Annual Security and Fire Report | 2023-2024

1 – To the Washington State University (WSU) Community

Ensuring the safety of the entire WSU community—students, faculty, staff, and visitors across our statewide system—is one of our highest institutional priorities. 

To further this end, we have made two major commitments: 1) to regularly update and improve our campus safety plans, and 2) to engage the entire Cougar family in participating in safety initiatives. 

Dedicated safety personnel on each campus have collaborated to create plans for maintaining a secure, supportive community. They foster a culture that treats each individual with dignity and respect. They build upon resources that deliver care and assistance to each individual with whom they interact. 

Simultaneously, we place a premium on educating our community members to take responsibility for their own personal safety. Each of us has an important role to play in creating a safe environment. Our choices can impact those around us. 

The University is well-equipped to help you make choices that are thoughtful and informed. Our safety resources are among the most comprehensive offered by any college or university in the nation and are reflective of the commitment we have made to the well-being of our students and our communities. 

I encourage you to review this report and take note of the safety resources available to you.  I am confident that, as long as we work together, WSU’s campuses will continue to be among the safest and most welcoming in the United States.

Go Cougs! 

On behalf of the WSU Police Department (WSU PD), I would like to welcome new and returning Cougs to the Pullman campus. My staff and I are committed to the safety of students, employees, and visitors. This brochure, prepared in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act of 1990, contains helpful information about a number of safety-related issues. We hope that as you become familiar with the contents of this publication, you will feel comfortable with the safety resources available to you on campus, know how to report a crime or suspicious behavior, and be prepared to respond successfully to an emergency. While following prescribed safety tips and procedures is important, the best safety is a result of your willingness to help each other – “Cougs helping Cougs” describes a longstanding tradition at WSU, and we urge you to be a part of it. Best wishes for a rewarding, successful, and safe year – and Go Cougs!  

Welcome home, Cougs! 

The Pullman Police Department (Pullman PD) is honored to serve the City of Pullman community, and we are excited to welcome new and returning students to town.  As always, we look forward to working in collaboration with the WSU PD, faculty, staff, students, and organizations as we work to maintain a safe and healthy place for you to live, learn, and thrive. Be sure to follow Pullman PD on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and the web (pullman-wa.gov/police) for important safety information, alerts, news, tips, events, and resources. 

Don’t hesitate to call if you need us. We are here to help! 

Emergency: 911 

Non-Emergency: (509) 332-2521 

Business: (509) 334-0802 

Wishing you a safe and successful year ahead.  

1.1 – WSU’s Non-discrimination Policy

WSU is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing an environment free from harassment, including sexual violence, and and discrimination based on race, color, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, genetic information, status as an honorably discharged veteran or member of the military, physical, mental, or sensory disability, including disability requiring the use of a trained service animal, and immigration or citizenship status, except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.  Please direct any inquiries regarding WSU’s non-discrimination policy or procedures to WSU Compliance and Civil Rights at ccr@wsu.edu, via telephone at 509-335-8288, or in person at French Administration Building, Room 225.  For more information on WSU’s policies, please visit: the WSU Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy (Executive Policy 12) or the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment (Executive Policy 15). 

3 – Preparation of the Annual Security Report

Washington State University (WSU) prepares this report in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), as well as the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA) amendments to the Clery Act, using information obtained by the WSU Clery Compliance Committee comprised of representatives from various WSU offices including, but not limited to, the WSU Police Department (WSU PD), WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), the Center for Community Standards (CCS), Cougar Health Services (CHS), Housing and Residence Life (HRL), the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), WSU Extension, and the WSU Bremerton staff. 

Additionally, information is gathered from Campus Security Authorities (CSAs), local law enforcement agencies (including the Pullman Police Department (Pullman PD) and the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office), and information provided by other surrounding law enforcement agencies regarding crimes that occurred at relevant locations.  

The report also includes statistics for the previous three calendar years (2020, 2021, and 2022) concerning reported crimes that occurred on certain at WSU-Pullman campus, WSU-Bremerton, Research and Extension Centers, and in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by WSU. In accordance with the Clery Act, the statistics contained in this report are limited to specific crimes occurring within a designated geographic area. 

The statistics in this report may vary from statistics maintained within other WSU offices authorized to receive reports of incidents implicating laws and WSU policies, such as the WSU PD, the Pullman PD, CCR, CCS, and/or CHS. 

The Clery Act promotes campus safety by providing information to students, parents, employees, and the WSU community about public safety, crime prevention, and response efforts by WSU. It also promotes transparency about crimes that occur on campus and other threats to health and safety. To further those efforts, this report provides information on education, prevention, and awareness efforts undertaken by WSU to empower the WSU community to take a more active role in their personal safety and security.

4 – Campus Law Enforcement

The Washington State University Police Department (WSU PD) is the primary police agency for the Washington State University – Pullman campus.  Individuals may also contact external agencies, including the Pullman Police Department, the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, or other law enforcement agencies as listed elsewhere in this report.   

WSU does not have a dedicated police force at WSU Bremerton or at Research and Extension sites. However, individuals at WSU Bremerton, on the Olympic College Campus, can contact the Olympic College Campus Security department or the Bremerton Police Department. Olympic College Campus security encourages their community to contact them first, and they will contact the police if needed; however, individuals always have the right to contact law enforcement directly. Individuals at relevant research and extension sites should contact the local law enforcement agency, including the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Sheriff, Puyallup Police Department, Wenatchee City Police, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Coupeville Marshall’s Office, or the Island County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals can also contact their Campus Security Authority to make a report for inclusion in the annual crime statistics in this report or other relevant law enforcement agencies, as needed.

4.1 – Reporting to Law Enforcement

For incidents that are currently occurring, recently occurred, or need immediate assistance at WSU-Pullman, WSU-Bremerton, or a Research and Extension Center, please dial 911.  

At WSU-Pullman, for incidents of a non-emergency nature, please dial 509-332-2521. A dispatcher will collect your information and determine the appropriate police, fire, and/or medical aid required.  All calls in the Pullman area will be answered by Whitcom, the local emergency dispatch center, which manages consolidated dispatch operations for police, fire, and EMS units for multiple counties, including Whitman County. For other sites, non-emergency numbers are also listed in the Support Resources On and Off Campus section, above.

4.2 – Commitment to Safety

In Pullman, WSU PD strives to educate the campus community and maintain a reasonably safe environment on campus. WSU encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to WSU PD and to the appropriate police agencies (including Whitman County Sheriff’s Office and the Pullman PD), when the victim of a crime elects to, or is unable to, make such a report.  

In 2022, WSU PD personnel provided 34 educational and prevention driven programs to the WSU community. Additionally, each residence hall on campus has an assigned police officer representative that works closely with hall staff to provide general crime prevention and safety programs for the residents. Although WSU PD takes many steps to educate and maintain safety on campus, each individual within the campus community plays a role and it is important to be aware of surroundings and use reasonable judgment when living, working, or visiting on campus. Please report suspicious or criminal activities to law enforcement at 509-332-2521 or 911. 

The College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) and WSU Extension strive to educate the campus community and maintain a reasonably safe environment at all of its locations. WSU encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to the appropriate police agencies when the victim of a crime elects to, or is unable to, make such a report.  

Each individual within the CAHNRS Research and Extension community plays a role and it is important to be aware of surroundings and use reasonable judgment when living, working, or visiting any CAHNRS location. Please report suspicious or criminal activities to law enforcement, local authorities, or 911. 

WSU-Bremerton community members are also encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious or criminal activities to Olympic College Campus security or to local law enforcement, and to contact 911 for all emergencies.

