FAQ

Which University employees are required to report disclosures of sexual misconduct? 
 

If you speak to a confidential counselor, the information you disclose will remain confidential and will not be reported to the Title IX Coordinator.

If you disclose to another University employee, including staff and faculty, they are required to report this information to a Title IX Coordinator. 

Title IX and Georgetown’s Policy on Sexual Misconduct requires the University to balance the needs of the individual reporting an incident who may request confidentiality with its obligation to end the harassment and consider the well-being of the community at large. Depending on the facts of the alleged incident, further action may be necessary, such as a campus security alert. The alert, however, would not contain any information identifying the individual who brought the complaint.  If the misconduct is reported to a Title IX Coordinator, the University must respond appropriately.

If you are concerned about confidentiality, discuss this issue first with the University’s confidential counselors, who will be able to explain various options you may take and the implications for each option and direct you to other on- or off-campus resources as appropriate.

Throughout the course of an investigation, information will be disclosed only to select officials who have an essential need to know in order to carry out their university responsibilities. Dissemination of information and/or written materials to persons not involved in the complaint procedure is not permitted. 

What does a Deputy Title IX Coordinator do?

The Deputy Title IX Coordinator can work with individuals who experience sexual misconduct to coordinate supportive measures and other timely services, provide information about available resources, and explain the University’s policies and complaint process. Please note that Title IX Coordinators are not confidential resources.  For the list of confidential counselors on and near campus, click here.

Should I report an incident of sexual misconduct to a Deputy Title IX Coordinator?

Whether or not to report is your choice. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator can assist you in filing a formal complaint or, if you do not want to file a formal complaint, can work with you to provide other forms of assistance. The staff can also assist you in notifying the Georgetown University Police Department or local police, if you so request. 

Filing a complaint with your Deputy Title IX Coordinator can help the University address sexual misconduct.  When reported, steps will be taken to protect confidentiality as much as possible.

What if I don’t want anything done?  

If you do not want to make a report, but wish to talk to someone confidentially, please contact a confidential counselor.  Counselors can help you understand your options in a completely confidential environment and free of charge.  

Will the accused individual know my identity if I initiate a formal complaint with the Title IX Coordinator?

The University handles all reported incidents discreetly and wishes to protect the confidentiality of the survivor. However, the University is also required to balance the need to respond comprehensively to the incident, which may require sharing your identity and allowing the accused individual the opportunity to respond to the allegations.

What Procedures will apply if I initiate a formal complaint with the University’s Title IX Coordinator?

Georgetown University has adopted a Policy on Sexual Misconduct in recognition of our commitment to provide a safe and hospitable environment for all members of our community to work and study. Sexual misconduct subverts the University’s mission, diminishes the dignity of both victim and perpetrator, and threatens permanent damage to the careers, educational experience, and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. This policy prohibits sexual misconduct that constitutes sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and related claims of retaliation.

Georgetown University Office of Student Conduct Sexual Misconduct Policies and Procedures are designed to provide for a prompt, thorough, and equitable investigation and resolution of complaints involving sexual misconduct filed against University students through the student conduct system. The University will conduct a reliable and impartial investigation of sexual misconduct complaints to determine the relevant facts from which a well-informed decision can be made and an appropriate resolution reached. The Georgetown University student conduct procedures are conducted by officials who receive annual and ongoing training on the dynamics of trauma associated with allegations of sexual misconduct.

Can I be retaliated against for initiating a formal complaint with the University’s Title IX Coordinator?

It is a violation of University policy to retaliate in any way against an individual or a group because the individual or group of individuals reported an allegation of sexual misconduct. The University will take immediate and responsive action to any report of retaliation and will pursue disciplinary action as appropriate.  An individual reporting or participating in an investigation of sexual misconduct (sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking) is entitled to protection from any form of retaliation following a report that is made in good faith.

The University may take such measures to protect the safety of the University community and to enable the complainant and witnesses to continue studies and work, and to ensure the integrity of an investigation, even when a complainant does not specifically request that protective action.  For the range of supportive measures, click here.

Will my parents be told?

In the event of major medical, disciplinary, or academic jeopardy, students are strongly encouraged to inform their parents.  University officials will directly inform parents when requested to do so by a student. While the University takes seriously a survivor’s request for confidentiality, in certain instances where a health or safety emergency exists, or if the University determines such communication is otherwise deemed appropriate, parents may be contacted.

How do I report sexual misconduct that occurs off-campus?  

You should report off-campus conduct to the Title IX Coordinator just the same as on-campus conduct. Confidential counselors and other on-campus resources are also available for incidents that occur off-campus.