Annual security report
7.4. 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.
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7.4.1. Reporting to Law Enforcement
Victims/survivors are encouraged to report to law enforcement. Even if they are not sure if they want to report for criminal investigation, they are encouraged to preserve evidence, which may include seeking a sexual assault forensic exam. Victims/survivors are also encouraged to seek care and support, including advocacy services, medical treatment and/or counseling services. Reporters are urged to preserve any evidence and to also seek medical and counseling services. Law enforcement can assist with filing criminal charges or pursuing a no contact order. To make a report of sexual violence to law enforcement, call 911 for immediate assistance or contact the 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:
- Report the assault to police as soon as possible — dial 911.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
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7.4.2. Reporting to WSU
Incidents of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, can be reported to WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), which works closely with Human Resource Services (HRS) for incidents involving employees and the Center for Community Standards (CCS) for incidents involving students. When CCR receives a report of misconduct, CCR will provide the student or employee with written information about their rights, supportive measures, and reporting options (including how to file a complaint with WSU), as well as other information about CCR’s Procedural Guidelines and the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy 15 (EP 15). Outreach will also include written information about available counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal services, and other services available on campus and in the community. Additional resources will be identified depending on the student’s or employee’s particular needs (e.g., an international student may need support from International Programs regarding visa or immigration assistance); a complainant’s preferences with regards to supportive measures will be considered. Per 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 complaint, CCR can start an informal resolution or an investigation.
Please note, WSU’s policies for responding to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking are developed to be in compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
Informal Resolution
Participants may engage in an informal resolution process, which is a way to resolve a concern without an investigation or disciplinary proceedings. An informal resolution allows for parties to voluntarily reach mutually agreeable terms to resolve their concerns and/or prevent further harm. Either party may request an informal resolution at any point prior to a determination of responsibility. CCR has discretion to determine whether an informal resolution is appropriate for the specific circumstances. If so, CCR will notify both parties that the informal resolution process has commenced and provide the requirements of the informal resolution process, as described in the CCR Procedural Guidelines. CCR will not proceed with an informal resolution process until receiving voluntary consent to proceed with the informal resolution process from both parties.
Informal resolutions may include, but are not limited to:
- An agreement between parties
- A mediation
- Education and training
- Workplace or academic management plans
- Restrictions on contact or participation in programs or activities
- Supportive measures, including safety measures
Informal resolutions may include agreed upon punitive terms (e.g. a party may agree to a permanent withdrawal or removal of duties). Parties may also accept responsibility or accountability for misconduct.
Parties may withdraw from the informal resolution process at any stage, prior to agreeing to a resolution.
If a resolution is reached, and a party violates that resolution (or if CCR has a compelling reason to do so), the informal resolution may be voided and CCR may resume a grievance procedure.
Investigations
CCR may conduct an investigation after receiving a complaint, which meets the requirements of EP15, or in the absence of a complaint, where CCR determines an investigation is appropriate. CCR conducts a neutral and unbiased investigation, with investigators who do not have a conflict of interest or bias towards either party, specifically or generally. CCR investigations are conducted pursuant to its Procedural Guidelines and are initiated with a presumption that the respondent is not responsible for the alleged conduct. CCR provides notice of the allegations in writing to both parties. Both parties have the right to present witnesses and evidence. The evidentiary burden is on WSU, not the parties.
During an investigation, WSU does not restrict the ability of either party to discuss the allegations under investigation or to gather and present relevant evidence. Throughout the investigative process, the parties have the right to have an advisor of their choice with them, which can be a support person or attorney. In all matters (regardless of the status of the respondent), the parties will have an opportunity for investigation, evidence review, determination of responsibility, and appeal.
For more information about the investigative process, see the CCR Procedural Guidelines, the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students, the Employee Title IX Hearing Process, and the Faculty Manual
CCR shares information about cases only on a need-to-know basis but cannot guarantee confidentiality. Although CCR does not share reporting information with law enforcement unless required to do so, CCR investigators notify victims/survivors of their option to report to on-campus or local police, to have campus authorities assist them in notifying law enforcement of a sexual violence incident, or to decline to notify such authorities.
A report of sexual violence can be made to CCR or the Title IX Coordinator by telephone at 509-335-8288, by email at ccr@wsu.edu, by visiting the CCR office located in Room 225 of the French Administration Building on the Pullman campus or by using the online reporting form.
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7.5. 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 Wellness & Counseling Center | Counseling & Psychological Services and referrals (for students) | 360-546-9238
- WSU Vancouver Wellness & Health Services|Medical Services and referrals (for students) | 360-546-9238
- WSU Employee Assistance Program (for employees) | 1-877-313-4455
- After-hours crisis support: 509-335-2360
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 |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
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7.6. WSU Amnesty Statement when Reporting Sexual Violence
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 or 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.
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7.7. Confidentiality in University Investigative Processes
WSU takes confidentiality seriously. When engage with complainants, respondents, witnesses, or other relevant parties to a matter implicating WSU’s prohibition on sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, CCR typically takes notes and records information for the purpose of maintaining a database of the university’s response to concerns, to track reports for patterns, and/or to document relevant evidence. Intake consultations are available for victim/survivors, in which CCR will track limited information; or, victim/survivors may request to meet with CCR anonymously and/or limit information shared. WSU recognizes that the information received may be sensitive in nature and participants may fear retaliation. WSU protects information regarding parties and witnesses under EP 15, and CCR only shares information on a need-to-know basis:
- As permitted by FERPA statute or regulations (34 CFR 99),
- As required by law (including, but not limited to, as required for public records disclosures, for mandatory reporting of abuse under state law, or as required by a subpoena),
- As needed to fairly conduct an investigation, hearing, or adjudication process, including as required by Title IX’s implementing regulations (34 CFR 106),
- As needed to facilitate supportive measures to protect individuals from ongoing harm,
- As needed to respond to protect public safety or respond to imminent threats to the university community, or
- As required by state or federal agencies (e.g. the National Science Foundation (NSF), WSU, as an awardee institution:
- Must report sexual harassment findings; or
- May be required to provide relevant information in response to a Department of Education Office of Civil Rights investigation).
CCR can answer participant questions about confidentiality or provide anonymous or confidential reporting options. WSU redacts identifying or other information when legally permissible.
When a victim/survivor requests confidentiality or requests WSU to 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, or safety measures, 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.
As a campus security authority, CCR provides crime statistic information for purposes of the Annual Security Report to WSU PD but protects privacy to the extent possible. The WSU PD will not release the names of victims/survivors in its Timely Warning notices, Campus Alerts, Emergency Notifications, or in the Daily Crime Log.
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.
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7.8. Campus Investigative Procedures
Upon receiving a report of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other sex-based violence, CCR typically takes steps to contact the individual who experienced the alleged conduct within one business day to provide information regarding how to meet with CCR for a consultation, how to report anonymously (if preferred), grievance policies and processes, and resources and supportive measures available at WSU and in the community. This includes information regarding the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment (EP 15), CCR Procedural Guidelines, informal resolution and investigation options, and the process to file a complaint. CCR offers intake consultations, which are intended to be a low-pressure environment for individuals to learn about university policies, procedures, and resources in a safe space. During an intake consultation, CCR will generally share information about options for anonymous reporting and consultation, availability of supportive measures, process for filing a complaint for conduct implicating EP 15, CCR’s role as a neutral investigator and/or facilitator for informal or alternative resolutions, the grievance process and informal resolution process, alternative options/resources/reporting paths, and limitations on confidentiality.
CCR offers 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, referrals to counseling or medical providers, legal assistance, international programs for visa information, or confidential victim advocates; facilitation of on-campus academic or workplace flexibility or safety/management plans; altering the academic, WSU housing, and/or WSU employment arrangements of the parties, imposing no-contact directives, or imposing a trespass or emergency 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, as reasonably available. When taking such steps, WSU seeks to minimize 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.
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7.8.1. Informal Resolution Process
Complainants and/or respondents may request an informal resolution process, which is a voluntary opportunity to explore an alternative resolution. Informal resolutions may encompass a broad range of conflict resolution and safety strategies including, but not limited to, an agreement between parties, a mediation, education and training, workplace or academic management plans, restrictions on contact or participation in programs or activities, or supportive measures, including safety measures. Informal resolutions may also include agreed upon punitive terms or parties may accept responsibility for misconduct. CCR has discretion to determine if the matter is appropriate for an informal resolution, and will not offer an informal resolution when such a process would conflict with legal requirements. After providing notice of an informal resolution process, CCR may proceed with an informal resolution where both parties voluntary participate. Parties may have an advisor, including an attorney, participate during an informal resolution, but it is not required. CCR may work with the Division of Student Affairs, HRS, the Office of the Provost, or the individual department affected in resolving a matter under the informal resolution process. Prior to an agreed resolution, either party may withdraw from the informal resolution process at which point the parties can resume participation in a grievance process. Upon entering into an informal resolution agreement, the agreement is binding on the parties and precludes the parties from initiating or resuming grievance processes. Agreement provisions will be considered with respect to the campus safety, including expulsion, suspension, or termination. CCR will document and maintain records of all informal resolutions. If a party violates a resolution, or where CCR has a compelling reason to do so, the informal resolution may be voided. CCR will notify parties where a resolution is voided and provide an opportunity to resume the grievance process. Specific violations of an informal resolution can result in disciplinary process for failing to follow a university order. Where circumstances change, parties may request CCR modify an existing informal resolution.
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7.8.2. Investigation Process
CCR investigates matters involving students, employees, and visitors regardless of whether the conduct occurred on or off campus, where EP 15 is implicated; investigations follow CCR’s Procedural Guidelines. CCR provides a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation by officials who receive annual training on regulatory requirements for responding to complaints of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, and how to conduct a trauma informed investigation and protect the safety of investigation participants. Where a CCR investigator has a conflict of interest or bias towards an investigation participant, the investigator will be screened from a case, and another investigator will review the matter. Investigations are conducted into allegations implicating EP 15; violations may be found where a preponderance of the evidence supports that conclusion.
Upon receipt of a complaint, CCR will review the complaint and determine whether to proceed with a grievance procedure or dismiss the complaint. Dismissals may occur where the alleged conduct does not constitute EP 15 violations, the alleged conduct is outside CCR’s scope of authority to investigate, CCR is unable to identify the respondent, or where the complaint is voluntarily withdrawn or resolved through an informal resolution. Otherwise, CCR will proceed with an investigation. In some circumstances, CCR may proceed with an investigation without a complaint from a community member, where CCR determines that alleged conduct presents an imminent and serious threat to the health or safety of the complainant or other person, or the alleged conduct prevents equal access to education programs or activities. Complaint dismissals for EP 15 Part B (sex discrimination and sex-based harassment) conduct can be appealed to the Title IX Coordinator.
Upon initiation of an investigation, a CCR investigator will provide written notice to both parties, and the complainant and the respondent will have equal opportunities to provide information, responses, evidence, and witnesses. CCR has the responsibility to conduct an investigation, not the parties. The complainant and the respondent have the right to be accompanied by the advisor of their choice, which may be a support person or attorney. CCR makes every effort to gather all available relevant evidence and to neutrally and fairly assess the evidence. Per CCR’s Procedural Guidelines, CCR investigations are typically 60 days; extensions are allowed for good cause, with written notice to the parties.
For student matters involving sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, WSU prioritizes these cases and works to resolve them in a timely and efficient manner. As such, WSU will be implementing new processes to the Standards of Conduct Code, which are anticipated to be published in December 2024. For this new process, when a CCR investigation is completed, the CCR investigator will notify the parties and the Center for Community Standards (CCS), so the matter can go directly to a hearing for a determination. For cases completed earlier in the fall 2024 semester (prior to the new rules being published), CCR will draft an investigation report prior to referral to CCS. Either way, CCS will provide information to relevant parties regarding the WSU disciplinary processes, including, but not limited to information about conduct officer hearings, conduct board hearings, student rights, and campus and community resources. CCS will initiate the conduct hearing process by providing the parties with an opportunity to review evidence and scheduling a hearing date. An administrative law judge will serve as the presiding officer and decision-maker for these cases (or prior to December 2024, a conduct board will serve as a decision-maker), and parties will have an opportunity to respond to the evidence they reviewed, as well as provide additional information, statements, evidence, and witnesses. WSU’s student conduct hearing processes comply with the Washington State Administrative Procedures Act and are available for review in the Washington State University Standards of Conduct for Students (WAC 504-26). The decision-maker will neutrally assess all available relevant and permissible evidence and issue a decision to both parties simultaneously which will include findings of facts, a determination of responsibility, sanctions, and remedies, as appropriate, along with the date that the decision becomes final.Should an investigation be completed prior to the December 2024 implementation of this new process, CCR will draft an investigation report to share with the parties to help them prepare for a conduct hearing. As part of the decision-letter, the parties will be provided with information on how to appeal the decision to the Director of Student Conduct (or to the CCR Appeals Board, prior to December 2024). When an appeal is received, WSU will notify the parties, provide information on the appeals processes, provide an opportunity to respond, and issue the appeals decision simultaneously to both parties.
For employee matters, CCR provides parties with an investigation report with recommended findings and provides access to the evidence prior to the Employee Title IX Hearing Process (for administrative professional, civil service, and bargaining unit employees) or the Faculty Manual formal discipline process (for faculty). Parties will be provided with information about the right to appeal to the President’s CCR Appeals Committee. When an appeal is received, the CCR Appeals Committee will notify the parties, provide information on the appeals processes, provide an opportunity to respond, and issue the appeals decision simultaneously to both parties.
For all hearing avenues, the decision-maker and appeals decision-maker(s) may not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against the complainant or the respondent, or complainants and respondents generally.
Additional rights and responsibilities for the sanctioning process can be found in the WSU 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). More information about the hearing process is available through the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students and from HRS. The University process for complaints of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking is in compliance with federal regulations. As those regulations are subject to change, individuals are encouraged to review the relevant policy or procedure for the most up-to-date information on the University process.
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7.9. 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.
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7.10. Additional Rights and Processes 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, HRS, 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 (specific timeframes for each major stage of the grievance process are included in the CCR Procedural Guidelines, the Employee Title IX Hearing Process, Faculty Manual, and Standards of Conduct for Students)
- 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 an advisor, which may be a support person or attorney (at personal expenses)
- Opportunity to be informed of the status and the outcome of an investigation
- Opportunity to review evidence, including interview notes and documentary evidence
- Opportunity to provide an additional written statement, after reviewing evidence, to be considered by a decision-maker prior to a formal decision and determination of responsibility
- 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 propose questions for witnesses and participants to the hearing presiding officer
- Appeal rights
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7.11. Protective/Supportive Measures
WSU can take individualized and appropriate supportive steps to support and protect the students involved in the matter. Supportive measures are available regardless of whether a victim/survivor wishes to pursue a complaint or notify law enforcement. Supportive measures are individualized measures offered as appropriate and as reasonably available, without unreasonably burdening a complainant or respondent, not for punitive or disciplinary reasons, and without fee or charge to a reporting party/complainant or respondent. Supportive measures are offered to restore or preserve a party’s access to a WSU program or activity; and/or to provide support during a WSU grievance process. Supportive measures are available with or without a complaint. 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 unreasonable burdens on either party. Violations of some protective measures (e.g. no contact directives) may lead to disciplinary action. Supportive measures may be facilitated by CCR, Student Affairs or Human Resource Services. Academic, administrative, or service departments may be responsible for implementing supportive measures, in consultation with CCR.
The following list includes supportive measures that may be available to students or employees. Additional supportive measures may be available, as appropriate.
- Academic
- Request consideration or flexibility to a faculty member regarding assignments, classroom attendance, deadlines, testing/examinations, 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 Online Programs
- Emergency suspension
- 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.
- Medical providers, in particular hospitals with Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).
- 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)
- Services for Employees
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)(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.
- Safety
- Report to law enforcement
- Police/Security safety assessment of home or campus areas
- Providing information on seeking a Protection Order for:
- Anti-harassment and stalking
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault
- No-contact directive from the University
- Emergency removal or administrative leave, in consultation with DOS, CCS, HRS, and/or CCR.
- Safety planning with a community victim advocate
- Residence hall changes, in consultation with DOS, HRL, and CCR.
- Cadet/police escort, where available
- Local taxi/bus information
- Local domestic violence shelter information
- Blue phones
- Emergency residence life room on campus (Pullman only)
- Miscellaneous
- Emergency funding
- Support for tuition adjustment petitions (considered in appropriate cases)
- Campus involvement (student organizations, Women’s Center, Diversity Centers, etc.)
- Legal resources and referrals
- ASWSU Student Legal Services
- Northwest Justice Project
- CLEAR Hotlinefor counties outside King County
- 211 Legal Referral and Information Hotline(King County)
- Washington Law Help– self-help resources
- Local advocacy agencies – legal advocates
- Moderate Means Program– online application for a referral to an attorney with reduced fees
- Family Law Matters– limited license legal technician
- Washington State Bar Attorney Referral
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7.12. 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 Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) completes their investigation, CCS will refer the matter to a hearing, which may be a one-to-one conduct officer hearing or a University Conduct Board. Note, the procedures for student conduct hearings will be updated in December 2024 to provide more efficient and prompt hearings for students; at this time, all investigations will go directly to an administrative law judge. The complainant and respondent may determine the extent to which they will participate in this process. Hearings 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. Decision makers, including the University Conduct Board, University Appeals Board members, conduct officers, administrative law judges, and individual appeals decision-makers 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. Decision-makers 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.
The WSU Standards of Conduct for Students will be updated in December 2024. Prior to that date, 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 certain forms of 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 certain forms of 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 both the complainant and the respondent.
After the Standards of Conduct for Students is updated in December 2024, in matters that could result in revocation of degree, expulsion, or loss of recognition (for student organizations) where disciplinary action is appropriate, and for matters involving sex discrimination or sex-based harassment, as defined in EP 15, the matter will be referred to a full adjudication. The adjudication will be presided over by an administrative law judge, a neutral third-party employed with the Office of Administrative Hearings, who will also serve as the decision-maker. 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 administrative law judge concludes their review of relevant evidence, parties will be informed of their decision at the same time and their right to appeal to the Director of Student Conduct. 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 appeals reviewer issues their decision. Appeals rights are available to both the complainant and the respondent. For more information about the student conduct process, please visit WAC 504-26-403.
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.
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7.13. 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. At the conclusion of the investigation, CCR will send a report to HRS, relevant supervisors, and relevant parties. In matters involving sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, the investigative report will include a summary of the investigation and recommended findings, but will not constitute the final decision of the university and will not include a final determination regarding responsibility, unless the matter involves a non-faculty respondent about whom non-student complainant alleged sex discrimination or sex-based harassment, in which case CCR’s report will include findings of fact and a final determination regarding responsibility. For the prior, the recommended findings will be provided to the appointing authority or designee for matters involving administrative professional, bargaining unit, or civil service employees to proceed through the Employee Title IX Hearing process with the appointing authority or designee serving as the decision-maker. For faculty, the faculty manual informal discipline (Provost is the decision maker) or formal discipline processes (the Faculty Hearing committee is the decision-maker) will be utilized. For all matters involving an employee respondent and student complainant, a live hearing process will be utilized. Through these prompt and impartial processes, timeframes for each step of the process are identified in the relevant employee manual (Faculty Manual or Employee Title IX Hearing process) with extensions allowed for good cause. The decision-makers must not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against the complainant or the respondent, or complainants or respondents generally. Parties will receive notice of and the purpose for any scheduled meetings or hearings, and CCR will provide the parties with access to the evidence. Parties will have an opportunity to review and respond to the evidence prior to the determination of responsibility. The parties may have an advisor present, who may be a support person or an attorney. At the conclusion of the proceeding, the decision-maker will provide written decisions simultaneously to both parties which include a determination of responsibility, procedures for appealing the determination, and when such results become final.
Supervisors will impose sanctions following the procedures set forth in applicable university policies and handbooks (e.g., the Title IX Hearing Process, the WSU Faculty Manual, the Administrative Professional Handbook, WAC 357-40 (civil service employees), or applicable collective bargaining agreements).
The WSU President has a standing CCR Appeals Committee (the Committee), which also has a sub-set trained specifically for sex discrimination and sex-based harassment appeals. Committee members receive annual training. 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 chair of the Committee will conduct an initial review of the appeal, determine whether it met the minimum requirements of the appeals process, and if so, the chair 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 thirty (30) calendar days, unless good cause for an extension of up to thirty (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.
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.
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7.14. Possible Sanctions
WSU vigorously enforces the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy 15 (EP 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 (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 CCR 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) fines (xvii) remedies; or (xviii) any combination of the previously stated disciplinary sanctions. Additional sanctions for hazing may result in forfeiture of state-funded grants, scholarships, or awards for a specific period of time. More information on sanctioning can be found in WAC 504-26-425.
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8. 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.
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8.1. 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.
Employees at all WSU locations go through a safety orientation checklist with their supervisor or safety committee representative. WSU encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to the appropriate police agencies when the victim of a crime elects to, or is unable to, make such a report.
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8.2. 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.
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8.2.1. Available Education for Incoming Students
Multiple programs are available to WSU students, about consent and respect, risk reduction, and hazing. The definitions and WSU policies in place to respond to sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence and stalking are included in these programs.
- Consent and Respect:
- This module is available to all students, but required for incoming first year undergraduates and transfer undergraduates. It addresses complexities around unwanted sexual experiences. The course content empowers individuals to help others as active bystanders. This program allows students to understand how they can be an integral part of addressing gender-based violence. This workshop includes information about campus policies, resources and reporting options for students. In this workshop, students learn about WSU’s prohibition on dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. They also learn the following definitions:
(a) Fear for their safety or the safety of others;
(b) Fear for harm to their property or the property of others; or
(c) Suffer substantial emotional distress.
Stalking includes, but is not limited to, conduct occurring in person, electronically, or through a third party.
- Count on Cougs and other violence prevention workshops
- The Count on Cougs bystander intervention workshop is available to students to learn how to recognize and respond to situations that could be high risk for violence. Students practice safe, realistic intervention skills in a variety of scenarios. Additional violence prevention workshop topics include Healthy Relationships, Supporting Survivors, and Understanding Sexual Assault.
- Additional Workshops
- Health Education provides additional workshops at request designed to improve the health and wellbeing of WSU students. Workshops include:
- Life Skills
- Stress Management
- Mindfulness
- Sleep More Sleep Better
- Time Management
- Self-Care
- Mental Health
- Behind Happy Faces
- Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
- Campus Connect
- Mental Health First Aid
- Sexual Health
- STI Workshop
- Sexuality
- Substance Abuse
- Sleep, Alcohol Use, and Academic Impacts
- Real Risks
- Party Expectations
- Life Skills
- Health Education provides additional workshops at request designed to improve the health and wellbeing of WSU students. Workshops include:
Other programs designed to enhance understanding about sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, and stalking are provided throughout the academic year. These interactive programs are open to all students on the WSU Pullman campus. Students can sign up for programs through Presence and the Health Education Website.
Graduate students at all locations are provided an orientation that includes information on reporting and resources for discrimination, harassment, student misconduct, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. The Graduate Student Policies and Procedures Manual also includes information on reporting options and grievance procedures.
WSU Vancouver Campus Programs
- Students at WSU Vancouver can access the Consent and Respect, Alcohol Wise, and Hazing and Hosting violence prevention and substance abuse prevention education through the WSU Health Promotions office, as well as others including:
- Count on Cougs:
- A violence prevention program focused on empowering bystanders to actively reduce gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual assault. Count on Cougs is made available to students throughout the WSU system via Zoom throughout the year. For information on upcoming programs, visit the Health Education Website.
- Mental Health First Aid:
- An 8-hour training (2 hours pre-work and 6 hours Zoom training) that teaches participants to identify mental health disorder symptoms, how to respond in a crisis, and active listening skills to support many disorders. To attend, visit: Registration Site.