4.3 – Enforcement Authority and Jurisdiction of Security Personnel

The WSU PD on the WSU Pullman campus is empowered through Chapter 43.101 of the Revised Code of Washington, and has the enforcement authority and jurisdiction to arrest. Each WSU PD officer receives the same basic training as city and county peace officers throughout Washington State in addition to training specific to the unique needs of a campus environment. The WSU campus and various WSU-operated properties represent the primary jurisdiction of WSU PD. WSU Police Officers (security personnel) enforce the law through arrests, citations, and warnings, and handle all patrol, investigation, crime prevention education, and related law enforcement duties for the campus community. WSU PD operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides service by vehicle, bicycle, and on foot. 

The WSU PD in Pullman is comprised of: 

•  19 Sworn Officers 
• 29 Student Cadets 
•  3 Support Services Staff Members 

CAHNRS and WSU-Bremerton do not have WSU security personnel assigned to their location. WSU relies on close working relationships with local law enforcement and/or Olympic College Security to receive information about incidents involving WSU students and recognized student organizations. 

All recognized WSU student organizations must abide by federal, state, and local laws and WSU policies. Several registered student organizations have off campus locations that are within the Pullman Police Department’s jurisdiction. WSU and Pullman PD engage in weekly interagency meetings to ensure that WSU has the ability to monitor and address misconduct occurring at off-campus registered student organization locations.  WSU may become involved in off-campus conduct of students and recognized student organizations when such conduct implicates the Standards of Conduct for Students Policy.

4.4 – Police Corps Program

The WSU Police Corps program in Pullman is operated through WSU PD and is designed as a training program for student cadets interested in a career in law enforcement. The cadets complete an annual training academy of over 100 hours. After completing training, they are allowed to ride along with officers of WSU PD, Pullman PD, and Whitman County Sheriff’s Office to gain hands-on experience in the field of law enforcement. Officers of these participating agencies mentor and guide the students in this program which has proven to be valuable hands-on experience. The program also provides security for the general campus area, veterinary medicine, athletic events, and other general events on campus. This program has proven its success by annually producing quality law enforcement officer recruits to agencies around the state.

4.5 – Relationship between Campus Security Personnel and State or Local Police Agencies

Although WSU PD does not have a memorandum of understanding with local law enforcement agencies, WSU PD maintains a collaborative and close relationship with the City of Pullman PD, especially when addressing matters that impact the WSU campus and community. Local collaboration includes interoperative radio capability, a joint police records computer system (with the City and County), regular interagency meeting between WSU PD, local law enforcement, and WSU staff, training programs, and at times, investigation of incidents. Additionally, WSU PD also collaborates with the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington State Patrol, and various state and federal law enforcement agencies.  Further, research and extension sites have relationships with local law enforcement agencies in their region.  

Generally, WSU PD does not provide law enforcement services to off-campus residences or properties of students and student organizations. Pullman PD typically provides these services. WSU relies on the close working relationship with Pullman PD to receive information about incidents involving WSU students and recognized student organizations. 

All recognized WSU student organizations must abide by federal, state, and local laws and WSU policies. WSU may become involved in off-campus conduct of students and recognized student organizations when such conduct is determined to affect a substantial university interest, as defined in the Standards of Conduct for Students Policy.

4.6 – Procedures for Pastoral and Professional Counselors

Campus “pastoral counselors” and campus “professional counselors,” when acting as such, are not considered to be a Campus Security Authority, and are not required to report crimes for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. However, professional counselors are encouraged, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis for inclusion into the annual crime statistics.

4.6.1 – Professional Counselor Definition

An employee of an institution whose official responsibilities include providing psychological counseling to members of the institution’s community and who is functioning within the scope of his or her license or certification.

4.6.2 – Pastoral Counselor Definition

An employee of an institution who is associated with a religious order or denomination recognized by that religious order or denomination as someone who provides confidential counseling and who is functioning within the scope of that recognition as a pastoral counselor.

5 – Reporting Crimes or Emergencies

There are various ways for students, faculty, staff, and WSU community members to report crimes, incidents, and other emergencies to law enforcement, appropriate WSU officials, or confidentially to crime victim advocates, medical providers, or mental health providers.  In addition, there are options for reporting anonymously for the purpose of inclusion in the annual crime statistics disclosure. This chapter will describe the various reporting options. Please note, reporting regarding dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking will be covered more thoroughly in the next chapter.

5.1 – Reporting Criminal Actions or Other Emergencies to Law Enforcement

Individuals can report in-progress crimes and other emergencies by dialing 911 or crimes that are not in-progress by dialing a non-emergency number:

• WSU Police Department (WSU PD Pullman): 509-332-2521
• Bremerton Police Department: 360-473-5220
• Skagit County Sheriff’s Office: 360-416-1911
• Benton County Sheriff: 509-735-6555
• Puyallup Police Department: 253-841-5415
• Wenatchee City Police: 509-663-9911
• Douglas County Sheriff’s Office: 509-884-0941
• Coupeville Marshall’s Office: 360-678-4461, ext 101
• Island County Sheriff’s Office: 360-679-7310

This allows the appropriate Police Department to take action to address the concern.  Reports to WSU PD (including those crimes reported to WSU PD from Campus Security Authorities at non-Pullman locations) will be considered for issuing a Timely Warning or Emergency Notification if there is an ongoing threat to the safety of the campus community or an immediate threat occurring on campus. 

WSU encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to campus public safety officials and the appropriate police agencies, when the victim of a crime elects to, or is unable to, make such a report.  Reports for WSU-Pullman can be made to the WSU PD, or one of the local or state police agencies, including the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office and Pullman PD.  

For incidents that are currently occurring, recently occurred, or need immediate assistance, please dial 911. For incidents of a non-emergency nature in the Pullman area, please dial 509-332-2521. A dispatcher will collect your information and determine the appropriate police, fire, and/or medical aid required. All calls to 911 in the Pullman area will be answered by Whitcom, the local emergency dispatch center, which manages consolidated dispatch operations for police, fire, and EMS units for multiple counties, including Whitman County. For non-Pullman locations, call the numbers listed above for non-emergencies.

5.1.1 – Reporting a Property Crime

1. Report your loss or damages to the police department as soon as possible. 
2. Don’t touch anything until police are able to examine the area.
3. Be prepared to provide make, model, and serial numbers or identifying marks or characteristics of the items taken.
4. Be alert for more damage or items missing that may come to your attention.
5. Itemize your valuables and write down serial numbers.
6. Mark your items for identification with your driver’s license number. 
7. If you have unique or valuable items, photograph them and keep the pictures or video with your list of serial numbers. 

5.1.2 – Reporting an Assault (Physical and/or Sexual)

1. Report the assault to police as soon as possible — dial 911.
2. You may also report sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence to the university’s central intake office for complaints of this nature, Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), at 509-335-8288 to seek university support, resources, reporting options, and referrals.
3. You may also report other forms of student misconduct, including physical assaults, to the Center for Community Standards (CCS) at 509-335-4814 for consideration under the Standards of Conduct for Students.
4. If you’ve been injured, seek medical attention. When you call to report, tell the communications center you’ve been hurt. They will assist you in getting aid.
5. If you are reporting a sexual assault, refrain from showering, washing your hands, or washing your clothes. This will help preserve evidence that may be necessary to prove a criminal offense.
6. Support and counseling resources are available, including confidential services. The Directory of Services lists contact information if you don’t know who to call or where to start, or you can ask the police officer for help.   WSU CCR can also provide you with an intake consultation to help identify appropriate resources for you, no matter where you are located.
   1. Confidential resources may be available in your area from a victim advocacy agency or counseling/medical providers. For example, WSU Cougar Health Counseling and Psychological Services are available to Pullman students at the 3^rd floor of the Washington Building or at 509-335-4511. For a complete list of available confidential resources in your community, contact WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), 509-335-8288 or visit CCR Resourceshttps://ccr.wsu.edu/resources/.
7. WSU PD has a team of four officers specially trained in the best practice law enforcement strategies for investigating sexual assaults and conducting interviews.  These officers are available anytime, day or night, to meet with survivors at their convenience and discuss investigatory options offered by our department and the university.  There is no requirement to provide any identifying information to get answers, and we will help you get in touch with a sexual assault advocate and obtain medical care, even if you never intend to file a police report.
   1. For sexual assaults, WSUPD offers reporting options through End Violence Against Women International’s Seek then Speak self-guided tool.  Seek then Speak offers a way for survivors to explore options and get answers to questions they may have regarding Sexual Assault, Crime Victim’s Rights, Victim Advocacy, Medical Care, and Reporting to Police.  It also offers survivors a confidential way to document and gather critical information about their assault and begin the reporting process.

5.2 – Reporting to Campus Security Authorities

Individuals may report to a Campus Security Authority (CSA) for the purpose of making timely warning report or for inclusion in the annual crime statistics disclosure.  A CSA includes designated WSU officials and offices who are an “official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student housing, student discipline, and campus judicial disciplinary proceedings.” The CSAs report incidents for the purpose of inclusion in the statistics provided in this report to the WSU PD directly or by submitting them online, which are then distributed to the appropriate office.  

A pastoral or professional counselor within the institution is not considered a Campus Security Authority when “acting as a pastoral or professional counselor,” and is not required to report crimes for inclusion into the annual disclosure of crime statistics.

5.2.1 – Campus Security Authority List

Although there are many CSAs; WSU officially designates the following key departments and/or titles as locations where individuals should report crimes for the purpose of making timely warning reports and the annual statistical disclosure. Additional information on CSAs can be found on the Campus Security Authorities & CLERY Act page.  

Primary CSAs for the WSU Pullman campus include: 

• WSU Police Department | 2201 E. Grimes Way PO Box 641072 | Emergency – 911 | Non-Emergency – 509-332-2521
• Title IX Coordinator | French Administration 134, PO Box 641022 | 509-335-8288 
• WSU Compliance and Civil Rights | French Administration 225, PO Box 641022 | 509-335-8288
• Center for Community Standards | French Administration 122, PO Box 641013 | 509-335-4532
• Department of Housing and Residence Life | Streit-Perham Administration Suite, PO Box 641722 | 509-335-1227 
• Office of the Dean of Students | French Administration 122, PO Box 641013 | 509-335-5757
• Cougar Health Services | Washington Building, PO Box 642302 | 509-335-3575 

CSAs for WSU Research and Extension Sites include:

• Mount. Vernon: Carol Miles, Director, milesc@wsu.edu
• Prosser: Naidu Rayapati, Director, Naidu.rayapati@wsu.edu
• Puyallup: Todd Murray, Director, tmurray@wsu.edu
• Wenatchee: Chad Kruger, Director, cekruger@wsu.edu
• Island County: Sarah Bergquist, Interim Director, sarah.bergquist@wsu.edu
• WSU Bread Lab: Stephen Jones, Director, joness@wsu.edu

CSA for WSU Bremerton: 

• Julie Miller, Academic Coordinator, Advisor, 360-473-2822, julie.miller2@wsu.edu

Individuals wishing to report a crime for inclusion in the statistical reports for WSU Bremerton may also contact Olympic College Campus Security.

5.3 – Voluntary, Confidential Reporting

WSU provides a number of ways that individuals can report crimes, serious incidents, and other emergencies. However, in the event that you or someone you know decides not to report the incident to the university or law enforcement for investigation, you still have the option of filing a voluntary, confidential report. 

Reporting anonymously allows WSU to include the record of the report in the annual disclosure of crime statistics included in this report. Reporting anonymously also allows victims to gather information and learn about options available to them, before deciding on an appropriate option. Individuals may contact the relevant local agency (e.g., the WSU PD at 509-335-8548, the Pullman PD at 509-334-0802, or other local law enforcement agency) to determine the level of anonymity available prior to reporting a crime. Please note that some limitations may exist depending upon the circumstances of the crime. Reports of sexual assault may be made anonymously to the WSU PD, and WSU PD supports the use of End Violence Against Women’s Seek then Speak application, which allows survivors to explore options and get answers to questions they may have regarding Sexual Assault, Crime Victim’s Rights, Victim Advocacy, Medical Care, and Reporting to Police.  It also offers survivors a confidential way to document and gather critical information about their assault and begin the reporting process. Additionally, individuals may report discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct, as defined by the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy 15 (EP 15), anonymously to WSU CCR in person, emailing ccr@wsu.edu, by calling 509-335-8288, or through the Online Reporting form, for services and options, as well as inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. 

Individuals can also seek confidential services from campus or community specific counseling and medical services, and/or ProtoCall’s crisis call center, a 24-hour behavioral health call center.  Individuals can also seek confidential services from local advocacy groups:

• Pullman: Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse (ATVP),  509-332-4357
• Kitsap County: Support, Advocacy, and Counseling, 360-337-9773
• Skagit County: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, 888-336-9591 
• Benton County: Support, Advocacy and Resource Center , 509-374-5391
• Puyallup: Rebuilding Hope! Sexual Assault Center for Pierce County:  253-474-7273
• Pierce County: Tacoma Community House: 253-383-3951 
• Chelan and Douglas Counties: SAGE, 509-663-7446
• Island County: Citizens Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse, 360-676-2232

For additional state-wide advocacy groups see the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs.

5.4 – Reporting to a University Department

Anyone may submit a complaint that a student or recognized or registered student organization violated the standards of conduct to the Center for Community Standards (CCS).

Center for Community Standards | French Administration 122, PO Box 641013 | 509-335-4532 | community.standards@wsu.edu | Online Reporting Form  

Individuals may report crimes implicating the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy 15 (EP 15), to the Title IX Coordinator or WSU CCR. More information on reporting: 

Title IX Coordinator | French Administration 134, PO Box 641022 | 509-335-8288 | ccr@wsu.edu

WSU Compliance and Civil Rights  (CCR)| French Administration 225, PO Box 641022 | 509-335-8288 | Online Reporting

In addition, consistent with WSU’s Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy 15 (EP 15), most WSU employees, with limited exceptions, are required to report an incident or situation involving sexual harassment or sexual misconduct to WSU CCR or to one of the designated Title IX Coordinators. Similarly, individuals with supervisory responsibilities are required to report incidents or situations involving discrimination to WSU CCR. Additional information on reporting requirements, including information on those who are exempt from reporting under EP 15 are posted on the CCR Reporting Requirements page.

5.5 – General Tips for Staying Safe

Most crime is committed as a result of opportunity. The best prevention is to eliminate opportunities.

1. Keep your residence doors, including residence hall room doors, locked at all times.
2. Lock up electronics and other valuables.
3. Report suspicious persons or activities. 
4. Report safety hazards, unsafe lighting, and defective equipment.
5. Avoid walking alone at night. Let people know where you are going.
6. Plan your walk by choosing a safe, well-lighted and populated route. 
7. Be aware of your surroundings. Know where you are and where you are going. Know what to expect.
8. Get to know your roommates and neighbors. Encourage checking on each other often.
9. If consuming alcohol or other substances, do so safely. Pour your own drinks and use the buddy system when going out with friends.
10. Learn non-violent intervention techniques to help your fellow Cougs. Sign up for a bystander intervention training through WSU Health Promotion.

6 – Reporting Options and Response to Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking

There are several options in seeking care for an individual impacted by sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. WSU provides access to both confidential and non-confidential resources, as well as reporting for criminal or university investigation.  Victims/survivors are encouraged to access whichever resource they feel most comfortable with. Victims/survivors can also seek support and referral information directly from WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) or a local law enforcement agency.   

A current listing of resources for victims/survivors is maintained and posted by CCR. Victims/survivors can choose to seek medical care, even if they are unsure whether they want to make a police report or if they choose not to move forward with a criminal investigation.   

