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Reporting Options and Resources

Any member of the campus community who has witnessed or is aware of any of the prohibited conduct on Board of Governors Governance Rule 1.6, 1.7 or other related policies is encouraged to report. We investigate every Civil Rights, Title IX, or youth protection related incident reported to the University.

If there is a crime actively taking place, or someone is in immediate danger, please contact 911 immediately.

The choices you make following an incident, including whether or not to report, and to whom to report, are for you to decide. We recognize that these choices can be difficult, and if you're unsure of next steps, a member of our prevention team can help lay out your options. You can call or text the 24/7 Title IX Anonymous Hotline at 304-906-9930 to connect today.

If you know you're wanting to file a report, you can do so through the button below. If the incident involves a child, or child abuse/neglect is otherwise suspected, you do not have a choice and must report.

Reporting Options

Standards for violating criminal law are different than the standards in WVU’s grievance procedures, and so they are not the same thing. Neither the results of a criminal investigation, nor the decision of law enforcement to investigate or decline to investigate a matter, is a determinative factor of whether a violation of Board of Governors Governance Rule 1.6, 1.7, or other related polices has occurred. Likewise, a violation of a Board of Governors Governance Rule or related policy does not determine whether or not a criminal violation has occurred.

Any member of the campus community who has witnessed or is aware of any of the prohibited conduct on Board of Governors Governance Rule 1.6, 1.7 or other related policies is encouraged to report. We investigate every Civil Rights, Title IX, or youth protection related incident reported to the University.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of prohibited conduct, you can file a report with WVU’s Executive Director of Compliance/Title IX Coordinator:

By mail through downloading the complaint form and mailing it to:

  • Office of Compliance and Prevention Education
  • P.O. Box 6202, Morgantown, WV 26506

Or online:

Responsible Employees

All faculty and staff at West Virginia University are considered responsible employees. This means that when a Title IX related or other forms of discrimination and harassment incident are disclosed to them, they must report it to the University to ensure the safety of the individual and the campus community.

Counselors and pastoral staff are exempt from this and maintain a confidential status. Title IX Education Specialists are considered private resources, meaning that they do not report specific cases to the University, only demographic/non-identifying information that can be used in West Virginia University’s Annual Campus Security Report.

Law Enforcement

As many of the reported incidents may constitute both a violation of WVU policy and criminal law, while not required, we encourage persons to report incidents to law enforcement. The following options are available 24 hours, seven days a week, for reporting an incident to law enforcement:

WVU Police Department (Morgantown)

Morgantown Police Department

Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office

WVU Potomac State College Police Department (Keyser)

WVU Tech Police Department (Beckley)

Supportive Measures

Supportive Measures are non-disciplinary individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to both the complainant and respondent. Such measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the University’s program or activity without unreasonably burdening the other party. While providing supportive measures, the University maintains confidentiality to the extent possible.

Supportive measures can be offered before, during, or after a complaint is filed. In addition, these measures can be offered even without a formal complaint.

If you or someone you know has experienced harm or is a party to an investigation, we can help with a number of supportive measures, including but not limited to:

Initially case managers are assigned to each matter to provide resources and supportive measures, as well as options moving forward with a report. If the report is escalated to a Title IX investigation, an advisor will be provided to you. An advisor is a person that can accompany complainants and respondents to all process meetings, interviews, and hearings. More information about obtaining an advisor can be found here: https://compliance.wvu.edu/title-ix/student-faq#question-33

The University can assist students and employees in accessing confidential counseling services through campus Counseling and Psychological Services. These services are intended to support emotional well-being, coping, and recovery, regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed.

To learn more about the Carruth Center and their available resources for students see: https://carruth.wvu.edu/

To learn more about the Faculty Staff Assistance Program for employees see: https://health.wvu.edu/faculty-and-staff-assistance-program/

The University may issue a notice sent by that Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities which states that a student or student organization may have no direct or indirect contact with another person, student organization, or student organization member (including by another person on behalf of the person to whom the order was issued); prohibited contact includes but is not limited to making a contact by way of personal (verbal or non-verbal), physical, phone, and/or electronic means including social media). No contact directives are non-punitive in nature, unless violated, and are mutual between the parties.

The University may coordinate with faculty to allow flexibility with exams, quizzes, or assignment deadlines. Adjustments may include extensions, alternative testing dates, or modified submission requirements to ensure students are not academically disadvantaged due to circumstances related to a Title IX matter. No two cases are the same, and effective support requires flexibility. There are multiple strategies and pathways available, and determining the best approach depends on the specific needs of each individual.

The University can coordinate with WVU PD, who will provide a uniform officer or campus safety officer to meet individuals traveling to and from classes, residence halls, parking areas, or other campus locations where safety concerns have been identified. More information about Safety Escorts and other UPD services can be found here: Safety Escorts | Police | West Virginia University

The University can assist students in accessing on-campus health services or referrals to local medical providers for care related to physical health concerns. Medical services may include treatment, documentation, or referrals for follow-up care, as requested by the student. WVU’s on campus student health facility is located at 390 Birtch Street on the Evansdale Campus. More information about WVU Student Health Services can be found here: Services | Student Health | West Virginia University

The University may connect students with tutoring, academic coaching, or learning support services to help address academic challenges that arise due to the impact of the experience reported. More information about academic support services can be found here: https://provost.wvu.edu/academic-support-and-services

The University may assist in adjusting academic or campus employment schedules to reduce overlap between involved parties. Changes are made to the extent reasonably available and without penalty to the student requesting the adjustment.

