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6.1.1. Reporting a Property Crime

1. Report your loss or damages to the police department as soon as possible.
2. Don’t touch anything until police are able to examine the area.
3. Be prepared to provide serial numbers or identifying marks or characteristics of the items taken.
4. Be alert for more damage or items missing that may come to your attention.
5. Itemize your valuables and write down serial numbers.
6. Mark your items for identification with your driver’s license number.
7. If you have unique or valuable items, photograph them and keep the pictures or video with your list of serial numbers.

6.1.2. Reporting an Assault (Physical and/or Sexual)

1. Report the assault to police as soon as possible — dial 911.
2. You may also report sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence to the university’s central intake office for complaints of this nature, Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), at 1-509-335-8288 to seek university support, resources, reporting options, and referrals.
3. You may also report other forms of student misconduct, including physical assaults, to the Center for Community Standards (CCS) at 1-509-335-4532 for consideration under the Standards of Conduct for Students.
4. If you’ve been injured, seek medical attention. When you call to report, tell the communications center you’ve been hurt. They will assist you in getting aid.
5. If you are reporting a sexual assault, refrain from showering, washing your hands, or washing your clothes. This will help preserve evidence that may be necessary to prove a criminal offense.
6. Support and counseling resources are available, including confidential services. The lists contact information if you don’t know who to call or where to start, or you can ask the police officer for help. WSU CCR can also provide you with an intake consultation to help identify appropriate resources for you, no matter where you are located.
   1. Confidential resources may be available in your area from a victim advocacy agency or counseling/medical providers. You can access confidential services through 91�ԹϺ����� Wellness Center (Counseling and Psychological Services). They can be contacted at 360-546-9238 and are located on the 1^st floor of the Classroom Building (VCLS). For a complete list of available confidential resources in your community, contact WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), 1-509-335-8288 or visit the CCR resources page, .

6.2.1. Campus Security Authority List

Although there are many CSAs; WSU and 91�ԹϺ����� officially designates the following key departments and/or titles as locations where individuals should report crimes for the purpose of making timely warning reports and the annual statistical disclosure.

Preferred CSA’s for the 91�ԹϺ����� campus include:

• 91�ԹϺ����� Department of Public Safety | VCLS (Classroom Building) Room 120 | Emergency – 911 | Non-Emergency – | 360-546-9001
• Title IX Coordinator | VSS (Student Services Building) | Dr. Domanic Thomas | domanic.thomas@wsu.edu | 360-546-9788
• Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Investigation | (Located on Pullman Campus) French Administration 225, PO Box 641022 | 509-335-8288
• Center for Community Standards | (Located on Pullman Campus) French Administration 130, PO Box 641040 | 509-335-4532
• Student Wellness Center Manager | VCLS (Classroom Building) | | 360-546-9238

7.1.1. WSU Policy Definitions

WSU is subject to multiple federal and state laws and regulations regarding sexual harassment and sex and gender-based violence, each with differing requirements. WSU Executive Policy 15 (EP 15) prohibits hostile environment harassment, quid pro quo harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972., ad its implementing regulations.

EP 15 Definitions

WSU addresses dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. Conduct meeting the definition of and applicability of Title IX Sexual Harassment has specific procedural requirements, but WSU covers a wide range of conduct occurring both on and off-campus. Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) can help individuals understand their options for conduct meeting the definitions under EP 15 Part B (Title IX Sexual Harassment) and EP 15 Part A (other forms of sexual harassment).

For allegations of EP 15 Part A misconduct, EP 15 applies if the alleged incident(s)

• Occurs on WSU-owned or -controlled property;
• Occurs in connection with WSU’s activities, programs, or events;
• Occurs in a building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by WSU, the effect of, or the potential to: unreasonably interfere with or limit an individual’s work, academic performance, living environment, personal security, or participation in any activity at WSU; includes unlawful acts that directly affect WSU programs, community members, or property insofar as such acts materially and substantially interfere with the missions, functions, processes, and goals of the WSU community.
• Includes unlawful acts that result in a guilty plea to or conviction of a felony.

For allegations of EP 15 Part B misconduct (Title IX Sexual Harassment), EP 15 applies if the alleged incident(s):

• Occurs within WSU’s educational program or activity, which includes:

Locations, events or circumstances over which WSU exercises substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which the sexual harassment occurs; and

• Any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized;
  • Occurs against a person in the United States; and
  • Occurs against a person who is participating in or attempting to participate in WSU’s educational program or activity.

In addition, the conduct must have been committed while the respondent was a WSU community member.

