October 30, 2019

Dear Faculty and Staff,

This past May, we wrote to inform you of the decision to build upon existing efforts to orient members of our community to the University’s Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy and resources by requiring completion of an online training module by all Harvard faculty and staff. The decision to implement this requirement was reached in consultation with the President, Corporation, and other senior administrators, and we are pleased to be meeting our target to launch it this fall.

You have received this email because our records indicate that you will be required to complete the mandatory online course, “Supporting a Harassment-Free Community,” once it becomes available. On November 5, you will receive an email from trainingportal@harvard.edu with the subject line “University Faculty and Staff: Supporting a Harassment-Free Community (University-wide) course has been added to your learning plan.” This email will contain a link to launch the online training course that is hosted on the Harvard Training Portal, instructions on how to navigate and complete the course, and contact information for inquiries about accessibility and related accommodations. The online course and its accompanying assessment will take approximately 45 minutes to complete and must be completed by December 17, 2018. If you have any questions regarding the course content, please review the FAQs here or contact the Title IX Office at (617) 496-0200 or titleix@harvard.edu.

As you may know, training to recognize and prevent sexual and gender-based harassment is not new at Harvard. Robust orientation programs are in place at Harvard’s Schools and through the Title IX Office. Over the past two years, more than 25,000 members of the community have completed the University’s online Title IX training module, helping all of us to become more familiar with the Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy and to learn how to find resources to help those who need support. By establishing a common baseline of training to all faculty and staff, we will continue to expand our knowledge and understanding, and strengthen our commitment to the wellbeing of every member of our community. Your completion of this course is essential to this commitment.

Recent events across society continue to underscore the observation that sexual and gender-based harassment remains a deeply ingrained problem. For our community to truly thrive, its members must feel comfortable coming forward to report harassment. That aspiration will only be realized if we all have a firm understanding of the University’s relevant policies and available resources.

Thank you in advance for contributing to Harvard’s mission of creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all.

Alan M. Garber
Provost

Katie Lapp
Executive Vice President