Response and resolution options are intended to address and resolve concerns of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct to:
- Support students or employees involved
- Ensure individuals are informed of their rights
- Implement disciplinary actions when appropriate, and
- Help to restore or maintain access to the University’s educational and work environments
The Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRC) offers a range of options for addressing concerns. You can make a Civil Rights & Title IX Report to learn about or request resolution options for your situation.
Once the report is received, a Civil Rights Case Manager will contact you to offer support and explain available options. Case managers are specially trained to provide an appropriate and supportive response to each report, ensuring that individuals receive accurate and complete information to make informed decisions.
If you prefer to discuss your experience confidentially before contacting CRC, consider connecting with a UW confidential advocate.
Resolution and response options
Participation in a resolution or response option is voluntary. The availability of these options depends on the specifics of your situation, and not all options are appropriate or available in every situation. Ultimately, CRC is responsible for determining the appropriate response to an allegation of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct.
Available options after contacting CRC:
- No action requested – In some situations, an individual may prefer that no action be taken. CRC seeks to honor the requests of impacted individuals whenever possible. In some instances, such as when there is an imminent safety threat or employee misconduct, the University may take action even if the impacted individual chooses not to participate.
- Informal action – Informal discussions with students or employees may be an option depending on the circumstances and what has been reported.
- Non-civil rights compliance actions – CRC will make referrals to other departments or process partners when appropriate to review the matter and provide support or response.
Available options after a complaint is submitted:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – For students only. ADR is a voluntary, structured process that allows students involved in a complaint of sex- or gender-based violence, harassment, or discrimination to develop a mutually agreed-upon resolution. Guided by a professional facilitator, ADR allows both students to actively contribute to the process and outcomes.
- Investigative Resolution – An investigation is a resolution process facilitated by the University that seeks to determine whether one or more University policies were violated. The process involves gathering evidence, interviewing the individuals involved, and speaking with witnesses. In some cases, it may involve a hearing. If this process determines that a member of the UW community has violated University policy, appropriate disciplinary or corrective action will be taken.
Supportive measures and other resources may be available to help restore or maintain access to academic and work environments, regardless of whether you choose to pursue a response or resolution option.
FAQs
You can make a Civil Rights & Title IX Report to learn about or request resolution options. Once the report is received, a Civil Rights Case Manager will contact you to offer support and explain available options, including investigative and alternative dispute resolution.
If desired, the case manager will also guide you through submitting a complaint, which is necessary to request an investigation or begin an Alternative Dispute Resolution process.
A complaint is a request for the University to take specific action to address a concern of discrimination, harassment, or sex- and gender-based misconduct. Complaints can be submitted regarding conduct that individuals believe may violate University policy or the Student Conduct Code.
While anyone can make a report, in general, a complaint may be submitted by the person who experienced the alleged conduct or by the Title IX, Title VI, or ADA coordinators as well as the Vice President of UWHR and other unit heads. When a complaint is submitted, the person who experienced the alleged misconduct is the Complainant. The individual who is alleged to have violated University policy or the Student Conduct Code is the Respondent.
Submitting a complaint is necessary to request a University investigation or begin an Alternative Dispute Resolution process. A complaint can be submitted through a Civil Rights Case Manager. For more information, you can make a Civil Rights & Title IX Report or contact a Civil Rights Case Manager by emailing civilrights@uw.edu.
Alternative resolution may result in a resolution agreement that can include expectations for how the complainant and respondent should communicate with one another and access shared spaces, agreements for the respondent to complete an education class, or limitations on the respondent’s participation in certain activities or events.
If a University investigation determines that University policy or the Student Conduct Code was violated, sanctions for student respondents can include loss of privileges, a no communication directive, disciplinary probation, educational assignments, suspension for one or more quarters, or dismissal from the University. For employee respondents, outcomes may include coaching and education or discipline up to and including employment termination.
When the University receives a complaint, the individual who is alleged to have violated University policy or the Student Conduct Code is the Respondent.
If a University investigation is opened, respondents will be notified in writing of the allegations and information about the investigation process.
Similarly, if an Alternative Dispute Resolution is requested, respondents will be notified in writing of the request and the specific allegations.
The person who experienced the alleged prohibited conduct is the Complainant. As a complainant, you can access help to understand your rights and navigate the process.
A Civil Rights Case Manager can offer support, refer you to resources, and explain available options. To contact a case manager, you can make a Civil Rights & Title IX Report or email civilrights@uw.edu.
If you have experienced sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking and prefer to discuss your experience confidentially before contacting the Civil Rights Compliance Office, consider connecting with a UW confidential advocate. The Know Your Rights & Resources guide also explains resources, resolution options, and University processes.
The individual who is alleged to have violated University policy or the Student Conduct Code is the Respondent. If you have been named as a respondent in a University investigation or Alternative Dispute Resolution process, you can access help to understand your rights and navigate the process.
A Civil Rights Case Manager can offer support, refer you to resources, and explain the resolution process. To contact a case manager, you can make a Civil Rights & Title IX Report or email civilrights@uw.edu.
Additional respondent support options:
- Student respondents – You may also work with respondent resources.
- Employee respondents – Depending on your role, you may request assistance from a human resources consultant, the Faculty Liaisons Program, the Office of the Ombud, your Union, and/or the Washington State Employee Assistance Program.
Yes, you can explore your options anytime, even if the situation occurred several quarters or years ago. Please be aware, however, that the passage of time may limit what actions CRC may be able to take in response to a concern. A Civil Rights Case Manager can help determine if your situation is eligible for resolution. To contact a case manager, you can make a Civil Rights & Title IX Report or email civilrights@uw.edu.