September 6, 2019


Dear Members of Our Campus Community,
 
We at UC Santa Barbara are committed to maintaining and enhancing a safe, supportive, and respectful community where all individuals can live, learn, and work together in an atmosphere free of discrimination and harassment. 
 
In keeping with these values, I am writing to reaffirm our commitment to preventing sexual violence and sexual harassment, and to reinforce our campus and systemwide policy and procedure. We would also like to share information regarding the revised versions of the campus and systemwide policy that became effective on July 31, 2019. 
 
An important part of our efforts includes mandatory reporting requirements, comprehensive training for staff and faculty, and confidential support services. Please review the detailed information below from our UC Santa Barbara Title IX and Sexual Harassment Policy Compliance Office. 
 
Preventing and responding to sexual violence and sexual harassment is a responsibility we all share, and enhancing the culture and climate of our campus requires an ongoing commitment of our entire community. Please join me in reaffirming our commitment.
 
Sincerely,
 
Henry T. Yang
Chancellor


Key Information from UC Santa Barbara’s Title IX & Sexual Harassment Policy Compliance Office

A revised version of the UC’s Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy (SVSH Policy) and the response procedures have been released from the UC Office of the President. As of 7/31/19, they are effective. In summary, the key revisions of the SVSH Policy include:

  • A fuller explanation of what the policy covers, such as acts committed by and against third parties, and of how the Title IX Offices evaluate reports to decide whether to initiate a resolution process;
     
  • Changes to definitions of prohibited conduct, including sexual assault, relationship violence, and retaliation;
     
  • A more detailed description of the informal process (Alternative Resolution) process, and parties’ rights in that process;
     
  • Addition of a 30- to 60-day timeframe for Alternative Resolution, and extension of the timeframe for the Formal Investigation process from 60 days to 90 days;
     
  • Provision for the Title IX Officer to initiate investigations under certain circumstances despite the absence of an identifiable, individual respondent or, alternatively, the lack of a specific complainant; and
     
  • Changes to improve clarity and readability.
     

You can find the updated policy online at 2019 UC SVSH Policy.

This year, the Title IX Office updated its materials for distribution to enhance clarity and access to campus and community resources.  The updated Campus and Community Resources for Individuals Impacted by Sexual Violence, Sexual Harassment, or Other Prohibited Behavior can be found here. The CARE Office continues to offer confidential support to UCSB students, faculty, and staff affected by sexual harassment or sexual violence. Contact the CARE office at (805) 893-4613. 

In addition, the Title IX Office created a comprehensive resource guide that offers an overview of the relevant policies, response procedures, reporting options, and support resources for incidents of sexual violence, sexual harassment, and sex discrimination. The Title IX Resource Guide can be found here.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the SVSH Policy or related procedures and requirements, please contact the Title IX Office at (805) 893-2701 or contact the Title IX Officer at (805) 893-2546.  

Kind regards,

Ariana Alvarez
Title IX Officer