Information for students Information for employees
The College of Engineering is committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every individual in our community. The resources on this page are intended to provide support and potential next steps for those who experience incidents of bias, discrimination, or harassment.
File an incident report with the College of Engineering
Note: If your immediate safety is at risk or you perceive imminent harm to yourself or others, please call 911. UW SafeCampus is also available 24 hours a day at 206-685-7233 to anonymously discuss safety and well-being concerns. This includes support following experiences of sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and/or relationship violence.
What is a bias incident?
A bias incident involves any discriminatory act against an individual or a group based on their age, religion, disability (physical or mental), race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other identity.
What is harassment?
In short, harassment can be defined as systematic/continued unwanted actions of one party against another, which may include threats and demands.
University policy defines sexual harassment as:
- Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by a person who has authority over the recipient when:
- Submission to such conduct is made either an implicit or explicit condition of the individual’s employment, academic status, or ability to use University facilities and services, or
- Submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as the basis for a decision that affects tangible aspects of the individual’s employment, academic status, or use of University facilities; or
- Unwelcome and unsolicited language or conduct that is of a sexual nature and that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it could reasonably be expected to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment, or has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance. This also includes acts of sexual violence, such as sexual assault and sexual exploitation.
What should I do if I encounter or suspect an incident of bias or harassment?
Whether you are a student or employee, we encourage you to report these incidents using the College’s Incident Reporting tool. This tool not only provides the option for you to receive tailored support from trained advocates, but it allows the College to better understand where targeted interventions are needed to improve our community as a whole.
Reports are handled by a small group of trained individuals within the Dean’s Office at the College of Engineering who will work towards a resolution. Although we are required to request your name as part of the reporting process, we are committed to protecting your identity and you can choose to remain anonymous after the initial report filing. At the University of Washington, students and employees are protected from discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
Resources to lean on if you encounter or suspect an incident of bias or harassment
We always encourage you to report an incident of bias using the College Incident Reporting tool. However, we understand that every individual is different and you may feel more comfortable using a different resource to help you navigate these complex situations.
We appreciate the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Association for putting together many of the resources used in the sections below.
For undergraduate and graduate students
| Resource | Response time | Types of support | First steps | Response | Privacy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| File a report through the College Incident Reporting tool | 1-2 business days | Incidents related to bias or harassment; suspected or if they have already taken place. May be related to you or others | Submit a report. Report is reviewed by trained professionals | Depending on your contact preferences, may reach out for more information and next steps | Incident is logged with the UW, action plan is devised. You can choose to be a part of the action steps or not | A reporter’s name is required but you can choose to remain anonymous outside of the initial report |
| Call Safe Campus 206-685-7233 | Immediate | Safety or harassment concerns, related to you or others | Call the hotline M-F, 8 am – 5 pm excluding UW holidays | A trained professional will listen in a non-judgmental, empathetic way | You will be provided with a safety plan and helpful resources | You can choose to not share your name |
| File a Title IX report with UW | Varies | Discrimination based on sex, pregnant or parenting status, LGBTQ+ identity | Send an email to titleix | Meet with Title IX staff to determine whether complaint falls under Title IX | Investigation is launched; resolution can happen at anytime | Not anonymous |
| Schedule an appointment with the Ombud for mediation advice | Varies | Any conflict, especially involving unequal power dynamics | Decide if mediation is an appropriate action for your concern | Schedule an appointment to speak to a mediator | Develop a mediation plan | A reporter’s name is required but the process is confidential |
| Talk to your union | Timeline outlined here | Work-related issues such as overwork or other contract breaches | Find whether your issue is protected by a union agreement | Contact the union or your student rep | You may have a union- facilitated hearing | Not anonymous |
Other support resources and contacts
You are not alone. UW and the community surrounding it provide many resources to help support your mental health and well-being. In case of an emergency, always call 911.