A healthcare provider can help assess well-being and personal safety, provide any necessary medical treatment and refer students to counseling and other resources. Trained healthcare providers can also collect forensic evidence.  

For example, students at the WSU-Pullman campus can meet with healthcare providers at Pullman Regional Hospital, who offer Sexual Assault Forensic Exams to collect physical evidence for use in a law enforcement investigation and possible prosecution. Victims/survivors do not have to speak to the police in order to receive a forensic exam. Healthcare providers will explain the exam process before beginning and can answer any questions about what will happen during the exam. It is important to preserve any evidence that may be necessary to prove a criminal offense. Preservation includes refraining from showering or bathing and saving articles of clothing worn during the assault. Victims/survivors have the option to be accompanied by a support person, such as a friend or an advocate, during medical appointments and/or exams. 

Within the community, victim advocacy agencies provide support to victims/survivors, as well as support for friends and family of victims/survivors. Their services are free and confidential. They can be reached at the below telephone lines:

• Pullman: Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse (ATVP), 509-332-4357
• Kitsap County: Support, Advocacy, and Counseling, 360-337-9773
• Skagit County: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, 888-336-9591
• Benton County: Support, Advocacy and Resource Center, 509-374-5391
• Puyallup: Rebuilding Hope! Sexual Assault Center for Pierce County:  253-474-7273
• Pierce County: Tacoma Community House: 253-383-3951
• Chelan and Douglas Counties: SAGE, 509-663-7446
• Island County: Citizens Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse, 360-676-2232

Reports of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking may be made anonymously to WSU PD, to Pullman PD, or to another local law enforcement agency where an individual is located. Additionally, individuals may report or file a formal complaint of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to WSU CCR in person, emailing ccr@wsu.edu, by calling 509-335-8288, or through CCR’s Online Reporting webpage.

6.1 – WSU Policy

WSU prohibits the crimes of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These crimes are defined in WSU Executive Policy 15 and in the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students.  WSU community members are also subject to Washington State laws prohibiting these crimes. The various definitions are listed in the below sections. Please note, WSU’s policy is based on state and federal regulations, laws, and guidance, which are subject to change. For the most up to date information, please see WSU’s executive policy manual.

6.1.1 – WSU Policy Definitions

WSU is subject to multiple federal and state laws and regulations regarding sexual harassment and sex and gender-based violence, each with differing requirements. WSU Executive Policy 15 (EP 15) prohibits sexual harassment as defined under Title IX Sexual Harassment, pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. WSU EP 15 also prohibits conduct that does not meet the Title IX definition of sexual harassment yet is contrary to WSU’s mission and values, including conduct occurring in the workplace implicating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Washington Law Against Discrimination. Such conduct is defined under Other Sexual Harassment Violations of EP 15.

Title IX Sexual Harassment Definitions 

For the purposes of Title IX sexual harassment, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the university’s education program or activity. The Title IX Sexual Harassment section of WSU EP 15 applies to all students, faculty, staff, and others having an association with the University where the alleged incidents: May constitute Title IX Sexual Harassment; Occurs within WSU’s educational program or activity, which includes, locations, events, or circumstances over which WSU exercises substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which the sexual harassment occurs, and any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized; Occurs against a person in the United states; and Occurs against a person who is participating in or attempting to participate in WSU’s educational program or activity. This includes, but is not limited to: 

1. Quid Pro Quo – a school employee conditioning an educational benefit or service upon a person’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct. 
2. Sexual Assault – a forcible or nonforcible sex offense under the uniform crime reporting system of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. NOTE: If the following sexual assault definitions are updated in the NIBRS User Manual (available online at FBI UCR Technical Specifications), the updated definitions are applied. 
   1. Sex Offense: Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent. 
   2. Rape (except Statutory Rape): The carnal knowledge of a person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity. 
   3. Sodomy: Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity. 
   4. Sexual assault with an object: To use an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity. 
   5. Fondling: The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity. 
   6. Incest: Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law. 
   7. Statutory Rape: Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent. 
3. Dating Violence – violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship is to be determined based on length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. 
4. Domestic Violence – a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed: 
   1. By a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim; 
   2. By a person with whom the victim shares a child in common; 
   3. By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; 
   4. By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of Washington, or 
   5. By any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s act under the domestic or family violence laws of Washington. 
5. Stalking – engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: 
   1. Fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or
   2. Suffer substantial emotional distress.  
   3. For the purposes of this definition: 
      1. Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property. 
      2. Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim. 
      3. Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.

Other Sexual Harassment Definitions 

1. WSU prohibits additional forms of sexual harassment listed in the numbered sections below. These definitions apply to all students, faculty, staff, and others having an association with the University if the incident meets any one of the following conditions:
   1. Occurs on WSU owned or controlled property;
   2. Occurs in connection with WSU activities, programs, or events;
   3. Has the effect of, or the potential to, unreasonably interfere with or limit an individual’s work, academic performance, living environment, personal security, or participation in any activity at WSU;
   4. Includes unlawful acts that directly affect WSU programs, community members, or property insofar as such acts materially and substantially interfere with the missions, functions, processes, and goals of the WSU community; or
   5. Includes unlawful acts that result in a guilty plea to or conviction of a felony.
2. Title VII Sexual Harassment. Amongst employees, harassment on the basis of sex is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when any of the following conditions is met:
   1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment;
   2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decision affecting such individual, or
   3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. 

3. Other Sexual Harassment is defined as:
   1. Unwelcome, intentional conduct, on the basis of sex and/or gender, which is so severe or pervasive, and objectively offensive, that it substantially and unreasonably:
      1. Interferes with, or has the potential to interfere with, an individual’s ability to participate in WSU employment, education, programs, or activities;
      2. Adversely alters the condition of an individual’s WSU employment, education, or participation status;
      3. Creates an objectively abusive employment, program, or educational environment; or
      4. Results in a material or substantial disruption of WSU’s operations or the rights of students, staff, faculty, visitors, or program participants.
   2. Sex and/or gender-based violence. Sex and/or gender-based violence is an egregious form of sexual harassment and is defined as sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and domestic violence as defined in the Title IX Sexual Harassment Definitions, and sexual exploitation as defined below.
4. Sexual Exploitation occurs when a person takes nonconsensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for their own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited, and that behavior does not otherwise constitute one of the other sexual misconduct offenses explained above. Examples of sexual exploitation may include, but are not limited to:
   1. Causing or attempting to cause the incapacitation of another person to gain sexual advantage over such other person;
   2. Invading another person’s sexual privacy;
   3. Prostituting another person;
   4. Engaging in voyeurism. A person commits voyeurism if, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of any person, he or she knowingly views, photographs, records, or films another person, without that person’s knowledge and consent, while the person being viewed, photographed, recorded, or filmed is in a place where he or she has a reasonable expectation of privacy;
   5. Knowingly or recklessly exposing another person to a significant risk of sexually transmitted disease or infection;
   6. Exposing one’s intimate parts in nonconsensual circumstances;
   7. Sexually-based stalking and/or bullying. 
5. Retaliation. Intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privileged secured by this policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this policy. First amendment activities do not constitute retaliation. 
6. Interference includes actions that intentionally: 
   1. Dissuade or attempt to dissuade reporting parties, responding parties, or witnesses from reporting or participating in an investigation; 
   2. Attempt to influence a complainant, respondent, or witness to make an inaccurate statement in the investigation;
   3. Delay or disrupt, or attempt to delay or disrupt, any University processes related to this policy; and/or 
   4. Alter or attempt to alter the evidence provided to or received by investigative or disciplinary processes. 
7. False Statements is defined as making a materially false statement in bad faith during any proceeding or process under this policy. No complaint is considered false solely because it cannot be corroborated.

