Checklist

A step-by-step guide to help support individuals targeted by online harassment. Please note, this checklist is not intended to create a contract between the University of Colorado and community members. Academic Affairs reserves the right to change or eliminate any of the language at its discretion and without notice.

A downloadable version is also available. If you can’t locate the information you need, reach out to the Office of Victim Assistance.

  • Record what is happening:
    • Describe the nature of the harassment
    • When did it start
    • How has it developed
    • Preserve screenshots/save copies of the messages.
    • Where is it happening (emails, social media (name which ones), voicemail, classroom, office, lab, home, other)
    • Whom is it affecting
  • Identify the targeted individual’s concern(s)
  • Report to law enforcement and help to engage in safety planning for the targeted individual and others who are affected
  • Consult with CU Boulder’s Behavioral Intervention Team & Threat Assessment team
  • Consider “muting” the communication channel(s)—phone, email account, social media account—where the harassment is happening (but do not deactivate, delete, or turn your social media accounts private)
  • Communicate and coordinate with the targeted individual’s chair/director/PI
  • Communicate and coordinate with the targeted individual’s dean
  • Communicate and coordinate with the Provost’s Office
  • Communicate with others in the unit who may have a need to know (i.e., administrative staff who answer the phone)
  • Communicate and coordinate with Strategic Relations and Communications and others regarding whether, and if so how, to respond
  • Consult with the  about cyberidentity protection
  • Communicate and coordinate with academic personnel regarding mitigating potential effects on the targeted individual’s work
  • Targeted individuals should consider contacting CU Boulder’s Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance to discuss and report harassment on the basis of protected class (e.g., race, color, national origin, pregnancy, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military service status, marital status, political affiliation or political philosophy). University policy requires that supervisors and targeted individuals report promptly any protected class harassment.
  • Consider seeking personal support—or facilitating for the targeted individual and others—from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)
  • Consult with CU Boulder’s Ombuds Office for help navigating any part of the process.