FAQ's for Employees
How can I best support the student?
The best way to support a student who has experienced an incident is to listen with empathy and compassion.
Acknowledge their experience: "I'm so sorry that happened to you," "That sounds incredibly hard," or "I can only imagine how difficult that must have been"
Listen without interruption: Let them finish their story without interrupting or jumping in with your own experiences or advice.
Make eye contact and nod: Show that you are engaged and paying attention.
Ask open-ended questions: Encourage them to share more by asking questions like, "How are you feeling?" or "What's been going on?".
Thank them for sharing: "Thank you for sharing this with me," or "I appreciate you trusting me with this".
Offer support and resources: explain that you will be passing along information to the Title IX Coordinator, who will reach out to them to offer supports.
What do I do if a student tells me about an incident of sexual misconduct?
If a student discloses to you that they have experienced an act of sexual misconduct and you are not a confidential resource (this includes licensed medical, clinical, or mental health professional staff in Student Health Services, the Counseling Center, or the WCU Community Mental Health Services (CMHS) Clinic), you are considered a 'responsible employee.'
As a responsible employee you are required to report the incident. If you are not a confidential resource it is important to let the student know as soon as possible that you are required to report the incident. You can report the incident online or you can contact the Title IX coordinator, at tix@wcupa.edu or 610-436-2433.
Keep in mind that West Chester University's policy requires you to report to the university - NOT to the police. Therefore, reporting does not mean that students will have to appear in court, be in contact with the accused or share their story with anyone else.
I've never heard the term 'responsible employee.' What is a responsible employee?
A responsible employee is any university employee that is required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title IX coordinator through the report form or visit wcupa.edu/sexualmisconductreport. The phrase 'responsible employee' is used to indicate any role on campus that is required to report acts of sexual misconduct.
Am I a responsible employee?
ALL university employees are considered responsible employees. The only exception to this rule is those employees who work for the Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services and the WCU Community Mental Health Services (CMHS) Clinic – these resources are considered confidential.
When and how do I disclose to a student that I am a responsible employee?
Your syllabus statement should have information on required reporting. However, at any time if you feel a student is going to disclose information regarding sexual misconduct, share as soon as possible that you are required to report the incident to the Title IX office/Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance.
If a student has already disclosed to you an incident of sexual misconduct, let them know immediately that you are required to report the incident.
Do I always have to report?
The only exception to reporting is for faculty. Faculty do not have to report when incidents of sexual misconduct are communicated by a student during a classroom discussion, in a writing assignment for a class, or as part of a University-approved research project. This exemption does not pertain to office hours or conversations elsewhere.
What happens after I report?
After you report an incident of sexual misconduct the Title IX coordinator or designee will reach out to the student. This point of contact is to offer students options and resources. The student has control over what, if anything, is done next. If the student does not want further support and does not want to report through Student Conduct or criminally then the process generally stops there. The report is kept on file for data collection purposes. If the student wishes to follow through with possible 'next steps' the Title IX coordinator will be able to direct and assist in doing so.
What if I'm not sure if an incident would be considered sexual misconduct?
If you're unclear if something would be considered sexual misconduct, read the terms defined under the Sexual Misconduct page. If you're still unsure after reading the definitions contact the Title IX coordinator at tix@wcupa.edu or 610-436-2433. It is important to remember that even if you're unsure, it is in the best interest of the student and the university that you report.
Why do I have to report?
It is important for the safety of all. West Chester University's required reporting policy has been implemented to ensure the overall campus remains safe. Some individuals who commit acts of sexual misconduct are likely to do so again or already have. Because of that phenomenon, required reporting helps track those individuals who may become a threat to the university.
Required reporting also ensures that students know what resources are offered to them. After a report is made, the Title IX coordinator reaches out to the student providing them with resources and information. This contact may be the first and last thing that is done if that's what the student prefers.
What resources are available for students?
There are various on-campus resources offered to students free of charge. Accessing these accommodations DOES NOT require students to follow through with student conduct or criminal charges but can only be attained if the Title IX office is aware of the incident. Some of these include:
- No Contact Directive - limitations on contact between the parties
- Faculty Outreach Letters - e-mail from our office notifying faculty that a student is experiencing a significant personal incident
- Academic Support (i.e., tutoring, withdraw from a class without penalty)
- Class Reassignment
- On-Campus Housing Reassignment - ensure that the complainant and respondent are not in close proximity
- Public Safety Escorts anywhere on campus
What if the accused and complainant(s) are in my class?
If you become aware that the complainant(s) and the accused are in the same class it's recommended that you consult with the Title IX Coordinator/Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance at tix@wcupa.edu, (610) 436-2433.
Is there a space for employees to get involved in prevention, training, and education?
If you are interested in getting involved with the procedures that follow the report of an incident, you may consider aiding in the conduct process as a hearing board member by contacting the Director of Student Conduct, at (610) 436-3511 or aiding in the fact-finding process by contacting the Title IX coordinator at tix@wcupa.edu.
Where do I go if I have experienced sexual harassment by a faculty or staff member?
If you think you have experienced an act of sexual harassment contact the Office for Equal Opportunity and Compliance at 610-436-2433. Further information detailing employee processes can be found here.
Where can I go to get further information?
For further information read through the sexual misconduct website. If you would prefer to speak with an individual, please contact the Office for Equal Opportunity and Compliance at 610-436-2433.