Guidance for Families & Supporters

At Providence College, we understand that learning a community member you care about may be involved in an Office of Equity Compliance (OEC) matter can be concerning. As partners in your community member’s education and well-being, we are committed to keeping you informed about our values, processes, and support systems.

The Office of Equity Compliance (OEC) focuses on:

Transparency & Communication: While respecting privacy and federal regulations, we aim to provide clear information about the rights and responsibilities of all individuals involved.
Prompt & Fair Responses: The Office of Equity Compliance aims to ensure that all reports involving sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, or other forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation are addressed promptly, fairly, and with empathy.
Educational Approaches: We aim to address these concerns not only as matters of policy, but as opportunities to educate community members about mutual respect, consent, equity, and personal accountability. These core values help us build and sustain a beloved community rooted in dignity and compassion.
Respect for All Parties: We aim to prioritize care for all individuals involved and are committed to providing equitable support, resources, and accommodations, to help community members navigate the process.

As parents, families, and support people, your role is invaluable. While some aspects of a case may remain confidential due to federal privacy laws (e.g., FERPA) and college policy, please know that OEC is available to help you understand our processes and direct you or your community member to the appropriate resources.

When You Learn About an OEC Matter

We understand that hearing a community member is involved in an OEC matter, whether as a complainant, respondent, or witness, can be alarming and overwhelming. It is completely natural to want immediate answers, reassurance, and information about ways to support an individual during this time.

Your desire to support your community member is valued. While federal privacy laws, like FERPA (students), and college policy may limit what specific information we can share, OEC is available to answer general questions about the process and help you find ways to support. We recognize that this can feel frustrating, especially in moments when you want to be fully present and involved in supporting a community member. Our commitment is to respect a community member’s privacy, while also providing you with guidance on how you can best support them.

If you have questions about the process or need assistance, the Office of Equity Compliance is here to help guide you through what to expect and how to access resources for both you and the involved community member.

What We Can and Cannot Share

In compliance with federal law and college policy, the Office of Equity Compliance:

Can only communicate with a support person once the involved person authorizes it through written communication.
Cannot implement supportive measures requested by a parent/support person, on behalf of a community member, without the involved person’s approval for the request.
Cannot share information with parents about a report, Formal Compliant, investigation, or outcome unless the involved person gives written consent.
Cannot notify parents when a report or Formal Complaint is filed or when a student/community member is involved in an OEC process.

The Role of Parents, Families, and Support Persons in OEC Processes

Even with limitations on information sharing, you can continue to play a vital role in supporting a community member throughout an OEC process.

Here’s how you can support:

Offer Support and Reassurance: Simply being there to listen without judgment can provide meaningful comfort and support.
Encourage the Use of Resources: Remind the community member that resources like counseling, advocacy, academic/employment support, and other campus services exist and are available to support them. Resources can be found here.
Respect Their Choices: Community members have the right to decide if, how, and when they want support throughout the process. More information about process options following a Formal Complaint can be found here.
Serve as an Advisor (if chosen): Each community member has the option to select one support person (advisor) to assist them during an OEC process. Anyone, including a parent, may also serve in this role if the community member chooses. More information about being an advisor can be found here.

Your involvement, whether active or passive, can make a positive difference in a community member’s experience.

How does an OEC Process Differ from an Off-Campus Proceeding?

Parents often ask how a campus OEC process differs from an off campus proceeding. It’s important to understand that off-campus proceedings (e.g. criminal proceedings) are separate from an on-campus process.

It may be helpful to understand that:

The College may implement a campus mutual No Contact Directive (NCD) as a supportive measure, which is meant to limit contact between involved parties, however, a separate protective order (e.g. no contact order or restraining order) may be obtained as part of an off campus proceeding. More information on non-campus protective orders can be found here.
The College may investigate possible violations of Providence College policy whereas, an off-campus process may include possible violations of law.
The College may impose disciplinary sanctions at the conclusion of an on-campus formal grievance process if a community member is found responsible and even if no criminal charges are filed. Similarly, criminal charges can also be pursued even if a Formal Complaint is not filed or a Respondent is found not responsible at the conclusion of a formal grievance process.