FAQ
What is a bias incident?
A bias incident is an intentional or unintentional conduct that discriminates, stereotypes, excludes, harasses, or harms anyone in our community based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, or veteran status.
Who can file a bias-related incident report?
Any student, staff, faculty member or visitor to campus can report a bias-related incident that occurs anywhere on campus.
What happens after I file a report?
Usually, the Deputy Title IX Coordinator and the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will conduct the initial meeting with complainants, inform complainants of their options, explain possible University response, maintain ongoing contact with complainants as appropriate, and will convene the BRT to address any larger issues as necessary.
Will my report be investigated?
Both the Deputy Title IX Coordinator and the Director of Diversity and Inclusion will determine whether there is sufficient information to pursue an investigation through the University Police Department or file a complaint with the Office of Community Standards, Rights and Responsibility.
Is the process confidential?
The reports are private but not confidential, and the reporting form asks for contact information so that a Bias Reporting team member can contact you. The reported statistics do not include any information about who filed the reports.
Can a third party file a report?
Yes. For example, RAs in residence halls may file a report on behalf of residents who experience a bias-related incident but may not want to report it themselves. In such cases, the Bias Team member who receives the report responds to the person who filed it, and through that person seeks to ensure that the one who experienced the incident receives any necessary services. Other community members, including faculty members, chaplains, advisors, coaches, and any trusted confidante, are also encouraged to file third-party reports.
How to file a report
There are several ways you can report a bias incident and we encourage you to use these resources. The staff members who receive the reports are trained to be sensitive to students, faculty, staff and community concerns.
Online
https://umaine.edu/biasreporting/
By phone
207-581-1437
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm
If it is after business hours, leave a message and a qualified staff member will get back with you by the next business day.
In person
315 in Memorial Union
Monday through Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm