GW Community Member Reporting Responsibilities

If a GW community member (e.g., student, staff, faculty, program participant) tells you about an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence or stalking, you may be required to report this information  to the Title IX Coordinator.

This applies to direct disclosures and times when someone tells you about an incident they themselves did not directly experience.

Determine if You’re a Designated Reporter

“Designated Reporters” are university community members who are required by this Policy to promptly report any information they learn about suspected or alleged sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence or stalking to the university’s Title IX Coordinator.  Unless identified and acting as a Confidential Resource, Designated Reporters include:

• President, Provost, Vice Presidents, Deans, and Department Chairs
• Deputy, Vice, Assistant and Associate, Provosts, Deans, and individuals who directly report to any of these roles
• Faculty
• Athletic Director, Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Graduate Assistants and other Athletics Department employees
• All Residence Directors, Resident Advisors and Area Coordinators
• Anyone who directly supervises students, student workers, faculty or other staff
• Managers, coordinators, program heads, directors (including deputy, vice, assistant or associate positions)
• All staff in Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
• Academic Advisors
• All staff in the Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement
• All staff in the Division of Human Resources
• GW Police Department Staff and all other Division of Safety and Facilities staff
• Individuals designated as Campus Security Authorities under the Clery Act

Designated Reporters must report all known information, including the identities of the parties, the date, time, and location, and any details about the reported incident to the Title IX Coordinator. Designated Reporters may provide support and assistance to the individual who disclosed to them, but they cannot promise confidentiality or withhold information from the Title IX Coordinator. Failure by a Designated Reporter to report suspected or alleged sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence or stalking  in a timely manner may subject them to appropriate discipline, including removal from a position or termination of employment.

All Other Employees not designated as Confidential Resources or Designated Reporters are encouraged to report any suspected violation of this Policy to the university’s Title IX Coordinator.

Know the Duties of a Designated Reporter

If a student, staff, faculty or other affiliate shares information with you about an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence or stalking, report the incident or contact the Title IX Office at 202-994-7434 or [email protected]

If the person is in need of immediate assistance, contact GW Emergency Services at 202-994-6111.

Follow these guidelines:

1. Before they disclose if possible, explain that you are required to inform the Title IX office about any allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault.

2. Inform them about confidential support resources that do not require a report to the Title IX office.

3. Explain that their information will be kept private by the Title IX office to the extent possible.

4. Tell them that they have the option of filing a police report or a formal complaint with the university at any time. These options are not required just because they talk to or make a report with the Title IX office.

5. Record only what the survivor volunteers. Your role is not to fact find, investigate, or determine reliability.

6. Listen with empathy and without judgment.

7. Encourage the survivor to preserve any relevant evidence.

Actions to Take if You’re a Not a Designated Reporter

Even if you are not required to report incidents to the Title IX office, you play an important role in helping the university respond effectively to incidents of interpersonal violence. 

1. Provide the student, faculty, or staff member with information about their resources and options to get help.

2. Ask the survivor for permission to connect them with the Title IX office or to contact the Title IX office on their behalf.

3. Assess for immediate safety concerns and refer to campus or local law enforcement, if necessary.

How to Engage and What to Say

• Listen: Provide a non-judgmental outlet for the individual to discuss their concerns.

• Support: Your role is not to fact find, investigate or determine facts. Listen with empathy and compassion.

• Assist: Ask “How can I help you through this difficult time?” or tell them “I’d like to help connect you to resources that can assist you.”

• Connect: You do not need to be an expert counselor, a fixer or a best friend. Help the individual identify the next best step (according to their goals and needs) and help coordinate a warm handoff.