Community Selection

NOTE: If you require emergency assistance, call 911.

Western’s Board Policy and Commitment

Per Board Policy 3.5: Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Harassment is Prohibited. The Board of Trustees and Western Colorado University ("WCU" or the "University) intend to maintain a campus community free from all forms of sexual harassment, which includes hostile environment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, as defined below. It is the University's policy that all forms of sexual harassment are prohibited and will not be tolerated. This policy is aligned with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Title IX also protects the rights of pregnant and parenting students. Students who believe that they have experienced discrimination based on their status of pregnancy and parenting may complete this form.

Additionally, per Board Policy 3.5.I.C: Retaliation, Retaliation is prohibited. Retaliation means intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or its implementing regulation, 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. Retaliation shall be dealt with as a separate instance of sexual harassment.

Western Colorado University is committed to identifying and responding to incidents of sexual misconduct and harassment in our community. If you have experienced sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, gender-based violence, or have information about such an incident, please complete the form below, providing as much information as possible.

Definitions

Complainant – Complainant is a person who has been subjected to the alleged sexual harassment or related retaliation. For purposes of this policy, a Complainant can be a University employee, student, authorized volunteer, contractor, guest, or visitor.

Respondent – A Respondent is a person whose alleged sexual harassment is the subject of a complaint. For purposes of this policy, a Respondent can be a University employee, student, authorized volunteer, contractor, guest, or visitor.

Sexual Harassment is defined as Sexual assault, which includes but is not limited to: rape, fondling, incest, statutory rape, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Additional definitions can be found in Board Policy 3.5.

Anonymity, Confidentiality, and Privacy When Reporting

According to Board Policy 3.5.III.A.2, A “Responsible Employee” is a University employee who has the authority to institute corrective measures on behalf of the University. Responsible Employees are required to report all the details of an incident (including the identities of both the Complainant and the alleged Respondent) to the Title IX Coordinator. A report to these Responsible Employees constitutes a report to the University and generally obligates the University to investigate the incident and take appropriate steps to address the situation.

You may submit this form anonymously. Western will promptly address all reports, regardless of whether they were reported anonymously. Please note: The ability to pursue reports is improved by providing as many details as you can about the incident you are reporting.

Per Board Policy 3.5.III.A.3, If the Complainant requests confidentiality or asks that the complaint not be pursued, the University will take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the complaint consistent with the request for confidentiality or request not to pursue an investigation consistent with its obligation to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment.

If a Complainant insists that their name or other identifiable information not be disclosed to the alleged perpetrator, the University will inform the Complainant that its ability to respond may be limited.

All parties’ privacy is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Board Policy.

For additional information, visit Western’s Board Policy Manual and Student Handbook.

Thank you for helping us promote a safe and secure learning environment at Western Colorado University.

Patty Hartshorn, Ed.S.
Director of Restorative Justice and Title IX Coordinator
Restorative Justice and Title IX Office
Location: Leslie J. Savage Library, 122
Phone: 970-943-2122
Email: civilrightsrjtix@western.edu