The number of sexual harassment complaints filed during the 1996-97 school year by students, faculty, and staff remained the same as in past years, according to Garth O. McCavana, chair of the Coordinating Committee on Sexual Harassment.

The committee released its annual report last Wednesday, and while the numbers show a drop in complaints, McCavana says the apparent decrease is due only to a change in reporting procedure.

"It's hard to tell exactly, because this year [1996-97] the adjunct advisers [proctors and house tutors] did not report the complaints they received," said McCavana.

"But judging from the similar number of complaints field in previous years, I would guess the numbers are about the same," he added.

The committee upholds the sexual harassment policy of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). The policy details procedures for responding to complaints and designates Faculty officers to be available to students, fellow Faculty members and staff for advice and mediation. The committee is also charged with training students and Faculty to address such problems.

"We want to make sure that there are places students can go," McCavana said.

Students rarely file formal complaints, according to Elizabeth M. Doherty, a member of the committee and Assistant Dean of the FAS for Academic Planning.

"Usually, we are able to resolve situations through formal or informal means," Doherty said.

The Administrative Board usually takes action regarding complaints filed by students against their peers. Complaints about faculty or staff, however, may result in consequences ranging from suspension of promotion to dismissal from the College.

The committee annually distributes "Tell Someone," an informational pamphlet. It outlines examples of sexual harassment and indicates possible sources of assistance. Last year was the first time this pamphlet was also distributed to College staff.

"Faculty members get a more detailed letter from Dean Knowles, a copy of FAS guidelines and a reminder that sexual harassment is against the law," Doherty said.

"I think we just have to continue to remind people that it's okay to tell someone [about sexual harassment], and that it isn't their fault," McCavana said.