Filing a Conduct Code Complaint:
Use the Public Incident Report to file a complaint.
While the report will be kept private from those without a need-to-know status, it is not confidential or anonymous. For more information, visit the PSU Conduct & Community Standards Program.
Student Code of Conduct
Any violation of the Student Code of Conduct is a serious issue and, in some cases, may also be a violation of state and federal law. The University strongly encourages students to report violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Portland State University does not tolerate this behavior and issues of sexual misconduct will be addressed by the Director of Conduct and Community Standards. Please note that even if under the influence at the time of an incident, a victim can report violations without incurring conduct violations. This means that a victim, or anyone helping a victim, can report the incident without fear of University action in cases due to being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Definitions
Effective Consent
Effective Consent is a voluntary, non-coerced and mutually understandable communication indicating a willingness to participate in a particular act. Consent must be freely and actively given. Silence in and of itself is not an indication of consent. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
Stalking
Stalking is repeatedly contacting another person without a legitimate purpose when: (a) the contacting person knows or should know that the contact is unwanted by the other person; and (b) it is reasonable for the other person in that situation to have been alarmed or coerced by the contact. As used in this subsection, "contacting" includes but is not limited to coming into the visual or physical presence of the other person; following another person; or sending written, electronic or telephonic communication of any form to the other person, personally or through a third party.
Harassment
Harassment is a course of conduct directed at a specific individual or individuals that causes or is intended to cause emotional or physical distress and serves no legitimate purpose. This includes but is not limited to harassment based on protected class that violates the University’s “Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy.”
Sexual Exploitation
Sexual Exploitation occurs when a Student takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his or her own advantage or benefit or to benefit another person. Examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to: invasion of sexual privacy, engaging in voyeurism, exposing one’s genitals in non-consensual circumstances, prostituting another person, or inducing incapacitation with the intent to commit other acts of sexual misconduct.
Non-Consensual Sexual Contact
Non-Consensual Sexual Contact is any intentional sexual touching, by a person upon another person that is without consent and/or by force. This type of contact includes but is not limited to breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals, or touching with any of these body parts, or making another touch another person or themselves with any of these body parts.
Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse
Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse is unwanted sexual intercourse of any kind of attempt to engage in such conduct. Sexual intercourse includes vaginal, oral or anal sex. Intercourse includes penetration by a penis, object, tongue, finger, or oral copulation no matter how slight. Sexual intercourse is "unwanted" if no Effective Consent is given or if the Respondent knew or should have known that the person was incapable of giving Effective Consent by reason of Mental or Physical Impairment, Mental Disorder, or Mental Incapacitation.
Mental or Physical Impairment
A “Mental or Physical Impairment” is an impairment that causes a person to be unable to understand the situation, understand the consequences of his/her choices, or to express his/her desires. This may include, but is not limited to, being intoxicated, being under the influence of drugs, being unconscious, or other cognitive impairment.