Response and resolution options are intended to address and resolve concerns of sex- or gender-based violence, harassment, or discrimination in a way that supports the students or employees involved, ensures individuals are informed of their rights, implements disciplinary actions when appropriate, and helps to restore or maintain access to the University’s educational and work environments.
The Title IX Office offers a range of options for addressing concerns. You can make a Title IX report to learn about or request resolution options for your situation. Once the report is received, a Title IX case manager will contact you to offer support and explain available options. Title IX 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.
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, the Title IX Office is responsible for determining the appropriate response to an allegation of sex- or gender-based violence, harassment, or discrimination.
If you prefer to discuss your experience confidentially before contacting the Title IX Office, consider connecting with a UW confidential advocate.
Resolution and Response Options
- No Action Requested – In some situations, an individual may prefer that no action be taken. The Title IX Office 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 Discussion – Educational and informal discussions with students or employees may be an option depending on the circumstances and what has been reported.
- Non-Title IX actions – Referrals to other departments or processes when appropriate to review the matter and provide support or response.
Available options after a formal complaint is submitted include:
- Alternative Resolution (for students) – Alternative Dispute Resolution is a voluntary and structured process in which students involved in a formal complaint work with a professional facilitator to develop a mutually agreed-upon resolution, actively contributing to the process and outcomes.
- Investigative Resolution – The UW Civil Rights Investigation Office conducts investigations that include interviews and fact-gathering to determine if the evidence provided supports a finding of a policy violation. If the University determines a policy violation (or other inappropriate behavior) occurred, disciplinary or corrective action may be taken to address the situation.
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 Title IX report to learn about or request resolution options. Once the report is received, a Title IX case manager will contact you to offer support and explain available options, including investigative and alternative dispute resolution.
If desired, a Title IX case manager will also guide you through submitting a formal complaint, which is necessary to request an investigation or begin an Alternative Dispute Resolution process.
A formal complaint is a request for the University to take specific action to address a concern of sex- or gender-based violence, harassment, or discrimination. Formal complaints can be submitted regarding conduct individuals believe may violate the Student Conduct Code or UW policy.
A complaint may be submitted by the person who experienced the alleged Title IX-related conduct or by the Title IX Coordinator. When you submit a formal complaint, you are the Complainant. The individual who is alleged to have violated the Student Conduct Code or UW policy is the Respondent.
Submitting a formal complaint is necessary to request a University investigation or begin an Alternative Dispute Resolution process. A formal complaint can be submitted through a Title IX case manager or a Civil Rights investigator. For more information, you can make a Title IX report or contact a Title IX case manager by emailing titleix@uw.edu.
Alternative resolution may result in a resolution agreement that can include expectations for communicating with one another, plans for accessing 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 the Student Conduct Code or UW policy 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, corrective or disciplinary action can range from coaching and education or work assignment changes to employment termination.
When the University receives a formal complaint, the individual who is alleged to have violated the Student Conduct Code or UW policy 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 Alternative Dispute Resolution is requested, respondents will be notified in writing of the request and the specific allegations.
If you have experienced sex- or gender-based violence or harassment, resources and support options are available to you. The Know Your Rights & Resources guide explains resources, resolution options, and university processes.
A Title IX case manager can offer support and explain available options. To contact a Title IX case manager, you can submit a Title IX report or email titleix@uw.edu.
If you prefer to discuss your experience confidentially before contacting the Title IX Office, consider connecting with a UW confidential advocate.
The individual who is alleged to have violated the Student Conduct Code or UW policy 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 Title IX case manager can provide support and explain the resolution process. To contact a Title IX case manager, you can submit a Title IX report or email titleix@uw.edu.
Additional 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 Secretary of the Faculty, the Office of the Ombud, your Union, and/or the Washington State Employee Assistance Program.
Yes, you can explore your options under Title IX anytime, even if the situation occurred several quarters or years ago. A Title IX case manager can help determine if your situation is eligible for resolution. To contact a Title IX case manager, you can submit a Title IX report or email titleix@uw.edu.