However, the harasser could well be someone who has no authority to affect your academic or employment status. He or she could be a co-worker, a colleague, a class/dorm-mate, a visitor to the University, or a non-faculty employee of the University. 

The sexual harasser is anyone whose conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with your academic or work performance or whose conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working, educational or living environment here at the University. 

Sexual harassment undermines the self confidence, well being and peace of mind of the individual who is offended, and it damages the spirit of trust and collegiality that is central to our University community. 

The State University of New York at Buffalo does not condone harassment of any kind and is dedicated to eliminating both blatant and subtle forms of sexual harassment within the University community. 

Persons whose conduct is judged to be offensive or harassing or whose conduct is considered retaliatory towards their accuser may face disciplinary action including expulsion or loss of employment. 

Tell someone about it 
Even if you are not sure you will report the incident, tell someone what happened. Discuss it openly with others. Find out if others have been harassed by the same person. 

Keep records 
Keep a diary or log of what is happening to you. Include dates, places, direct quotes, and names of other people that were present. Save any letters, cards, or notes sent to you. Let someone read your records. Keep everything in a safe place. 

Get a witness 
Ask someone to watch you when the harasser is around. Most advances are made when the harasser thinks no one is watching. 

Seek advice or counseling 
Students often feel powerless when confronted with situations described in the How Do You Know section, but there are people here on campus who are available and willing to help. You should seek support and advice on stopping sexual harassment. See the section: Where on Campus You Can Get Help. 

Request a meeting with the appropriate supervisory or administrative personnel and be prepared to describe clearly and in detail the nature of the sexual harassment and request that the harassment stop. 

Another source of assistance, advice, or intervention is the staff in the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Affirmative Action Administration, 406 Capen, (645-2266). You may speak confidentially to the Director or to the Associate Director. 

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of 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 academic advancement; (2) submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual; (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. 

No University employee of either sex shall impose a requirement of sexual cooperation as a condition of employment or academic advancement, or in any way contribute to or support unwelcome physical or verbal sexual behavior. 

Any member of the University community who requires additional information, wishes to make a complaint or to receive a copy of the University procedures to be followed for resolving complaints of sexual harassment should contact the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Affirmative Action Administration, 406 Capen, 645-2266. 

Sexual harassment of any type is considered unacceptable at the State University of New York at Buffalo.