The University may assist students in exploring alternative housing arrangements, including temporary relocation within campus housing or assistance with off-campus options, to reduce contact and support a safe living environment.

To learn more about supportive measures and to review FAQs see: https://compliance.wvu.edu/title-ix/student-faq#question-16

Interim Measures

Similar, but separate from supportive measures, Interim measures can be implemented if (and only if) an emergency removal process is completed. This process includes an individualized safety and risk analysis that determines if there is an immediate threat to the physical health or safety to campus community members arising from the allegations of sexual harassment.

The purpose is to protect the physical health and safety of impacted individuals and not to penalize a respondent while the grievance process is pending.

It should be noted that employees may still be placed on administrative leave during the grievance proceedings

The following are examples of interim measures that can be taken after completing the emergency removal process:

For those employed by the University, temporary or permanent modifications to job duties, work locations, or reporting structures may be arranged to support safety and minimize contact, without affecting pay or employment status whenever possible.

In limited circumstances, the University may temporarily restrict a party’s access to specific campus facilities or residential spaces as a supportive or safety-based measure. Such actions are not disciplinary determinations and are evaluated based on individualized safety and risk considerations.

The University may limit access to specific extracurricular activities, events, or privileges when necessary to prevent interaction between parties or to address safety concerns, while striving to minimize the impact on overall student engagement.

In certain situations, the University may impose a temporary leave or suspension as an interim measure to address safety or operational concerns. Such actions are taken in accordance with university policy and do not constitute a final determination of responsibility.

Resources

Anonymous and Confidential Resources

If you’re wanting to speak to someone anonymously, please call the 24/7 Title IX Anonymous Hotline at (304) 906-9930. Someone is available to take your call 24 hours a day.

Confidential employees are individuals who have been identified by the Title IX Office as individuals or entities that DO NOT have to report incidences of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator.

Included in this list are:

  • Counselors and therapists affiliated with the Carruth Counseling Center for Psychological and Psychiatric Services - 304-293-4431
  • Women’s Resources Center - wrc.wvu.edu
  • LGBTQ+ Center - 304-293-9593 or lgbtq.wvu.edu
  • Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center (Morgantown, WV) - 304-293-5100
  • Counselors and therapists affiliated with Potomac State College - 304-788-6976
  • AWAY, Formerly Women’s Resource Center: https://www.awaywv.org/ (Beckley, WV)
  • Counselors and therapists affiliated with West Virginia University Institute of Technology - 304-929-1237
  • Faculty Ombudsperson Office (for faculty only) a confidential, independent, informal, and neutral resource for faculty members; this office can assist faculty members with workplace conflicts and concerns by listening, providing information, exploring options, coaching through difficult conversations and circumstances, and facilitating discussions. - 304-293-6338

Campus-Specific Resources

Carruth Center for Psychological and Psychiatric Counseling

Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center (RDVIC 24-hour hotline)

Ruby Memorial Hospital, Emergency Department

Monongalia General Hospital, Emergency Department

WVU Student Health Services

Potomac Valley Hospital

  • 100 Pin Oak Lane, Keyser, WV 26726
  • 304-597-3500

PSC Student Health Center

  • Adjacent to Reynolds Hall
  • 304-788-6913

PSC University Police Department

  • 101 Fort Ave., Keyser, WV 26726
  • 304-788-6931

PSC Student Conduct Office

  • 304-788-6910

PSC Behavioral Health Therapist

  • Michelle House
  • 304-788-6976

PSC Dean of University Relations and Student Experience

  • Dean Kimberly G. Colebank
  • 304-788-7085

PSC Pastoral Services

  • Sally Bartling
  • 304-788-6868

WVU’s Office of Compliance and Prevention Education

  • 304-293-5600

Mineral County Sheriff’s Office

  • 304-788-0441

WV State Police

  • 304-788-1101

The City of Keyser Police Department

  • 111 N. Davis Street, Keyser, WV 26726
  • 304-788-1511

Mineral County Health Department

  • 304-788-1321

Western Maryland Health System

  • Debi Wolford
  • 240-964-7000

WVU Sexual Assault/Education Specialist

  • 304-293-1377

Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center

  • 304-292-5100 (Hotline: 24-hour advocacy)

Family Crisis Center Keyser

  • 304-788-6061

Family Crisis Resource Center - Cumberland, MD

  • 301-759-9244

WVU Tech Campus Police

WVU Tech Student Counseling Services

WVU Tech Student Health Clinic

WVU Tech Student Life

Raleigh General Hospital

  • 1710 Harper Road, Beckley, WV 25801
  • 304-256-4100

AWAY (Advocating A Way For Adults And Youth)

