Student Polices on Discrimination and Harassment

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) is responsible for managing Columbia University’s Student Policies and Procedures on Discrimination and Harassment and for coordinating compliance activities under these policies and the applicable federal, state and local laws. Students, faculty, and staff should contact the EOAA Office to inquire about their rights under the University’s policies, request assistance, seek information about filing a complaint, or report conduct or behavior that may violate these policies. 

Complaints by students against students for gender-based misconduct are processed in accord with the Gender–Based Misconduct Policies for Students.  The use of the term “gender-based misconduct” under these policies and procedures includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, stalking, and intimate partner violence.  Students who attend Barnard College and Teachers College as well as Columbia University are covered by the Gender-Based Misconduct Policies.

Complaints by students against students for other forms of discrimination and harassment are processed in accord with the Student Policies and Procedures on Discrimination and Harassment.

Complaints by students against employees and third parties engaged in University business for discrimination and harassment are processed in accord with the Employment Policies and Procedures on Discrimination and Harassment.The use of the term “discrimination and harassment” under these policies and procedures includes discrimination, discriminatory harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. 

Violations of the University’s Student Policies and Procedures on Discrimination and Harassment, Employment Policies and Procedures on Discrimination and Harassment, and Gender–Based Misconduct Policies for Students are prohibited.  Appropriate disciplinary action may be taken against any student or employee who violates these policies.

The Associate Provost, Susan Rieger, heads the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action and has been designated as the University’s Compliance Officer for Title IX, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other equal opportunity, nondiscrimination and affirmative action laws.  The Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, Melissa Rooker, and the Senior Manager of Student Services for Gender-Based and Sexual Misconduct, Melissa Tihinen, have been designated as Deputy Title IX Compliance Officers. 

For further information and assistance, contact: