What we do

The Office of Civil Rights Investigations and Compliance is responsible for compliance to state and federal civil rights, including disability and access rights, and sexual violence laws. OCIC provides institutional oversight related to compliance; and administers programs and procedures relating to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of protected characteristics, sexual misconduct, and ADA/Section 504 compliance. Our programs advise the OHSU community on OHSU policies about protected characteristics, review and investigate reports related to policy violations, offers education, training and other resources, and confidential advocacy for employees related to bias, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and interpersonal violence. To accomplish this mission, OCIC is divided into four unique program areas.

Prevention and Education (P&E) is responsible for informing OHSU members about prohibited misconduct, reporting pathways, and supportive resources. P&E provides training to inform the OHSU community about relevant policies and to establish and contribute to a culture of respect and provides informal resolution to individuals and teams to help create pathways forward. P&E also facilitates informal resolutions to concerns including facilitated dialogues, educational conversations, and responsive departmental trainings.

Investigations advises, reviews, and investigates concerns related to prohibited discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on protected characteristics and activities, including sexual misconduct.

ADA and 504 Compliance is responsible for institutional compliance, including adherence to state and federal law around accessibility. This includes physical and digital accessibility. The ADA and 504 Compliance Manager also provides consultation to the institution and oversees the accommodation appeals process.

Confidential Advocacy (CAPE) provides confidential support to employees with concerns of bias, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and to employees impacted by interpersonal violence such as stalking, domestic and dating violence, and sexual harassment and assault.  

If you have questions about a potential violation of OHSU policy, contact OCIC (503) 494-5148, ocic@ohsu.edu or one of the other reporting options. 

What to expect when you contact us

You may contact OCIC 24 hours a day through our voicemail or email. We respond to voicemails and emails as soon as possible and give priority to urgent cases. After you send a message, an OCIC team member will contact you to discuss reporting options. OCIC will work to determine whether there is a potential violation of OHSU policy.

You may submit an OCIC report at any time.

OCIC is a neutral and independent department. Before filing a report with us, you may find it helpful to contact one of the options for confidential advocacy and support.

What to expect when you submit a report

After you submit a report, a team member will reach out to the impacted person(s). If you are a third-party reporter, you will receive an acknowledgment that we received your report. As a third-party reporter, if you have additional information to share after your initial report, please submit that information via the Integrity Helpline or by contacting OCIC.

The process and timeline for resolution varies depending on the specific situation. All reports are treated with care and as much privacy as possible. 

We know that these can be difficult and painful situations. Confidential advocacy and support are available throughout the process.