Raleigh County Outreach Office

  • 104 Wilson Street, Beckley, WV 25801
  • Phone: 304-255-4066

Fayette County Outreach Office

  • 139 South Court Street, Fayetteville, WV 25840
  • Phone: 304-574-0500

Nicholas County Outreach Office

  • 717 Main Street, Suite 201, Summersville, WV 26651
  • Phone: 304-872-7875

Summers County Outreach Office

  • 307 Temple Street, Hinton, WV 25951
  • Phone: 304-309-5147

National Resources

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Through this hotline an advocate can provide local direct service resources (safehouse shelters, transportation, casework assistance) and crisis intervention. Interpreter services available in 170 languages. They also partner with the Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Center to provide a videophone option. Hotline: 800-799-SAFE
  • National Teen Dating Abuse Online Helpline: This online helpline assists teens who are, or may be, in abusive relationships.
  • Pathways to Safety International: The center serves abused Americans, mostly women and children, in both civilian and military populations overseas. In addition to providing domestic violence advocacy, safety planning and case management, the center assists victims with relocation, emergency funds for housing and childcare, and funds for payment of legal fees.
  • National Coalition against Domestic Violence: The national coalition of Domestic Violence organizations is dedicated to empowering victims and changing society to a zero tolerance policy.

  • 1in6 (for men sexually abused as children): Provides educational information and resources for men, family and friends, and professionals. Also provides access to the online hotline.
  • Jimhopper.com: This site has articles that discuss the effects of child sexual abuse on adult men and their loved ones.
  • Malesurvivor.org: This site has information and a therapist search for male survivors of sexual violence.

  • Deaf Abused Women’s Network (DAWN): Legal, medical, system advocacy and survivor support services. Video Phone: 202-559-5366
  • CAVANET: This organization addresses violence against women, human rights, genocide, and crime victims with disabilities.
  • National Disability Rights Network: NDRN members investigate reports of abuse and neglect, and seek systemic change to prevent further incidents; advocate for basic rights; and ensure accountability in health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and within the juvenile and criminal justice systems for individuals with disabilities.

Investigation and Resolution Process

The complaint and investigation process at West Virginia University (WVU) depends on whether the parties involved are students or non-students. WVU has established guidelines and procedures for addressing all reports of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, domestic misconduct, stalking, and other potential Code of Conduct violations.

The dropdown menus below are intended to serve as a quick reference for matters that fall specifically under the Title IX process. For more detailed information and a comprehensive explanation of how different types of complaints are classified and addressed, see the Complaint and Investigation Process section.

The Title IX investigative process includes:

  1. Initial Report and Intake (to determine if a matter falls under policies of Rule 1.6 or Title IX)
  2. Filing of a Formal Complaint (A formal complaint must be filed by the complainant, or signed by the Title IX Coordinator, before a full investigation can begin specifically for Title IX. A formal complaint is not needed for a Rule 1.6 investigation)
  3. Assignment of an Investigator (unbiased fact gatherer of information)
  4. Evidence Collection (where the Investigator collects artifacts such as messages, photos, documents, etc)
  5. Review of Evidence (before the investigation concludes, both parties have the opportunity to review and respond to relevant evidence collected)
  6. Investigative Report (both parties have the opportunity to review this before it is sent for decision-making)
  7. Formal Resolution (Hearing or Decision Process)
  8. Written Determination (provides outcomes and any sanctions, if applicable)
  9. Appeal Process (can be done 5 calendar days from the issuance of the Notice of Sanctions)

More details regarding the Investigative Process can be found here: https://compliance.wvu.edu/title-ix/student-faq#question-21

An Informal Resolution is a way to resolve a complaint before a charge is issued. It allows parties to resolve a complaint collaboratively, voluntarily, and with the assistance of a trained facilitator. Informal Resolutions cannot be used in cases where a school employee is alleged to have sexually harassed a student.

Key Features of Informal Resolution

  • Voluntary Participation (participation cannot be forced)
  • Can be requested any time before a charge is issued
    • Common approaches include:
      • Mediation
      • Training
      • Educational Measures
      • Other Agreeable Dispute Options

Informal Resolution Process

  1. Initial Screening (The Title IX Coordinator evaluates whether an Informal Resolution is appropriate)
  2. Facilitator Selection (this person cannot be the investigator or the hearing decision-maker_
  3. Pre-Resolution Meetings (occurs with both parties)
  4. Agreement to Participate (both parties sign this agreement before the Informal Resolution begins)
  5. Resolution Session
  6. Written Agreement (If an agreement is reached, the facilitator drafts a document outlining the terms, which the Title IX Coordinator reviews for fairness and enforceability)
  7. Monitoring and Follow-Up (The Title IX Coordinator ensures compliance with the agreement and provides ongoing support if needed)

 

When Informal Resolution May Be Appropriate

Informal Resolutions work best when:

  • Both parties want control over the outcome.
  • They prefer a quicker, less adversarial process.
  • The situation may benefit from communication, clarification, or conflict-repair.

 

More information regarding Informal Resolutions can be found here: https://compliance.wvu.edu/title-ix/student-faq#question-37