Institutional Anti-Harassment Policy
Policy Number | MU-POL-006 | Version | 1.0 |
Issue Date | January 2025 | Review Date | January 2027 |
Policy Owner | University Administration | Scope | All Employees and Students |
I. Purpose and Objectives
Midocean University declares its firm rejection of all forms of harassment within its educational and professional environment. This policy aims to define harassment in its various forms within the digital context and establish clear procedures for reporting, investigation, and resolution.
II. Scope
This policy applies to all forms of harassment within:
- E-learning platforms and virtual study groups.
- Institutional communication channels (email, instant messaging, and virtual meetings).
- Social media platforms when the content is associated with the University context.
- Any digital or physical space that represents the University or is managed on its behalf.
III. Definitions
- Harassment: Any unwelcome behavior directed toward an individual that creates a stressful, humiliating, or hostile environment.
- Sexual Harassment: Any unwelcome physical, verbal, or electronic communication of a sexual nature.
- Cyberbullying: The intentional and repeated use of digital means to cause harm.
- Verbal/Digital Harassment: Offensive comments or jokes targeting an individual’s identity or protected characteristic.
IV. Core Policy Provisions
- Harassment in all its forms is strictly prohibited and constitutes an explicit violation of professional and academic standards of conduct.
- The University shall investigate all reports seriously, confidentially, and within specified timelines.
- Full protection shall be provided to any individual who reports an incident of harassment in good faith from any form of retaliation.
V. Digital Protection Measures
- Given the University’s fully digital nature, specialized measures shall be applied:
- Requiring all users to comply with the Digital Code of Conduct.
- Activating virtual environment management tools to ensure appropriate communication within online classrooms.
- Documenting e-learning communications in accordance with privacy procedures for use as a reference during investigations when necessary.
VI. Reporting and Investigation Procedures
Reporting
- Reports shall be submitted electronically through the University’s unified reporting system via the digital portal, with supporting evidence.
- Anonymous reporting may be submitted in justified cases.
- Complaints shall be received through secure and independent channels.
Investigation
- An independent investigation committee shall be formed within five (5) business days of receiving the report.
- Investigations shall be completed within thirty (30) business days, with the possibility of extension when necessary.
- Both parties shall be notified of the investigation outcome and the rationale behind the decision.
- Investigations shall examine incidents accurately and adopt the “Five Whys” methodology to identify organizational factors that may have contributed to the occurrence of the behavior, such as the absence of oversight on certain platforms.
Disciplinary Actions
- Disciplinary actions shall range from a written warning to dismissal, depending on the severity and recurrence of the violation.
- Serious cases shall be referred to the competent legal authorities when required.
VII. Review and Updates
This policy shall be reviewed annually, taking into consideration feedback from reported cases.
