We understand that Prohibited Conduct can have a wide-ranging effect on the George Mason University community and stand in the way of our goal for a better tomorrow for everyone. One of the ways we can combat these acts together is to learn how to best offer support and comfort to those involved.
The Office of Access, Compliance, and Community has developed a series of resources for every member of the George Mason community. These resources include information on reporting Prohibited Conduct, as well as ways we can offer support to our friends and peers.
Non-Confidential Employees
If you believe that someone you know may be experiencing sexual violence of some kind, let them know you care about their well-being and that you can help.
You can help a friend or acquaintance who shows signs that they are living with, or have been a victim of, harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking by doing the following:
- Believe them - don't question or dismiss their experience.
- Listen to your friend - keep questions to a minimum, and ask how you can help.
- Assure them that it is not their fault that this has happened.
- Tell them that help is available - share the information on our Resources page, and let them know that you are here to support them in whatever choices they make.
We want to support our friends and to be there for them in times of crisis. But when someone has been accused of sexual violence, it can be hard to know what to do. If someone you know has been accused, you can still help by doing the following:
- Listen from your friend's point of view.
- Accept your friend as a person, even if you have questions about their behavior.
- Provide an atmosphere in which your friend can express honest feelings.
- Be honest with your friend about how much support you can provide.
- Help your friend find resources for dealing with emotions, as well as the situation.
- Let your friend make the ultimate decision about what to do.
- Direct your friend to George Mason resources, including the Title IX Coordinator, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Student Health Services (SHS), and the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC).
- Realize that you may also be affected, and seek counseling if necessary.
Students
Faculty Syllabus Statement
The following statement may be included in course syllabi distributed to students by members of the George Mason faculty.
Notice of mandatory reporting of sexual assault, sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, and stalking:
As a faculty member, I am designated as a “Non-Confidential Employee,” and must report all disclosures of sexual assault, sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, and stalking to George Mason’s Title IX Coordinator per University Policy 1202. If you wish to speak with someone confidentially, please contact one of George Mason’s confidential resources, such as Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) at 703-993-3686 or Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 703-993-2380. You may also seek assistance or support measures from George Mason’s Title IX Coordinator by calling 703-993-8730, or emailing titleix@gmu.edu.