APPLIES TO:  All Employees and Students
ISSUED BY:  Board of Trustees
EFFECTIVE DATE:  3/1/82
REVISION DATE:  6/18/90


Sexual harassment of either employees or students is a violation of federal and state laws.  It is the policy of the University of
Maine System that no member of the University community may sexually harass another.  In accordance with its policy of
complying with non-discrimination laws, the University will regard freedom from sexual harassment as an individual employee
and student right which will be safeguarded as a matter of policy.  Any employee or student will be subject to disciplinary
action for violation of this policy.

Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment
when:

     1.  submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's
          employment or education
     2.  submission to or rejection of such conduce by an individual is used as the basis for academic or
          employment decisions affecting that individual; or
     3.  such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's academic or work performance or
          creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment, educational or living environment.

Consenting relationships may constitute sexual harassment under this policy.  When a professional power differential exists
between members of the University of Maine System and a romantic or sexual relationship develops, there is a potential for abuse
of power, even in relationships of apparent mutual consent.  A faculty or staff member should not engage in such relationships.
Further, the University prohibits the abuse of power in romantic or sexual relationships.

To assure that power is not abused and to maintain an environment free of sexual harassment, a faculty or staff member must
eliminate any current or potential conflict of interest by removing himself or herself from decisions affecting the other
person in the relationship.  Decisions affecting the other person include grading, evaluating, supervising, or otherwise
influencing that person's education employment, housing, or participation in athletics or any other University activity.

It is the policy of the University of Maine System to ensure fair and impartial investigations that will protect the rights of the
person(s) filing sexual harassment complaints, the person(s) complained against, and the University as a whole.

If you have any questions regarding the policy, please contact Kathleen Roberts, Executive Director, Office of Campus Diversity and Equity, 
732 Law Building, Portland, Maine 04104, (207) 780-5094 or TTY 780-5646.