Prohibited conduct includes:

1. Sex-based discriminatory harassment (EP 15 Part A) -unwelcome sex-based, intentional conduct on the basis of sex, which is so severe or pervasive, and objectively offensive, that it substantially and unreasonably:
   1. Interferes with, or has the potential to interfere with, an individual’s ability to participation in WSU employment, education, programs, or activities;
   2. Adversely alters the condition of individual’s WSU employment, education, or participation status;
   3. Creates an objectively abusive employment, program, or educational environment; or
   4. Results in a material or substantial disruption of WSU’s operations or the rights of students, staff, faculty, visitors, or program participants.

2. Title IX Sexual Harassment (EP 15 Part B) – a form of harassment unwelcome sex-based conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to WSU’s education programs or activities. Sexual harassment includes but not a wide range of behaviors, including, limited to:
   1. Verbal or physical sex-based conduct;
   2. Sexual exploitation;
   3. Causing or attempting to cause the incapacitation of another person to gain sexual advantage over that person;
   4. Invading another person’s sexual privacy;
   5. Prostituting another person;
   6. Engaging in voyeurism;
   7. Knowingly or recklessly exposing another person to a significant risk of sexually transmitted disease or infection;
   8. Exposing one’s intimate parts in nonconsensual circumstances; or
   9. Sexually-based stalking and/or bullying.
3. Quid Pro Quo – a form of sex-based harassment in which an employee or other person over whom WSU has disciplinary authority providing an aid, benefit, or service under WSU’s education programs or activities explicitly or impliedly conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on a person’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
4. Sexual Assault – a forcible or nonforcible sex offense under the uniform crime reporting system of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. NOTE: If the following sexual assault definitions are updated in the NIBRS User Manual (available online at ), the updated definitions are applied.
   1. Sex Offense: Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
   2. Rape (except Statutory Rape): Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, or by a sex-related object, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
   3. Sodomy: Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
   4. Sexual assault with an object: To use an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
   5. Fondling: The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
   6. Incest: Nonforcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
   7. Statutory Rape: Nonforcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
5. Dating Violence – violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship is to be determined based on length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
6. Domestic Violence – a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed:
   1. By a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim or a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim;
   2. By a person with whom the victim shares a child in common;
   3. By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;
   4. By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of Washington, or
   5. By any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s act under the domestic or family violence laws of Washington.
7. Stalking – engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:
   1. Fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or
   2. Suffer substantial emotional distress.
   3. For the purposes of this definition:
      1. Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property.
      2. Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim.
      3. Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.
8. Retaliation is defined as intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privileged secured by this policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this policy. First amendment activities do not constitute retaliation.
9. Interference includes actions that intentionally:
   1. Dissuade or attempt to dissuade reporting parties, responding parties, or witnesses from reporting or participating in an investigation;
   2. Attempt to influence a complainant, respondent, or witness to make an inaccurate statement in the investigation;
   3. Delay or disrupt, or attempt to delay or disrupt, any university processes related to this policy; and/or
   4. Alter or attempt to alter the evidence provided to or received by investigative or disciplinary processes.
10. False Statements is defined as making a materially false statement in bad faith during any proceeding or process under this policy. No complaint is considered false solely because it cannot be corroborated.

Consent

Consent to any sexual activity must be clear, knowing, and voluntary. Anything less is equivalent to a "no." Clear, knowing, and voluntary consent to sexual activity requires that, at the time of the act, and throughout the sexual contact, all parties actively express words or conduct that a reasonable person would conclude demonstrates clear permission regarding willingness to engage in sexual activity and the conditions of such activity. Consent is active; silence or passivity is not consent. Even if words or conduct alone seem to imply consent, sexual activity is nonconsensual when:

1. Force or coercion is threatened or used to procure compliance with the sexual activity.
   1. Force is the use of physical violence, physical force, threat, or intimidation to overcome resistance or gain consent to sexual activity.
   2. Coercion is unreasonable pressure for sexual activity. When an individual makes it clear through words or actions that the individual does not want to engage in sexual contact, wants to stop, or does not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction, continued pressure beyond that point may be coercive. Other examples of coercion may include using blackmail or extortion to overcome resistance or gain consent to sexual activity.
2. The person is asleep, unconscious, or physically unable to communicate his or her unwillingness to engage in sexual activity; or
3. A reasonable person would or should know that the other person lacks the mental capacity at the time of the sexual activity to be able to understand the nature or consequences of the act, whether that incapacity is produced by illness, defect, the influence of alcohol or another substance, or some other cause. When alcohol or drugs are involved, a person is considered incapacitated or unable to give valid consent if the individual cannot fully understand the details of the sexual interaction (i.e., who, what, when, where, why, and how), and/or the individual lacks the capacity to reasonably understand the situation and to make rational, reasonable decisions.

