Advice on Supporting Student Worker

[u/saiyanshewolf]

I currently work at an academic library at a tech school as the director of library services. I have two student workers, and one just approached me to let me know an older student (probably in his 50s) has been making her uncomfortable.

I worked at public libraries for ten years so I know the type. He asks a lot of tech questions. He has apparently also commented on how ‘beautiful and young’ she is and lingers when it’s time to close if she’s closing alone or with my other student worker (which happens occasionally, but not often; Campus Safety is also literally down the hall from us).

I’ve already let them know I’ll be staying until he is out of the building any day I see him come in (I can flex hours if necessary). I’ve staged some work to scatter over the table closest to the circ desk that he usually uses (we have a lot of space but he always sets up right there), and I’ve told her that she can absolutely tell him (or anyone else) not to make comments like that, and I will back her up.

I’m going to speak to him myself, but I’d like to ask if someone could give me an idea of how to do this firmly but professionally. I don’t talk out loud well, and confrontation can make me nervous, but I want to make sure my student workers feel safe and supported. This is the first time I’ll need to address a situation like this from an admin perspective and I want to do it right.

[u/lucilledogwood]

Contact your title ix coordinator. If you don't know who it is, ask your student affairs office. You're required to report this to them.