Support for University faculty experiencing harassment

What to do if you're being harassed or targeted

If you’re receiving threatening messages, experiencing online abuse, or being targeted for your academic work, follow these steps:

1. Document the situation

If you are experiencing abuse, harassment, or threats, it's important to preserve evidence of the communications. Consider asking a trusted friend, colleague or support person to assist with documenting these incidents. This can help limit your exposure to distressing content.

• Save all emails, voicemails and text messages related to the incident.
• Take screenshots or photos of any threatening or harmful social media posts. These can be deleted quickly, so it's helpful to capture them promptly. Be sure to include details such as usernames or handles, real names (if available), profile links and any other identifying information about the person responsible.
• Keep a record of all threatening phone calls or messages. Note the date, time, phone number and any details of what was said or written.

2. Report it

Depending on the nature of the incident, here are your reporting options:

• If you feel threatened or unsafe:
• Contact the University Police Department at (775) 784-4013
• If there is an emergency, contact 911 immediately.

• To report bias, harassment, or discrimination:
• Submit a complaint to the Center for Civil Rights & Equal Access.
• Go directly to the Complaint Process & Reporting Form

• If you need confidential support:
• Connect with the Victim Advocate Services  - Victim Services Contact Form
• Faculty/Academic Personnel: Consider connecting with your department chair, your dean, or other administrative leadership.
• Staff and student employees: Consider alerting your supervisor, especially if the harassment is in relation to your work.
• If the harassment leads to questions from the media, contact Marketing & Communications at communications@unr.edu.

Available Campus Resources

• University Police Department
• UPD Website | Non-Emergency: (775) 334-COPS | Office: (775) 784-4013 - In case of Emergency, call 911.
• Center for Civil Rights & Equal Access
• Title IX & Civil Rights Resource Hub
• Faculty Senate: Faculty Rights and Responsibilities
• Faculty Senate Resources

• The Senate offers guidance when academic freedom or shared governance rights are in question.

Supporting a scholar experiencing harassment

If someone you supervise is experiencing harassment related to their work, your support matters. Here’s how you can help.

• Share this guide.
• Review and share Human Resources information about taking time off for domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.
• Prepare staff on how to handle harassing phone calls and inquiries. This includes documenting calls and inquiries.

Safeguarding your digital footprint

Online harassment often involves attackers searching for personal details. Taking these steps can help reduce your visibility and protect your private information:

• Review what is public:
• Examine your social media, department profile and any online mentions. 
• Consider removing: Personal contact details, family references and location check-ins or photos
• Adjust directory listings:
• Limit your campus directory profile to professional contact information.
•  Contact your department or the University’s human resources department to make updates or request removal.
• Improve digital security:
•  Turn on two-factor authentication for all major accounts.
• Use a password manager and change passwords regularly.
• Avoid reusing passwords across platforms.
• Monitor financial activity:
• Set up alerts with your bank or credit card provider.
•  Consider free credit monitoring tools for additional protection.
• Limit social media exposure:
• Make accounts private or restrict who can comment or follow.
•  Review login history and settings for suspicious activity.
•  Temporarily disconnect personal profiles from public-facing academic pages if necessary.