Resources for Respondents

UC Berkeley is committed to a fair and equitable investigation and adjudication process. 

If you have been named as someone who may have violated a campus policy or committed a crime, you may experience a range of emotions, and have questions about how the processes impact your life and future. At UC Berkeley, there are resources available to help you understand the University's investigation and adjudication process, know your rights and options, and provide counseling and general support.

Respondent Services coordinators are available for students, staff, and faculty (find more information below). Respondent Services coordinators provide resources, information, and referrals.

Note: Counseling and ombuds staff are confidential, except in certain cases involving an imminent risk of harm to yourself or other people, and in cases of abuse or neglect of elders, dependent adults, or children. Respondent Services staff are Responsible Employees, not confidential resources; however, they do uphold federal guidelines and University policy around privacy. You are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about confidentiality when you connect with the resource.

Respondent Services

Respondent Services coordinators provide resources, information, and referrals to individuals who have been charged with violating the university policies and face suspension or dismissal from the university. These charges can include sexual, behavioral, or academic misconduct. The goal of this service is to ensure that students who are engaged in the conduct process are informed of campus resources and receive assistance with the coordination of services and referrals.

Respondent Services coordinators do not participate directly in the SVSH university investigation and adjudication process. The Respondent Services Coordinator does not provide legal advice or advocacy on behalf of a respondent, and is not a confidential resource. The Respondent Services Coordinator provides help understanding and navigating the investigation/adjudication process and referrals to resources, in a nonjudgmental space. 

*It is important to note that the staff providing respondent services are NOT confidential resources, they are Responsible Employees. You are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns about confidentiality when you first contact a resource. 

The role of the SVSH Respondent Support Services coordinator

If you have been accused of Prohibited Conduct (as defined by the UC SVSH Policy, a Respondent Services Coordinator can:

  • Help you understand your rights
  • Explain and help you navigate the investigation and adjudication processes, including formal hearings
  • Refer you to campus and community resources, such as for psychological counseling, legal services and other needs
  • Assist with securing an interpreter or translator, if needed

The SVSH Respondent Support Services coordinator is NOT

  • An advocate on behalf of the Respondent
  • A confidential resource
  • A provider of legal advice
  • An investigator or adjudicator in the Title IX process
Respondent Services TypeOffice providing respondent servicesContact
Student Respondent Services Center for Support and Intervention

Email: csi@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)

Phone: 510-664-4218
Staff Respondent Services

UC Berkeley Human Resources Employee and Labor Relations

 Email svshrespondentservice@berkeley.edu
Faculty Respondent Services

Academic Personnel Office

127 California Hall #1500

Phone: 510-642-5626

Email: appolicy@berkeley.edu

Find Additional Resources by Affiliation

At UC Berkeley, different resources can assist you based on your campus affiliation (whether you're a student, staff, or faculty). To find the right resources for you, please click below on the option that most closely represents your affiliation with campus. 

Information about UC Berkeley's investigation and adjudication process

  • The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD)/ Campus Title IX Office (Office of Record): The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) is the campus Title IX office. OPHD is responsible for institutional compliance with University policies prohibiting discrimination, including the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH), which includes responding to SVSH and other discrimination complaints and concerns from students, faculty, staff and visitors. Email: ask_ophd@berkeley.edu |Phone: 510-643-7985 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm) | 

Ombuds services

  • For assistance and consultation in navigating the university and managing conflict, the ombuds offices are a good place to start. 
    • Staff Ombuds Office (Confidential) [For staff, non-Senate academics, and faculty who perform management functions]
    • Faculty Ombuds Office (Confidential) [For faculty]
    • Ombuds Office for Students & Postdoctoral Appointees (Confidential) [For students and postdoctoral appointees]: The Ombuds Office is a confidential space where survivors can get help navigating informal and formal options and receive referrals to campus resources. The ombuds provides clarification on policy and procedures, assistance with academic accommodations, mediation and coaching on difficult situations. Visitors are empowered with information to make choices that best fit their needs.

Counseling services

If you have been named as someone who may have violated a campus policy or possibly committed a crime, you may be participating in a variety of accountability processes, and may experience a range of emotions and questions about your life and your future.  During this time, counselors at University Health Services are available to offer you a confidential and non-judgmental space to explore your actions and their impact, experience your emotions, cope with stress, and receive psycho-education and support as you move through this challenging period.

This process can be long and you may feel uncertainty at various times. The counseling services on this page can help you identify places to start, answer your questions, and support you.

  • Social Services at UHS (Confidential) [For all students]: Social Services has social workers who specialize in all areas of sexual and gender violence and harassment, including counseling for anyone who is concerned about causing harm. Social Services provides confidential individual counseling, consultation, and referrals. There is no fee for counseling services.
    • Phone: 510-642-6074
    • For after-hours emergency consultation with a counselor or crisis resource referrals, students may call 855-817-5667.
  • Counseling and Social Services (CAPS) at UHS (Confidential) [For all students]: Counseling & Psychological Services at UHS/Tang offers a broad range of counseling services

Additional resources

  • Student Advocate's Office [For students]: Berkeley’s student government (ASUC) offers the Student Advocate’s Office which has a staff of student volunteers committed to providing support and advocacy to students involved in alleged violations of misconduct or academic dishonesty. Student Advocate's Office staff are not Responsible Employees, however are not confidential and they do not have evidentiary privilege, and therefore they may be compelled to reveal information by a court of law.

  • Student Legal Services (Confidential Resource) [For students]: Student Legal Services advises currently registered UC Berkeley students regarding their legal questions, rights, and obligations. Please review the information and materials on Attorney for Students page before making an appointment - they may answer your questions.

    • Phone: 510-664-7487 

  • Berkeley International Office (BIO) (Responsible Employees) [For all affiliates]

    • Phone: 510-642-2818 

  • Office for Faculty Equity and Welfare (Responsible Employees) [For faculty]: The Office for Faculty Equity and Welfare can provide consultations, and welcomes conversations with:

    • Assistant professors about the tenure process
    • Faculty about equity and welfare
    • Search committees about process
    • Chairs/deans about challenging situations
    • Academic personnel staff about policies