Consent 

Consent to any sexual activity must be clear, knowing, and voluntary. Anything less is equivalent to a “no.” Clear, knowing, and voluntary consent to sexual activity requires that, at the time of the act, and throughout the sexual contact, all parties actively express words or conduct that a reasonable person would conclude demonstrates clear permission regarding willingness to engage in sexual activity and the conditions of such activity. Consent is active; silence or passivity is not consent. Even if words or conduct alone seem to imply consent, sexual activity is nonconsensual when:

1. Force or coercion is threatened or used to procure compliance with the sexual activity.
   1. Force is the use of physical violence, physical force, threat, or intimidation to overcome resistance or gain consent to sexual activity.
   2. Coercion is unreasonable pressure for sexual activity. When an individual makes it clear through words or actions that the individual does not want to engage in sexual contact, wants to stop, or does not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction, continued pressure beyond that point may be coercive. Other examples of coercion may include using blackmail or extortion to overcome resistance or gain consent to sexual activity.
2. The person is asleep, unconscious, or physically unable to communicate his or her unwillingness to engage in sexual activity; or 
3. A reasonable person would or should know that the other person lacks the mental capacity at the time of the sexual activity to be able to understand the nature or consequences of the act, whether that incapacity is produced by illness, defect, the influence of alcohol or another substance, or some other cause. When alcohol or drugs are involved, a person is considered incapacitated or unable to give valid consent if the individual cannot fully understand the details of the sexual interaction (i.e., who, what, when, where, why, and how), and/or the individual lacks the capacity to reasonably understand the situation and to make rational, reasonable decisions. 

CCR Amnesty Policy 

During a CCR process, when a student voluntarily shares information about the possession or use of alcohol or drugs, CCR does not refer the student to the Center for Community Standards (CCS) for alcohol or drug related conduct proceedings, except where drugs or alcohol were used to gain advantage, incapacitation, or exploitation over another individual. CCS also uses discretion under WAC 504-26-510, the Good Samaritan Policy, and may refrain from imposing formal discipline for alcohol or drug use and possession under the Standards of Conduct for Students. 

For more information, see:

• Center for Community Standards 
• WAC 504-26-510: Good Samaritan Policy

6.2 – Preserving Evidence

When an incident of sexual violence occurs, it is important to preserve evidence to aid in a criminal prosecution, university response, and/or in obtaining a protection order. Evidence of physical harm, such as bruising or other visible injuries, should be documented by photographic evidence. Evidence of stalking including communication, such as text messages, voice mail, written notes, social media postings, or any other electronic communication should be saved and not altered in any way. In cases of sexual assault, avoid showering, using a toilet, or changing clothing prior to a medical examination. Any clothing removed should be placed in a bag.

6.3 – Protection Orders and No-Contact Orders

Victims/survivors have the right to seek legal protections such as orders of protection, no contact orders, restraining orders, or other lawful orders of criminal, civil, or tribal courts.  WSU will comply with the lawful orders issued by such a court and will make modifications to educational and/or workplace environments to comply with the terms of such lawful orders.  In Washington, civil protection orders can be requested if an individual is experiencing domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault, or stalking. Restraining orders can be requested as part of a family law action (e.g. a restraining order may be requested during divorce proceedings). Individuals do not need an attorney to request a protection order, although an advocate or an attorney can assist. 

WSU recommends that individuals seeking a protection order consult with a victim advocate, who will be familiar with the local court process and available to help with safety concerns. There is no fee to file for a protection order. The Northwest Justice Project provides a guide for individuals who would like to seek a protection order: “How to File for a Protection Order.” In general, District and Superior Courts statewide have a petition form that can be filled out and provided to the county clerk; supporting evidence may also be provided as part of this process.  A judge will review the petition and determine whether it meets the requirements for the type of protection order. If so, the judge will issue a temporary order of protection. This determination typically happens within the same day or the day following the submission of a petition; at times, the petitioner may have to appear at the temporary order hearing. If the judge issues a temporary order of protection, law enforcement will serve the protection order documents onto the person. A full protection order hearing will be scheduled, and the judge will decide whether to issue a final protection order.  

In addition to a court ordered protection order, WSU may also implement a no contact directive on any party as an interim or supportive measure, or as a sanction after a determination of responsibility, consistent with the WSU Code of Conduct for Students WAC-504-26-050, WSU BPPM 50.30 – Workplace Violence, and WA Governor’s Executive Order 96-05 – Domestic Violence in the workplace. WSU also provides for reasonable amounts of unpaid leave or use of any accrued leave to recover from and cope with the effects of such violence, in accordance with RCW 49.76.010.

6.4 – Reporting Options

There are several reporting options available if a student, employee, or visitor of WSU has experienced an incident of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. In the case of an emergency or ongoing threat, get to a safe location if possible and report the incident by calling 911. If necessary, a victim/survivor should seek medical services as soon as possible for their physical well-being and the purpose of preserving evidence. 

WSU encourages victims and other individuals who are aware of sexual violence to report. WSU also believes in providing survivors with autonomy in their reporting choices, as well as multiple reporting options of a confidential and non-confidential nature. Survivors can choose from one or more of the following options:

• REPORT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR THE PURPOSES OF: 
  • Information Only 
  • Partial Information 
  • Complete Investigation 

• REPORT TO WSU COMPLIANCE AND CIVIL RIGHTS FOR THE PURPOSES OF: 
  • Documenting their concerns 
  • Facilitating supportive measures or resources 
  • Requesting a consultation 
  • Filing a Formal Complaint for the purpose of: 
    • Requesting an informal resolution, and/or 
    • Requesting a University investigation 
• REPORT ANONYMOUSLY 
• SEEK CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT THROUGH WSU’S COUNSELING OR MEDICAL SERVICES, A LOCAL ADVOCACY AGENCY (E.G. ALTERNATIVES TO VIOLENCE OF THE PALOUSE), OR OTHER CONFIDENTIAL RESOURCES. 

Even if a survivor does not want to report an experience, survivors are still encouraged to seek support from WSU CCCR, WSU PD or local law enforcement agency, the Office of the Dean of Students or campus Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Cougar Health Services or campus/community counseling or medical providers, or a local victim advocacy agency. A report is not required to request services.  WSU’s reporting processes through CCR are separate and distinct from reporting to law enforcement. WSU will also assist with facilitating a student or employee report to law enforcement, at the request of the student or employee.  

The below sections describe in more detail the various reporting options.

6.4.1 – Reporting to Law Enforcement

Victims/survivors are encouraged to report to law enforcement. Even if they are not sure if they want to report for criminal investigation, they are encouraged to preserve evidence, which may include seeking a sexual assault forensic exam. Victims/survivors are also encouraged to seek care and support, including advocacy services, medical treatment and/or counseling services. Reporters are urged to preserve any evidence and to also seek medical and counseling services. Law enforcement can assist with filing criminal charges or pursuing a no contact order. To make a report of sexual violence to law enforcement, call 911 for immediate emergency assistance or contact local law enforcement through their non-emergency telephone numbers:

• WSU Police Department (WSU Pullman): 509-335-2521
• Pullman Police Department: 509-334-0802 
• Bremerton Police Department: 360-473-5220
• Skagit County Sheriff’s Office: 360-416-1911
• Benton County Sheriff: 509-735-6555
• Puyallup Police Department: 253-841-5415
• Wenatchee City Police: 509-663-9911 
• Douglas County Sheriff’s Office: 509-884-0941
• Coupeville Marshall’s Office: 360-678-4461, ext. 101
• Island County Sheriff’s Office: 360-679-7310

WSU PD provides a number of options for reporting sexual violence. For sexual assaults, WSUPD also offers reporting options through End Violence Against Women International’s Seek then Speak self-guided tool.  This tool is available to individuals regardless of their location. Seek then Speak offers a way for survivors to explore options and get answers to questions they may have regarding Sexual Assault, Crime Victim’s Rights, Victim Advocacy, Medical Care, and Reporting to Police.  It also offers survivors a confidential way to document and gather critical information about their assault and begin the reporting process.   

