Reporting Sexual Misconduct for Georgetown University in Qatar Students

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Students who believe that they have been subject to sexual misconduct (sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking) or who would like to report on behalf of another person, may choose (a) to report the incident to the University so that action can be taken by the University, including under the University’s disciplinary procedures; (b) to report the incident to the police; and/or (c) to not report the incident. Reports may be made regardless of when the incidents occurred and whether or not they took place on or off campus.

Students who wish to learn more about the various reporting options or are unsure about whether they want to report or file an internal Title IX Complaint are encouraged to contact a confidential counselor.

Any student who wishes to report sexual misconduct may pursue several different options, which are listed below.

Pre-Reporting Consultation

While a Pre-Reporting Consultation is not required, for students who are unsure about whether they want to make a Title IX report or file a University Complaint, it may be helpful to speak to a confidential counselor. Going to a confidential counselor does not foreclose the opportunity to make a report to the University or file a formal complaint at a later time. Confidential counselors can help students understand what reporting options are available and assist with the process if they choose to file a formal complaint. Unless requested, the information disclosed will not be shared with the Title IX Coordinator.

Reporting to the Title IX Coordinator

Georgetown University- Qatar students who wish to report sexual misconduct may notify the University’s Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Nicole Heinz:

Nicole Heinz, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Georgetown University in Qatar
Associate Director of Human Resources
Georgetown University in Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
+ (974) 4457-8506 | titleixguq@georgetown.edu

Samantha Berner, Title IX Coordinator and Director of Title IX Compliance
Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action
M-36 Darnall Hall, 37th and O Streets, NW, Washington, D.C. 20057
Phone: (202) 687-9183 | titleixideaa@georgetown.edu

The Title IX and Deputy Title IX Coordinator will work with students who experience sexual misconduct to coordinate interim supportive and protective measures (housing, academic, work, no contact orders, safety planning, etc.), provide information about available resources, and explain the University policies on sexual misconduct and the University’s complaint process.

When reports are made to the Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, the University has the obligation to review all reports and respond appropriately. Every effort will be made to respect the privacy of the individuals involved. In the very rare instance that there is a community safety concern, the University may need to move forward with an investigation without the Complainant.

Filing a Complaint with the University’s Title IX Coordinator

Filing a Sexual Misconduct Complaint through the Title IX Coordinator, which may include an investigation, hearing, and sanctions, if applicable, can be initiated by contacting the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Coordinator.

The Grievance Procedures for GU-Q can be found here, but in all instances:

The internal grievance process can lead to university sanctions up to and including dismissal/termination from the University.
The internal grievance process is designed to protect the safety of survivors, promote accountability, and provide a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution. The entire process is conducted by individuals who receive training on issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Both parties are entitled to have an advisor of their choosing present throughout the entire process; both parties are able to present witnesses and evidence; and both parties are informed in writing of all decisions at the same time and have an equal chance to appeal.
Retaliation, harassment, or other adverse action against an individual for making a complaint in good faith, assisting in an investigation, opposing harassment or otherwise exercising rights protected by law is prohibited. Retaliation should be reported promptly to the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (IDEAA) or the Title IX coordinator and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
For more information about the internal grievance processes, you are encouraged to speak with a confidential resource, the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, or you can consult the Office of Student Conduct Sexual Misconduct Policies and Procedures.

Filing a Formal Complaint with the Qatar Foundation HSSE

All individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct may file an incident report with the Qatar Foundation HSSE which will investigate the incident and report its findings to the appropriate University office. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator or confidential counselors are available to assist in notifying the Qatar Foundation HSSE.

Survivors may choose to pursue criminal action with the Qatar Foundation HSSE. The Qatar Foundation HSSE system operates independently and the filing of a criminal complaint will not preclude individuals from pursuing a formal complaint process at the University or receiving academic, housing or work accommodations. Pursuing criminal action for sexual assault is NOT required for a survivor to receive a forensic medical exam. Confidential counselors and Deputy Title IX Coordinators are both available to assist students who choose to file a criminal complaint.

Survivors who wish to file a criminal complaint or seek a protective order should consider taking steps to preserve evidence, as it may be necessary to the proof of criminal domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or in obtaining a protective order.

Qatar Foundation HSSE: 4454-0999

Filing No Formal Complaint

You have the option to file no formal complaint at all. Those who are unsure about whether they want to file a formal complaint are encouraged to contact a confidential resource to discuss their options.

If an individual does not file a formal complaint, they may still request interim measures (housing, academic, work, etc.) through a Title IX Coordinator (private but non-confidential) or through the Student Wellness and Counseling Center (confidential) at any time.

Timely Warnings

Consistent with the Clery Act, when necessary, the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) will issue a timely warning when there is an ongoing or continuing threat to community safety. Warnings will not contain any identifying information.