Sexual Harassment Policy

Sexual Harassment: zero tolerance

President's statementWestern Oregon University is committed to providing a safe living and learning environment. We believe that an informed campus community helps to assure compliance with the policies and procedures necessary for sustaining an environment free of harassment of any kind.

Western Oregon University does not tolerate behavior that violates university policies or state and federal law. We are committed to providing a clear and accessible network of communication, training, and support services for all students, staff, and faculty. WOU provides information through publications, orientation sessions, and open forums to describe campus expectations and consequences related to issues of sexual harassment and improper consensual relationships.

You may access information and resources via the links contained on this web page. You will also find contact information for those people who can best answer questions and assist in other ways. Our hope is that by providing this information, you are confident of our pledge for a safe and supportive campus for students and employees.

Dr. John P. Minahan - University President

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of discriminatory harassment.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature when directed toward an individual because of that individual's sex when:

Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of the individual's employment, grade, or used as the basis for any employment or academic decision; or

Such conduct is unwelcome and has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or academic environment.

Resources Keeping WOU Safe from Sexual Harrassment: printable brochure

Describes what sexual harassment can include

What to do if you believe you are being sexually harassed

A listing of contacts

click here to download PDF document

Counseling for students

If you feel that you have been sexually harassed, the Student Counseling Center can help. The Counseling Center provides a supportive and confidential environment for students to discuss personal and emotional concerns including issues associated with sexual harassment.
Counseling for issues concerning sexual harassment: click here to learn more

Counseling for employees
The Employee Assistance Program is available to help employees with support and counseling resources
through two sources.
The Cascade Centers, Inc.: click here to learn more
The Public Employees Benefits Board: click here to learn more

Resource guides
Resource guides are Western Oregon University students, staff and faculty, who have volunteered to be available for any WOU student, staff or faculty member, who requests support, information or referrals regarding sexual harassment. click here to learn more

To reach us quicklyPlease call or visit one of the following Primary Resource Contacts

A number of individuals are available to assist with concerns. Assistance can include taking a formal complaint, listening and providing guidance regarding informal inquiries, or getting help in finding additional resources.

Judy Vanderburg

Human Resources Director/Affirmative Action Officer, AD 205E

503-838-8131

Tina Fuchs

University Residences Director/Judicial Affairs Officer, VH 122

503-838-8220

Luis Rosa

Student Health Services Director, SH 121

503-838-8845

Scott Perfect