The following guidelines may be considered when reporting to law enforcement:

1. Report the assault to police as soon as possible — dial 911.
2. You may also report to the university’s central intake office for complaints of this nature, CCR, at 509-335-8288 to seek university support, resources, reporting options, and referrals. 
3. If you’ve been injured, seek medical attention. When you call to report, tell the communications center you’ve been hurt. They will assist you in getting aid.
4. If you are reporting a sexual assault, refrain from showering, washing your hands, or washing your clothes. This will help preserve evidence that may be necessary to prove a criminal offense.
5. Support and counseling resources are available, including confidential services. The Directory of Services lists contact information if you don’t know who to call or where to start or ask the police officer for help.   WSU CCR can also provide you with an intake consultation to help identify appropriate resources for you, no matter where you are located.
   1. Confidential resources may be available in your area from a victim advocacy agency or counseling/medical providers. For example, WSU Cougar Health Counseling and Psychological Services are available to WSU Pullman students at the 3^rd floor of the Washington Building or at 509-335-4511. For other campus specific confidential resources, contact WSU’s CCR, 509-335-8288, or visit the CCR Resources website. 

6.4.2 – Reporting to WSU

Incidents of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, and stalking, can be reported to WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), which works closely with Human Resource Services (HRS) for incidents involving employees and the Center for Community Standards (CCS) for incidents involving students. When CCR receives a report of misconduct, CCR will provide the student or employee with written information about their rights, supportive measures, and reporting options (including how to file a Formal Complaint with WSU), as well as information about CCR’s Procedural Guidelines and the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy 15 (EP 15).  Outreach will also include written information about available counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal services, and other services available on campus and in the community.  Additional resources will be identified depending on the student’s or employee’s particular needs (e.g., an international student may need support from International Programs regarding visa or immigration assistance); a complainant’s preferences with regards to supportive measures will be considered.  Per CCR’s Procedural Guidelines and the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, supportive measures, including academic support services and safety measures such as changes to work/academic schedules, residence hall assignments, or other protective measures, are available, regardless of whether the student or employee chooses to report the crime to campus police or local law enforcement.  CCR, the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Affairs, HRS, campus police, and/or other administrators will help facilitate supportive measures requests. 

CCR can document the victim/survivor’s concerns, assist the victim/survivor with campus safety options, connect the victim/survivor to local support, medical, and counseling resources, and if the victim/survivor (or the Title IX Coordinator) wishes to file a formal complaint, CCR can start an informal resolution or an investigation.  

Please note, WSU’s policies for responding to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking are developed to be in compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and guidance. As those regulations are subject to change, individuals are encouraged to review WSU’s EP 15 for the most up-to-date information about WSU’s policies and procedures.

Informal Resolutions 

After receiving a formal complaint, CCR may engage in an informal resolution process. An informal resolution process is not commenced until written notice is provided to both parties disclosing the allegations and the requirements of the informal resolution process, as described in the CCR Procedural Guidelines, and until WSU has received voluntary, written consent to proceed with the informal resolution process from both parties. 

WSU does not offer an informal resolution to resolve allegations that an employee sexually harassed a student, as defined by the EP15.B Title IX Sexual Harassment section but may offer it for other circumstances. 

Informal resolutions may include, but are not limited to: 

1. Conduct management plans or resolution agreements; 
2. Verbal or written counseling; 
3. Departmental resolutions; 
4. Alternative dispute resolutions; 
5. Mediation, if available; and/or 
6. Additional required training. 

Investigations 

CCR may conduct an investigation after receiving a formal complaint, which meets the requirements of EP15. CCR conducts a neutral and unbiased investigation, with investigators who do not have a conflict of interest or bias towards either party, specifically or generally. CCR investigations are conducted pursuant to its Procedural Guidelines and are initiated with a presumption that the respondent is not responsible for the alleged conduct. CCR provides notice of the allegations in writing to both parties. Both parties have the right to present witnesses and evidence. The evidentiary burden is on WSU, not the parties. 

During an investigation, WSU does not restrict the ability of either party to discuss the allegations under investigation or to gather and present relevant evidence. Throughout the investigative process, the parties have the right to have an advisor of their choice with them. The parties also have an opportunity to review the evidence collected and provide a written response, prior to the publication of an investigative report. 

For more information about the investigative process, see the CCR Procedural Guidelines and the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment.  

CCR shares information about cases only on a need-to-know basis but cannot guarantee confidentiality. Although CCR does not share reporting information with law enforcement unless required to do so, CCR investigators notify victims/survivors of their option to report to on-campus or local police, to have campus authorities assist them in notifying law enforcement of a sexual violence incident, or to decline to notify such authorities. 

A report of sexual violence can be made to CCR or the Title IX Coordinator by telephone at 509-335-8288, by email at ccr@wsu.edu, by visiting the CCR office located in Room 225 of the French Administration Building on the Pullman campus or by using the online reporting form.

6.5 – Confidential Counseling Protected by Law

Anyone who has experienced sexual violence may choose to consult with a licensed mental health care provider or health care provider of their choice. By law, such professionals are able to assist victims confidentially and are exempt from legal obligations to report incidents to the university, with some limited exceptions, such as child abuse, elder abuse, or certain threats of harm. 

A victim/survivor may decide to disclose the incident to a confidential resource and/or may report to WSU CCR for an investigative response by WSU, or to local law enforcement for a criminal investigation. A victim/survivor may decline to notify authorities, including CCR and/or law enforcement. CCR can also assist the victim/survivor in notifying law enforcement, if a victim/survivor elects to do so. CCR will not share information regarding reports made to the university with law enforcement, unless required to do so by law or requested to do so by the victim/survivor. 

WSU policy prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports or participates in an investigative or disciplinary process by WSU. Please note, WSU employees and student employees may have reporting requirements and be required to provide information to CCR.

IN MOST INSTANCES, SERVICE PROVIDERS FROM THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO SPEAK CONFIDENTIALLY: 

Campus Confidential Resources

• WSU Cougar Health Services | Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (for students) | Call 509-332-2159 for evening and weekend crisis services
• WSU Cougar Health Services | Medical Clinic (for students)
• WSU Employee Assistance Program (for employees) | 1-877-313-4455
• ProtoCall+ | 24 hour behavioral health call center and digital products, including a referral network to WellTrack Connect| 509-335-2360

Off-Campus Confidential Resources

The following advocacy agencies provide 24-hour, 7 days per week, confidential crisis support and advocacy:

• Pullman: Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse,  509-332-4357
• Kitsap County: Support, Advocacy, and Counseling, 360-337-9773
• Skagit County: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, 888-336-9591
• Benton County: Support, Advocacy and Resource Center, 509-374-5391
• Pierce County: Rebuilding Hope! Sexual Assault Center for Pierce County:  253-474-7273
• Pierce County: Tacoma Community House: 253-383-3951
• Chelan and Douglas Counties: SAGE, 509-663-7446
• Island County: Citizens Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse, 360-676-2232

Pullman:  

• Pullman Regional Hospital  

Extension site hospitals: 

• Skagit Valley Hospital
• Prosser Memorial Health
• MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
• Confluence Health – Wenatchee Valley Hospital and Clinics
• Island Health 

Bremerton hospital:

• St. Michael Medical Center
• Northwest Justice Project Free Legal Hotline (CLEAR)
• Washington State Bar Attorney Referral, including reduced-fee and free legal help
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 800-273-8255 or 800-273-TALK

6.6 – WSU Amnesty Statement when Reporting Sexual Violence

WSU encourages students to report incidents of sexual violence without fear of consequences for having possessed or consumed alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the incident. WSU’s primary concern is to ensure the safety of the students involved and gather relevant information, so the University can address the student(s)’ concerns. Generally, WSU will refrain from imposing formal discipline for alcohol or drug use and/or possession under the Standards of Conduct for Students for victims and potential witnesses involved in situations of sexual violence in order to facilitate reporting and resolution of sexual violence concerns. 