CCR Amnesty Policy

During a CCR process, when a student voluntarily shares information about the possession or use of alcohol or drugs, CCR does not refer the student to the Center for Community Standards (CCS) for alcohol or drug related conduct proceedings, except where drugs or alcohol were used to gain advantage, incapacitation, or exploitation over another individual. CCS also uses discretion under WAC 504-26-510, the Good Samaritan Policy, and may refrain from imposing formal discipline for alcohol or drug use and possession under the Standards of Conduct for Students.

For more information, see:

7.4.1. Reporting to Law Enforcement

Victims/survivors are encouraged to report to law enforcement. Even if they are not sure if they want to report for criminal investigation, they are encouraged to preserve evidence, which may include seeking a sexual assault forensic exam. Victims/survivors are also encouraged to seek care and support, including advocacy services, medical treatment and/or counseling services. Reporters are urged to preserve any evidence and to also seek medical and counseling services. Law enforcement can assist with filing criminal charges or pursuing a no contact order. To make a report of sexual violence to law enforcement, call 911 for immediate assistance or contact the 91�ԹϺ����� Police Department (91�ԹϺ����� PD) at 360-546-9001. or wsuvcops@wsu.edu. The following guidelines may be considered when reporting to law enforcement:

1. Report the assault to police as soon as possible — dial 911.
2. You may also report to the university’s central intake office for complaints of this nature, CCR at 1-509-335-8288 to seek university support, resources, reporting options and referrals.
3. If you’ve been injured, seek medical attention. When you call to report, tell the communications center you’ve been hurt. They will assist you in getting aid.
4. If you are reporting a sexual assault, refrain from showering, washing your hands, or washing your clothes. This will help preserve evidence that may be necessary to prove a criminal offense.
5. Support and counseling services are available, including confidential services. The lists contact information if you don’t know who to call or where to start, or ask the police officer for help. WSU CCR can also provide you with an intake consultation to help identify appropriate resources for you, no matter where you are located.
   1. Confidential resources may be available in your area from a victim advocacy agency or counseling/medical providers. For example, students may seek confidential services through 91�ԹϺ����� Wellness Center. They can be contacted at 360-546-9238, and are located on the 1st floor of the Classroom Building (VCLS).

7.4.2. Reporting to WSU

Incidents of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, can be reported to WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), which works closely with Human Resource Services (HRS) for incidents involving employees and the Center for Community Standards (CCS) for incidents involving students. When CCR receives a report of misconduct, CCR will provide the student or employee with written information about their rights, supportive measures, and reporting options (including how to file a complaint with WSU), as well as other information about CCR’s Procedural Guidelines and the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy 15 (EP 15). Outreach will also include written information about available counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal services, and other services available on campus and in the community. Additional resources will be identified depending on the student’s or employee’s particular needs (e.g., an international student may need support from International Programs regarding visa or immigration assistance); a complainant’s preferences with regards to supportive measures will be considered. Per and the , supportive measures, including academic support services and safety measures such as changes to work/academic schedules, residence hall assignments, or other protective measures, are available, regardless of whether the student or employee chooses to report the crime to campus police or local law enforcement. CCR, the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Affairs, HRS, campus police, and/or other administrators will help facilitate supportive measures requests.

CCR can document the victim/survivor’s concerns, assist the victim/survivor with campus safety options, connect the victim/survivor to local support, medical, and counseling resources, and if the victim/survivor (or the Title IX Coordinator) wishes to file a complaint, CCR can start an informal resolution or an investigation.

Please note, WSU’s policies for responding to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking are developed to be in compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and guidance.

Informal Resolution

CCR may proceed with an informal resolution upon receiving a formal complaint, where appropriate. An informal resolution allows for parties to voluntarily reach mutually agreeable terms to resolve their concerns and/or prevent further harm. Either party may request an informal resolution at any point prior to a determination of responsibility. CCR has discretion to determine whether an informal resolution is appropriate for the specific circumstances. If so, CCR will notify both parties that the informal resolution process has commenced and provide the requirements of the informal resolution process, as described in the CCR Procedural Guidelines. CCR will not proceed with an informal resolution process until receiving voluntary consent to proceed with the informal resolution process from both parties.

