Annual security report

Annual Security Report

A hard copy printout of this report may also be requested by contacting the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety by emailing wsuvcops@wsu.edu, or calling 360-546-9001.

Back to top

Preparation of the Annual Security Report

Washington State University Vancouver prepares this report in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), as well as the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA) amendments to the Clery Act, using information obtained by the WSU Clery Compliance Committee comprised of representatives from various WSU offices, including, but not limited to, the WSU Police Department (WSU PD), WSU Vancouver Police Department (WSUV PD), WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), the Center for Community Standards (CCS), Cougar Health Services (CHS) and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

Additionally, information is gathered from Campus Security Authorities CSAs), local law enforcement agencies (including the Clark County Sheriff's Office) and other surrounding law enforcement agencies regarding crimes that occurred at relevant locations.

The report also includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, and in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by WSU Vancouver. In accordance with the Clery Act, the statistics contained in this report are limited to specific crimes occurring within a designated geographic area.

The statistics in this report may vary from statistics maintained within other WSU offices authorized to receive reports of incidents implicating laws and WSU policies, such as the WSU Police Department, Compliance and Civil Rights, the Center for Community Standards and/or Cougar Health Services.

The Clery Act promotes campus safety by providing information to students, parents, employees and the WSU community about public safety, crime prevention, and response efforts by WSU Vancouver. It also promotes transparency about crimes that occur on campus and other threats to health and safety. To further those efforts, this report provides information on education, prevention, and awareness efforts undertaken by WSU to empower the WSU community to take a more active role in their personal safety and security.

Back to top

Support Resources On and Off Campus

Washington State University students and employees have access to a number of support and reporting options. The below list includes a brief description of the relevant offices and agencies.

WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR)

Complaint Investigation, Executive Policy #15, Civil Rights Consultation and Technical Guidance, Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Compliance, Title IX Compliance, Clery Compliance, ADA Compliance, Health Sciences Compliance, and Education and Training. CCR is WSU's central intake and referral office for reports or formal complaints of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct from students, staff, faculty, and visitors or guests. CCR is a resource for the university community for questions relating to civil rights compliance, requirements, and obligations.

The Center for Community Standards (CCS)

The Center for Community Standards contributes to a community which encourages and educates everyone to make positive choices and share messages of our values. Occasionally students make choices that put those values at risk. The community standards process is designed to support those students, uphold their rights and responsibilities, and hold them accountable for behaviors that conflict with our community standards.

WSU Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students are your partners in navigating the WSU experience. This might include working through a complex process, answering questions, or connecting students to a much-needed resource.

Student Care Network

WSU's Student Care Network is dedicated to supporting student success across the system through early intervention.

Human Resource Services (HRS)

Human Resource Services is committed to providing effective, high quality human resource management to the University community. Working collaboratively, Human Resource Services provides expertise and best practices in all areas of human resource management including recruitment and retention, employee relations, training, benefits management, labor relations, disability services, records administration, and employee recognition.

WSU Employee Assistance Program - Employees

WSU Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential and private counseling to WSU employees and can provide information about referrals and service provider options in the local community.

WSU Office of the Ombudsman

The primary purpose of the office is to protect the interests, rights, and privileges of students, staff, and faculty at all levels of university operations and programs. The ombudsman is designated by the university to function as an impartial and neutral resource to assist all members of the university community. The ombudsman provides information relating to university policies and procedures and facilitates the resolution of problems and grievances through informal investigation and mediation.

Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

Develops and administers a comprehensive emergency management program to encompass the main WSU campus, as well as regional campuses, research stations and sites throughout the state. This program works in partnership with academic colleges and departments, operating divisions and units, and the staff, faculty and students of WSU in conjunction with federal, state and local jurisdictions to protect lives and safety of students, faculty staff, visitors & animals; safeguard critical infrastructure, facilities, environment, essential records & research; and resume operations as soon as practicable.

Washington State University Police Department (WSUVPD)

Washington State University Vancouver Police Department, in partnership with the campus community, is to cultivate an atmosphere which supports the educational process and promotes academic and personal achievement, and community prosperity.

WSU Vancouver Wellness Center

WSU Vancouver Wellness Center offers a range of health services for students on campus, including confidential and private Counseling and Psychological Services, Health Promotion, and Medical Clinic.

Back to top

Campus Law Enforcement

The WSU Vancouver Police Department is the primary police agency for the Washington State University Vancouver campus. Individuals may also contact external agencies, including the Vancouver Police Department, the Clark County Sheriff's Office, Washington State Patrol or other law enforcement agencies.

Reporting to Law Enforcement

For incidents that are currently occurring, have recently occurred, or need immediate assistance at WSU Vancouver, please dial 911.

For incidents of a non-emergency nature, call the Public Safety office at 360-546-9001.

All 911 calls will be answered by CRESA, the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, which manages consolidated dispatch operations for police, fire, and EMS units for multiple counties, including Clark County. A dispatcher will collect your information and determine the appropriate police, fire and/or medical aid required.

Commitment to Safety

The WSU Vancouver Police Department strives to educate the campus community and maintain a reasonably safe environment on campus. WSU Vancouver encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to the campus police and to the appropriate police agencies (including Clark County Sheriff's Office and the Vancouver Police Department), by the victim of a crime when he or she elects to do so, or by a witness or another informed person when the victim is unable to make such a report.

WSU Vancouver Police personnel provide educational and prevention-driven programs to the WSU Vancouver community. Although the campus police department takes many steps to educate and maintain safety on campus, each individual within the campus community plays a role, and it is important to be aware of surroundings and use reasonable judgment when working or visiting on campus. Please report suspicious or criminal activities to law enforcement by calling 911.

Back to top

WSU's Non-discrimination Policy

WSU is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing an environment free from harassment, including sexual violence, and discrimination based on race, color, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, genetic information, status as an honorably discharged veteran or member of the military, physical, mental, or sensory disability, including disability requiring the use of a trained service animal, and immigration or citizenship status, except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Please direct any inquiries regarding WSU's non-discrimination policy or procedures to WSU Compliance and Civil Rights at ccr@wsu.edu, via telephone at 509-335-8288, or in person at French Administration Building, Room 225. For more information on WSU's policies, please visit: the WSU Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy (Executive Policy 12) or the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment (Executive Policy 15).

Back to top

Enforcement Authority and Jurisdiction of Security Personnel

The WSU Vancouver Police Department is empowered through Chapter 43.101 of the Revised Code of Washington , and has the enforcement authority and jurisdiction to arrest. Each WSU Vancouver police officer receives the same basic training as city and county peace officers throughout Washington State, in addition to training specific to the unique needs of a campus environment. The WSU Vancouver campus represents the primary jurisdiction of the WSU Vancouver Police Department. WSU Vancouver Police Officers and security staff enforce the law through arrests, citations, and warnings. Public safety staff handle a majority of patrol, investigation, crime prevention education, and related law enforcement duties for the campus community. The department manages the patrol, investigation, crime prevention education and related law enforcement duties for the campus community. The department is assisted by the Clark County Sheriff's Office when WSU Vancouver Police Department officers are unavailable.

The WSU Vancouver Police Department is comprised of:

  • 3 Sworn Officers
  • 1 part-time Officer
  • 1 Campus Security Officer
  • 1 Campus Parking Guide Lead
  • 3 part-time Community Service Officers (security)

All recognized WSU student organizations must abide by federal, state, and local laws and WSU policies. WSU may become involved in off-campus conduct of students and recognized student organizations when such conduct implicates the Standards of Conduct for Students Policy.

Back to top

Relationship Between Campus Security Personnel and State or Local Police Agencies

The WSU Vancouver Police Department maintains a collaborative and close relationship with the Clark County Sheriff's Office, especially when addressing matters that impact the WSU Vancouver campus and community. Local collaboration includes inter-operative radio capability, a joint police records computer system (with the city and county), training programs and, at times, investigation of incidents. Additionally, the WSU Vancouver Police Department also collaborates with the Vancouver Police Department, the Washington State Patrol and various state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Generally, WSU Vancouver Police Department does not provide law enforcement services to off-campus residences or properties. WSU Vancouver relies on the close working relationship with Clark County Sheriff's Office and Vancouver Police Department to receive information about incidents involving WSU Vancouver students and recognized student organizations.

All recognized WSU Vancouver student organizations must abide by federal, state, and local laws and WSU policies. WSU may become involved in off-campus conduct of students and recognized student organizations when such conduct is determined to affect a substantial university interest, as defined in the Standards of Conduct for Students Policy.

Back to top

Procedures for Pastoral and Professional Counselors

Campus "pastoral counselors" and campus "professional counselors," when acting as such, are not considered to be a campus security authority, and are not required to report crimes for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. However, professional counselors are encouraged, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis for inclusion into the annual crime statistics.

Professional Counselor definition

An employee of an institution whose official responsibilities include providing psychological counseling to members of the institution's community and who is functioning within the scope of his or her license or certification.

Pastoral Counselor definition

An employee of an institution who is associated with a religious order or denomination recognized by that religious order or denomination as someone who provides confidential counseling and who is functioning within the scope of that recognition as a pastoral counselor.

Back to top

Reporting Crimes or Emergencies

There are various ways for students, faculty, staff and WSU Vancouver community members to report crimes, incidents and other emergencies to law enforcement, appropriate WSU Vancouver officials, or confidentially to crime victim advocates, medical providers or mental health providers. In addition, there are options for reporting anonymously for the purpose of inclusion in the annual crime statistics disclosure. This chapter will describe the various reporting options. Please note, reporting regarding dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking will be covered more thoroughly below.

Back to top

Reporting Criminal Actions or Other Emergencies to Law Enforcement

Individuals can report in progress crimes and other emergencies by dialing 911 or crimes that are not in progress by dialing 360-546-9001 or 311.

This allows the appropriate Police Department to take actions to address the concern. Reports to WSU Vancouver PD (including those crimes reported to WSU Vancouver PD from Campus Security Authorities) will be considered for issuing a Timely Warning or Emergency Notification if there is an ongoing threat to the safety of the campus community or an immediate threat occurring on campus.

WSU Vancouver encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to campus public safety officials and the appropriate police agencies, even when the victim of a crime elects not to, or is unable to, make such a report. Reports can be made to the WSU Vancouver Police Department or one of the local or state police agencies, including the Clark County Sheriff's Office and Vancouver Police Department.

For incidents that are currently occurring, recently occurred, or need immediate assistance, please dial 911. For incidents of a non-emergency nature, call 360-546-9001 or dial 311. All 911 and 311 calls will be answered by CRESA, the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, which manages consolidated dispatch operations for police, fire and EMS units for multiple counties, including Clark County. A dispatcher will collect your information and determine the appropriate police, fire and/or medical aid required.

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.

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 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 1-509-335-4814 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. If you don't know who to call or where to start, 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. You can access confidential services through WSU Vancouver Wellness Center (Counseling and Psychological Services). They can be contacted at 360-546-9238 and are located on the 1st 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 visit the CCR Resources page.

Back to top

Reporting to Campus Security Authorities

Individuals may report to a Campus Security Authority (CSA) for the purpose of making a timely warning report or for inclusion in the annual crime statistics disclosure. A CSA includes designated WSU officials and offices who are an "official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student housing, student discipline and campus judicial disciplinary proceedings." CSAs report incidents for the purpose of inclusion in the statistics provided in this report to the WSU Vancouver Police Department directly or by submitting the online CSA Reporting form, which is then distributed to the appropriate office.

A pastoral or professional counselor within the institution is not considered a campus security authority when "acting as a pastoral or professional counselor" and is not required to report crimes for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics.

Back to top

Campus Security Authority (CSA) List

Although there are many CSAs; WSU Vancouver 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.

  • WSU Vancouver Police Department | VCLS (Classroom Building) Room 120 | Emergency - 911 | Non-Emergency - | 360-546-9001
  • Title IX Coordinator | VSS (Student Services Building) | Dr. Domanic Vanthom | domanic.vanthom@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
  • Office of the Dean of Students | (Located on Pullman Campus) French Administration 122, PO Box 641013 | 509-335-5757
  • Student Wellness Center Manager | VCLS (Classroom Building) | 360-546-9238

Back to top

Voluntary, Confidential Reporting

WSU Vancouver provides a number of ways individuals can report crimes, serious incidents, and other emergencies. However, in the event that you or someone you know decides not to report the incident to the university or law enforcement for investigation, you still have the option of filing a voluntary, confidential report.

Reporting anonymously allows WSU Vancouver to include the record of the report in the annual disclosure of crime statistics included in this report. Reporting anonymously also allows victims to gather information and learn about options available to them, before deciding on an appropriate option. Individuals may contact the relevant local agency (e.g., the WSU Vancouver Police Department at 360-546-9001, the Clark County Sheriff's Office by calling 911 or other local law enforcement agency) to determine the level of anonymity available prior to reporting a crime. Please note that some limitations may exist depending upon the circumstances of the crime. Reports of sexual assault may be made anonymously to the WSU Vancouver Police Department. Additionally, individuals may report discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, as defined by the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Sex and Gender Based Violence, Executive Policy #15, anonymously to the WSU Office of Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) by emailing ccr@wsu.edu, calling 509-335-8288 or through the Online complaint form, for services and options, as well as inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics.

Individuals can also seek confidential services from WSU Vancouver Wellness Center or WSU Cougar Health Services, and/or from statewide advocacy groups.

For additional state-wide advocacy groups see the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs page for more information.

Back to top

Reporting to a University Department

Anyone may submit a complaint that a student or recognized or registered student organization violated the standards of conduct to the Center for Community Standard (CCS).

Center for Community Standards | (Pullman Campus) French Administration 130, PO Box 641040, Pullman |509-335-4532 | Online Reporting Form

Individuals may report crimes implicating the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Executive Policy #15 (EP 15), to the Title IX Coordinator or the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Investigation (CCR). More information on reporting:

Title IX Coordinator | VSS (Student Services Building) | Dr. Domanic Vanthom | domanic.vanthom@wsu.edu |360-546-9788

Office of Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) | (Pullman Campus) French Administration 225, PO Box 641022, Pullman |509-335-8288 | Online Reporting Form

In addition, consistent with WSU's Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy #15 (EP 15), most WSU employees, with limited exceptions, are required to report an incident or situation involving sexual harassment or sexual misconduct to the Office of Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) or to one of the designated Title IX Coordinators. Similarly, individuals with supervisory responsibilities are required to report incidents or situations involving discrimination to WSU CCR. Additional information on reporting requirements, including information on those who are exempt from reporting under EP 15, are posted on the CCR Reporting Requirements page.

Back to top

General Tips for Staying Safe

Most crime is committed as a result of opportunity. The best prevention is to eliminate opportunities.

  1. Keep your residence doors locked at all times.
  2. Lock up electronics and other valuables.
  3. Report suspicious persons or activities.
  4. Report safety hazards, unsafe lighting, and defective equipment.
  5. Avoid walking alone at night. Let people know where you are going.
  6. Plan your walk by choosing a safe, well-lighted, and populated route.
  7. Be aware of your surroundings. Know where you are and where you are going. Know what to expect.
  8. Get to know your roommates and neighbors. Encourage checking on each other often.
  9. If consuming alcohol or other substances, do so safely. Pour your own drinks and use the buddy system when going out with friends.
  10. Learn nonviolent intervention techniques to help your fellow VanCougs. Sign up for a bystander intervention training through Washington State University Vancouver Student Services and the Office of Student Involvement.

Back to top

Reporting Options and Responses to Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking

There are several options in seeking care for an individual impacted by sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. WSU provides access to both confidential and nonconfidential resources, as well as reporting for criminal or university investigation. Victims/survivors are encouraged to access whichever resource they feel most comfortable with. Victims/survivors can also seek support and referral information directly from WSU's Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) or a local law enforcement agency.

A current listing of resources for victims/survivors is maintained and posted by CCR. Victims/survivors can choose to seek medical care, even if they are unsure whether they want to make a police report or if they choose not to move forward with a criminal investigation. Victims/survivors can also seek support and referral information directly from the Office of Compliance and Civil Rights, or a local law enforcement agency.

A healthcare provider can help assess well-being and personal safety, provide any necessary medical treatment, and refer students to counseling and other resources. Trained healthcare providers can also collect forensic evidence.

Healthcare providers at local hospitals offer Sexual Assault Forensic Exams to collect physical evidence for use in a law enforcement investigation and possible prosecution. Victims/survivors do not have to speak to the police in order to receive a forensic exam. Healthcare providers will explain the exam process before beginning and can answer any questions about what will happen during the exam. It is important to preserve any evidence that may be necessary to prove a criminal offense. Preservation includes refraining from showering or bathing and saving articles of clothing worn during the assault. Victims/survivors have the option to be accompanied by a support person, such as a friend or an advocate, during medical appointments and/or exams.

Within the local community, victim advocacy agencies provide support to victims/survivors, as well as support for friends and family of victims/survivors. Their services are free and confidential. They can be reached at the below telephone lines:

  • YWCA of Clark County: 1 (800) 696-0167 (24hr) or (360) 696-0167 (office)
  • Cowlitz Indian Tribe Pathways to Healing: (360) 397-8228

Reports of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking may be made anonymously to the WSU Vancouver Police Department or another local police department where an individual is located. Additionally, individuals may report or file a formal complaint or dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to WSU Compliance and Civil Rights by emailing ccr@wsu.edu, by calling 509-335-8288, or through CCR's Online Reporting webpage webpage.

Back to top

WSU Policy-Prohibiting Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking

WSU prohibits the crimes of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These crimes are defined in WSU Executive Policy 15 and in the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students. WSU community members are also subject to Washington State laws prohibiting these crimes. The various definitions are listed in the sections below. Please note, WSU's policy is based on state and federal regulations, laws, and guidance, which are subject to change. For the most up to date information, please see WSU's executive policy manual.

Back to top

WSU Policy Definition-Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking 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 sexual harassment as defined under Title IX Sexual Harassment, pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. WSU EP 15 also prohibits conduct that does not meet the Title IX definition of sexual harassment yet is contrary to WSU's mission and values, including conduct occurring in the workplace implicating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Washington Law Against Discrimination. Such conduct is defined under Other Sexual Harassment Violations of EP 15.

Title IX Sexual Harassment Definitions

For the purposes of Title IX sexual harassment, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the university's education program or activity. The Title IX Sexual Harassment section of WSU EP 15 applies to all students, faculty, staff, and others having an association with the University where the alleged incidents: May constitute Title IX Sexual Harassment; 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. This includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Quid Pro Quo - a school employee conditioning an educational benefit or service upon a person's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
  2. 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 FBI UCR Technical Specifications), 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): The carnal knowledge of a 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.
    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: Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
    7. Statutory Rape: Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
  3. 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.
  4. Domestic Violence - a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed:
    1. By a current or former spouse or intimate partner 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.
  5. 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.

Other Sexual Harassment Definitions

  1. WSU prohibits additional forms of sexual harassment listed in the numbered sections below. These definitions apply to all students, faculty, staff, and others having an association with the University if the incident meets any one of the following conditions:
    1. Occurs on WSU owned or controlled property;
    2. Occurs in connection with WSU activities, programs, or events;
    3. Has 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;
    4. 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; or
    5. Includes unlawful acts that result in a guilty plea to or conviction of a felony.
  2. Title VII Sexual Harassment. Amongst employees, harassment on the basis of sex is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when any of the following conditions is met:
    1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment;
    2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decision affecting such individual, or
    3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
  3. Other Sexual Harassment is defined as:
    1. Unwelcome, intentional conduct, on the basis of sex and/or gender, 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 participate in WSU employment, education, programs, or activities;
      2. Adversely alters the condition of an 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. Sex and/or gender-based violence. Sex and/or gender-based violence is an egregious form of sexual harassment and is defined as sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and domestic violence as defined in the Title IX Sexual Harassment Definitions, and sexual exploitation as defined below.
  4. Sexual Exploitation occurs when a person takes nonconsensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for their own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited, and that behavior does not otherwise constitute one of the other sexual misconduct offenses explained above. Examples of sexual exploitation may include, but are not limited to:
    1. Causing or attempting to cause the incapacitation of another person to gain sexual advantage over such other person;
    2. Invading another person's sexual privacy;
    3. Prostituting another person;
    4. Engaging in voyeurism. A person commits voyeurism if, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of any person, he or she knowingly views, photographs, records, or films another person, without that person's knowledge and consent, while the person being viewed, photographed, recorded, or filmed is in a place where he or she has a reasonable expectation of privacy;
    5. Knowingly or recklessly exposing another person to a significant risk of sexually transmitted disease or infection;
    6. Exposing one's intimate parts in nonconsensual circumstances;
    7. Sexually-based stalking and/or bullying.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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:

  • Center for Community Standards
  • WAC 504-26-510: Good Samaritan Policy

Back to top

Preserving Evidence

When an incident of sexual violence occurs, it is important to preserve evidence to aid in a criminal prosecution, university response, and/or in obtaining a protection order. Evidence of physical harm, such as bruising or other visible injuries, should be documented by photographic evidence. Evidence of stalking including communication, such as text messages, voice mail, written notes, social media postings or any other electronic communication, should be saved and not altered in any way. In cases of sexual assault, avoid showering, using a toilet, or changing clothing prior to a medical examination. Any clothing removed should be placed in a bag.

Back to top

Protection Orders and No-Contact Orders

Victims/survivors have the right to seek legal protections such as orders of protection, no contact orders, restraining orders, or other lawful orders of criminal, civil, or tribal courts. WSU will comply with the lawful orders issued by such a court and will make modifications to educational and/or workplace environments to comply with the terms of such lawful orders.

In Washington, civil protection orders can be requested if an individual is experiencing domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault, or stalking. Restraining orders can be requested as part of a family law action (e.g. a restraining order may be requested during divorce proceedings). Individuals do not need an attorney to request a protection order, although an advocate or an attorney can assist. WSU recommends that individuals seeking a protection order consult with a victim advocate, who will be familiar with the local court process and available to help with safety concerns. There is no fee to file for a protection order. The Northwest Justice Project provides a guide for individuals who would like to seek a protection order: "How to File for a Protection Order." In general, District and Superior Courts statewide have a petition form that can be filled out and provided to the county clerk; supporting evidence may also be provided as part of this process. A judge will review the petition and determine whether it meets the requirements for the type of protection order. If so, the judge will issue a temporary order of protection. This determination typically happens within the same day or the day following the submission of a petition; at times, the petitioner may have to appear at the temporary order hearing. If the judge issues a temporary order of protection, law enforcement will serve the protection order documents onto the person. A full protection order hearing will be scheduled, and the judge will decide whether to issue a final protection order.

In addition to a court ordered protection order, WSU may also implement a no contact directive on any party as an interim or supportive measure, or as a sanction after a determination of responsibility, consistent with the WSU Code of Conduct for Students WAC-504-26-050, WSU BPPM 50.30 - Workplace Violence, and WA Governor's Executive Order 96-05 - Domestic Violence in the workplace. WSU also provides for reasonable amounts of unpaid leave or use of any accrued leave to recover from and cope with the effects of such violence, in accordance with RCW 49.76.100.

Back to top

Reporting Options

There are several reporting options available if a student, employee, or visitor of WSU Vancouver has experienced an incident of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. In the case of an emergency or ongoing threat, get to a safe location if possible and report the incident by calling 911. If necessary, a victim/survivor should seek medical services as soon as possible for their physical well-being and the purpose of preserving evidence.

WSU Vancouver encourages victims and other individuals who are aware of sexual violence to report. WSU Vancouver also believes in providing survivors with autonomy in their reporting choices, as well as multiple reporting options of a confidential and non-confidential nature. Survivors can choose from one or more of the following options:

  • REPORT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR THE PURPOSES OF:
    • Information Only
    • Partial Information
    • Complete Investigation
  • REPORT TO THE WSU OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE AND INVESTIGATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF:
    • Documenting their concerns
    • Facilitating supportive measures or resources
    • Requesting a consultation
    • Filing a Formal Complaint for the purpose of:
      • Requesting an informal resolution, and/or
      • Requesting a university investigation
  • REPORT ANONYMOUSLY
  • SEEK CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT THROUGH THE WELLNESS CENTER, A LOCAL ADVOCACY AGENCY, OR OTHER CONFIDENTIAL RESOURCES.

Even if a survivor does not want to report an experience, survivors are still encouraged to seek support from the WSU CCR, WSU Vancouver Police Department or local law enforcement agency, the Office of the Dean of Students or campus Deputy Title IX Coordinator, the WSU Vancouver Wellness Center/community counseling or medical providers, or a local victim advocacy agency. A report is not required to request services. WSU's reporting processes through CCR are separate and distinct from reporting to law enforcement. WSU will also assist with facilitating a student or employee report to law enforcement, at the request of the student or employee.

The below sections describe in more detail the various reporting options.

Back to top

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 WSU Vancouver Police Department (WSU Vancouver 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 Directory of Services 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 WSU Vancouver Wellness Center. They can be contacted at 360-546-9238, and are located on the 1st floor of the Classroom Building (VCLS).

Back to top

Reporting to WSU

Incidents of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner 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 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 Formal Complaint with WSU), as well as 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 CCR's Procedural Guidelines and the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, 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 formal 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. As those regulations are subject to change, individuals are encouraged to review WSU's EP 15 for the most up-to-date information about WSU's policies and procedures.

Back to top

Informal Resolutions

After receiving a formal complaint, CCR may engage in an informal resolution process. An informal resolution process is not commenced until written notice is provided to both parties disclosing the allegations and the requirements of the informal resolution process, as described in the CCR Procedural Guidelines, and until WSU has received voluntary, written consent to proceed with the informal resolution process from both parties.

WSU does not offer an informal resolution to resolve allegations that an employee sexually harassed a student, as defined by the EP15.B Title IX Sexual Harassment section but may offer it for other circumstances.

Informal resolutions may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Conduct management plans or resolution agreements;
  2. Verbal or written counseling;
  3. Departmental resolutions;
  4. Alternative dispute resolutions;
  5. Mediation, if available; and/or
  6. Additional required training.

Investigations

CCR may conduct an investigation after receiving a formal complaint, which meets the requirements of EP15. 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 the 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. The parties also have an opportunity to review the evidence collected and provide a written response, prior to the publication of an investigative report.

For more information about the investigative process, see the Procedural Guidelines and the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment.

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 and 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 online reporting form.

Confidential Counseling Protected by Law

Anyone who has experienced sexual violence may choose to consult with a licensed mental health care provider or health care provider of their choice. By law, such professionals are able to assist victims confidentially and are exempt from legal obligations to report incidents to the university, with some limited exceptions, such as child abuse, elder abuse, or certain threats of harm.

A victim/survivor may decide to disclose the incident to a confidential resource and/or may report to WSU CCR for an investigative response by WSU, or local law enforcement for a criminal investigation. A victim/survivor may decline to notify authorities, including CCR and/or law enforcement. CCR can also assist the victim/survivor in notifying law enforcement, if a victim/survivor elects to do so. CCR will not share information regarding reports made to the university with law enforcement, unless required to do so by law or requested to do so by the victim/survivor.

WSU policy prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports or participates in an investigative or disciplinary process by WSU. Please note, WSU employees and student employees may have reporting requirements and be required to provide information to CCR.

IN MOST INSTANCES, SERVICE PROVIDERS FROM THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO SPEAK CONFIDENTIALLY:

Campus Confidential Resources

  • WSU Vancouver Counseling Center | Counseling & Psychological Services and referrals-for students | 360-546-9238
  • WSU Vancouver Health Services| Medical Services and referrals-for students | 360-546-9238
  • WSU Employee Assistance Program (for employees) | 1-877-313-4455

Off-Campus Confidential Resources

  • Peace Health Southwest Medical Center | 360-514-2000
  • Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center | 360-487-1000
  • Clark County YWCA Sexual Assault Program | 24 Hour legal, medical, and emotional support | ywcaclarkcounty.org | 360-695-0501
  • Clark County YWCA SAFECHOICE Domestic Violence Program | 24 Hour legal, medical, and emotional support | 24 Hour emergency shelter | ywcaclarkcounty.org | 360-695-0501
  • Northwest Justice Project Free Legal Hotline (CLEAR) | 1-888-201-1014
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 800-273-8255 or 800-273-TALK
  • Lifeline Connections Crisis Wellness Center | Crisis Triage & Stabilization Program | Safe environment for 18 and over as an alternative to hospital emergency departments for individuals experiencing an acute behavioral health crisis | 24 Hour admissions by calling (360) 205-1222

WSU Amnesty Statement

WSU encourages students to report incidents of sexual violence without fear of consequences for having possessed or consumed alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the incident. WSU's primary concern is to ensure the safety of the students involved and gather relevant information so the university can address the student(s)' concerns. Generally, WSU will refrain from imposing formal discipline for alcohol or drug use and/or possession under the Standards of Conduct for Students for victims and potential witnesses involved in situations of sexual violence in order to facilitate reporting and resolution of sexual violence concerns.

This practice will not provide relief from disciplinary action for other alleged violations of the Standards of Conduct (e.g., hazing, theft, drug/alcohol manufacturing or distribution).

Moreover, students who distribute alcohol and/or drugs that intentionally, or through negligence, contribute to the sexual violence will not be granted the same consideration.

In rare circumstances where the Center for Community Standards (CCS) has concerns that a student's repeated or severe misuse of alcohol or drugs will result in additional harm if unaddressed, the university may assign care-driven educational sanctions to address those concerns.

Back to top

Confidentiality in University Investigative Processes

WSU takes confidentiality seriously. During an investigation through WSU Compliance and Civil Rights, information is shared with others only on a need-to-know basis, which may include investigators, witnesses, the responding party, relevant WSU officials or others as required or permitted by law. Additionally, the investigation file may be subject to requests for public records. WSU redacts identifying or other information when legally permissible. The WSU Vancouver Police Department will not release the names of victims/survivors in its Timely Warning notices, Campus Alerts, Emergency Notifications or the Daily Crime Log.

When a victim/survivor requests confidentiality or requests WSU not proceed with an investigation, WSU respects that request to the extent possible. WSU's legal obligation to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment may require that CCR proceed with an investigation, which may require investigators to share limited identifying information about a victim/survivor. However, CCR takes steps to inform a victim/survivor should it become necessary to share information. In all cases, CCR works with the victim/survivor to provide resources and support, including individualized and appropriate interim or safety measures. WSU may also maintain confidentiality for supportive measures, safety measures or accommodations, to the extent allowable by law and where maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the ability of the institution to provide those services. WSU EP 15 prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports or participates in an investigative or disciplinary process by WSU.

A victim/survivor may decline to notify authorities, including CCR and/or law enforcement. Should the victim/survivor report the incident to CCR, the university will not share the victim/survivor's information with law enforcement, unless the victim/survivor requests that it be provided to law enforcement, or unless required to do so by law. CCR provides crime statistic information for purposes of the Annual Security Report to WSU Police Department but protects privacy to the extent possible.

Upon written request, WSU may disclose to the alleged victim/survivor of a crime of violence (as that term is defined in Section 16 of Title 18, United States Code), or a non-forcible sex offense, the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of such crime or offense, the next of kin of such victim shall be treated as the alleged victim/survivor for purposes of this paragraph.

Back to top

Campus Investigative Procedures

Upon receiving a report of intimate partner violence, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, or stalking, WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) typically takes steps to contact the individual who experienced the alleged conduct to provide information regarding resources available at WSU and in the community, including, but not limited to, available counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, student academic/living support, and employee assistance. CCR also provides information regarding the WSU EP 15, CCR Procedural Guidelines, supportive measures and resources, and the process to file a formal complaint for the purpose of requesting an informal resolution or an investigation. CCR also considers supportive measures for all participants involved in a CCR process to protect their safety, prevent further harm, or ensure continued access to educational programs or activities, including, but not limited to, altering the academic, WSU housing, and/or WSU employment arrangements of the parties, imposing no-contact directives, or imposing a trespass or interim suspension. Supportive measures are available regardless of whether or not the victim/survivor chooses to report the crime to campus police or local law enforcement; individualized and appropriate supportive measures are available to all parties in a matter. When taking such steps, WSU seeks to minimize unnecessary or unreasonable burdens on either party. CCR provides information regarding CCR processes, informal resolutions, investigations, and supportive measures to individuals in writing, and provides opportunities for all parties to ask questions about these processes and resources.

Informal Resolution Process

When filing a formal complaint, a complainant may request an informal resolution process. CCR will determine if the matter is appropriate for an informal resolution. Informal resolution processes are not available for allegations of an employee engaging in Title IX sexual harassment of a student as defined in EP15. After providing notice of an informal resolution, CCR may proceed with an informal resolution, if appropriate, only after receiving voluntary written consent from both parties. An informal resolution may differ depending on the alleged conduct. Options for informal resolutions are listed in EP15. 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. Informal resolutions may include provisions designed to punish the respondent. Prior to an agreed resolution, either party may withdraw from the informal resolution process at which point CCR will resume an investigation, unless the formal complaint is withdrawn or dismissed for some other reason. Upon entering into an informal resolution agreement, the agreement is binding on the parties and neither party may resume the grievance process. 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.

Investigation Process

CCR investigates matters involving students, employees, and visitors regardless of whether the conduct occurred on or off campus, as appropriate; investigations follow CCR's Procedural Guidelines. CCR provides a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation by officials who receive annual training on discriminatory conduct, including sexual violence, 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 initiation of an investigation, a CCR investigator will provide written notice to both parties, and the complainant and the respondent will have opportunities to provide information, responses, evidence, and witnesses. The complainant and the respondent have the right to be accompanied by the advisor of their choice. CCR makes every effort to gather all available relevant evidence and to neutrally and fairly assess the evidence to determine whether or not a violation of university policy exists. Per CCR's Procedural Guidelines, CCR investigations are typically 60 days, with 30 additional days to review evidence and draft an investigative report; extensions are allowed for good cause, with written notice to the parties. After CCR has collected evidence, both parties will be provided with an opportunity to review the evidence and provide an additional written statement for consideration, prior to publication of a written report. When the investigation is complete, CCR will provide a written report to both the complainant and the respondent for review.

For matters involving Title IX Sexual Harassment, the written report will include a summary of the investigation; for matters not involving Title IX Sexual Harassment, the written report will include a summary of the investigation and findings of fact under EP 15. The report will also be provided to the appropriate sanctioning office, which is the Center for Community Standards (CCS) for students or the relevant supervisor or employee disciplinary committee for employees. For student matters, the Center for Community Standards 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. Where the CCS does not initiate the community standards process, the students also have a right to appeal that decision. For employee matters, information about the right to appeal to the President's CCR Appeals Committee is provided to both the complainant and the respondent.

Additional rights and responsibilities for the employee sanctioning process can be found in the WSU Faculty Manual, the Administrative Professional Handbook, WAC 357-40 (civil service employees), applicable collective bargaining agreements, or the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students (WAC 504-26). Unless resolved through an Informal Resolution, matters involving Title IX Sexual Harassment, as defined in EP 15, receive a live hearing for a final determination. More information about the live hearing process is available through the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students and from HRS. The University process for complaints of the Title IX Sexual Harassment 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.

Back to top

Standard of Evidence

In any WSU institutional disciplinary proceedings or investigation, WSU determines the facts and whether there is a violation of this policy based on a preponderance of evidence. Preponderance of the evidence means that the totality of the evidence persuades the fact finder that an allegation is more probably true than not true and/or that it is more probable than not that a violation of the policy occurred.

Back to top

Additional Rights and Process During an Investigation

During an investigation, both students and employees, recognized as Complainants and Respondents are provided the following set of rights:

  • Individualized and appropriate supportive or safety measures, determined to be appropriate by CCR, Human Resource Services, the Office of the Dean of Students/Student Affairs, law enforcement, court order (including protection orders), and/or other University administrators.
  • Confidential and non-confidential resources
  • Neutral investigative procedures and a prompt, fair, and impartial process
  • Receive information about University policies and procedures, including information that retaliation is prohibited for all investigation participants
  • Notification of allegations
  • Opportunity to respond to allegations and/or witness statements
  • Opportunity to request accommodation, including a language interpreter or medical/disability accommodations to provide full and equitable access to the process
  • Opportunity to present evidence
  • Opportunity to provide relevant witnesses
  • Opportunity to present and have considered their preferred resolution path
  • Opportunity to have a support person or advisor of their own choosing or retaining legal representation (at personal expenses)
  • Opportunity to be informed of the status and the outcome of an investigation
  • Opportunity to review investigation materials, including interview notes and documentary evidence
  • Opportunity to provide an additional written statement, after reviewing evidence, to be considered by an investigator prior to publication of a final report
  • Opportunity to review investigative findings and conclusions in writing, which may be redacted as necessary to protect privacy
  • Proof by Preponderance of the Evidence (more likely than not)
  • Simultaneous notification of outcomes and of hearing schedule
  • Rights to attend hearing(s)
  • Right to have out-of-hearing witness statements subjected to cross-examination by an advisor prior to consideration by the decision-maker, in matters involving Title IX Sexual Harassment, as defined by EP 15
  • Appeal rights

Back to top

Protective/Supportive Measures

WSU can take individualized and appropriate supportive steps to support and protect the students involved in the matter. Some support measures may be available regardless of whether a victim/survivor wishes to pursue a complaint or notify law enforcement. Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate and as reasonably available, without fee or charge to a reporting party/complaints or respondent. Supportive measures may be offered before and/or after a formal complaint is filed, or where no formal complaint is filed. WSU provides written notice of these and other available assistance options (such as how to request changes to academic, living, transportation and working situations, and protective measures) to victims/survivors, and, as applicable, to respondents. WSU may deliver a "no-contact" directive that informs parties to refrain from having contact with one another either directly or through third parties.

Other supportive measures include but are not limited to, altering academic schedules, WSU dining arrangements, WSU housing, and/or WSU employment arrangements of the parties. When taking such steps, WSU seeks to minimize unnecessary or unreasonable burdens on either party. Violations of such protective measures may lead to disciplinary action. The Office of the Dean of Students is available to assist in implementing assistance measures to support victims/survivors.

The following list includes supportive measures that may be available to students or employees. Additional supportive measures may be available, as appropriate.

  1. Academic
    • Request consideration or flexibility to a faculty member regarding assignments, classroom attendance, deadlines, or other academic needs
    • Contacting individual faculty members for specific requests
    • Independent study
    • Additional tutoring
    • Withdrawal, withdrawal without penalty, medical withdrawal
    • Incompletes on classes
    • Transfer assistance
    • Classroom management plans
    • Remote attendance/recording classes
    • Academic schedule changes
    • Access Center/reasonable accommodations
    • Enrollment in Global Campus
  2. Referrals to Care Providers
    • Local victim advocacy agencies for access to counseling, crisis lines, support groups, shelters, etc.
    • Counseling Services- WSU and community referrals, as available.
    • Referrals to off-campus counselors.
    • National/State resources to locate additional advocates/care providers, such as:
      • Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
      • Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV)
      • Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP)
  3. Services for employees
    • Employee Assistance Program (counseling, financial, legal)
    • Workplace management/safety plans
    • Work schedule adjustments, as needed, to obtain medical or mental health care, legal assistance, and/or confidential secure shelter.
    • Domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking leave (RCW 49.76.010)
    • Change reporting lines in consultation with HRS.
    • Identify alternate work in consultation with supervisors/HRS.
    • Work from home options in consultation with supervisors/HRS.
    • Work schedule changes in consultation with supervisors/HRS.
    • Work accommodations/reasonable accommodations through HRS Disability Services.
  4. Safety
    • Report to law enforcement
    • Police/Security safety assessment of home or campus areas
    • Providing information on seeking a Protection Order for:
      1. Anti-harassment and stalking
      2. Domestic violence
      3. Sexual assault
    • No-contact directive from the University
    • Emergency removal or administrative leave, in consultation with DOS, CCS, HRS, and/or CCR.
    • Trespass from a residence hall, in consultation with Housing and Residence Life (HRL)
    • Safety planning with a community victim advocate
    • Residence hall changes, in consultation with DOS, HRL, and CCR.
    • Cadet/police escort, where available
    • Cougar Safe Rides (Pullman only)
    • Local taxi/bus information
    • Local domestic violence shelter information
    • Blue phones
    • Emergency residence life room on campus (Pullman only)
  5. Miscellaneous
    • Emergency funding
    • Support for tuition adjustment petitions (considered in appropriate cases)
    • Campus involvement (student organizations, Women's Center, Diversity Centers, etc.)
  6. Legal resources and referrals

Back to top

Campus Sanctioning/Disciplinary Procedures-Students

The community standards process is designed to support students, uphold their rights and responsibilities, and hold them accountable for behaviors that conflict with our community standards. Every situation is different, so please contact the Center for Community Standards (CCS) at 509-335-4532 or email at community.standards@wsu.edu if you have specific questions.

After receiving a formal complaint, Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) may initiate an investigation. In limited circumstances, the Title IX Coordinator/CCR Director may determine that it is necessary to proceed with an investigation even where the complainant does not wish to participate, particularly where there is an ongoing safety threat to the campus or local community. In cases where CCR proceeds with an investigation without participation by the complainant, CCR will notify the complainant in advance of issuing notice and will take great care to address the complainant's concerns, if any.

During an investigation, CCR interviews witnesses and gathers any documentary or other evidence. CCR attempts to complete investigations within 60 days and issue a report 30 days after the completion of an investigation, where possible. At the conclusion of the investigation, CCR will send an investigative report to CCS and relevant parties. For student matters, the investigative report will include a summary of the investigation but will not constitute the final decision of the University and will not include a final determination regarding responsibility pursuant to federal regulations.

After CCR completes their investigation, CCS will determine whether or not provisions of the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students are implicated. Where CCS does not initiate the community standards process, the students also have a right to appeal or challenge that decision. If so, the matter may be referred to a one-to-one conduct officer hearing or a University Conduct Board. The complainant may determine the extent to which they will participate in this process. Both options provide a prompt, fair, and impartial review, pursuant to the guidelines in WAC 504-26, which also establish reasonable timelines for the process, which may be extended for good cause with written notice to the parties. University Conduct Board, University Appeals Board members, and conduct officers receive annual training on issues related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as well as how to provide a hearing process that protects the safety of the parties and promotes accountability. University Conduct Board members, University Appeals Board members, and conduct officers also receive annual training about:

  • Cultural competency and implicit bias
  • Student development and student conduct philosophies, including the educational component of the student conduct process
  • Identifying bias against individuals and against groups
  • Conflict of interest
  • Alcohol and drug prevention
  • Due process and burden of proof in student conduct matters
  • Sanctioning principles and guidelines
  • Title IX regulatory definitions, jurisdiction, and grievance processes
  • Relevant and admissible evidence.

Conduct officers also receive annual training on alternative dispute resolution and restorative justice.

Students in the process have the right to request recusal of a hearing officer and/or board member for demonstrated good cause, including conflict of interest or bias against either party.