This practice will not provide relief from disciplinary action for other alleged violations of the Standards of Conduct (e.g., hazing, theft, drug/alcohol manufacturing or distribution). 

Moreover, students who distribute alcohol and/or drugs that intentionally, or through negligence, contribute to the sexual violence will not be granted the same consideration. 

In rare circumstances where the Center for Community Standards (CCS) has concerns that a student’s repeated or severe misuse of alcohol or drugs will result in additional harm if unaddressed, the University may assign care-driven educational sanctions to address those concerns.

6.7 – Confidentiality in University Investigative Processes

WSU takes confidentiality seriously. During an investigation through WSU CCR, information is shared with others only on a need-to-know basis, which may include investigators, witnesses, the responding party, relevant WSU officials, or as required or permitted by law. Additionally, the investigation file may be subject to requests for public records. WSU redacts identifying or other information when legally permissible. The WSU PD will not release the names of victims/survivors in its Timely Warning notices, Campus Alerts, Emergency Notifications, or in the Daily Crime Log. 

When a victim/survivor requests confidentiality or requests WSU to not proceed with an investigation, WSU respects that request to the extent possible. WSU’s legal obligation to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment may require that CCR proceed with an investigation, which may require investigators to share limited identifying information about a victim/survivor; however, CCR takes steps to inform a victim/survivor should it become necessary to share information. In all cases, CCR works with the victim/survivor to provide resources and support, including individualized and appropriate interim or safety measures.  WSU may also maintain confidentiality for supportive measures, safety measures, or accommodations, or safety measures, to the extent allowable by law and where maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the ability of the institution to provide those services.  WSU EP 15 prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports or participates in an investigative or disciplinary process by WSU. 

A victim/survivor may decline to notify authorities, including CCR and/or law enforcement. Should the victim/survivor report the incident to CCR, the university will not share the victim/survivor’s information with law enforcement, unless the victim/survivor requests that it be provided to law enforcement, or unless required to do so by law.  CCR provides crime statistic information for purposes of the Annual Security Report to WSU PD but protects privacy to the extent possible.  

Upon written request, WSU may disclose to the alleged victim/survivor of a crime of violence (as that term is defined in Section 16 of Title 18, United States Code), or a non-forcible sex offense, the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of such crime or offense, the next of kin of such victim shall be treated as the alleged victim/survivor for purposes of this paragraph.

6.8 – Campus Investigative Procedures

Upon receiving a report of intimate partner violence, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, or stalking, WSU CCR typically takes steps to contact the individual who experienced the alleged conduct to provide information regarding resources available at WSU and in the community, including, but not limited to, available counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, student academic/living support, and employee assistance. CCR also provides information regarding the WSU EP 15, CCR Procedural Guidelines, supportive measures and resources, and the process to file a formal complaint for the purpose of requesting an informal resolution or an investigation.  CCR also considers supportive measures for all participants involved in a CCR process to protect their safety, prevent further harm, or ensure continued access to educational programs or activities, including, but not limited to, altering the academic, WSU housing, and/or WSU employment arrangements of the parties, imposing no-contact directives, or imposing a trespass or interim suspension.  Supportive measures are available regardless of whether or not the victim/survivor chooses to report the crime to campus police or local law enforcement; individualized and appropriate supportive measures are available to all parties in a matter.  When taking such steps, WSU seeks to minimize unnecessary or unreasonable burdens on either party. CCR provides information regarding CCR processes, informal resolutions, investigations, and supportive measures to individuals in writing, and provides opportunities for all parties to ask questions about these processes and resources.

6.8.1 – Informal Resolution Process

When filing a formal complaint, a complainant may request an informal resolution process.  CCR will determine if the matter is appropriate for an informal resolution.  Informal resolution processes are not available for allegations of an employee engaging in Title IX sexual harassment of a student as defined in EP 15. After providing notice of an informal resolution, CCR may proceed with an informal resolution, if appropriate, only after receiving voluntary written consent from both parties.  An informal resolution may differ depending on the alleged conduct. Options for informal resolutions are listed in EP 15. Parties may have an advisor, including an attorney, participate during an informal resolution, but it is not required. CCR may work with the Division of Student Affairs, HRS, the Office of the Provost, or the individual department affected in resolving a matter under the informal resolution process. Informal resolutions may include provisions designed to punish the respondent. Prior to an agreed resolution, either party may withdraw from the informal resolution process at which point CCR will resume an investigation, unless the formal complaint is withdrawn or dismissed for some other reason.  Upon entering into an informal resolution agreement, the agreement is binding on the parties and neither party may resume the grievance process. Agreement provisions will be considered with respect to the campus safety, including expulsion, suspension, or termination. CCR will document and maintain records of all informal resolutions.

6.8.2 – Investigation Process

CCR investigates matters involving students, employees, and visitors regardless of whether the conduct occurred on or off campus, as appropriate; investigations follow CCR’s Procedural Guidelines.  CCR provides a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation by officials who receive annual training on discriminatory conduct, including sexual violence, and how to conduct a trauma informed investigation and protect the safety of investigation participants.  Where a CCR investigator has a conflict of interest or bias towards an investigation participant, the investigator will be screened from a case, and another investigator will review the matter. Investigations are conducted into allegations implicating EP 15; violations may be found where a preponderance of the evidence supports that conclusion.   

Upon initiation of an investigation, a CCR investigator will provide written notice to both parties, and the complainant and the respondent will have opportunities to provide information, responses, evidence, and witnesses.  The complainant and the respondent have the right to be accompanied by the advisor of their choice.  CCR makes every effort to gather all available relevant evidence and to neutrally and fairly assess the evidence to determine whether or not a violation of university policy exists.  Per CCR’s Procedural Guidelines, CCR investigations are typically 60 days, with 30 additional days to review evidence and draft an investigative report; extensions are allowed for good cause, with written notice to the parties. After CCR has collected evidence, both parties will be provided with an opportunity to review the evidence and provide an additional written statement for consideration, prior to publication of a written report. When the investigation is complete, CCR will provide a written report to both the complainant and the respondent for review.   

For matters involving Title IX Sexual Harassment, the written report will include a summary of the investigation; for matters not involving Title IX Sexual Harassment, the written report will include a summary of the investigation and findings of fact under EP 15.  The report will also be provided to the appropriate sanctioning office, which is the Center for Community Standards (CCS) for students or the relevant supervisor or employee disciplinary committee for employees.  For student matters, CCS will provide information to relevant parties regarding the WSU disciplinary processes, including, but not limited to information about conduct officer hearings, conduct board hearings, student rights, and campus and community resources. Where CCS does not initiate the community standards process, the students also have a right to challenge that decision. For employee matters, information about the right to appeal to the President’s CCR Appeals Committee is provided to both the complainant and the respondent.   

Additional rights and responsibilities for the employee sanctioning process can be found in the WSU Faculty Manual, the Administrative Professional Handbook, WAC 357-40 (civil service employees), applicable collective bargaining agreements, or the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students (WAC 504-26). Unless resolved through an Informal Resolution, matters involving Title IX Sexual Harassment, as defined in EP 15, receive a live hearing for a final determination.  More information about the live hearing process is available through the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students and from HRS.  The University process for complaints of Title IX Sexual Harassment is in compliance with federal regulations. As those regulations are subject to change, individuals are encouraged to review the relevant policy or procedure for the most up-to-date information on the University process.

6.9 – Standard of Evidence

In any WSU institutional disciplinary proceeding or investigation, WSU determines the facts and whether there is a violation of this policy based on a preponderance of the evidence. Preponderance of the evidence means that the totality of the evidence persuades the fact finder that an allegation is more probably true than not true and/or that it is more probable than not that a violation of the policy occurred. 

