I WANT TO REPORT

Making the decision to report an incident of sexual misconduct is a brave choice. It is important for not only those who have been harmed but for our campus to remain safe. You can make a report if you have been harmed yourself, have heard about someone else being hurt, if you have witnessed an incident, or even if you have harmed someone else and want to explore restorative justice.

HOW TO REPORT: the Title IX Office

There are several ways to report to our office:

  1. Using this online form.
  2. Emailing tix@wcupa.edu.
  3. Calling 610-436-2433.
  4. Walking into 114 West Rosedale Ave.

The University strongly encourages those who want to file a report on behalf of themselves or someone else to identify themselves by name, but we understand that those reporting may not feel comfortable doing so. Anonymous reports will be accepted by anyone with knowledge of a sexual misconduct violation. (Anonymous reports will not be accepted by Responsible Employees.)

What happens when I submit a Sexual Misconduct Report?

Reporting an incident allows our office to check on students and offer assistance. The Complainant decides how they want to proceed, if at all.

Report received: The report is reviewed by a team member. The Title IX Coordinator decides if immediate action is needed. The information in the report is uploaded by the Compliance Coordinator. Complainant Contacted: Our office reaches out to the affected individual (the Complainant) via email, text, or phone. Supportive measures are instituted, if needed. A meeting is scheduled, if desired by Complainant. Options Discussed: The Complainant is given information regarding the processes. Supportive measures are offered, if needed. If the Complainant decides to file a Formal Complainant, the types of resolutions are discussed.

If a complainant chooses to move forward with a Formal Complaint, the following options are available:

Formal Complaint - Informal Resolution:

  • Both parties (complainant and respondent), through a written agreement, agree to resolve the matter informally through mediation or some other alternative means.
  • It is a voluntary process.
  • Can be initiated at any time prior to a finding of responsibility in a hearing and can be terminated at any time prior to the final resolutions.
  • Once a resolution is documented and signed by the parties, the resolution cannot be appealed.

Formal Complaint - Title IX Investigations:

  • A trained investigator will be assigned by the Title IX Coordinator who will contact and interview the parties and any witness(es), and collect any relevant evidence (text messages, emails, medical records, etc.). At the conclusion of the interviews, the investigator will prepare an investigative report.
  • Both parties will be invited to review the Title IX Investigative Report and all evidence and will have the opportunity to respond to the report and evidence.
  • If the report supports the allegations, the case can be referred to Student Conduct (or appropriate adjudicator authority).

During this process, both parties can request Supportive Measures which help to ensure the safety of both parties, such as:

  • Class changes
  • Parking changes
  • Housing changes
  • Academic support
  • Limitations on contact between parties

HOW TO REPORT: POLICE

A Title IX investigation is separate from a criminal investigation conducted by the police. Those who want to press criminal charges can contact the WCU Department of Public Safety or contact the police in the area where the incident took place. Criminal charges can be filed against any respondent, including those not affiliated with WCU. Criminal charges of sexual misconduct are entirely separate from violations of the Student Code of Conduct, which only applies to WCU students.

  • Department of Public Safety
  • 690 South Church Street
  • 610-436-3311

Anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct may choose to pursue both criminal prosecution and University disciplinary processes.

KEEP IN MIND:

  • Complainants and witnesses of sexual misconduct will not be charged if drug and/or alcohol use is present before and/or during the incident.
  • Anyone can report.
  • False reports of sexual misconduct will not be tolerated.

If you have any questions, reach out to the Office for Equal Opportunity and Compliance at 610-436-2433. Our office follows the University’s calendar for holidays, delays, and closures. If you need immediate care, please call the WCU Police at 610-436-3311.

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