We also encourage you to reach out to contacts within your department and in the College for help in reporting and finding the appropriate resources:
- Your departmental adviser
UW affiliated resources
SafeCampus
Anonymously discuss safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others. SafeCampus is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The UW Counseling Center
UW Seattle students have access to a range of mental health support, including group support, crisis support, self-help resources, referral to ongoing therapy, and one-on-one support. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911.
LiveWell Confidential Advocates
The LiveWell Confidential Advocates provides a safe and confidential space to help students, faculty and staff identify what they want or need after an incident of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking or sexual harassment has occurred.
UW Sexual Assault Resources
This website provides an array of resources for those who have experienced sexual misconduct and violence. You may use these resources to get confidential support, to address safety concerns, to locate providers of medical care and counseling, and to learn how to report sexual assault.
Student Legal Services
An on-campus law office that provides a safe and confidential space for all UW-Seattle and Bothell students who have legal questions or concerns.
Student Care
Student Care is a starting point for students in distress and in need of multiple levels of support. Students are able to meet one-on-one with a professional staff member in LiveWell to discuss and coordinate campus resources and address overall concerns regarding your academics or living/learning environment. Please note that Student Care is not clinical therapy; if you are interested in a therapeutic counseling appointment please contact the University Counseling Center.
Non-UW affiliated resources
Legal Voice
Legal Voice provides legal resources for women and families living in the state of Washington.
Sexual Violence Law Center
SVLC protects the privacy, safety, and civil rights of survivors of sexual violence, and helps them to reclaim their lives through legal services and advocacy.
King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC)
24-hour crisis line 888-99-VOICE
For employees
| Resource | Response time | Types of support | First steps | Response | Privacy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| File a report through the College Incident Reporting tool | 1-2 business days | Incidents related to bias or harassment; suspected or if they have already taken place. May be related to you or others | Submit a report. Report is reviewed by trained professionals | Depending on your contact preferences, may reach out for more information and next steps | Incident is logged with the UW, action plan is devised. You can choose to be a part of the action steps or not | A reporter’s name is required but you can choose to remain anonymous outside of the initial report |
| Call Safe Campus 206-685-7233 | Immediate | Safety or harassment concerns, related to you or others | Call the hotline M-F, 8 am – 5 pm excluding UW holidays | A trained professional will listen in a non-judgmental, empathetic way | You will be provided with a safety plan and helpful resources | You can choose to not share your name |
| File a Title IX report with University Complaint Investigation and Resolution Office (UCIRO) | Varies | Discrimination based on sex, pregnant or parenting status, LGBTQ+ identity | Send an email to UCIRO | Meet with UCIRO staff to determine whether the complaint falls under Title IX | Investigation is launched; resolution can happen at any time | Not anonymous |
| Schedule an appointment with the Ombud for mediation advice | Varies | Any conflict, especially involving unequal power dynamics | Decide if mediation is an appropriate action for your concern | Schedule an appointment to speak to a mediator | Develop a mediation plan | A reporter’s name is required but the process is confidential |
| Talk to your union | Varies by union | Work-related issues such as overwork or other contract breaches | Get in contact with your union | You may have a union- facilitated hearing | Not anonymous | |
Other support resources and contacts
You are not alone. UW and the community surrounding it provide many resources to help support your mental health and well-being. In case of an emergency, always call 911.
We also encourage you to reach out to contacts within your department and in the College for help in reporting and finding the appropriate resources:
- Your immediate supervisor
- Aileen Trilles, Director of Human Resources, UW College of Engineering
- Kojay Pan, Associate Dean, Finance and Operations, UW College of Engineering
- Caroline Currin, HR Consultant, UW Campus HR Operations & Services – Employee Relations
UW affiliated resources
SafeCampus
Anonymously discuss safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others. SafeCampus is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
UW CareLink
With UW CareLink you get free, easy access to short-term counseling. Highly trained clinicians will listen to your concerns and help you or your family members with any issues you are facing. To get started call 866-598-3978 (TDD 800-697-0353), available 24/7.
