Where to report perceived faculty misconduct
I hate writing this article. I hate that this happened, and I hate that it has to be written about. But when people make bad decisions, they should not be swept under the rug—and that is precisely, why I should and must write this article: So that other students know how to report behavior that does not seem right or proper.
Pacific University is known for its Winter Term courses. It is one of the great offerings of the school, and this year a group of students traveled to Greece with Professor Ian O’Loughlin. I attended that trip and class.
Throughout the trip, we knew something was off. To many of us, it seemed as if an inappropriate and physical relationship was forming between O’Loughlin and one of the students. Yet without concrete evidence, it was hard for us to know what to do. After all, it is hard to know what should be reported, and to whom, and what is just whispers and rumors and private business.
Moreover, it was not what we signed up for: Instead, we wanted to enjoy new food, new locations, new cultures, the picturesque trips up Mount Parnassus.
But a few days after returning stateside, proof about the relationship between O’Loughlin and a student was documented through screenshots of an online exchange. Moreover, two weeks later, a recent graduate contacted a writer at the Index to talk about these recent allegations of misconduct. The graduate had been on a previous program in Greece and, as the woman explained, had felt as if she had been coaxed into skinny dipping with the professor, amongst other incidents that felt inappropriate.
This is exactly the type of behavior that the MeToo Movement worked to correct—and, importantly, to provide empowerment and tools for reporting behavior that seems inappropriate; especially when a “power relationship” exists, such as between a boss and employee, or a professor and student.
“The Office of Student Support encourages students with questions or concerns to notify the university as soon as possible. Students can speak with any faculty, staff member, or coach for guidance on how to seek support and connect to applicable resources including the Student Counseling Center, Office of Student Support, Campus Public Safety, or Human Resources as appropriate. “The first thing students should do would be to tell someone they feel they have a good relationship with and that they can trust,” said Justin Li. “Really go about naming the concerns.”
Students who want to speak to a confidential resource are invited to meet with the Student Counseling Center, Title IX Coordinator, or Confidential Advocate Network.
On the Pacific website main page, students and faculty that have concerns can scroll down to the bottom and click into the Support and Safety button, which provides many different links to resources and reporting options to take the next step to reporting an issue. Whether you are reporting it for yourself or one of your friends, there are different ways to do so, including notifying the Office of Student Support directly. An environment of learning should be a sacred and safe place where students should not have to worry about inappropriate relationships or their safety. “
If you are in need of help, please contact student services, or make your report on the Pacific University website.
Major: Sports Communications
Hometown: Stayton, OR
Hobbies: Watching baseball, thrifting, skincare, hanging out with my pets, snowboarding, and going on walks.
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
Hobbies: soccer, track, being outside, hiking, writing
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