Informal resolutions may include, but are not limited to:

1. An agreement between parties
2. A mediation
3. Education and training
4. Workplace or academic management plans
5. Restrictions on contact or participation in programs or activities
6. Supportive measures, including safety measures

Informal resolutions may include agreed upon punitive terms (e.g. a party may agree to a permanent withdrawal or removal of duties). Parties may also accept responsibility or accountability for misconduct.

Parties may withdraw from the informal resolution process at any stage, prior to agreeing to a resolution.

Where an informal resolution violated, rather than voiding the resolution and reengaging in the grievance process, the violation may be reviewed as a violation of a university directive and subject to disciplinary action. Where CCR has a compelling reason to do so, the informal resolution may also be voided. Where circumstances change, parties may request to modify an existing informal resolution.

Investigations

CCR may conduct an investigation after receiving a complaint, which meets the requirements of EP15, or in the absence of a complaint, where CCR determines an investigation is appropriate. CCR conducts a neutral and unbiased investigation, with investigators who do not have a conflict of interest or bias towards either party, specifically or generally. CCR investigations are conducted pursuant to its Procedural Guidelines and are initiated with a presumption that the respondent is not responsible for the alleged conduct. CCR provides notice of the allegations in writing to both parties. Both parties have the right to present witnesses and evidence. The evidentiary burden is on WSU, not the parties.

During an investigation, WSU does not restrict the ability of either party to discuss the allegations under investigation or to gather and present relevant evidence. Throughout the investigative process, the parties have the right to have an advisor of their choice with them, which can be a support person or attorney. In all matters (regardless of the status of the respondent), the parties will have an opportunity for investigation, evidence review, determination of responsibility, and appeal. For matters implicating Title IX Sexual Harassment, the parties have an equal opportunity to review evidence and provide an additional statement prior to the issuance of a CCR investigative report. For other matters, parties are provided access to evidence after the investigation is completed.

For more information about the investigative process, see the , the , the , the , and the Manual

CCR shares information about cases only on a need-to-know basis but cannot guarantee confidentiality. Although CCR does not share reporting information with law enforcement unless required to do so, CCR investigators notify victims/survivors of their option to report to on-campus or local police, to have campus authorities assist them in notifying law enforcement of a sexual violence incident, or to decline to notify such authorities.

A report of sexual violence can be made to CCR or the Title IX Coordinator by telephone at 509-335-8288, by email at ccr@wsu.edu, by visiting the CCR office located in Room 225 of the French Administration Building on the Pullman campus or by using the .

7.8.1. Informal Resolution Process

CCR may proceed with an informal resolution upon receiving a formal complaint, where appropriate. Complainants and/or respondents may request an informal resolution process, which is a voluntary opportunity to explore an alternative resolution. Informal resolutions may encompass a broad range of conflict resolution and safety strategies including, but not limited to, an agreement between parties, a mediation, education and training, workplace or academic management plans, restrictions on contact or participation in programs or activities, or supportive measures, including safety measures. Informal resolutions may also include agreed upon punitive terms or parties may accept responsibility for misconduct. CCR has discretion to determine if the matter is appropriate for an informal resolution, and will not offer an informal resolution when such a process would conflict with legal requirements. CCR may proceed with an informal resolution where both parties consent to participate. Parties may have an advisor, including an attorney, participate during an informal resolution, but it is not required. CCR may work with the Division of Student Affairs, HRS, the Office of the Provost, or the individual department affected in resolving a matter under the informal resolution process. Prior to an agreed resolution, either party may withdraw from the informal resolution process at which point the parties can resume participation in a grievance process. Upon entering into an informal resolution agreement, the agreement is binding on the parties and precludes the parties from initiating or resuming grievance processes. Agreement provisions will be considered with respect to the campus safety, including expulsion, suspension, or termination. CCR will document and maintain records of all informal resolutions. Where an informal resolution is violated, rather than voiding the resolution and reengaging in the grievance process, the violation may be reviewed as a violation of a directive and subject to disciplinary action. Where CCR has a compelling reason to do so, the informal resolution may also be voided. CCR will notify parties where a resolution is voided and provide an opportunity to resume the grievance process. Specific violations of an informal resolution can result in disciplinary process for failing to follow a university order. Where circumstances change, parties may request CCR modify an existing informal resolution.

