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(This policy is currently under revision; this policy will be updated when revisions are finalized.)
Preamble. Western is required to adopt policies and programs aimed at preventing and responding to allegations of sexual misconduct in accordance with the 1992 Federal Higher Education Act Amendment. Sexual misconduct has a serious impact on the quality of the educational and work experience. Western is committed to the prevention of sexual misconduct on campus and to the timely resolution of complaints.
Policy. It is the policy of Western Washington University to provide an environment in which students, staff, and faculty can work, live and study free from all types of sexual misconduct. The range of sexual misconduct and sex discrimination includes sexual harassment, sexual intimidation, sexual coercion, sexual assault, rape, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
Western does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs and activities and will not tolerate sexual misconduct or sex discrimination. Title IX requires Western to not discriminate on the basis of sex. The Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity, Sue Guenter-Schlesinger, is Western’s Title IX Coordinator (Equal Opportunity Office Old Main 345, 360-650-3307). The Title IX Coordinator provides advice and oversight on policies, preventive educational programs, resources and services required under Title IX. In addition, the Title IX Coordinator oversees all complaints of sexual harassment and sexual violence, as well as identifies and addresses any patterns or systematic problems that arise during the review of complaints.
The University will act to prevent and eliminate such behavior. Individuals who engage in such behavior will be subject to sanctions, including written reprimand, termination, or expulsion.
The University is committed to a comprehensive educational program to promote awareness and prevent the full range of sexual misconduct. The University will provide a range of on-campus or referral services to students, faculty, and staff who have experienced sexual misconduct. Services may include short-term personal counseling, health care assistance, and assistance in changing academic, employment, or living arrangements as appropriate. The campus community will be informed of appropriate reportage procedures for individuals who wish to bring a criminal charge, including the need to preserve physical evidence to document the situation.
The University will maintain a comprehensive response system for addressing individual cases of sexual misconduct. The system includes support and guidance services, as well as an integrated response system for reports received by the University. Recognizing that individuals involved in situations of alleged sexual misconduct may have differing perceptions, the University has established clear definitions, processes, and consequences for addressing cases.
Seeking Advice Recommended
Persons who believe they have been subjected to a form of sexual misconduct or sex discrimination are encouraged to seek advice, personal counseling, and information on reporting processes as detailed below. Individuals will be informed about medical assistance, supported in reporting to appropriate law enforcement agencies and filing a complaint with the University, and notified about procedures for changing academic, employment, and living arrangements.
Services for Students
Consultation and Sexual Assault Support (CASAS) Services (360-650-3700)
Western’s CASAS Service provides confidential, professional consultation, brief or ongoing counseling, information about medical services, legal information and reporting options, academic support, and support groups for survivors of violence.
Counseling Center (360-650-3164)
Western’s Counseling Center provides individual, confidential counseling including crisis appointments and after-hours emergency services. The Counseling Center also assists students by referring them to other services on campus and to community resources that can offer more specialized or longer-term help with problems and concerns.
DVSAS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (360-715-1563 or 877-715-1563)
DVSAS provides a 24-hour help line for free and confidential assistance from an advocacy counselor.
Student Health Center (360-650-3400)
Western’s Student Health Center, a primary care medical clinic, provides a broad range of affordable health care to eligible students. Staffed by a team of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and support staff, the mission of the Student Health Center is to assist students with preventive health care and consultations, as well as evaluating, diagnosing and treating health concerns, illnesses and injuries, thereby minimizing their impact on academic progress.
Student Life, Office of (360-650-3706)
The Office of Student Life provides student assistance services to ensure the well-being and success of Western students. They work closely with students and their family members, faculty, and staff, in support of this purpose, and collaborate with a number of campus departments.
Title IX Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Office (360-650-3307)
The Equal Opportunity Office provides assistance to students who wish to file a discrimination complaint.
University Police (360-650-3555)
Western’s Police department provides assistance to individuals (employees, students, or others affected by sexual violence) who wish to file a report with their department. Campus police can investigate and can also assist with safety planning and escorts.
Services for Employees
DVSAS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (360-715-1563 or 877-715-1563)
DVSAS provides a 24-hour help line for free and confidential assistance from an advocacy counselor.
Employee Assistance Program (Daytime: 877-313-4455 or After Hours: 866-704-6364)
The EAP helps public employees resolve personal and work-related problems. EAP staff understands the issues that face public service employees. Consultations are voluntary, confidential, and available at no cost to covered employees and adult members of their households.
Individual’s health care provider
Employees may wish to seek assistance and guidance from their own health care provider.
Title IX Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Office (360-650-3307)
The Equal Opportunity Office provides assistance to employees who wish to file a discrimination complaint.
University Police (360-650-3555)
Western’s Police department provides assistance to individuals (employees, students, or others affected by sexual violence) who wish to file a report with their department. Campus police can investigate and can also assist with safety planning and escorts.
Complaints Against Students
Sexual misconduct complaints against students will be subject to the policies and procedures detailed in the Student Rights and Responsibility Code. That code (Chapter 516-21 WAC) may be found in the University catalog. Office of Student Life may be contacted to initiate this procedure. For incidents which occur in the residence halls, this process may also be initiated by contacting the appropriate Residence Hall Director.
Sexual misconduct may also constitute sex discrimination. Under Title IX, students have the right to file a discrimination complaint with the Equal Opportunity Office.
Complaints Against Employees
Complaints against any University employees shall be subject to the University’s Discrimination Complaint Procedure or relevant disciplinary procedures. The Equal Opportunity Office shall be contacted to initiate this procedure.
Filing of Criminal Charge
Individuals who wish to file a criminal charge related to sexual misconduct should contact University Police or the police in the jurisdiction in which the incident occurred.
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