Skip to main content

Bias Education Resource Team (BERT)

Reporting an Incident

There are several ways to report a bias incident.

UT Non-Discrimination Statement

Read UT's Notice of Non-Discrimination.

The University of Tampa fosters a campus culture that is inclusive and supportive to aid in student success and persistence efforts through the core values of diversity and inclusion demonstrated by:

  • Creating a learning environment that fosters dialogue and encourages and supports unique perspectives and values;
  • Recognizes and addresses the needs of differing student populations; and
  • Offers programs and services that promote and demonstrate inclusion.

All members of our Spartan community have a responsibility to take an active role in reporting acts of bias that compromise our inclusive learning environment to the Bias Education Resource Team (BERT).

About BERT

The Bias Education Resource Team (BERT) is a group of University employees who provide support and resources to those individuals who have been targeted or impacted by an act of bias. The role of BERT is to offer impacted community members a space to have their voice heard, opportunities for education to mitigate or prevent similar occurrences in the future and to ensure a comprehensive and timely response to bias incidents. Collectively, this will lead to positive change for both the individual and the campus climate.

BERT is intended to educate the UT community and support those who experience bias and harassment. BERT is a support and resource campus entity, not a governing body.

BERT does not replace existing University protocols (i.e. Student Conduct, Academic Integrity and Campus Safety).

Contact BERT

Report all bias-related incidents one of three ways.

Incident Report Form — commonly used for bias-related incidents that involved a violation of the Student Code of Conduct

Spartan Support Form  commonly used for bias-related incidents that do not involve a violation of the Student Code of Conduct but may require support directly for the persons affected.

Email — Contact us with questions, comments and to report bias-related incidents at cdo@ut.edu

  • Office of the Student Affairs - Shannon Calega
  • Office of Operations - Debra Tritt
  • Department of Campus Safety - Sam Ponce
  • Office of Student Leadership and Engagement - Tim Harding
  • Office of Residence Life - Sarah Hart
  • Counseling Services - Natalie Laboy
  • Office of Communications and Public Affairs - Brianna Kwasnik
  • Office of Student Conduct - Timothy Nelson
  • Human Resources - Kelsey San Antonio
  • College of Business - Cagdas Agirdas
  • College of Social Sciences, Mathmatics and Education - Erin Koterba
  • College of Natural and Health Sciences - Rebecca Waggett
  • College of Arts and Letters - Vanessa Rukholm
  • Student Accessibility Services - Gabe Wright
  • Wellness - Gina Firth
  • Athletics - Taylor Gillie
  • Enrollment Management - Art Goon

When an impacted party and/or witness submits a bias incident report form, the general practice for the report is the following:

  • If the reporting party is a UT student or registered student organization, BERT coordinator or designee assesses care needs, conducts outreach, refers to University partners as appropriate and assembles the BERT if needed.
  • If the reporting party is a UT faculty or staff member, BERT coordinator or designee assesses care needs, conducts outreach and refers to Human Resources to follow processes of the faculty/staff harassment policy.
  • If reporting party is not a UT community member, BERT coordinator or designee conducts outreach, as appropriate.

Responses to a Bias Incident

The BERT may consider a variety of educational responses based on the severity and context of the bias incident.

Examples of responses may include, but are not limited to:

  • Establish direct contact with the person or group involved in the incident to discuss the impact of a bias incident;
  • Develop and provide educational resources or opportunities to individuals, departments and other groups to address the impact of a bias incident;
  • Communicate the University’s values and strong commitment to addressing and countering bias incidents to individuals, specific populations or the University community;
  • Communicate to individuals, specific populations or the University community about what happened, why it is important to address the incident and what responses may be underway or possible;
  • Provide consistent support, resources and information regarding the University’s response to the individual or group impacted;
  • Provide information to develop a safety plan with the Office of Operations and Planning or Office of the Dean of Students;
  • Provide tools to faculty and staff through the Center for Teaching and Learning to internally address the impact of incidents that occur in academic spaces;
  • Offer mediation through the Office of the Dean of Students or other appropriate University offices;
  • Share information and resources with student media organizations;
  • Ensure that any offending material, such as graffiti or defaced posters have been removed.