7.8.2. Investigation Process

CCR investigates matters involving students, employees, and visitors regardless of whether the conduct occurred on or off campus, where EP 15 is implicated; investigations follow . CCR provides a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation by officials who receive annual training on regulatory requirements for responding to complaints of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, and how to conduct a trauma informed investigation and protect the safety of investigation participants. Where a CCR investigator has a conflict of interest or bias towards an investigation participant, the investigator will be screened from a case, and another investigator will review the matter. Investigations are conducted into allegations implicating EP 15; violations may be found where a preponderance of the evidence supports that conclusion.

Upon receipt of a complaint, CCR will review the complaint and determine whether to proceed with a grievance procedure or dismiss the complaint. Dismissals may occur where:

• Even if true the complaint does not constitute EP 15 violations
• The conduct is outside CCR’s scope of authority to investigate;
• CCR is unable to identify the respondent after taking reasonable steps to do so;
• The respondent is not currently participating in WSU’s education program or activity and is not employed by WSU, or was not at the time of the alleged incident(s);
• The complainant voluntarily withdraws any or all of the allegations in the complaint, and any remaining conduct does not constitute an EP 15 violation, and CCR determines a dismissal is appropriate;
• The parties voluntarily resolved their matter through an Informal Resolution process; or
• Specific circumstances prevent an investigator from gathering evidence sufficient to make a determination.

CCR’s determination to dismiss a complaint is final. Otherwise, CCR will proceed with an investigation. In some circumstances, CCR may proceed with an investigation without a complaint from a community member, where CCR determines that alleged conduct presents an imminent and serious threat to the health or safety of the complainant or other person, or the alleged conduct prevents equal access to education programs or activities.

Upon initiation of an investigation, a CCR investigator will provide written notice to both parties, and the complainant and the respondent will have equal opportunities to provide information, responses, evidence, and witnesses. CCR has the responsibility to conduct an investigation, not the parties. The complainant and the respondent have the right to be accompanied by the advisor of their choice, which may be a support person or attorney. CCR makes every effort to gather all available relevant evidence and to neutrally and fairly assess the evidence. Per CCR’s Procedural Guidelines, CCR investigations are typically 60 days; extensions are allowed for good cause, with written notice to the parties.

For student matters involving sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, WSU prioritizes these cases and works to resolve them in a timely and efficient manner. When a CCR investigation is completed, the CCR investigator will notify the parties and the Center for Community Standards (CCS), so the matter can go directly to a hearing for a determination of responsibility.

For matters involving EP 15 Part A allegations, CCR will submit evidence directly to the Center for Community Standards (for students) to initiate a hearing process per the . Parties will have an opportunity to review the evidence and participate in the hearing process, including providing more information if desired. For matters involving employees, CCR will issue an investigative report to the parties and relevant supervisors and administrators and facilitate party access to evidence to prepare for relevant disciplinary process or appeals (for employees), as outlined in the , l, , or .

For matters involving EP 15 Part B (Title IX Sexual Harassment) allegations, CCR provides access to the evidence and an opportunity to provide an additional written statement, prior to issuing an investigative report with recommended findings to the parties and relevant administrators. The recommended findings are designed to help the parties prepare for a live hearing process.

For matters involving student respondent hearings, after CCR completes their investigation, CCS will provide information to relevant parties regarding the WSU disciplinary processes, including, but not limited to information about conduct officer hearings, conduct board hearings, student rights, and campus and community resources. CCS will initiate the conduct hearing process by providing the parties with an opportunity to review evidence and scheduling a hearing date. An administrative law judge will serve as the presiding officer and decision-maker for these cases and parties will have an opportunity to respond to the evidence they reviewed, as well as provide additional information, statements, evidence, and witnesses. WSU’s student conduct hearing processes comply with the Washington State Administrative Procedures Act and are available for review in the Washington State University . The decision-maker will neutrally assess all available relevant and permissible evidence and issue a decision to both parties simultaneously which will include findings of facts, a determination of responsibility, sanctions, and remedies, as appropriate, along with the date that the decision becomes final. As part of the decision-letter, the parties will be provided with information on how to appeal the decision in accordance with WAC 504-26-420 and WAC 504-26-115. When an appeal is received, WSU will notify the parties, provide information on the appeals processes, provide an opportunity to respond, and issue the appeals decision simultaneously to both parties.

For employee matters implication EP 15 B (Title IX Sexual Harassment), CCR provides parties with an investigation report with recommended findings and provides access to the evidence prior to Employee Title IX Hearing Process (for administrative professional, civil service, and bargaining unit employees) or the Faculty Manual formal discipline process (for faculty). Parties will be provided with information about the right to appeal to the President’s CCR Appeals Committee. When an appeal is received, the CCR Appeals Committee will notify the parties, provide information on the appeals processes, provide an opportunity to respond, and issue the appeals decision simultaneously to both parties.

