Online training course developed to prevent sexual harassment
Noelle Lynn Blood
Issue date: 9/11/09 Section: News
"It's valuable for them in several ways," Richards said. "They work very closely with clients here in the writing center, so they need to be aware of the problem of sexual harassment. They also all teach in the composition classroom. So as faculty, they need to be aware of their obligations and how to draw the line if students step over."
Sexual harassment includes verbal, nonverbal, physical and visual aspects, according the Preventing Sexual Harassment literature. Even such behaviors as off-color jokes, invasion of personal space or unwelcome comments can be harassing in nature.
The intent behind behaviors is not relevant in determining whether it is harassment, according to the course. What matters is the impact of said behavior on a work or school environment.
"This fact is critically important. The statement, 'I didn't mean anything by it,' is not a valid defense of harassing behavior," according to the Preventing Sexual Harassment literature.
Courtney Christopherson, 23, is a graduate student at UNO, and a consultant at the Writing Center. She passed the mastery test in the program with 100 percent.
The message she took away from the course is that being proactive on issues such as sexual harassment is always a good thing.
"I don't think anyone is prepared for that, even if you think about it and talk about it," Christopherson said. "I think it always comes as a shock when you encounter it. I think learning about it lets you stop and think about it before you panic."
UNO views sexual offenses as a very serious matter in violation of both the university's criminal statutes and codes of conduct. All incidents of harassment, whether experienced or merely witnessed as a bystander are to be reported through formal complaint procedures.
If one witnesses or experiences harassment, he/she is to contact Sharon Ulmar, director of the Office of Diversity. The Office of Diversity is located in the Eppley Administration Building 205.
Sweeney said anyone can benefit from taking the Preventing Sexual Harassment online course.
"Education never hurts," she said.
Sexual harassment includes verbal, nonverbal, physical and visual aspects, according the Preventing Sexual Harassment literature. Even such behaviors as off-color jokes, invasion of personal space or unwelcome comments can be harassing in nature.
The intent behind behaviors is not relevant in determining whether it is harassment, according to the course. What matters is the impact of said behavior on a work or school environment.
"This fact is critically important. The statement, 'I didn't mean anything by it,' is not a valid defense of harassing behavior," according to the Preventing Sexual Harassment literature.
Courtney Christopherson, 23, is a graduate student at UNO, and a consultant at the Writing Center. She passed the mastery test in the program with 100 percent.
The message she took away from the course is that being proactive on issues such as sexual harassment is always a good thing.
"I don't think anyone is prepared for that, even if you think about it and talk about it," Christopherson said. "I think it always comes as a shock when you encounter it. I think learning about it lets you stop and think about it before you panic."
UNO views sexual offenses as a very serious matter in violation of both the university's criminal statutes and codes of conduct. All incidents of harassment, whether experienced or merely witnessed as a bystander are to be reported through formal complaint procedures.
If one witnesses or experiences harassment, he/she is to contact Sharon Ulmar, director of the Office of Diversity. The Office of Diversity is located in the Eppley Administration Building 205.
Sweeney said anyone can benefit from taking the Preventing Sexual Harassment online course.
"Education never hurts," she said.
Be the first to comment on this story