UB has implemented a new sexual harassment education and prevention program designed for employees and students. The program's purpose is to educate UB members about this issue before it happens.
The new online tutorial explains what actions may amount to sexual harassment and why. It provides UB faculty, staff, and students with information and campus contacts whom they can contact if they need further assistance or have questions regarding sexual harassment.
Barbara A. Burke, interim affirmative action officer, explained that this new program would be a part of the orientation process for new students, faculty and staff beginning next year.
Students are very doubtful about the effectiveness and usefulness of this new program. There is a belief that people generally know what constitutes sexual harassment, even without experiencing the program.
"Most people have an understanding of sexual harassment and should know what crosses the line," said Tim Plain, a sophomore electrical engineer major.
Brittany Percy, sophomore business administration major, expressed her doubts concerning the usefulness of the survey.
"I really don't think it's necessary, most people have common sense to know what goes too far," Percy said.
Currently, many companies inform their employees about sexual harassment, using this program available from a vendor outside the university. Burke explained that a customized version of the program is being used with students and staff.
"We customized it for UB so that when you look at it, you will see pictures of UB sites and buildings, and you will see statements about UB policies," Burke said.
The program features a short subject mastery test that participants can complete and receive a completion certificate for the individual's record. Those who have taken the survey may also send in confidential e-mails with any questions.
On the opening page of the online program is a letter from President John B. Simpson. It states how this program is designed to create an environment of mutual respect and how it is the responsibility of every member of the university community to ensure that we maintain a harassment-free environment.
The survey can be found at https://secure.newmedialearning.com/psh/ubuffalo/.
