How to Report A Sexual Assault or Sexual Misconduct

Who Should I Report To? 

We encourage anyone who has survived a sexual assault or has experienced sexual discrimination and/or sexual harassment to start by telling someone they trust. There are also two confidential reporting resources available on campus:

University Health & Counseling Center
Physical location: Woodward House (River St.)
Phone: 503-554-2340
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Spiritual Life 
Physical location: Barclay House (across from Canyon Commons and LeShana Hall) 
Phone: 503-554-2320
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Contact Person: Jamie Johnson, Dean for Spiritual Life and University Pastor (jamiej@georgefox.edu)

When should I contact a Title IX Coordinator?

Title IX Coordinators are specifically designated by the University to assess and implement supportive measures for a complainant and to coordinate the formal investigation and hearing process in a sexual misconduct case.

Any student, faculty or staff member, or applicant for admission or employment who has concerns about sex discrimination, including but not limited to acts of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual violence, is encouraged to seek the assistance of one of the Title IX Coordinators identified below.

Contact a Title IX Coordinator if you:

• Wish to understand your options if you think that you may have encountered sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual violence;
• Learn of a situation that you feel may warrant an Institutional investigation;
• Need help on how to handle a situation in which you are indirectly affected;
• Want information about possible informal remedies or administrative measures to de-escalate or alleviate a difficult situation; or
• Have questions about George Fox University’s policies and procedures.

What is a Title IX Coordinator?

The Title IX Coordinator is a full-time employee designated by the university to coordinate the Title IX process, including the assessment and implementation of support services, providing written notices and documentation to the complainant and respondent, and coordination of investigators and hearing officers. The Title IX Coordinator may also file a formal complaint and initiate an investigation on the behalf of the university if there is a concern for the welfare of the broader community.

What happens after I make a report?  

It is important that if you are considering filing a Title IX report, you should know that you will be in control throughout the process. You can expect the following if you decide to make a report with a member of the Title IX team:

1. You will be provided with a list of resources and support services available to you.
2. An assessment will be made to determine appropriate support measures to ensure access to educational activities is restored.
3. You will be given the opportunity to decide whether you would like to file a formal complaint or if you would like to pursue an informal resolution process. 
4. If you decide to pursue a formal complaint, an investigation will be launched.
5. A written notice will be provided to you and the respondent simultaneously.
6. During this time, the Title IX Coordinator will determine whether the incident falls under federal Title IX regulations, Oregon HB 3415, or the University’s code of conduct. 
7. What happens after the investigation period will be determined by which regulation the incident falls under. Regardless of the process, the goal of the University is to ensure a fair and timely grievance process and also to ensure that you as the complainant feels supported.

What if I or someone else was violating another university policy when the incident happened? 

The University wants to eliminate barriers for students who may be hesitant to seek medical or emergency help or report an incident to university officials because they fear sanctions for policy violations (e.g., drinking alcoholic beverages). To encourage reporting, George Fox pursues a policy of offering students who are accessing help for themselves or others, conditional immunity from being charged with policy violations related to the particular incident.  While there may be no community accountability sanctions for these individuals, the University may provide elements of help, support, and education.

What are my rights as a complainant/respondent?

Both complainants and respondents have the right to the following:

1. A fair and timely grievance process 
2. A written notice delivered simultaneously to both parties
3. Explanation of the formal complaint process (also known as the grievance process)
4. Selection of an advisor of your choice (in the case of a live hearing, if a party does not have an advisor, the University will assign one) 
5. Privacy protections during the grievance process includes:
   1. the University must have written consent in order to access/consider medical records maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, or other recognized professional and made for the purpose of providing treatment to the party
   2. The University will never use or attempt to use questions or evidence that is protected by a legally recognized privilege
6. An equal opportunity to submit and review evidence throughout the investigation
7. An equal opportunity to appeal 
8. Protection from retaliation

In addition to the above, complainants have the right to the following:

1. Supportive measures (regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed) that restore or preserve access to educational activities are free of charge and take into consideration individual needs and wishes. 
2. Protection from inappropriately being asked about prior sexual history
3. Remedies that maintain equal access to education when a respondent is found responsible 

In addition to the above, respondents have the right to a grievance process that presumes their innocence until an investigation has been conducted and a finding of responsibility has been issued by the hearing officer.