints categorized as OCC can be resolved between the involved parties, which is why communicating directly with the person you are experiencing conflict with is the recommended initial step.  If that is unsuccessful, the next step is to seek assistance from the supervisor or administrator over that person. When it is not possible to address the conflict directly or if you have exhausted efforts to resolve the matter, you have the option of submitting the “Other Conduct of Concern” Incident Report. Filing an OCC report provides the advantage of documenting and tracking the situation in Maxient, the university’s secure case management system, which ensures the matter is addressed promptly as involved parties work towards resolution.

When an “Other Conduct of Concern Incident Report” is submitted, it is reviewed by the University's Complaint Process Coordinator. If the individual affected (the reporting party) wishes to have the matter addressed and documented, the case is assigned to the appropriate administrator for handling. For example, if a student has a complaint about a faculty member engaging in continuous bullying behavior in class, the case would be assigned to the Associate Dean of the respective College. The Associate Dean may delegate the processing of the issue to the Department Chair, while also monitoring the progress and outcome of the conflict, which is documented in Maxient, the university’s online secure case management system.

Participation in resolving conflicts resides with the affected party.  If you have concerns regarding the handling of your case, there may be opportunities to address these issues with a different administrator. The most advisable course of action in this scenario would be to contact the campus Ombuds for assistance.

Participation in an OCC case at Cal Poly Humboldt will not be included in a student's conduct record. All OCC cases are recorded in Maxient, the university’s secure online case management system and only designated administrators can access these files.

Yes, anyone can submit an "other conduct of concern" incident anonymously, but response to the allegations may be limited and thus, may not fully investigated if the University is unable to gather more information. In these situations, the report may not be created into a case and recorded formally.

Reporting parties have the option to have their complaint recorded for documentation purposes only, without escalation to the appropriate administrator for further review and action. (There is a required question on the reporting form that provides this option.)

In general, the affected party may have one person serve as a support person during meetings. The role of a support person in “other conduct of concern” cases is to take notes, observe the proceedings, and consult with the affected party, as needed. The support person may not speak on behalf of the affected party in OCC cases.

It is important to inform the individual with whom you are scheduled to meet, in advance, if you plan to have a support person accompany you. The assigned administrator has the discretion to determine whether it is appropriate for a support person to be present during the meeting.

OCC cases are documented in Maxient, the university’s online secure case management system. Access to an individual’s files and cases is restricted to designated administrators only; other campus administrators do not have the ability to view files that are not under their purview. Administrators handling OCC cases may only share details with university officials with “a need to know”.  All relevant parties should be notified when an OCC case is concluded, but specific details regarding any actions taken, disciplinary measures, sanctions, or consequences should remain confidential, unless legal requirements or the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy necessitate disclosure.

Cal Poly Humboldt unequivocally supports constitutionally protected rights of free expression and assembly, and the right to express opinions through speech and media.

For everyone to enjoy the freedom of expression there must be reciprocal respect for the rights of all individuals: the exercise of the rights granted by the First Amendment cannot interfere with others’ exercising their own rights. Please refer to the CSU's Systemwide Time, Place, and Manner policy as a guide for planning any demonstration on campus.

For more information about policies at Cal Poly Humboldt, please visit humboldt.edu/free-speech

 

Complaint Process Coordinator

If you are unsure of which form to select or where to start, please reach out to the Complaint Process Coordinator for assistance: 

Pam Kirschner
707-826-3387
Siemens Hall 211
complaints@humboldt.edu

Ombuds Office

Humboldt Ombuds is a free service, available to Cal Poly Humboldt students, faculty, and staff. They offer a safe place to discuss problems or issues within the University and can help identify options for addressing specific concerns and resolving conflicts. Ombuds treat all inquiries as confidential (except as required by law or where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm). They do not take a side in disputes. Overall, Ombuds are advocates for fairness and equity.

Legal Resources

Legal Services of Northern California

Policy Information

Cal Poly Humboldt and the CSU System policies can be searched and read in full at the following policy catalogs: