Bias Reporting FAQ

What is a bias incident?

Conduct, Speech or Expression that negatively targets, intimidates, or threatens an individual or group due to race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities, as well as past/present history of mental disorders. This includes, but is not limited to, graffiti or images that harass or intimidate individuals or groups based on the above characteristics.

Who should report a bias incident?

Anyone can report a bias incident/graffiti or images using the online reporting form.

Why is it important to report a bias incident?

Bias incidents/graffiti/images may indicate a need for education in our community in order to remedy harm done, and to provide opportunities for reflection and growth. Such educational efforts are not part of the investigation process and are not intended to be punitive. Reporting bias incidents helps to ensure that members of our community receive necessary supportive resources.

What happens after a bias incident is reported?

When the University receives a report of an act of bias to a designated office, the incident will be shared with one or more of the offices listed below. Staff will review the report and take actions as appropriate. The actions include:

  • identify and provide support to impacted parties,
  • review incident to determine possible violations of the law and/or student code of conduct,
  • determine action steps to educate the impacted community and work to repair harm

Each report is reviewed individually and managed on a case-by-case basis.

Offices involved in the response process include but are not limited to:

  • Office of Community Standards
  • UConn Police Department or the State Police
  • Dean of Students Office
  • Office of Institutional Equity
  • Office for Diversity and Inclusion
  • Division of Student Life & Enrollment, via other relevant staff members.
  • Incidents may also be reported to Residential Life, Cultural Centers, or student organization advisors. Staff in these areas should report the incident to their supervisors.
  • Regional campus students should report to the Director of Student Services:
    • Avery Point (860) 405-9024
    • Hartford (860) 570-9083
    • Stamford (203) 251-8484
    • Waterbury (203) 236-9800

How do I know that I am safe and the University is taking action? What can the university immediately do?

When an incident is reported, the University may offer interim measures as appropriate. Interim measures may include:

What does it mean for a bias incident to be “under investigation”?

When any incident occurs on campus and is under investigation, UCPD and the Office of Community Standards will review for any possible criminal and/or code violations. Frequently this includes interviews with impacted parties. If you are a complainant, UCPD will assign a lead investigator and a supervisor to investigate the incident and work closely with you. Community Standards will act similarly. Often during the beginning of an investigation, fact-finding is occurring which is not often shared publicly.

When an incident occurs off campus and is under investigation, the University will work with local law enforcement agencies.

What is the role of the University?

The bias response protocol is not a policy but a means by which the University can provide support to the community. The following policies are in place to enable the University to investigate the complaint and determine responsibility.

Responsibilities of Community Life: The Student Code

Employee Code of Conduct

Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence