Eckerd College is committed to protecting the right of all individuals to pursue their intellectual, vocational, and personal interests in a harassment-free environment. Stalking, defined below, violates this right and will not be tolerated.
The College defines stalking as repetitive, menacing pursuit, following, harassment and/or interference with the peace and/or safety of a member of the community, or the safety of any of the immediate family of members of the community.
Such behaviors and activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Non-consensual communication, (including face-to-face, phone calls, voice messages, text messages, electronic mail, any form of online sources, written letters, unwanted gifts)
- Threatening or obscene gestures
- Lurking, pursuing or following
- Surveillance or other types of observation
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Non-consensual touching
What To Do
If you believe that you may be a victim of stalking, report this immediately to Campus Safety (727-864-8260). No Contact Agreements and other protective options may be available to you. Please get help from someone you trust. Ask your friends, family and classmates to support your decision to remain apart from the suspected stalker. Do not assume you are overreacting. Trust your instincts. The following on-campus resources are here to assist you:
- Campus Ministries: 727-864-8587
- Counseling Services: 727-864-8248 (confidential counseling)
- Outreach Services: 727-864-8407 (located in Brown Hall to provide support and referrals to campus and community agencies)
- Residence Life: 727-864-8421
- Dean of Students Office: 727-864-8421
- Community Standards/Conduct: 727-864-7874
Stalking is a crime under Florida state law. Options available to victims of stalking include reporting to the local police, seeking a remedy through civil proceedings, and/or utilizing the campus conduct process. For police assistance call the non-emergency number of the St. Petersburg Police Department, 727-893-7780. In an emergency, call 911.
How to File a Formal Complaint
A complaint may be filed with the College by reporting the incident to Campus Safety (727-864-8260) or the Dean of Students office in Brown Hall (727-864-8421). Designated staff members in these offices will provide assistance in filing a complaint and explaining the College’s follow-up process.
In a report, do your best to document all stalking incidents by stating the date, time, place, event and any witnesses to the incident. Save any evidence such as notes, photos, objects, gifts, printed e-mail messages, text messages or any other electronic communication, and recorded voice messages. All reports will be investigated in a thorough and timely manner.
If there is sufficient evidence to suggest a policy violation, the College will make a determination as to whether to proceed with a formal conduct hearing. (See The Procedures for Conduct Action section of the EC-Book.)
During the investigation and until resolution of the matter, certain restrictions may be issued as deemed appropriate, including but not limited to, restrictions on contact between the complainant and the accused student, exclusion from specified areas of campus, and removal or relocation from residential areas.