In matters that could result in suspension of greater than ten instructional days, revocation of degree, expulsion, or loss of recognition (for student organizations) where disciplinary action is appropriate, and for matters involving Title IX Sexual Harassment, the matter will be referred to a full adjudicatory hearing before the University Conduct Board. The University Conduct Board is presided over by an Administrative Law Judge employed with the Office of Administrative Hearings. All relevant parties are notified of their rights during the hearing, the issues to be determined during the hearing, and any relevant dates, times, and locations; relevant parties also receive timely and equal access to any information that will be used during the disciplinary or sanctioning process. Finally, all relevant parties have the right to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice. When the University Conduct Board concludes their review of relevant evidence, parties will be informed of the university's decision at the same time and their right to appeal to the University Appeals Board. The decision becomes final either at the end of the appeals period on the twenty-first calendar day after the date the decision is sent to the parties or when the University Appeals Board issues their decision. For more information about the University Conduct Board process, please visit WAC 504-26-403.

In some circumstances, CCS may address the matter through a less formal one-to-one conduct officer hearing (please note, this does not apply to matters involving Title IX Sexual Harassment; such matters are always afforded a full adjudicative hearing, unless resolved through an Informal Resolution process). The Conduct Officer will make a decision regarding the responding student's responsibility within ten calendar days of the hearing and will notify all relevant parties of the decision at the same time and inform them about their right to appeal to the University Appeals Board. The decision becomes final either on the twenty-first calendar day after the date the decision is sent to the parties or when the University Appeals Board issues their decision. Conduct Officers may issue educational sanctions including those listed in WAC 504-26-425, but not suspension of greater than ten instructional days, expulsion, revocation of degree, or loss of recognition (for student organizations).

Appeals rights are available to students for both matters reviewed by the University Conduct Board or the less formal one-to-one conduct officer hearings. Appeals are reviewed by the University Appeals Board.

Students are not asked to sign non-disclosure agreements but are informed of the prohibition on retaliation and interference by or against any individual during these processes.

Back to top

Campus Sanctioning/Disciplinary Procedures-Employees

WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) will determine whether the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy #15 (EP 15) is implicated. Human Resource Services (HRS) will determine whether any other university policies may be implicated. Internal Audit may also be consulted in some matters. In some situations, WSU may be required to proceed with an investigation regardless of whether the reporting party decides to participate in the investigation or disciplinary process. During an investigation, CCR will interview witnesses and gather any documentary or other evidence, as provided by the individuals involved in the matter. During the investigation, the parties have the right to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice. The parties also have an opportunity to review evidence and submit an additional written statement to be considered by the investigator before publication of a final report.

At the conclusion of the investigation, CCR will send a report to HRS, relevant supervisors and relevant parties. In Title IX Sexual Harassment matters, the investigative report will include a summary of the investigation but will not constitute the final decision of the university and will not include a final determination regarding responsibility. For all other matters, the closing document may include findings, conclusions, and credibility assessments, which may be relied upon by supervisors or decision makers.

After CCR issues a final report, the complainant(s) or respondent(s) may file for an appeal of the investigation, in writing, with the WSU Office of the President within 15 calendar days of the date of issuance. The WSU president has a standing CCR Appeals Committee, which consists of a committee chair, two regular members and two alternate members. Committee members receive appropriate training, as determined by CCR, before serving on the committee and at least annually thereafter that is related to the nature of cases they may review, including discrimination and sexual violence. Committee members are also screened for conflict of interest or bias against the reporting or responding parties.

During the fair and neutral review of an appeal, the committee chair will conduct an initial review of the appeal, determine whether it met the minimum requirements of the appeals process, and if so, will convene the committee and send notice to the complainant(s), respondent(s) and CCR within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the appeal. After reviewing the appeal, the committee will issue a decision letter to both parties within 30 calendar days, unless good cause for an extension of up to 30 days is necessary. The committee's decision is final with respect to the CCR investigation, unless the committee determines that additional investigation by CCR is warranted. If the Committee concludes that additional investigation is warranted, at the conclusion of such additional investigation, no further appeal is available.

After the CCR investigative process and appeals process is completed, employee violations are reviewed by the appropriate supervisor, with the support of HRS. Supervisors will impose sanctions following the procedures set forth in applicable university policies and handbooks (e.g., the WSU Faculty Manual, the Administrative Professional Handbook, WAC 357-40 for civil service employees), or applicable collective bargaining agreements). For matters involving Title IX Sexual Harassment, the parties receive with a live hearing, in which a decision maker will consider all relevant evidence. Witness statements made outside of the live hearing can be considered by the decision maker if the witness submits to cross-examination by an advisor.

Employees are not asked to sign non-disclosure agreements but are informed of the prohibition on retaliation and interference by or against any individual during these processes.

Back to top

Possible Sanctions

WSU vigorously enforces the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy #15 (ER 15). Persons determined to have violated this policy are subject to sanctions imposed using the procedures set forth in applicable university policies and handbooks (e.g., the WSU Faculty Manual, the Administrative Professional Handbook, BPPM 60.50, WAC 357-40 for civil service employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, or WAC 504-26 containing the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students, including any appeal procedures therein). Any imposed sanctions are to be adequately and appropriately severe to prevent future offenses and to protect other students and the university community. The sanctions that are imposed, or other actions taken, must be reported to Compliance and Civil Rights by the administrator or supervisor who imposed the sanctions.

In a matter involving an employee, possible sanctions may include: (i) verbal counseling; (ii) warning, verbal and/or in writing; (iii) required training; (iv) memorandum of concern; (v) letter of reprimand; (vi) suspension without pay; (vii) demotion; (viii) salary reduction; (ix) termination; or (x) any combination of the previously stated corrective or disciplinary sanctions. In addition, inappropriate and unprofessional behavior by WSU personnel that does not rise to the level of a policy violation (e.g., unwelcome sexual comments that are not sufficiently severe or pervasive, and objectively offensive to constitute sexual harassment) may nonetheless be subject to corrective or disciplinary action in some cases.

In a matter involving a student or recognized or registered student organization, possible sanctions may include: (i) warning; (ii) probation; (iii) loss of privileges; (iv) restitution; (v) education; (vi) community service; (vii) University housing suspension or expulsion; (viii) University suspension; (ix) University expulsion; (x) revocation of admission and/or degree; (xi) withholding degree; (xii) trespass; (xiii) loss of recognition; (xiv) hold on transcript and/or registration; (xv) no contact directive; (xvi) remedies; or (xvii) any combination of the previously stated disciplinary sanctions. More information on sanctioning can be found in WAC 504-26-425.

Back to top

Education, Training and Prevention Programs

WSU provides a range of education and prevention programs to strengthen prevention efforts, further develop campus-wide understanding of policy and processes and enhance accessibility to services for victims/survivors of such violence. WSU regularly provides all students with information about reporting options via email messages, as well as through in-person trainings specifically designed to explain available processes. WSU also produces an array of online and printed materials for students and employees about accessing support services and making complaints regarding sexual violence, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

Back to top

Campus Security Programs

The WSU Vancouver Police Department (WSUV PD) strives to educate the campus community and maintain a reasonably safe environment on campus. Department personnel provide educational and prevention-driven programs to students. Although the WSU Vancouver Police Department takes many steps to educate and maintain safety on campus, each individual within the campus community plays a role, and it is important to be aware of surroundings and use reasonable judgment when working or visiting on campus. Please report suspicious or criminal activities to law enforcement by calling 911.

Back to top

Prevention Programs

WSU Vancouver provides a wide range of crime prevention programming, as well as programming specific to preventing dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Available Education for Incoming Students

Every incoming undergraduate student has access to education programs on the WSU Vancouver campus, about bystander intervention, risk reduction, and the definitions and WSU policies in place to respond to sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence and stalking.

SAFETY ON CAMPUS:

  • Is offered during the New Student Orientation, upon request for campus groups, and 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 non-intimate 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:
      • Fear for his or her safety or the safety of others;
      • Fear for harm to his or her property or the property of others; or
      • Suffer substantial emotional distress.

Stalking includes, but is not limited to, conduct occurring in person, electronically, or through a third party.

  • 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.
  • E-CHUG:
    • This 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.

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 Vancouver campus. Students can sign up for programs through CougSync.

Campus Disciplinary Processes

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.

Ally Training

The LGBTQ+ Center 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.

Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence Prevention Training

WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) offers several trainings for students, faculty and staff in person, via video-conferencing software and via on-demand webinars, including trainings on the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Police 15 (EP15); discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention; university investigative processes; grievance and disciplinary processes; mandatory reporting; 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 2022, CCR offered 82 live trainings to the campus community and 10 on-demand trainings.

Equity Education and Training

The Office for Social Justice Education and Outreach (SJEO), offers a variety of workshops related to equity and inclusion that provide a link between theory and practical application of concepts related to engaging across difference. These workshops help participants build skills through experiential opportunities that are conducive to an inclusive and engaged campus climate and work environment. Faculty, staff and administrators may register to participate in or host Equity and Inclusion courses that comprise the Community & Equity Certificate Program for Faculty and Staff. Contact SJEO for more information at 509-335-5078. In addition, Peer-to-Peer and professional to student training is available for WSU students presented by the WSU Social Justice Peer Educator (SJPE) Program. To learn more about the student-led programming and to request a workshop, please visit the following website: https://diversity.wsu.edu/social-justice-peer-educators/ . For professional to student training, please reach out to Allen.sutton@wsu.edu

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 on Health Education website at https://deanofstudents.wsu.edu/health-education/ .

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 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.

Back to top

Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications

The Clery Act requires that "institutions must issue a timely warning for any Clery Act crime that occurs within Clery geography that is: (i) reported to campus security authorities; and (ii) is considered by the institution to represent a serious or continuing threat to students and employees."

According to the Clery Act, the timely warning must be issued in a timely manner and will withhold the names and personally identifying information about the victims as defined within Section 40002(a) (20) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994.

The timely warning will aid in the prevention of similar crimes, which may include incidents where the WSU Vancouver Police Department has identified a pattern of risk. A timely warning with respect to crimes reported to a pastoral or professional counselor is not required by WSU.

A timely warning may be issued for a crime or incident as deemed necessary or appropriate by the WSU Vancouver PD or local official. Taking into account the safety of the community, WSU Vancouver PD's officer-in-charge, or the above level, will issue a timely warning or will notify Administration and Communications who will determine the content, issue a timely warning notification, and initiate the appropriate elements of the notification system. In instances where there is a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of students or employees occurring on the campus, WSU Vancouver will follow its emergency notification procedures, BPPM 50.39.

WSU Vancouver PD makes determinations as to when a timely warning may be issued, which may vary on a case-by-case basis. Some examples of matters requiring timely warnings include, but are not limited to:

  • Investigations of a series of car thefts in one particular area
  • Unsolved pattern of thefts.
  • A pattern of drug dealings or activities that puts students at risk

Back to top

Dissemination of a Timely Warning

The WSU Vancouver Police Department uses the WSU Alert system as the primary method of distributing notification of a timely warning; however, additional communications tools may also be used, including, WSU Vancouver Emergency Notification System, WSU Vancouver FYI, a press release, and the WSU Vancouver campus indoor/outdoor warning system. All WSU Vancouver students, staff and faculty can subscribe and update their information for the Emergency Notification System System by accessing their MyWSU account.