For employee matters implicating EP 15 A, CCR provides a report with findings to parties for matters that do not involve a faculty respondent and a report with recommended findings to parties for matters that involve a faculty respondent. The report is also provided to relevant administrators and supervisors for review under employee disciplinary processes, including the , , the , or . Appeals are also available.

For all hearing avenues, the decision-maker and appeals decision-maker(s) may not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against the complainant or the respondent, or complainants and respondents generally.

Additional rights and responsibilities for the sanctioning process can be found in the WSU , the , (civil service employees), applicable , or the WSU (WAC 504-26). More information about the hearing process is available through the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students, the Office of the Provost, and HRS. The University process for complaints of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking is in compliance with federal regulations. As those regulations are subject to change, individuals are encouraged to review the relevant policy or procedure for the most up-to-date information on the University process.

8.2.1. Available Education for Incoming Students

Multiple programs are available to WSU students, about consent and respect, risk reduction, and hazing. The definitions and WSU policies in place to respond to sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence and stalking are included in these programs.

Consent and Respect:

• This module is available to all students, but required for incoming first year undergraduates and transfer undergraduates. It addresses complexities around unwanted sexual experiences. The course content empowers individuals to help others as active bystanders. This program allows students to understand how they can be an integral part of addressing gender-based violence. This workshop includes information about campus policies, resources and reporting options for students. In this workshop, students learn about WSU’s prohibition on dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. They also learn the following definitions:
  • Dating violence: Intimate partner abuse is conduct or threats which are targeted against a person with whom an individual is in or had been in a romantic, sexual, or dating relationship, where the conduct or threats are used to coerce, intimidate, or control the person. This may include physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, or financial assault and/or control. It may also include direct or indirect conduct, as well as threats or conduct directed towards the person’s family, friends, property, or pets.   
    • Domestic violence: A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed
    • By a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim
    • By a person with whom the victim shares a child in common
    • By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner 
    • By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred, or
    • By any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.
  • Sexual assault: Nonconsensual sexual contact is any intentional sexual touching, however slight, with any object or body part, by one person against another person’s intimate parts (or clothing covering any of those areas), or by causing another person to touch his or her own or another person’s intimate body parts without consent and/or by force. Sexual contact also can include any intentional bodily contact in a sexual manner with another person’s nonintimate body parts. It also includes nonconsensual sexual intercourse.
  • Consent: Consent to any sexual activity must be clear, knowing, and voluntary. Anything less is equivalent to a “no.” Clear, knowing, and voluntary consent to sexual activity requires that, at the time of the act, and throughout the sexual contact, all parties actively express words or conduct that a reasonable person would conclude demonstrates clear permission regarding willingness to engage in sexual activity and the conditions of such activity. Consent is active; silence or passivity is not consent. Even if words or conduct alone seem to imply consent, sexual activity is nonconsensual when:
    • Force or coercion is threatened or used to procure compliance with the sexual activity.
    • Force is the use of physical violence, physical force, threat, or intimidation to overcome resistance or gain consent to sexual activity.
    • Coercion is unreasonable pressure for sexual activity. When an individual makes it clear through words or actions that the individual does not want to engage in sexual contact, wants to stop, or does not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction, continued pressure beyond that point may be coercive. Other examples of coercion may include using blackmail or extortion to overcome resistance or gain consent to sexual activity.
  • The person is asleep, unconscious, or physically unable to communicate his or her unwillingness to engage in sexual activity; or 
  • A reasonable person would or should know that the other person lacks the mental capacity at the time of the sexual activity to be able to understand the nature or consequences of the act, whether that incapacity is produced by illness, defect, the influence of alcohol or another substance, or some other cause. When alcohol or drugs are involved, a person is considered incapacitated or unable to give valid consent if the individual cannot fully understand the details of the sexual interaction (i.e., who, what, when, where, why, and how), and/or the individual lacks the capacity to reasonably understand the situation and to make rational, reasonable decisions.
  • Stalking: Stalking is engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:
    1. Fear for their safety or the safety of others;
    2. Fear for harm to their property or the property of others; or
    3. Suffer substantial emotional distress.
  • Stalking includes, but is not limited to, conduct occurring in person, electronically, or through a third party.

