University Committee on Decorum and Investigation (Memo U2425-023)

I am pleased to announce the appointment of the members of the University Committee on Decorum and Investigation (UCODI) effective immediately as of the date of this memo: 

Jessica Sandra R Claudio, faculty member at the School of Social Sciences, shall serve as the UCODI Chairperson with a term ending on 31 May 2026.

Socorro Perpetual E Escarez PhD, faculty member at the Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design, shall serve as the UCODI Co-Chairperson with a term ending on 31 May 2025.

The UCODI is established to perform the following functions:

1. Serve as an independent internal mechanism that will investigate incidents or complaints involving sexual harassment, other forms of sexual misconduct, and inappropriate behavior within the scope of the Code and Rules (https://www.ateneo.edu/central/policies/code-of-decorum);
2. Propose to the University Gender and Development Office policies, procedures, and guidelines, to enhance prevention, investigation, protection, and assistance to parties including, but not limited to, proposals to amend or supplement the Code and Rules;
3. Develop internal guidelines to ensure the proper handling of cases by the UCODI hearing panels;
4. Perform such other functions as may be necessary to enable it to achieve its mandate.

The new appointees will be joining the incumbent members of the UCODI whose terms will end on 31 May 2025 (Memo # U2324-050, 03 Oct 2023):

The school units shall likewise appoint members of its School Committee on Decorum and Investigation (SCODI) that shall investigate incidents and complaints involving peer-to-peer sexual-related infractions.

To further prepare them for this important task, they will undergo mandatory gender and sensitivity training and orientation on the Code and Rules. They will also undergo continuing training in the course of their service. 

On behalf of Ateneo de Manila, I would like to thank the new members of the UCODI for their gracious acceptance of this mission. Let us support the new UCODI members with our cooperation and prayers as we work together to create a safer school environment. May the Holy Spirit grant them wisdom in their deliberations and recommendations.