Enhancing Victim Services Throughout Rutgers: Bystander Intervention Training for Faculty and Staff
The Rutgers University Model for Addressing and Preventing Sexual Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Harassment and Stalking on Campus is based on implementing best practices and evidence-informed methods of service provision and prevention programming including bystander intervention training for faculty and staff.
If you wish to schedule any of the following workshops and/or discuss a tailored module for your staff, please email Simone Snyder at sms694@ssw.rutgers.edu.
All workshops are funded by a Victim’s of Crime (VOCA) grant from the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General, and are part of the ‘Enhancing Victim Services Throughout Rutgers University’ project V-84-20.
Questions You Might Have
- Q. What is a Non-Confidential Employee? Am I a Non-Confidential Employee?
A. The University recognizes that individuals, including students, may be most comfortable disclosing sexual violence and other prohibited conduct to a University member they know well, such as a faculty member, coach, or resident advisor. These “non-confidential" employees will protect and respect an individual’s privacy to the greatest extent possible and share information only on a need-to-know basis; however, they cannot serve as a confidential resource.
Any University employee (other than the confidential resources identified in Appendices A and B of Policy 60.1.33) who receives a report about conduct prohibited by this Policy involving a student is required to inform the appropriate Title IX Coordinator about the incident. Information about Covered Sexual Harassment that a student includes in a classroom assignment is considered a report and must be shared with the Title IX Coordinator. Similarly, University supervisors and managers are required to inform the Title IX Coordinator for Employees (Director of the Office of Employment Equity) of any reported conduct prohibited by this Policy involving other employees. This means that these individuals are required to report to the Title IX Coordinator all relevant details, including the names of the individual who made the report, the alleged victim (if different), the alleged Respondent, any witnesses, and other known relevant facts. These reporting requirements aim to ensure that all potential Complainants are provided with appropriate resources and supportive measures, even if they do not wish to pursue a Formal Complaint.
- Q. Is there anything I could include in my syllabus to let students know I am a Responsible Employee?
A. Rutgers University is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students. If you experience gender- or sex-based discrimination or harassment—including sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, or related misconduct—support is available. Trained staff can help with counseling, medical care, academics, housing, and more. Please note: most Rutgers employees, including me, must report incidents of this nature to the University’s Title IX Coordinator. Only confidential resources (such as advocates, counselors, clergy, healthcare providers, and others listed in Appendix A of Policy 60.1.33) are not required to report. To learn more, visit nbtitleix.rutgers.edu or connect with confidential support by calling 848-932-1181 (available 24/7) or visiting vpva.rutgers.edu
Other Suggestions
- Encourage students to attend VPVA programs and events for extra credit or reflection opportunities.
- Invite a VPVA or Title IX representative to guest lecture a class/seminar.
- Q. How do I support a student who discloses an act of sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, or stalking?
A. If a student discloses an incident of sexual violence or relationship violence:
- Give them your full attention and listen without judgement.
- Identify any immediate safety concerns for the student/community; call 911 if needed.
- Acknowledge the difficulty it takes to disclose – “Thank you for telling me” is a great way to start.
- Explain your obligation to report to the Title IX office and that you will respect their privacy by not sharing information with anyone else.
- Explain that the student can also report this to law enforcement.
- Tell the student they are not required to talk to the Title IX office or the police.
- Offer to connect them to a confidential VPVA Advocate at 848-932-1181 (available 24/7).
- Share information about counseling and medical resources.
- Avoid giving advice. Once you report to the Title IX office, allow the student to make their own decision on how to proceed.
- Ask for help. You do not have to handle this alone. The Title IX office and Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (VPVA) can be a service for faculty/staff and offer secondary survivor support should a disclosure bring up any emotions for them that they’d like to talk about confidentially.
- Q. What resources are available to students?
A. If a student discloses an incident involving sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, or stalking, you can share information about resources that are available to them. You can learn more about resources and options at FAQs for Student Complainants and Respondents.
You can also post informational flyers in your workspace.
- Q. How can I contact the Office of Student Affairs Compliance & Title IX if I have additional questions?
A. The Office of Student Affairs Compliance & Title IX
2 Richardson Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(E) NBTitleIX@echo.rutgers.edu
(P) 848-932-8200- Q. Do I need to make a report if a colleague shares about an incident of sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, or stalking?
A. Yes, in accordance with the Title IX Policy and Grievance Procedures, you are required to report these incidents to the Title IX office. To find the appropriate Title IX office to make a report to, click here.
- Q. What if I am unsure if I am obligated to report an incident because of the nature of how it was shared?
A. If you are unsure if you need to report an incident, please contact the Title IX office. You will be able to talk through the general content of what was shared and how you became aware of the content. The Title IX office will help you determine if you are required to report it. To find the appropriate Title IX office to make a report to, click here.
- Q. What happens after a report is made? Will I be contacted?
A. After the Title IX office receives a report they will reach out to the alleged victim via email to inform them that a report was made and explain their rights and resources and offer a meeting with the student. The student is not required to respond to the email. The Title IX office may contact you as the person who made the report with any follow up questions or to gather/clarify any information.
- Q. What if I am the victim of Covered Sexual Harassment?
A. Title IX protects all students, faculty, and staff from Covered Sexual Harassment.
- Q. Is there anything I could include in my syllabus to support students with pregnancy-related conditions?
A. Rutgers University is committed to fostering and maintaining an inclusive, welcoming, and accessible environment for pregnant and parenting individuals. If you are a student experiencing pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition(s), or are newly parenting, please visit the Rutgers New Brunswick Title IX Office website at nbtitleix.rutgers.edu for resources, support, and assistance with reasonable accommodation requests (such as excused absences, extended deadlines, priority registration, and others).
