#  About Us 

 



#  About Us 

 

 

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The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) is a neutral body that impartially investigates complaints involving students, staff, third parties, and, with most Schools, faculty. ODR primarily investigates formal complaints of sexual harassment, other sexual misconduct, and related allegations. ODR may also investigate cases involving discrimination, bullying, and other rights and responsibilities. ODR investigations are handled by professional investigators working with the involved Schools and units. Any member of the Harvard community may reach out to ODR to request information about the investigative process, including information about how to file a formal complaint or about seeking informal resolution.   
  
ODR operates under the Office of the Provost, working in partnership with the University’s Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights & Responsibilities (CSNDR), Title IX Resource Coordinators, Local Designated Resources, and other School or unit leadership. ODR staff are also trained to handle sensitive information with appropriate discretion. Although not a confidential resource, ODR protects and respects privacy to the greatest extent possible, sharing information only on a need-to-know basis.



 

 

 

 

##  Our Staff 

Find contact information and learn more about the staff at the ODR.

 

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### Nicole Newman, J.D. Director, Office for Dispute Resolution 

 

Nicole supervises the ODR staff, oversees the investigative and resolution processes implemented by ODR’s internal and external Investigators, and provides extensive University-wide training. Nicole has over 14 years of professional experience conducting or overseeing civil rights investigations. Before joining ODR, she worked at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and then at the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, where cases involved all protected class statuses in education, employment, housing, and/or places of public accommodation. She began her career at Harvard as an ODR Investigator, during which time she conducted investigations involving a variety of Schools and units, facilitated informal resolutions, and conducted trainings. Nicole holds a B.A. from Duke University in Political Science and Spanish Studies, and a J.D. from Boston College Law School.



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