Report to Your School

Colleges and universities in Oregon are required to respond to all reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. This page will help you understand the reporting process, and who you can contact to get help at your school. The decision about if and when to report is entirely up to you.

Here are some helpful terms to know:

  • Report

    A report of sexual harassment (including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking) tells your school that you have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment. Colleges and universities in Oregon must respond to all reports made to them.

  • Advocate

    Advocates are confidential staff from your school or a community agency, and are skilled at helping you with safety resources, and helping you to navigate the Title IX reporting process. Advocates will help to answer your questions about reporting and resource options. Click here to learn more.

  • Title IX

    Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sexual harassment. All students, staff, and faculty have rights and protections under Title IX. Title IX applies to all students, including visiting students, those under the age of 18, queer, LGB2S+ and trans students.

 Stages of a Sexual Harassment Investigation

Below is an overview of the different stages involved in a sexual harassment investigation. Every school’s process is slightly different, and we encourage you to connect with a confidential resource at your school, or search for “sexual misconduct policy” on your school’s website to learn more.

  • Visit this page if you are under the age of 18 to learn more about your options.

    If you choose to report to a confidential resource on campus (like a Confidential Advocate, counselor, or chaplain), then no investigation takes place at this time. Confidential resources can help you with safety planning, understanding the investigation process at your school, and connect you with support resources. These resources can also help you connect with the Title IX coordinator at a later time/date, if you feel ready to make a report in the future.

  • Stage 1: Meet with the Title IX Coordinator

    The Title IX Coordinator will explain your rights and options to you, and offer supportive measures (measures that can help you maintain access to your education).

    The Title IX Coordinator will ask if you want to file an official report, and pursue an investigation with the school. You may also be able to pursue an informal (no investigation) option, or do nothing at this time. Under Oregon law, you cannot be penalized for choosing not to participate in an investigation process.

    If you choose to do nothing for the time being: the process stops here, and the Title IX coordinator can connect you to support resources.

    If you choose an informal option (no investigation): Your Title IX coordinator can discuss what the informal process looks like at your school.

    Stage 2: Investigation Process Begins

    Start an investigation with school. You will meet with one of the school's investigators, who will interview you, document any evidence you have available, and ask for any potential witnesses.

    Stage 3: Review Investigative Report

    The investigator will compile a report for you and the respondent(s) to review. You can clarify any evidence or statements you have made at this time.

    Stage 4: Hearing

    The school may hold a hearing where a hearing board (2+ people) reviews the investigator's report, and may ask you, the respondent(s) and any witnesses clarifying questions about information in the report.

    Stage 5: Hearing Board Makes a Decision

    The hearing board will decide whether or not there has been a violation of school policy, based on the evidence provided. They may make a final determination, or make a recommendation to a final decision maker.

    Stage 6: Decision in Writing from Title IX Coordinator

    The Title IX Coordinator will provide the decision (called a "Finding") from the hearing board to you, and the respondent(s) in writing. If the respondent has been found responsible, any sanctions (suspension, etc.) or remedies provided by the school will be included in the letter.


    OPTIONAL Stage 7: Appeal

    You and the respondent are eligible to appeal the finding if certain criteria are met (for example, if there is new evidence). If an appeal is dismissed by the school, then the investigation and findings stand. If the appeal is accepted, you may meet with the investigator to provide new evidence, or with the Title IX Coordinator to discuss any procedural errors (mistakes in the investigation process) that took place. This may result in a new hearing and final finding.

    CONCLUSION: If no appeal is filed, the Title IX Coordinator can check in with you regarding any continuing supportive measures you may need.

Who is Involved in an Investigation?

  • Confidential Resource

    Confidential resources are staff at your school that do not have to report violence to the Title IX Coordinator, and may be able to help you better understand the reporting process. These staff can be advocates, counselors, medical staff, Clergy or Chaplains, and/or legal resources. Learn more about confidential options at your school by clicking here.

  • Title IX Coordinator

    Every school in Oregon is required to have a Title IX Coordinator. Some schools may also have “Deputy Coordinators” that assist the Title IX Coordinator. These staff are responsible for receiving reports, coordinating support measures, and ensuring investigations are fair and impartial. They must respond to every report of violence made to the school under Oregon law.

  • Investigator

    An investigator helps the Title IX Coordinator to conduct investigations when the school receives a report of sexual harassment. Investigators will meet and interview parties involved in the case (including you, the respondent and any witnesses), collect evidence, and compile a written report of this information.

  • Hearing Board Staff

    Hearing board staff are usually specially-trained staff, faculty or students that review evidence submitted by the investigator, and facilitate a hearing (meeting). “Hearings” refer to a meeting where all parties in an investigation answer questions about any evidence being reviewed by the hearing board. Not every investigation of sexual harassment requires the use of a hearing board, and not all schools use hearing boards the same way.

  • Decision Maker

    A Decision Maker is a specially-trained employee of the school that reviews the report compiled by the investigator/hearing board, and decides if a violation of school policy has occurred. If a policy violation has occurred, this person may also determine if any sanctions are necessary. The Title IX Coordinator and Investigator(s) may not serve as a Decision-maker.

  • Appeals Administrator

    An Appeals Administrator reviews any appeals regarding the outcome of a sexual harassment investigation. They determine if the appeal meets the appeal criteria (outlined by your school). If the appeal meets the criteria, then the Appeal Administrator would decide next steps, such as: if the outcome of the original investigation would be overturned, if a sanction would be removed/strengthened/minimized, or if new evidence needed review.

  • Process Advisor

    A “Process Advisor” is a specially-trained employee of the university that helps students to navigate the sexual harassment investigation process. The process advisor is familiar with each step of the investigation, and can answer questions for you. Not every school utilizes process advisors. Process advisors may have to share any questions or information that you share with them with the Title IX Coordinator or Investigator.

  • Advisor of Choice

    Every reporting party and respondent has the right to an “Advisor of Choice”, or someone that can support you through the investigation process. An Advisor can accompany you to all interviews, hearings, and meetings. Your Advisor typically cannot speak on your behalf. in these meetings. If your case goes to a hearing, your advisor would be able to ask other parties and witnesses relevant questions (about evidence, etc.) related to your case on your behalf. An advisor of choice can be anyone you like, including a friend, parent, lawyer, etc. When choosing an Advisor of Choice, consider if you are comfortable with them knowing all details of your case.

Resources to Learn More

 

Oregon SATF has created resources to help students in Oregon learn more about Title IX, what investigations may look like, and how to get help. Please click on the buttons below to learn more.

Understanding the Changes to Title IX: Overview (English)
Understanding the Changes to Title IX - Long Version (English)