Center for Continuing Studies - Innovative Leadership for Lifelong Learning

How to conduct a harassment investigation

The investigation process is, perhaps, the most critical element in dealing with harassment.  In cases that have gone to court it is often due to inadequate or absent investigations of complaints.  Do you know how to conduct an investigation?  This program will cover the intricacies of conducting a harassment investigation.  You will be able to:

• Determine if an investigation is necessary
• Conduct the steps of an investigation
• Interview the accuser, accused and witnesses
• Differentiate between a formal and informal investigative procedures
• Reach a conclusion following an investigation
• Write a formal report outlining the investigation

The EEOC requires employers receiving a complaint or otherwise learning of alleged harassment in the workplace to “investigate promptly and thoroughly…take immediate and appropriate corrective action by doing whatever is necessary to end the harassment, make the victim whole by restoring lost employment benefits or opportunities, and prevent the misconduct from recurring”.  That’s a tall order to ensure a just and fair handling of a harassment complaint  - an essential order that all organizations are required, by law, to follow.

Who should attend:

• Human Resource professionals
• Business owners/managers
• Board of Directors
• Decision makers in your organization

Methodology:

The training session is interactive and engaging, and encourages open discussion and questions regarding the issue.  Specific methods of training may include, depending on time parameters:

• In-depth progressive case study
• Small group activities
• Lecture
• Question and answer and discussion
• True/False questionnaire

Meet Your Presenter:

Dr. Susan Strauss is a nationally recognized expert and international speaker on discrimination, harassment and bullying in the workplace and education. She works with private and public sector organizations to provide professional services for business, legal, healthcare, education and government settings. Susan has been selected to speak on sexual harassment at international conferences in Botswana, Thailand, Egypt, Israel and the United States. Her extensive experience in management and organization development provides a unique blend to her consulting services.

Dr. Strauss's Resume (PDF)

Dr. Strauss's Website

Listen to a podcast of an interview with Dr. Strauss!

This program, conducted by Dr. Susan Strauss, is set to cover the intricacies of conducting a harassment investigation including the necessary steps to take, conducting interviews, the difference between formal & informal investigations and writing formal reports.  This interview looks at some of the details on this subject and who should consider attending the two-part seminar. 

* HRCI has pre-approved this event for 9.75 hours

Seminar Details:

When: Tuesday, June 22 and Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Times: Tuesday - 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday - 8 am - 12 noon

Where: St. Cloud State University

               720 Fourth Avenue South

               St. Cloud, MN 56301

Early Bird Cost: $179 before June 7, 2010

Non-Early Bird Cost: $199 after June 7, 2010

(Costs include workshop materials, continental breakfasts, lunch (Tuesday only) and convenient & free parking.)

We will be offering this session again.  To have your name added to the waiting list, please contact Tammy at tammy@scsutraining.com   or 320-308-4252

We can also bring this customized program to your business.!