Following two complaints filed with the federal Office for Civil Rights, the department will travel to University of Wisconsin this week to address the faculty and students involved in the complaints and discuss matters of civil rights with students.

U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, will hold office hours at University of Wisconsin to allow students to share their experiences and discuss civil rights issues such as discrimination and sexual violence.

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Though the nature of the complaints could not be specified, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Education Julie Ewart said whenever a complaint is filed, the OCR investigates to see if discrimination or violence has taken place and then proceeds with the appropriate course of action to address the issue at hand.

OCR protects the rights of all students and employees in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance, Ewart said. Additionally, the OCR also enforces laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, abilities and age.

“The OCR also specifically enforces the laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in certain public entities,” Ewart said.

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Lori Berquam, UW Dean of Students said the OCR will provide general services to students regarding civil rights.

The OCR’s office hours will allow students to personally discuss civil rights or sexual assault issues students may have experienced or feel strongly about, Berquam said.

Berquam also did not specify about either of the complaints from UW filed with OCR.

OCR’s goal is to provide support and suggestions on how to manage the issues of discrimination and sexual violence, Berquam said.

“The OCR tries to determine if there are ways in which we as a campus can improve,” Berquam said.

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Berquam said the OCR will return during the spring semester to give feedback and provide the campus with a report of their interviews, but OCR will not necessarily host office hours again.

Office hours will be held from Nov. 2-6 in room 187 of Bascom Hall.