Wisconsin Administrative Code
Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
Chapter UWS 11 - Dismissal Of Academic Staff For Cause
Subchapter I - General
Section UWS 11.015 - Definitions

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง UWS 11.015

Current through August 26, 2024

In this chapter:

(1) "Clear and convincing evidence" means information that would persuade a reasonable person to have a firm belief that a proposition is more likely true than not true. It is a higher standard of proof than "preponderance of the evidence."

(3) "Complaint" means an allegation against an academic staff member reported to an appropriate university official.

(3m) " Consent" means words or overt actions by a person who is competent to give informed consent, indicating a freely given agreement to engage in sexual activity or other activity referenced in the definitions of sexual assault and sexual exploitation in this section. A person is unable to give consent if the person is in a state of incapacitation because of drugs, alcohol, physical or intellectual disability, or unconsciousness.

(4) "Consult" or "consulting" means thoroughly reviewing and discussing the relevant facts and discretionary issues.

(5) "Dating violence" means violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the complainant; and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

(6) "Domestic violence" means felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the complainant, by a person with whom the complainant shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the complainant as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the complainant under the domestic or family violence laws of Wisconsin, or by any other person against an adult or youth complainant who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of Wisconsin as per ss. 813.12(1) (am) and 968.075, Stats.

(6m) "Incapacitation" means the state of being unable to physically or mentally make informed rational judgments and effectively communicate, and may include unconsciousness, sleep, or blackouts, and may result from the use of alcohol or other drugs. Where alcohol or other drugs are involved, evaluation of incapacitation requires an assessment of how the consumption of alcohol or drugs affects a person's decision-making ability; awareness of consequences; ability to make informed, rational judgments; capacity to appreciate the nature and quality of the act; or level of consciousness. The assessment is based on objectively and reasonably apparent indications of incapacitation when viewed from the perspective of a sober, reasonable person.

(7) "Preponderance of the evidence" means information that would persuade a reasonable person that a proposition is more probably true than not. It is a lower standard of proof than "clear and convincing evidence."

(9) "Sexual assault" means an offense that meets any of the following definitions:

(a) "Rape" means the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of the complainant, without the consent of the complainant.

(b) "Fondling" means the touching of the private body parts of the complainant for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the complainant, including instances where the complainant is incapable of giving consent because of the complainant's age or because of the complainant's temporary or permanent mental incapacity.

(c) "Incest" means sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law as per s. 944.06, Stats.

(d) "Statutory Rape" means sexual intercourse with a complainant who is under the statutory age of consent as per s. 948.02, Stats.

(10) "Sexual exploitation" means attempting, taking or threatening to take, nonconsensual sexual advantage of another person. Examples include:

(a) Engaging in the following conduct without the knowledge and consent of all participants:
1. Observing, recording, or photographing private body parts or sexual activity of the complainant.

2. Allowing another person to observe, record, or photograph sexual activity or private body parts of the complainant.

3. Otherwise distributing recordings, photographs, or other images of the sexual activity or private body parts of the complainant.

(b) Masturbating, touching one's genitals, or exposing one's genitals in the complainant's presence without the consent of the complainant, or inducing the complainant to do the same.

(c) Dishonesty or deception regarding the use of contraceptives or condoms during the course of sexual activity.

(d) Inducing incapacitation through deception for the purpose of making the complainant vulnerable to non-consensual sexual activity.

(e) Coercing the complainant to engage in sexual activity for money or anything of value.

(f) Threatening distribution of any of the following, to coerce someone into sexual activity or providing money or anything of value:
1. Photos, videos, or recordings depicting private body parts or sexual activity of the complainant.

2. Other information of a sexual nature involving the complainant, including sexual history or sexual orientation.

(11) "Stalking" means engaging in a course of conduct directed at the complainant that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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