Upon receipt of a report of sexual misconduct or interpersonal violence, the Title IX Coordinator will review the report and coordinate support services. Student Accommodations and Support Services or the Civil Rights Office will reach out to the complainant to explain reporting options, resources, and offer supportive measures. The next steps depend on whether or not the complainant wishes to file a complaint and whether or not the complaint falls under EWU’s policies regarding discrimination and Title IX.

After supportive measures are offered to a complainant, if the complainant wishes to file a complaint against a student, EWU will review the complaint to determine which process applies. Complaints are generally referred for an investigation. At that time, the complainant and respondent will receive a notice of investigation. Following the investigation, an investigative report is prepared. The investigator determines whether or not the allegations are supported by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) and if the respondent has violated EWU policy. For complaints against students, the investigation is then sent to the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities to determine the appropriate level of sanction. For complaints against employees, the investigation is sent to the respondent’s supervisor and Human Resources to determine the appropriate level of sanction. Appeal rights are available in both scenarios for both the complainant and the respondent. For allegations of felony-level crimes against students, additional procedures apply. Please refer to WAC 172-125 for additional details. Please refer to the policies site for more specific information.

Allegations against people who are not EWU students or employees will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine if EWU has jurisdiction to conduct an investigation. EWU will assist in connecting complainants to community resources and law enforcement upon request.