Back to top

Emergency Response, Notifications and Evacuation Procedures

In the event of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of students or employees occurring on the campus, the WSU Vancouver PD, WSU Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) and /or the Office of Emergency Management (OEM)will determine and employ communication methods appropriate to the situation to notify the affected university community without delay. Confirmation of significant emergencies will require direct investigation by appropriate WSU Vancouver personnel.

For all campus law enforcement issues, the WSU Vancouver-PD will be primarily responsible for confirming a significant emergency or dangerous public safety situation on campus through victim, witness, or officer observations. Taking into account the safety of the community, WSU Vancouver-PD's officer-in-charge, or the above level, will issue an emergency notification or will immediately notify Administration and Communications who will issue an emergency notification, and initiate the appropriate elements of the notification system unless the notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist victims or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency. Additional information about WSU's policies and procedures in place to respond to emergencies is available from the WSU Pullman Office of Emergency Management.

Other non-law enforcement emergencies such as hazardous materials releases, utility failures, computer systems/telecommunications failures, hazardous weather, infectious disease or public hazards, etc., may affect the WSU Vancouver campus. Other departments at WSU Vancouver, including, but not limited to Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities Services, Information Technology, or the Student Wellness Center may also confirm a significant emergency. Confirming departments will report the non-law enforcement emergency to the WSU Vancouver PD and/or the University Emergency Management Coordinator, or their designee, who has the primary responsibility to prepare and issue non-law enforcement emergency notifications.

Whether the emergency is a law enforcement or non-law enforcement issue, those authorized to issue emergency notifications will be responsible for determining the appropriate segment or segments of the campus community to notify. Incident circumstances may require only a floor, building, facility, area, etc. to be notified as compared to the entire campus. Examples of situations that could require immediate emergency notifications could include:

  • A dangerous assailant for aggravated assault, robbery, arson, rape, murder (even if a suspect is in custody), etc.
  • An occurring or impending natural disaster, or an occurring or impending man-made disaster

An emergency notification will include information that would enable members of the university community to take actions to protect themselves, including information about the type of incident, location and instructions on what actions to take, and other safety tips.

Back to top

Dissemination of an Emergency Notification

WSU Vancouver has a number of methods to provide warning and notification of emergency situations affecting the campus, including the Campus Outdoor Warning System and the WSU Alert system.

The Campus Indoor/Outdoor Warning System consists of public address units on the Vancouver campus that WSU Vancouver may sound in the event of an emergency that may threaten the safety of individuals moving about the campus. A tone warning will be followed by a voice announcement that advises individuals what to do as an emergency situation develops.

The Emergency Notification System is a second method for distributing an emergency warning. It connects directly to students, faculty and staff using voice and text messaging by telephone and email. The warning will include basic directions on what steps people should take in response. A person must register to receive emergency warning on personal cell phones, land line phones and email. All WSU students, staff and faculty can register and update their information for the Emergency Notification System through their MyWSU account .

In addition to these primary notification methods, the WSU Vancouver Marketing and Communications Department also operates a campuswide alert email list server that allows email transmission of warnings and other messages to the campus population.

To address the recent disturbing trends of violence on campuses for K-12 and higher education and to mitigate threats, the WSU Vancouver security community has developed a number of prevention and protection measures.

This includes the ability of the WSU Vancouver Police Department and/or the Facilities and Operations Department to lock most WSU Vancouver exterior building doors from the outside through an automated system. Studies compiled by the FBI indicate the importance of active access control in buildings and the ability to lock down the campus entry doors and allow occupants to secure themselves inside. This function provides safety to the occupants of the building and allows for transit time for police to respond and address the incident.

The complete WSU Alert system allows the university to disseminate official information via email text messages, telephone, loudspeakers, WSU VanCoug Alert page, social media and other means to notify the campus population of emergencies or threatening situations.

For example, should an active shooter situation occur, the Emergency Notification System would alert individuals, who could then assess their response based on the location and resources available and choose the best action to ensure their safety.

All WSU students, staff and faculty can subscribe and update their information, such as email, telephone numbers, etc., for notifications through the WSU Alert system by accessing their MyWSU account.

Back to top

Drills, Exercises and Training

WSU Vancouver tests its emergency communications system once a semester. The test includes activation of the Emergency Notification System, Campus Indoor/Outdoor Warning System and the WSU VanCoug Alert page. Other methods of emergency communication may also be activated during these tests. These tests may be previously scheduled and announced to the community or may be unannounced.

WSU Vancouver holds drills or exercises for campus emergency responders and emergency management personnel at least once each year and conducts follow-through activities to assess and evaluate existing emergency response plans, procedures and capabilities. Whenever possible, emergency responders from local agencies participate in these exercises or drills with WSU Vancouver emergency responders. WSU Vancouver maintains a summary of its emergency response and evacuation procedures in conjunction with at least one drill or exercise each calendar year.

The WSU Vancouver Police Department provides active shooter training and safety consultations and can share information about online training and resources. WSU employees can access an on-demand Active Shooter Response Training through the Skillsoft Percipio online training system. For additional information, contact the WSU Vancouver Police Department at 360-546-9001 or email wsuvcops@wsu.edu.

Back to top

Campus Security

Safety Considerations in The Maintenance of Campus Facilities

WSU devotes time from various campus resources including Facilities Services and Environmental Health and Safety to address the safety and security of the campus. The key distribution for academic buildings is controlled by the colleges and departments within the building. WSU Vancouver PD officers patrol campus buildings regularly. WSU Vancouver PD provides several services designed to enhance the safety of all WSU Vancouver community members:

  • A yearly "Night Walk" to survey areas of the campus in need of enhanced lighting or shrub and tree trimming.
  • Regular monitoring of lighting levels on campus.
  • The availability of blue light emergency phones around campus.

Students Events and Organizations

Groups or individuals may use the university's public forum areas for those activities protected by the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States, subject to the requirements set forth in 504-33 WAC. University groups or individuals are asked to provide notice of the intended use of the desired Vancouver campus public forum area to the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Operations. Non-university groups and individuals must provide notice five business days before the intended use of the area, in accordance with WAC 504-33-025.

Registered Student Organizations and enrolled WSU Vancouver students may contact the WSU Vancouver Office of Student Involvement for more information about campus events at 360-546-9163, or van.osi@wsu.edu. The office is located in Firstenburg Student Commons (VFSC).

Blue Light Phones

Should you need immediate assistance in an emergency, look for a blue light pole. The blue light identifies the location of an emergency telephone. Simply press the emergency telephone button (no dialing is necessary) to be connected to the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency 911 Center. Describe your emergency to the dispatcher. Take notice of the location of the blue light telephones as you move throughout the campus. You may never need to use one, but they are there for emergencies.

Elevator Telephones

Emergency elevator telephones are located in the elevators on the WSU Vancouver campus. If you are stuck in an elevator, simply push the button marked "Emergency Phone" to be connected to an operator. If you are stuck, remain calm and stay inside the elevator. Trained elevator service personnel and/or CCSO Fire Department personnel are authorized to remove trapped occupants. No one else should attempt to release them or to force elevator doors open. The elevator telephone is for emergencies ONLY; please refrain from using the telephone unless it is an emergency.

Student Care Network

The Student Care Network is a resource through which individuals can share concerns about a student's emotional or psychological well-being, physical health or academic performance with university administrators who can help. Anyone can submit a Student Care referral including students, faculty, staff, family members, and community members. Information submitted through the Student Care Network will be reviewed by the Student Services Care Management Team for appropriate follow-up.

Student Care Team

The Student Care Team responds to referrals about students who are exhibiting behavior of concern and/or have received a Student Care or other report of a concern for a student. The multidisciplinary Student Care team intervenes with care and support to protect the safety and well-being of the involved student, as well as the WSU community, by working directly with the student and/or connecting students with others with appropriate resources and services.

Campus Patrol

The WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety and Police Services patrols in vehicles as well as on foot. The Department takes many steps to educate and maintain safety on campus, everyone within the campus community plays a role, and it is important to be aware of surroundings and use reasonable judgment when working or visiting on campus. Please report suspicious or criminal activities to law enforcement by calling 911.

Crime Log and Blotter

The WSU Vancouver Police Department produces a crime log and on-line "blotter" of all crimes reported to the department. The log is available to anyone wishing to access it. The log identifies the type of report, location and outcome of each incident reported to the Police Department. The Daily Crime Log is available in person at the WSU Vancouver Police Department office, located in the Classroom Building (VCLS 120). The blotter is available online at vancouver.wsu.edu/police-blotter.

Back to top

Drug and Alcohol Policies and Programs

WSU Policies Governing Alcohol and Other Drugs

WSU's Drug and Alcohol Policies, including WSU Executive Policy #20, aims to eliminate alcohol and drug abuse and to educate the University community on relevant laws and consequences. This policy provides consistency and clarity on the permitted use and enforcement of alcohol laws and statutes on all WSU properties statewide. WSU's policy prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol on University-controlled property.

Additionally, Washington state law, RCW Chapter 70.160, prohibits smoking in any WSU owned, leased, rented public place, or place of employment. The WSU Pullman, WSU Spokane, WSU Tri-Cities, and WSU Vancouver campuses each restrict tobacco and nicotine use on campus, with the exception to tobacco cessation programs or approved research. Refer to Safety Policies and Procedures Manual (SPPM) 6.10. Employees who violate Executive Policy #20 or Safety Policies and Procedures Manual (SPPM) 6.10 may be subject to corrective or disciplinary actions.

Workplace Policy

WSU complies with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. This program provides educational and training programs and prohibits the use of controlled substances in the workplace. In addition, WSU has developed programs to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and/or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol by employees and students. Any employee who violates the WSU Alcohol and Drug Policy, Executive Policy #20, may be subject to corrective action by the university, in addition to any penalties resulting from violating local, state and/or federal law. Sanctions for illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol in the workplace may include, but are not limited to, recommendations for completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, written or verbal warning, censure, dismissal, and, in emergency situations, immediate suspension. Additionally, Washington state law (RCW Chapter 70.160) prohibits smoking in any University owned, leased, or rented public place or place of employment.

Student Policy

The WSU Vancouver Police Department and local police enforce all Washington state laws pertaining to drugs and alcohol, and students may also be subject to sanctions through the Center for Community Standards (CCS). CCS will follow procedures outlined in the Standards of Conduct for Students, WAC 504-26, if an alleged violation is reported.

The legal age for individuals to consume alcohol in the state of Washington is 21. Those not of legal age who consume alcohol will be in violation of the Standards of Conduct and WSU's Alcohol and Drug Policy. Students of legal age who choose to drink alcoholic beverages are expected to do so responsibly.