• on Cougs and other violence prevention workshops
  • The Count on Cougs bystander intervention workshop is available to students to learn how to recognize and respond to situations that could be high risk for violence. Students practice safe, realistic intervention skills in a variety of scenarios. Additional violence prevention workshop topics include Healthy Relationships, Supporting Survivors, and Understanding Sexual Assault.
• Additional Workshops
  • Health Education provides additional workshops at request designed to improve the health and wellbeing of WSU students. Workshops include:
    • Life Skills
      • Stress Management
      • Mindfulness
      • Sleep More Sleep Better
      • Time Management
      • Self-Care
    • Mental Health
      • Behind Happy Faces
      • Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
      • Campus Connect
      • Mental Health First Aid
    • Sexual Health
      • STI Workshop
      • Sexuality
    • Substance Abuse
      • Sleep, Alcohol Use, and Academic Impacts
      • Real Risks
      • Party Expectations

Other programs designed to enhance understanding about sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, and stalking are provided throughout the academic year. These interactive programs are open to all students on the WSU Pullman campus. Students can sign up for programs through Presence and the .

Graduate students at all locations are provided an orientation that includes information on reporting and resources for discrimination, harassment, student misconduct, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. also includes information on reporting options and grievance procedures.

91�ԹϺ����� Campus Programs

• Students at 91�ԹϺ����� can access the Consent and Respect, Alcohol Wise, and Hazing and Hosting through the WSU Health Promotions office, as well as others including:
• Count on Cougs:
  • A violence prevention program focused on empowering bystanders to actively reduce gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual assault. Count on Cougs is made available to students throughout the WSU system via Zoom throughout the year. For information on upcoming programs, visit the .
• Mental Health First Aid:
  • An 8-hour training (2 hours pre-work and 6 hours Zoom training) that teaches participants to identify mental health disorder symptoms, how to respond in a crisis, and active listening skills to support many disorders. To attend, visit: .
• Campus Connect:
  • A 2-hour training that teaches participants statistics and facts about college student suicide, how to respond in a suicidal crisis, appropriate referrals, and active listening, communication, and relationship-building skills. To attend, visit: .
• E-Chug:
  • Online confidential survey allows students to receive personalized feedback about the impacts of alcohol and other drug use. It is an open access survey, and available to all students.
• Bystander Intervention
  • Students can attend OSI seminars on bystander intervention to learn how to recognize and respond to situations that could be high risk for violence.
• Other programs designed to enhance understanding about sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, and stalking are provided throughout the academic year. These interactive programs are open to all students on the 91�ԹϺ����� campus. Students can sign up for programs through

8.2.2. Campus Disciplinary Process

The Center for Community Standards (CCS) offers trainings to students and staff on the campus disciplinary programs throughout the year. Staff presentations are given per request. Peer Educators, student staff members employed by the Center for Community Standards, offer between five and 10 information sessions weekly during the academic year to students who are engaged in the community standards process. These sessions outline what students can expect when engaging with the Center for Community Standards and also outline student rights and available resources.

8.2.3. Ally Training

The is respectful of confidentiality and knowledgeable about resources for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. WSU promotes an atmosphere that is safe, inclusive, and affirming for all members of the campus community and does not condone discrimination. Any faculty, staff, student or community member may participate in Ally training. Since summer 2020, Ally training has been expanded and offered twice per semester and upon request for departments system-wide.

8.2.4. Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence Prevention Training

WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) offers a number of for students, faculty, and staff in person, via video-conferencing software, and via on-demand online trainings, including trainings on the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy 15 (EP 15); discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence prevention; university investigative processes; grievance and disciplinary processes; employee reporting and disclosure requirements; available university resources and response; and targeted training on resources and reporting options for victims of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In 2023, CCR offered 75 live trainings to the campus community.

8.2.5. Bystander Intervention

WSU understands that keeping our community safe requires everyone on campus to be proactive. WSU offers the Count on Cougs violence prevention program remotely to all campus locations. Often when bystanders see situations that could lead to violence, our tendency is to walk away. We may feel unsure about our role in the situation or may be concerned for our physical safety. Even so, there are safe and positive options available to intervene in situations that may lead to acts of violence. These options include:

• Being direct. If you see someone doing something that is making another person uncomfortable, speak up.
• Getting someone else involved. If you feel like you can’t handle the situation on your own, ask a group of friends to help you, or talk to a supervisor, resident advisor, or other person of authority. If the situation is making you feel unsafe, contact the police.
• Creating a distraction. Sometimes the best way to get someone out of a potentially dangerous situation is to divert attention elsewhere.
• Offering resources and support after the fact. Interpersonal violence can happen quickly. If you are concerned someone has already experienced violence, you can provide meaningful support and options after the fact that may prevent further violence.
• If a situation is making you uncomfortable, chances are other people are uncomfortable too. By standing up and being a proactive bystander, you give other people encouragement to do the same.
• Being proactive. There are small and simple actions that WSU students can take every day to create a safe and supportive campus. More information about the bystander intervention training is available at the .