LiveWell Confidential Advocates
The LiveWell Confidential Advocates provides a safe and confidential space to help students, faculty and staff identify what they want or need after an incident of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking or sexual harassment has occurred.
Know Your Rights & Resources Guide
The guide provides important information for students and employees who experience sexual assault, stalking, relationship or intimate partner violence, sex- or gender-based harassment, and/or other sexual misconduct. It includes resources and reporting options so that individuals can decide what feels right for their situation. Colleagues and friends of those who have experienced harm may also find the guide useful.
Office of the ADA Coordinator
The ADA/Section 504 Coordinator consults and assists members of the University of Washington community with concerns or inquiries regarding the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Transgender resources for UW employees
The University of Washington is committed to providing an inclusive, safe and respectful work environment for all employees, including those of all gender identities and expressions.
Non-UW affiliated resources
Legal Voice
Legal Voice provides legal resources for women and families living in the state of Washington.
Sexual Violence Law Center
SVLC protects the privacy, safety, and civil rights of survivors of sexual violence, and helps them to reclaim their lives through legal services and advocacy.
King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC)
24-hour crisis line 888-99-VOICE
Important policies to be aware of
Non-discrimination and non-retaliation
The College of Engineering and the University of Washington are committed to protecting the rights and dignity of each individual in the University community. We follow State, County, and Federal laws that bar discrimination in places of public accommodation, housing, employment, and education. The College of Engineering is committed to providing equality of opportunity and an environment that fosters respect for all members of the University community, as detailed in Executive Order No. 31, the University’s policy on non-discrimination and non-retaliation, and Article 2 of the UW/WFSE-UWPMA Contract.
In addition, the College of Engineering works to uphold the protections guaranteed under the Anderson-Murray Anti-Discrimination Law to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) people from discrimination through the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) (RCW 49.60).
These policies have the goal of promoting an environment that is free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. To facilitate that goal, the University and the College retain the authority to discipline or take appropriate corrective action for any conduct that is deemed unacceptable or inappropriate, regardless of whether the conduct rises to the level of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
Sex or gender discrimination
Title IX, Title VII, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Washington State law, and University of Washington policy collectively prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, pregnant or parenting status, and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) identity.
In addition, University policy defines sexual harassment as:
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by a person who has authority over the recipient when:
Submission to such conduct is made either an implicit or explicit condition of the individual’s employment, academic status, or ability to use University facilities and services, or Submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as the basis for a decision that affects tangible aspects of the individual’s employment, academic status, or use of University facilities; or Unwelcome and unsolicited language or conduct that is of a sexual nature and that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it could reasonably be expected to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment, or has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance. This also includes acts of sexual violence, such as sexual assault and sexual exploitation.
The policies prohibiting these behaviors for students are located in the Student Conduct Code, and for employees and other members of the University community, in Executive Order 51 and Executive Order 31.
The University’s Sexual Assault Resources webpage provides those impacted by sexual violence with resources, options, and university policies and processes.
If you have experienced sex or gender discrimination, including sexual assault, relationship or intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual harassment, or other sexual misconduct, please connect with a confidential advocate who will provide information about your options, your rights, and support resources. The UW’s Know Your Rights & Resources guide also provides important information on resources and reporting options so that individuals can decide what feels right for their situation. You have the right to make a formal complaint and request an investigation.
If you are aware of a situation that potentially involves sexual assault, relationship violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, related retaliation, or other forms of sexual misconduct, please call UW SafeCampus at 206-685-SAFE (7233) to receive information about options and resources. These calls can be made anonymously. You may also reach out to the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@uw.edu or 206-221-7932.
In the College of Engineering the Dean, the Associate Dean for Finance & Operations, and the Director of Human Resources are the three designated Title IX Officials Required to Report. Please note that this means neither the Dean, the Associate Dean for Finance and Operations nor the Director of Human Resources may maintain your identity as confidential if you choose to disclose a situation or experience of sexual harassment, whether yours or someone else’s, to either of them. This is also true of the University’s Title IX Coordinator.