Reporting Incidents of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault

Washington & Jefferson College does not tolerate any form of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Individuals who believe that they, or someone they know (third party reporting), is a victim of sexual harassment or sexual assault are strongly encouraged to immediately report the incident to the Office of Protection Services, Associate Dean for Student Life Conduct Officer and/or Director of Counseling Services. While the College stresses the importance of reporting all incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault, W&J's primary and immediate concern is for the well-being, health, and safety of all of our students.

In many cases of sexual assault applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations may require that College officials report incidents committed on any property owned, leased, or under control of the College to the local Police Department with jurisdiction. As a result, all College officials (including faculty or staff) have an obligation to promptly inform the Director of Protection Service and/or the Associate Dean of Student Life of any known sexual assaults. In meeting these reporting obligations, the College will take steps to protect the privacy of the persons against whom any alleged sexual acts were committed.

The College takes all complaints of sexual harassment and assault very seriously and will promptly investigate all allegations. The Conduct Officer will serve as the primary investigator of all reported incidents involving students. Specifically, the Conduct Officer will prepare a written fact-finding report in consultation with the Claimant/Witness, Respondent (s), and members of the Protection Services staff. This report will be a summary of the information gathered during the investigative process. The Office of Human Resources will be involved in the investigation and adjudication of any alleged incidents involving College faculty or staff.

Concurrently, local law enforcement agencies may investigate if a crime has taken place in accordance with the Pennsylvania Crimes Codes. The College reserves the right to adjudicate violations of the Student Code of Conduct without waiting for completion of police investigation. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct under Violations of Law.
Following the completion of the fact-finding report, the Conduct Officer will determine whether a violation of the College's sexual harassment or sexual assault policy has occurred. If it is determined that a violation of policy has occurred, the Conduct Officer will proceed with disciplinary action against the Respondent.