- Campus Connect:
- A 2-hour training that teaches participants statistics and facts about college student suicide, how to respond in a suicidal crisis, appropriate referrals, and active listening, communication, and relationship-building skills. To attend, visit: Registration Site.
- E-Chug:
- Online confidential survey allows students to receive personalized feedback about the impacts of alcohol and other drug use. It is an open access survey, and available to all students.
- Bystander Intervention
- Students can attend OSI seminars on bystander intervention to learn how to recognize and respond to situations that could be high risk for violence.
- Other programs designed to enhance understanding about sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, and stalking are provided throughout the academic year. These interactive programs are open to all students on the WSU Vancouver campus. Students can sign up for programs through CougSync
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8.2.2. Campus Disciplinary Process
The Center for Community Standards (CCS) offers trainings to students and staff on the campus disciplinary programs throughout the year. Staff presentations are given per request. Peer Educators, student staff members employed by the Center for Community Standards, offer between five and 10 information sessions weekly during the academic year to students who are engaged in the community standards process. These sessions outline what students can expect when engaging with the Center for Community Standards and also outline student rights and available resources.
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8.2.3. 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.
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8.2.4. Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence Prevention Training
WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) offers a number of trainings for students, faculty, and staff in person, via video-conferencing software, and via on-demand online trainings, including trainings on the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy 15 (EP 15); discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence prevention; university investigative processes; grievance and disciplinary processes; employee reporting and disclosure requirements; available university resources and response; and targeted training on resources and reporting options for victims of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In 2023, CCR offered 75 live trainings to the campus community.
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8.2.5. Bystander Intervention
WSU understands that keeping our community safe requires everyone on campus to be proactive. WSU offers the Count on Cougs violence prevention program remotely to all campus locations. Often when bystanders see situations that could lead to violence, our tendency is to walk away. We may feel unsure about our role in the situation or may be concerned for our physical safety. Even so, there are safe and positive options available to intervene in situations that may lead to acts of violence. These options include:
- Being direct. If you see someone doing something that is making another person uncomfortable, speak up.
- Getting someone else involved. If you feel like you can’t handle the situation on your own, ask a group of friends to help you, or talk to a supervisor, resident advisor, or other person of authority. If the situation is making you feel unsafe, contact the police.
- Creating a distraction. Sometimes the best way to get someone out of a potentially dangerous situation is to divert attention elsewhere.
- Offering resources and support after the fact. Interpersonal violence can happen quickly. If you are concerned someone has already experienced violence, you can provide meaningful support and options after the fact that may prevent further violence.
- If a situation is making you uncomfortable, chances are other people are uncomfortable too. By standing up and being a proactive bystander, you give other people encouragement to do the same.
- Being proactive. There are small and simple actions that WSU students can take every day to create a safe and supportive campus. More information about the bystander intervention training is available at the Health Education Website.
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8.2.6. Risk Reduction
WSU believes that it is not a victim/survivor’s decisions that lead to acts of harm or violence. Rather, someone else is making choices to cause harm to another person. Reducing rates of violence on our campus and in our community can seem overwhelming, but it becomes a much easier task when we all work together. There are steps everyone can take to promote individual and community safety on campus:
- Plan ahead. Charge your phone before going out and stay in contact with your friends throughout the evening. Ask friends to check in with each other before leaving for the night. If someone doesn’t check in, call or text to make sure they’re okay.
- Make a back-up plan if things don’t go as planned. Bring extra cash if you need to call a cab to get home or call a trusted friend to walk you home if you feel unsafe walking alone at night.
- Pay attention to your gut instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable, find someone you trust, or leave. Contact the police if you have concerns for your safety.
- If choosing to drink alcohol, be aware of how your body responds to drinking and plan accordingly. Plan out how many drinks you’ll have and stick to that plan. Eat a full meal before going out or eat snacks throughout the night. Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks or beverages. Maintain control of your drinks and beverages at all times to prevent someone from putting drugs or other unknown substances in them.
- Respect everyone’s personal boundaries in all situations, including those involving sex. Consent at WSU must be clear, knowing, and voluntary. If you’re not certain you’ve obtained consent, stop and check in with your partner.
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