Students are accountable to the Standard of Conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree. The Standards of Conduct apply to on campus and online behavior and some off-campus behavior. For more information about jurisdiction, please visit WAC 504-26-015.

Applicable Standards of Conduct for Students

WAC 504-26-211 Drugs and drug paraphernalia: Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of marijuana, narcotics, or other controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia except as permitted by federal, state, and local law.

WAC 504-26-212 Alcohol: Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by university regulations, and federal, state, and local laws), or public intoxication. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person not of legal age.

Good Samaritan Guideline

The WSU Good Samaritan Guideline ensures that students receive prompt and appropriate attention in the event of alcohol and/or drug intoxication. This guideline is similar to Washington State laws followed by law enforcement. If a student or community member sees a friend or stranger experiencing symptoms of alcohol or drug intoxication and needing medical help, they can contact local police, WSU PD, medical professionals, university staff members, and/or resident advisors for assistance. Neither party will receive any formal discipline for alcohol or drug use and possession under our community standards. This guideline does not apply to any disciplinary action for incidents beyond drug and alcohol use. For example, incidents that include hazing, sexual assault, physical abuse, malicious mischief, disorderly conduct, acts of hate or bias, may initiate the community standards process. WSU reserves the right to sanction repeat alcohol and drug offenders, including organizations, and to pursue disciplinary action for any violation which the University considers serious enough to require such action.

Medical and Recreational Cannabis

In accordance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, WSU strictly prohibits the use, possession, manufacture, or distribution and/or sale of cannabis and other controlled substances anywhere on campus. It is a violation of the Standards of Conduct, as well as University Housing Policy, for students to use, possess, manufacture, distribute and/or sell cannabis while on University property, even if the student is over the age of 21 and/or procured the cannabis through legal means.

Additionally, WSU prohibits the use of medical cannabis on campus, including all residence halls and WSU apartments. Cannabis obtained for medicinal purposes cannot be stored or used in the residence halls or WSU apartments. The use and/or storage of all drug paraphernalia is also prohibited in the residence halls and WSU apartments. All questions regarding the reasonable accommodation of medical conditions, including conditions treated with medical cannabis, should be directed to the WSU Access Center by calling 360-546-9238.

Back to top

Drug and Alcohol Education Programs

WSU Vancouver Counseling Services

WSU Vancouver Counseling Services offers a range of online and in-person services related to substance use. Services for currently enrolled students include; 1:1 counseling, therapy groups, crisis and consultation services, psychological assessments, workshops and outreach programs. These services support personal efforts to maintain health and the reduction of health harms-including substance use/disorder-so students can achieve academic, career, and personal success.

E-CHUG

e-CHUG is an online and confidential survey that allows students to receive personalized feedback about the impacts of alcohol and other drug use. It is an open access survey available to all students.

IMPACT

IMPACT is an education service provided to students who are referred by the Center for Community Standards for substance use violations. The purpose of this intervention is to administer a substance abuse education program that is focused on harm reduction strategies, motivational interviewing and brief intervention. The IMPACT classes and 1:1 sessions have been developed to provide an empirically based intervention to meet the specific needs of students who exhibit high risk substance use behaviors. The IMPACT program is unique in that it is not a "one size fits all" intervention; rather, IMPACT is structured to route students, via confidential assessment with personalized feedback, to the intervention that best meets their needs in terms of behavior change, psycho-education and clinical concerns.

Students receive direction for their routed participation (group or 1:1 sessions and assessment type) in multiple ways: from the Center for Community Standards, in the IMPACT workshop and the Health Promotions website. A detailed procedural flow chart and routing logic for 1:1 vs. group, the four sanction types (alcohol, cannabis, poly-substance and other drug) as well as the sanction/violation number (1, 2, 3) is available upon request.

WSU Vancouver Health Services

WSU Vancouver Health Services partners with local medical providers to provide basic health care, including consultation for services related to substance abuse, to current WSU Vancouver Students.

Back to top

Additional Campus Security Policies or Resources

Missing Student Policy

WSU Vancouver takes the well-being of students seriously and the university has processes in place when a student is missing. If anyone has reason to believe that a WSU Vancouver student is missing, they should immediately call 911 and report the concern to the local police department. After reporting the person missing WSU Vancouver PD should be notified of the missing person and which department is the investigating police agency. WSU Vancouver PD will assist the investigating agency when needed.

Procedures

WSU Vancouver does not currently have on-campus housing. Because of this, the WSU Vancouver Police Department will not be the originating police agency taking a report of a missing student. The WSU Vancouver Police Department will participate in any law enforcement requests for assistance concerning a WSU missing student.

Back to top

Weapons Policy

The WSU Standards of Conduct for Students, WAC 504-26-213, prohibits students from carrying, possessing or using any firearm, explosive (including fireworks), dangerous chemicals, or any dangerous weapon on university property or in university approved housing. Additionally, airsoft guns and any other item that appears to be a firearm, or any item that shoots projectiles are prohibited in WSU facilities.

Back to top

Sexual or Violent Offenders List

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 requires colleges and universities to inform students and employees how to learn the identity of registered sex offenders on campus. This law also requires that sex offenders provide notice to any institution of higher education at which the person is employed or is a student.

You can obtain information regarding registered sexual offenders by contacting the Clark County Sheriff's Office, 360-397-2211 or sheriff@clark.wa.gov. Additionally, the Clark County Sheriff's Office uses the Community Watch portal which can be found at the http://communitynotification.com/. This page includes information on how to search for registered sex offenders in the area as well as additional information about sex offender registration laws and safety tips. In addition, you can obtain information regarding registered sex offenders throughout Washington state from the Washington Sex Offenders Public Registry or through the National Sex Offenders Public Website.

Back to top

Crime Definitions under Federal Law

The following definitions are provided in the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act)(34 CFR Part 668), or referenced from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. For purposes of complying with the Clery Act, an incident meeting these definitions is considered a crime for the purpose of Clery Act reporting.

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.

  1. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party's statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
  2. For the purposes of this definition:
    1. Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse.
    2. Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.
  3. For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this section and § 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.

Domestic violence:

  1. A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed -
    1. By a current or former spouse or intimate partner 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 the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred, or
    5. 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.
  2. For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this section and 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.

Sexual assault:

An offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as used in the FBI's UCR program.

Rape:

The 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, without the consent of the victim.

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.

Incest:

Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.

Statutory Rape:

Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.

Stalking:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter:

The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.

Negligent manslaughter:

The killing of another person through gross negligence.

Robbery:

The taking, or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force and/or putting the victim in fear.

Aggravated Assault:

An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. (It is not necessary that injury result from an aggravated assault when a gun, knife, or other weapon is used which could and probably would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully completed.

Burglary:

The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. For reporting purposes this definition includes: unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or felony; breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny; housebreaking; safecracking; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.

Motor Vehicle theft:

The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. (Motor vehicle theft includes all cases where automobiles are taken by persons not having lawful access even though the vehicles are later abandoned-including joyriding)

Weapons (Carrying, Possessing, Etc.)

The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices, or other deadly weapons.

Arson:

The willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle, or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.

Liquor Law Violations:

The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages, not including driving under the influence and drunkenness.

Drug Abuse Violations:

The violation of laws prohibiting the production, distribution, and/or use of certain controlled substances and the equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and/or use.

The unlawful cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, use, possession, transportation, or importation of any controlled drug or narcotic substance.

Arrests for violations of State and local laws, specifically those relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, ,manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs.

Hate crime:

A crime reported to local police agencies or to a campus security authority that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the perpetrator's bias against the victim. For the purposes of this section, the categories of bias include the victim's actual or perceived race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, and disability.

For Clery Act reporting purposes, hate crimes include any offense in the following list that is motivated by bias: Murder and non-negligent manslaughter, sex offense, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, destruction/damage/vandalism to property, intimidation, larceny/theft, and simple assault.

Back to top

Crime definitions under Washington State Law

>he following definitions are provided under Washington State Law.

Consent (RCW 9A.44.010)

At the time of the act of sexual intercourse or sexual contact there are actual words or conduct indicating freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact.

Mental Incapacity (RCW 9A.44.010)

A condition existing at the time of the offense which prevents a person from understanding the nature or consequences of the act of sexual intercourse whether that condition is produced by illness, defect, the influence of a substance, or from some other cause.

Physically Helpless (RCW 9A.44.010)

A person who is unconscious or for any other reason is physically unable to communicate unwillingness to an act.

Forcible Compulsion (RCW 9A.44.010)

Physical force which overcomes resistance, or a threat, express or implied, that places a person in fear of death or physical injury to herself or himself or another person, or in fear that she or he or another person will be kidnapped.

Sexual Intercourse (RCW 9A.44.010)

  • Has its ordinary meaning and occurs upon any penetration, however slight, and
  • Also means any penetration of the vagina or anus however slight, by an object, when committed on one person by another, whether such persons are of the same or opposite sex, except when such penetration is accomplished for medically recognized treatment or diagnostic purposes, and
  • Also means any act of sexual contact between persons involving the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another whether such persons are of the same or opposite sex

Sexual Contact (RCW 9A.44.010)

Any touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of a person done for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire of either party or a third party.

Domestic Violence (RCW 26.50.010)

  • Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, sexual assault, or stalking as defined in RCW 9A.46.110 of one intimate partner by another intimate partner; or
  • Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, sexual assault, or stalking as defined in RCW 9A.46.110 of one family or household member by another family or household member.

Domestic Violence (RCW 10.99.020)

Includes but is not limited to any of the following crimes when committed either by (a) one family or household member against another family or household member, or (b) one intimate partner against another intimate partner:

  • Assault in the first degree (RCW 9A.36.011)
  • Assault in the first degree (RCW 9A.36.011);
  • Assault in the second degree (RCW 9A.36.021);
  • Assault in the third degree (RCW 9A.36.031);
  • Assault in the fourth degree (RCW 9A.36.041):
  • Drive-by shooting (RCW 9A.36.045);
  • Reckless endangerment (RCW 9A.36.050);
  • Coercion (RCW 9A.36.070);
  • Burglary in the first degree (RCW 9A.52.020);
  • Burglary in the second degree (RCW 9A.52.030);
  • Criminal trespass in the first degree (RCW 9A.52.070);
  • Criminal trespass in the second degree (RCW 9A.52.080);
  • Malicious mischief in the first degree (RCW 9A.48.070);
  • Malicious mischief in the second degree (RCW 9A.48.090);
  • Malicious mischief in the third degree (RCW 9A.40.020);
  • Kidnapping in the first degree (RCW 9A.40.020);
  • Kidnapping in the second degree (RCW 9A.40.030);
  • Unlawful imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.040);
  • Violation of the provisions of a restraining order, no-contact order, or protection order restraining or enjoining the person or restraining the person from going onto the grounds of or entering a residence, workplace, school, or day care, or prohibiting the person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location, a protected party’s person, or a protected party’s vehicle (chapter 7.105 RCW, or RCW 10.99.040, 10.99.050, 26.09.300, 26.10.220, 26.26B.050, 26.44.063, 26.44.150, or 26.52.070, or any of the former RCW 26.50.060, 26.50.070, 26.50.130, and 74.34.145);
  • Rape in the first degree (RCW 9A.44.040);
  • Rape in the second degree (RCW 9A.44.050);
  • Residential burglary (RCW 9A.52.025);
  • Stalking (RCW 9A.46.110); and
  • Interference with the reporting of domestic violence (RCW 9A.36.150).

