Molecular Genetics Code of Conduct

 

Resources for members of the Department of Molecular Genetics community who experience or witness misconduct

The Department is committed to ensuring a safe, supportive, and collegial environment. We provide below a compilation of on-campus resources for community members. All members of the Department should know how to support those who have experienced harm and know how to get help or report misconduct themselves.

Special Note about Mandated Reporting 

Most university employees, except those exempted by legal privilege of confidentiality or expressly identified as a confidential reporter, have a mandated Duty to Report incidents of sexual assault, discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and prohibited relationships when they receive a disclosure or become aware of such incidents. For sexual assault incidents, mandated reporters must report the incident immediately. For all other incidents, mandated reporters must report the incident as soon as practical (but at most within 5 working days) after becoming aware. Faculty and staff can consult the reference guide to assist victims/survivors who report sexual misconduct.

Reporting Resources 

If there is an immediate risk to health or safety, please dial 911 or contact crisis resources.

Additional resources, including confidential, non-confidential, and around the clock, crisis support can be found here.

Appropriate reporting channels in the Department of Molecular Genetics:

  • Your direct supervisor 
  • An undergraduate faculty advisor or a Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) member 
  • Professor Harald Vaessin, Department Chair 
  • Professor Sharon Amacher, Department Vice Chair for Research and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 
  • Professor Susan Cole, Department Vice Chair for Education 
  • Any current faculty, staff, or student member of the Molecular Genetics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee 
  • Another individual you trust in the Department, College, or University

Reporting Resources for Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking: 

Reporting Resources at the Office of Institutional Equity for discrimination and harassment based on a protected class, sexual misconduct, and child abuse/neglect:

Anonymous Reporting Line

(please note that anonymous reports do not satisfy an employee’s duty to report)

Faculty/Staff Reference Guide to assist Victims/Survivors who report sexual misconduct:

 

Office of Institutional Equity

The Office of Institutional Equity coordinates the university’s response to all complaints of harassment and discrimination.

Office of Institutional Equity Links to Policies and Standards Policies and FAQs

Sexual Misconduct Response and Prevention

Protected class definitions

Additional Columbus campus resources

  • SARNCO On-Campus Advocates (confidential resource) 
    SARNCO (Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio) On-Campus Advocates provide confidential support for survivors of sexual violence, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors of OSU’s Columbus campus. The on-campus office is located at 33. W. 11th Avenue, Room 202, Columbus, OH 43201 Phone: 614-688-2518
     
  • Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) (confidential resource) 
    Student Life’s CCS provides counseling and consultation to all students enrolled at Ohio State. Students’ spouses/partners who are covered by the Comprehensive Student Health Insurance are also eligible for services. CCS offers counseling and therapy to help students address personal, academic, and career concerns. Both individual and group counseling are available. Their diverse staff specializes in several issues, including (but not limited to) substance abuse, eating disorders, sexual assault, relationship violence, international student concerns, LGBTQIA issues, and multiculturalism. Phone: 614-292-5766.
     
  • Student Health Services (confidential resource) 
    The Wilce Student Health Center at The Ohio State University is a Joint Commission accredited outpatient facility providing a variety of health care services to the student population. All students enrolled at Ohio state are eligible to use the health service, regardless of health insurance coverage. Phone: 614-292-4321.
     
  • Office of Student Life Disability Services 
    Student Life Disability Services (SLDS) collaborates with and empowers students who have disabilities to coordinate support services and programs that enable equal access to an education and university life. Phone: 614-292-3307; VP: 614-500-4445.
     
  • Faculty/Staff Assistance Program (confidential resource) 
    The Ohio State EAP (Employee Assistance Program), available 24/7/365 for Ohio State benefits-eligible faculty, staff, and family members provides life assistance for a wide array of personal, work-related, and daily living challenges such as stress, marital/family challenges, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, legal consultation, identify theft support, financial consultation, childcare and eldercare locators, and much more. All EAP services are personalized to fit your specific need and are provided by the Ohio State University Health Plan, Inc. Phone: 800-678-6265.
     
  • Student Legal Services (confidential resource) 
    Student Legal Services is a non-profit law office providing legal services to eligible OSU students, including assistance with landlord-tenant disputers, obtaining civil protection orders, and crime victims compensation. Phone: 614-247-5853.
     
  • Ombuds Services 
    The Office of Ombuds Services provides an independent, confidential* space where faculty members and graduate and professional students can discuss issues and receive informal counsel and advice. The office has two ombuds, one for faculty (Phone: 614-247-7310) and one for graduate and professional students (Phone: 614-292-4252). *Note: Although the ombudsperson provides confidential support for many issues, they have reporting obligations related to incidents of sexual misconduct. Thus, while they will discuss sexual misconduct issues with sensitivity and keep your information as private as possible, they cannot guarantee confidentiality. Ombuds Services provides a list of confidential resources regarding sexual misconduct, some of which are listed above.
     
  • Empowerment and self-defense 
    Free self-defense classes for women. Phone: 614-292-4321.

 

Official Ohio State University Policies and Codes

Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct University Policy:
Summary: To maintain a university environment free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. This policy applies to faculty, staff, students, student employees, graduate associates, suppliers/contractors, program participants, volunteers, and visitors.

Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity University Policy:
Summary: To create an environment where all people have an equal opportunity to apply for and participate fully in university employment and to promote awareness of the university’s affirmative action obligations. This policy applies to faculty, staff, student employees, graduate associates, and employment applicants.

Access for Individuals with Disabilities University Policy:
Summary: To provide an inclusive and accessible university environment for all qualified individuals with disabilities. This policy applies to faculty, staff, students, student employees, graduate associates, volunteers, suppliers/contractors, and visitors.

Workplace Violence University Policy:
Summary: To maintain a work environment free from workplace violence. This policy applies to faculty, staff, graduate associates, and student employees.

Code of Student Conduct: