It is natural to feel discomfort upon receiving unwanted attention from an authority figure such as a professor, supervisor, or teaching assistant, and it is almost never comfortable to confront someone in a position of power. Nevertheless, by your own action you can help take control of the situation, as well as eliminate the unwelcome behavior. Consider the following steps:
- Speak up when a situation occurs.
- Tell the harasser that you do not like the attention, comments, or touching.
- Remind the person that the University prohibits conduct of this sort and that he/she could face disciplinary action.
- Document each incident by recording what happened, when it happened, and who was present.
Bring a friend or colleague with you when you deal with the harasser. Make an appointment to meet with EOP to discuss the situation and your options.