Family Or Household Members (RCW 26.50.010)

  • Adult persons related by blood or marriage;
  • Adult persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past; and
  • Persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren.

Intimate Partner (RCW 26.50.010)

  • Spouses, or domestic partners;
  • Former spouses, or former domestic partners;
  • Persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time;
  • Adult persons presently or previously residing together who have or have had a dating relationship;
  • Persons sixteen years of age or older who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past and who have or have had a dating relationship; and
  • Persons sixteen years of age or older with whom a person sixteen years of age or older has or has had a dating relationship.

Dating Relationship (RCW 26.50.010)

A social relationship of a romantic nature. Factors that the court may consider in making this determination include:

  • The length of time the relationship has existed;
  • The nature of the relationship; and
  • The frequency of interaction between the parties

RAPE IN THE FIRST DEGREE (RCW 9A.44.040)

A person is guilty of rape in the first degree when such person engages in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion where the perpetrator or an accessory:

  • Uses or threatens to use a deadly weapon or what appears to be a deadly weapon; or
  • Kidnaps the victim; or
  • Inflicts serious physical injury, including but not limited to physical injury which renders the victim unconscious; or
  • Feloniously enters into the building or vehicle where the victim is situated.

RAPE IN THE SECOND DEGREE (RCW 9A.44.050)

A person is guilty of rape in the second degree when, under circumstances not constituting rape in the first degree, the person engages in sexual intercourse with another person:

  • By forcible compulsion;
  • When the victim is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless or mentally incapacitated;
  • When the victim is a person with a developmental disability and the perpetrator is a person who:
    • Has supervisory authority over the victim; or
    • Was providing transportation, within the course of his or her employment, to the victim at the time of the offense;
  • When the perpetrator is a health care provider, the victim is a client or patient, and the sexual intercourse occurs during a treatment session, consultation, interview, or examination. It is an affirmative defense that the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the client or patient consented to the sexual intercourse with the knowledge that the sexual intercourse was not for the purpose of treatment;
  • When the victim is a resident of a facility for persons with a mental disorder or chemical dependency and the perpetrator is a person who has supervisory authority over the victim; or
  • When the victim is a frail elder or vulnerable adult and the perpetrator is a person who:
    • Has a significant relationship with the victim; or
    • Was providing transportation, within the course of his or her employment, to the victim at the time of the offense.

RAPE IN THE THIRD DEGREE (RCW 9A.44.060)

A person is guilty of rape in the third degree when, under circumstances not constituting rape in the first or second degrees, such person engages in sexual intercourse with another person:

  • Where the victim did not consent as defined in RCW 9A.44.010(7), to sexual intercourse with the perpetrator; or
  • Where there is threat of substantial unlawful harm to property rights of the victim.

VOYEURISM (RCW 9A.44.115)

A person commits the crime of voyeurism in the first degree if, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire any person, he or she knowingly views, photographs, or films:

  • Another person without that person's knowledge and consent while the person being viewed, photographed, or filmed is in a place where he or she would have a reasonable expectation of privacy; or
  • The intimate areas of another person without that person's knowledge and consent and under circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, whether in a public or private place.

A person commits the crime of voyeurism in the second degree if he or she intentionally photographs or films another person for the purpose of photographing or filming the intimate areas of that person with the intent to distribute or disseminate the photograph or film, without that person's knowledge and consent, and under circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, whether in a public or private place.

INDECENT EXPOSURE (RCW 9A.88.010)

A person is guilty of indecent exposure if he or she intentionally makes any open and obscene exposure of his or her person or the person of another knowing that such conduct is likely to cause reasonable affront or alarm. The act of breastfeeding or expressing breast milk is not indecent exposure.

HARASSMENT (RCW 9A.46.020)

A person is guilty of harassment if:

  • Without lawful authority, the person knowingly threatens:
    • To cause bodily injury immediately or in the future to the person threatened or to any other person; or
    • To cause physical damage to the property of a person other than the actor; or
    • To subject the person threatened or any other person to physical confinement or restraint; or
    • Maliciously to do any other act which is intended to substantially harm the person threatened or another with respect to his or her physical or mental health or safety; and
  • The person by words or conduct places the person threatened in reasonable fear that the threat will be carried out. "Words or conduct" includes, in addition to any other form of communication or conduct, the sending of an electronic communication.

STALKING (RCW 9A.46.110)

A person commits the crime of stalking if, without lawful authority and under circumstances not amounting to a felony attempt of another crime:

  • He or she intentionally and repeatedly harasses or repeatedly follows another person, and the person being harassed or followed is placed in fear that the stalker intends to injure the person, another person, or property of the person or of another.
    • The feeling of fear must be one that a reasonable person in the same situation would experience under all the circumstances; and
  • The stalker either:
    • Intends to frighten, intimidate, or harass the person; or
    • Knows or reasonably should know that the person is afraid, intimidated, or harassed even if the stalker did not intend to place the person in fear or intimidate or harass the person.

Note, some of the above definitions will be modified effective July 1, 2022, pursuant to House Bill 1320. For the updated definitions, see section "Washington State Definitions."

Back to top

Crime Statistics

Preparation of Crime Statistics

The Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety, in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (The Clery Act) as well as the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA) amendments to the Clery Act, using information obtained by through the representatives from various WSU Vancouver offices including, but not limited to, the WSU Vancouver Police Department (WSU Vancouver PD), the Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), the Center for Community Standards (CCS), and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

The crime statistics include reports of, arrests for, and disciplinary actions arising from selected crimes. Effective with the 1999 calendar year, the Clery Act requires expanded reporting that includes crimes and arrests occurring in certain off-campus locations. This page is part of Washington State University (WSU) Vancouver's annual report, which we encourage you to read in full. Other sections of the report include institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning crime prevention and the reporting of crimes, together with important information concerning WSU Vancouver's policies regarding alcohol and drug use, and WSU's sexual assault prevention programs.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (The Clery Act), 20 U.S.C. 1092(f), requires the annual publication of crime statistics for the previous three calendar years.

Collection of Statistics

The Office of Student Services and the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety coordinate the preparation of the annual report, including the gathering of crime statistics. The annual crime statistics are compiled from data provided by: the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety, the Clark County Sheriff's Office, and Campus Security Authorities (University officials who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities). WSU Vancouver has no off-campus facilities and no resident facilities; therefore, no statistics from those categories are recorded. If you have questions regarding the statistics published here, please contact the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety.

Crime Definitions: The crime definitions used to collate the statistics in this report conform to the requirements of the implementing regulations of the Clery Act (ref. 34 CFR 668.46(c)(7)).

Crime Statistics table

Crime statistics for 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Reported incidents on or near college facilities
2020 2021 2022
ONC
(1) 		OCC
(2) 		NON
(3) 		ONC
(1) 		OCC
(2) 		NON
(3) 		ONC
(1) 		OCC
(2) 		NON
(3)
Part I - Reported
Criminal Homicide
Murder or Non-negligent manslaughter 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Negligent Manslaughter 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sexual Assault and Sex Offenses
Rape 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fondling 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Incest 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Statutory Rape 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Part I - Continued
Robbery 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Burglary 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Arson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hate crimes by category
(Hate Crimes are defined and listed under the Timely Warnings section of this report)
Larceny-theft 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Simple Assault 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Intimidation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Desctruction, damage, vandalism of property 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
VAWA Offenses
Domestic Violence 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Dating Violence 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Stalking 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Part one crime totals 1 0 0 4 0 0 1 0 0
Unfounded/Withheld Reports 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Part II - Reported
Liquor Law Violation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Drug Abuse Law Violation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Illegal Weapons Violation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Part two crime totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of arrests and campus discipline referrals
Arrests
18 Yrs. and Over 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
17 Yrs. and Under 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Arrests or referrals for campus disciplinary action for:
Alcohol Abuse Violations(c)
Arrests 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Referrals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Drug Abuse Violations (c)
Arrests 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Referrals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Weapons Possessions and Violations (c)
Arrests 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Referrals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Table notes

(1) ONC: On Campus: This category includes incidents that occurred on the main campus.

(2) OCC: Off-campus contiguous. This category includes incidents that occurred on public property immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The information in this category is provided by the Clark County Sheriff's Department. For additional information on crime statistics in Clark County, please contact the Clark County Sheriff’s Department at: (360) 397-2211.

(3) NON: Non-campus facilities. This category includes incidents that occurred on property other than the main campus owned or controlled by the university and used in support of our educational purposes. WSU has no Non-campus facilities at this time.

a) The F.B.I. defines forcible sex offenses as: rape and attempted rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, and forcible fondling.

b) The F.B.I. defines non-forcible sex offenses as: incest and statutory rape.

c) The number of persons referred for disciplinary action does not include persons arrested and reported in the arrest categories above.

Effective from the 1999 calendar year, the Clery Act requires the reporting of crime statistics for an expanded area beyond WSU Vancouver’s campus. The law and accompanying regulations also require these statistics to be shown in specific geographic categories (or venues) as defined below.

Federal regulations define On Campus as any building or property owned or controlled by an institution within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the institution’s educational purposes, including residence halls; and any building or property that is within or reasonably contiguous to the said area and is owned by the institution but controlled by another person, is frequently used by students, and supports institutional purposes (such as a food or other retail vendor) 34 CFR 668.46(a).

On campus - residential facilities only is a sub-category of On Campus showing the number of on-campus crimes that took place in dormitories or other residential facilities for students on campus 34 CFR 668.46(c)(4)(ii). NOTE: WSU Vancouver does not have residential facilities or a residential population.

On adjacent public property is defined as all public property, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities, that are within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus 34 CFR 668.46(a).

In or on a non-campus building or property is defined as any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the institution and any building or property owned or controlled by an institution that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the institution’s educational purposes, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution 34 CFR 668.46(a). NOTE: WSU Vancouver has no property meeting this definition.

Hate Crimes: The Clery Act requires the separate reporting, by category of prejudice, of any crime reported in the classifications above and any other crime involving larceny-theft, simple assault, intimidation, and destruction, damage or vandalism of property that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the victim’s actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin or disability.

The University does not record statistics for crimes involving students or student organizations that occur in other law enforcement jurisdictions as part of the Uniform Crime Report. However, the Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety does maintain good communication with local law enforcement and tries to monitor incidents involving students that do occur in other jurisdictions.

Back to top