8.2.6. Risk Reduction

WSU believes that it is not a victim/survivor’s decisions that lead to acts of harm or violence. Rather, someone else is making choices to cause harm to another person. Reducing rates of violence on our campus and in our community can seem overwhelming, but it becomes a much easier task when we all work together. There are steps everyone can take to promote individual and community safety on campus:

• Plan ahead. Charge your phone before going out and stay in contact with your friends throughout the evening. Ask friends to check in with each other before leaving for the night. If someone doesn’t check in, call or text to make sure they’re okay.
• Make a back-up plan if things don’t go as planned. Bring extra cash if you need to call a cab to get home or call a trusted friend to walk you home if you feel unsafe walking alone at night.
• Pay attention to your gut instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable, find someone you trust, or leave. Contact the police if you have concerns for your safety.
• If choosing to drink alcohol, be aware of how your body responds to drinking and plan accordingly. Plan out how many drinks you’ll have and stick to that plan. Eat a full meal before going out or eat snacks throughout the night. Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks or beverages. Maintain control of your drinks and beverages at all times to prevent someone from putting drugs or other unknown substances in them.
• Respect everyone’s personal boundaries in all situations, including those involving sex. Consent at WSU must be clear, knowing, and voluntary. If you’re not certain you’ve obtained consent, stop and check in with your partner.

8.2.7 Hazing Awareness and Prevention

Hazing violates WSU’s community values, and there is zero tolerance for it. If you see or experience hazing, we are here to support you. There are several options for handling hazing:

Call out hazing behaviors in the moment if you feel safe doing so. Calling out hazing when you see it may stop the behavior immediately. It also acknowledges the distress or discomfort of victims and helps them leave the situation. You may not feel comfortable or safe calling out the behavior when you experience or witness it – that’s okay. When you’re in a safe space, please make a report.

Options for Reporting

• WSU Center for Community Standards
• - - select 'Hazing' drop down
•   or local law enforcement
• A local/national chapter of the organization conducting the hazing.

If you or others are in immediate danger or in a situation that needs to be resolved right away, call 911.

What to include in your report:

• What happened?
• Who was involved?
• Was anyone else present to see what occurred?
• When/where did it occur?
• Were there any injuries?
• How did you become aware of the incident?

Even if you can't answer all the questions above, reporting any information is still helpful.

When hazing is reported—whether involving an individual student or an organization—the Center for Community Standards (CCS) is responsible for investigating the alleged misconduct.

For organizations, CCS will first review the report to determine appropriate next steps. Next steps may include:

• Contacting the reporting party for more information
• Requesting interviews with witnesses
• Issuing a formal notice of investigation
• Meeting with organizational leaders
• Communicating with chapter members
• Reaching out to national or international governing bodies

If the investigation finds evidence of hazing, the case moves to the resolution phase. Resolutions may occur through:

• Mutual agreement
• A conduct officer hearing
• A formal hearing

If the University determines that hazing occurred, the organization will lose its recognition status as a required consequence.

For individual students, CCS follows a similar process:

• The student is notified of the concern
• CCS investigates the reported behavior
• If warranted, the case proceeds to the resolution phase

Annual Hazing Prevention Training for WSU Employees

All WSU faculty and staff (including students, temp hourly, and graduate students) are required to complete the Hazing Prevention course within the first six months of hire, then annually afterward. Staff and faculty can .

The goal of these courses is to assist WSU in maintaining a safe and respectful working and learning environment. It defines hazing, identifies key WSU Executive Policies addressing these topics, gives examples of “look-fors” for managers when supervising staff, and provides links to resources available to help in cases of alleged hazing incidents. The training also highlights employee and supervisor responsibilities when hazing misconduct is reported or observed.

Current Student Training: Hazing and Hosting

All incoming and transfer students, undergraduate, graduate, and professional, on all WSU campuses must be made available a Hazing Prevention Course. Hazing & Hosting is a state-law-specific course that emphasizes personal responsibility for both hazing and social hosting as it relates to underage drinking. This course will help students identify the various forms of hazing that can occur and how and when to file a report.