6.10 – Additional Rights and Process During an Investigation

During an investigation, both students and employees, recognized as Complainants and Respondents, are provided the following set of rights:

• Individualized and appropriate supportive or safety measures, determined to be appropriate by CCR, Human Resource Services, the Office of the Dean of Students/Student Affairs, law enforcement, court order (including protection orders), and/or other University administrators
• Confidential and non-confidential resources 
• Neutral investigative procedures and a prompt, fair, and impartial process
• Receive information about University policies and procedures, including information that retaliation is prohibited for all investigation participants 
• Notification of allegations 
• Opportunity to respond to allegations and/or witness statements 
• Opportunity to request accommodation, including a language interpreter or medical/disability accommodations to provide full and equitable access to the process 
• Opportunity to present evidence 
• Opportunity to provide relevant witnesses 
• Opportunity to present and have considered their preferred resolution path 
• Opportunity to have a support person or advisor of their own choosing or retaining legal representation (at personal expenses) 
• Opportunity to be informed of the status and the outcome of an investigation 
• Opportunity to review investigation materials, including interview notes and documentary evidence 
• Opportunity to provide an additional written statement, after reviewing evidence, to be considered by an investigator prior to publication of a final report 
• Opportunity to review investigative findings and conclusions in writing, which may be redacted as necessary to protect privacy 
• Proof by Preponderance of the Evidence (more likely than not) 
• Simultaneous notification of outcomes and of hearing schedule 
• Rights to attend hearing(s) 
• Right to have out of hearing witness statements subjected to cross-examination by an advisor prior to consideration by the decision-maker, in matters involving Title IX Sexual Harassment, as defined by Executive Policy 15 
• Appeal rights 

6.11 – Protective/Supportive Measures

WSU can take individualized and appropriate supportive steps to support and protect the students involved in the matter. Some support measures may be available regardless of whether a victim/survivor wishes to pursue a complaint or notify law enforcement. Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate and as reasonably available, without fee or charge to a reporting party/complainant or respondent.  Supportive measures may be offered before and/or after a formal complaint is filed, or where no formal complaint is filed.  WSU provides written notice of these and other available assistance options (such as how to request changes to academic, living, transportation and working situations, and protective measures) to victims/survivors, and, as applicable, to respondents. WSU may deliver a “no-contact” directive that informs parties to refrain from having contact with one another either directly or through third parties.  

Other supportive measures include but are not limited to, altering academic schedules, WSU dining arrangements, WSU housing, and/or WSU employment arrangements of the parties. When taking such steps, WSU seeks to minimize unnecessary or unreasonable burdens on either party. Violations of such protective measures may lead to disciplinary action. The Office of the Dean of Students is available to assist in implementing assistance measures to support a reporting party/complainant or respondent. 

The following list includes supportive measures that may be available to students or employees. Additional supportive measures may be available, as appropriate.

• Academic
  • Request consideration or flexibility to a faculty member regarding assignments, classroom attendance, deadlines, testing/examinations, or other academic needs
  • Contacting individual faculty members for specific requests
  • Independent study
  • Additional tutoring
  • Withdrawal, withdrawal without penalty, medical withdrawal
  • Incompletes on classes
  • Transfer assistance
  • Classroom management plans
  • Remote attendance/recording classes
  • Academic schedule changes
  • Access Center/reasonable accommodation
  • Enrollment in Global Campus Online Programs
• Referrals to Care Providers 
  • Local victim advocacy agencies for access to counseling, crisis lines, support groups, shelters, etc. 
  • Counseling Services – WSU and community referrals, as available. 
  • Medical Providers, in particular hospitals with Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). 
  • Referrals to off-campus counselors. 
  • National/State resources to locate additional advocates/care providers, such as: 
    • Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) 
    • Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV) 
    • Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP) 
• Services for Employees 
  • Employee Assistance Program (counseling, financial, legal) 
  • Workplace management/safety plans 
  • Work schedule adjustments, as needed, to obtain medical or mental health care, legal assistance, and/or confidential secure shelter. 
  • Domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking leave (RCW 49.76.010) 
  • Change reporting lines in consultation with HRS. 
  • Identify alternate work in consultation with supervisors/HRS. 
  • Work from home options in consultation with supervisors/HRS. 
  • Work schedule changes in consultation with supervisors/HRS. 
  • Work accommodations/reasonable accommodations through HRS Disability Services. 
• Safety 
  • Report to law enforcement 
  • Police/Security safety assessment of home or campus areas 
  • Providing information on seeking a Protection Order for: 
    • Anti-harassment and stalking 
    • Domestic violence 
    • Sexual assault 
  • No-contact directive from the University 
  • Emergency removal or administrative leave, in consultation with DOS, CCS, HRS, and/or CCR. 
  • Trespass from a residence hall, in consultation with Housing and Residence Life (HRL)
  • Safety planning with a community victim advocate 
  • Residence hall changes, in consultation with DOS, HRL, and CCR.
  • Cadet/police escort, where available
  • Cougar Safe Rides (Pullman only) 
  • Local taxi/bus information 
  • Local domestic violence shelter information 
  • Blue phones 
  • Emergency residence life room on campus (Pullman only) 
• Miscellaneous 
  • Emergency funding 
  • Support for tuition adjustment petitions (considered in appropriate cases) 
  • Campus involvement (student organizations, Women’s Center, Diversity Centers, etc.) 
• Legal resources and referrals 
  • ASWSU Student Legal Services
  • Northwest Justice Project 
    • CLEAR Hotline for counties outside King County
    • 211 Legal Referral and Information Hotline (King County) 
  • Washington Law Help – self-help resources 
  • Local advocacy agencies – legal advocates 
  • Moderate Means Program – online application for a referral to an attorney with reduced fees 
  • Family Law Matters – limited license legal technician 
  • Washington State Bar Attorney Referral 

6.12 – Campus Sanctioning/Disciplinary Procedures – Students

The community standards process is designed to support students, uphold their rights and responsibilities, and hold them accountable for behaviors that conflict with our community standards. Every situation is different, so please contact the Center for Community Standards (CCS) at 509-335-4532 or email at community.standards@wsu.edu if you have specific questions.  

After receiving a formal complaint, Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) may initiate an investigation.  In limited circumstances, the Title IX Coordinator/CCR Director may determine that it is necessary to proceed with an investigation even where the complainant does not wish to participate, particularly where there is an ongoing safety threat to the campus or local community. In cases where CCR proceeds with an investigation without participation by the complainant, CCR will notify the complainant in advance of issuing notice and will take great care to address the complainant’s concerns, if any. 

During an investigation, CCR interviews witnesses and gathers any documentary or other evidence. CCR attempts to complete investigations within 60 days and issue a report 30 days after the completion of an investigation, where possible.  At the conclusion of the investigation, CCR will send an investigative report to CCS and relevant parties. For student matters, the investigative report will include a summary of the investigation but will not constitute the final decision of the University and will not include a final determination regarding responsibility pursuant to federal regulations. 

After CCR completes their investigation, CCS will determine whether or not provisions of the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students  are implicated. Where CCS does not initiate the community standards process, the students also have a right to appeal or challenge that decision. If so, the matter may be referred to a one-to-one conduct officer hearing or a University Conduct Board.  The complainant may determine the extent to which they will participate in this process.  Both options provide a prompt, fair, and impartial review, pursuant to the guidelines in WAC 504-26, which also establish reasonable timelines for the process, which may be extended for good cause with written notice to the parties. University Conduct Board, University Appeals Board members, and conduct officers receive annual training on issues related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as well as how to provide a hearing process that protects the safety of the parties and promotes accountability.  University Conduct Board members, University Appeals Board members, and conduct officers also receive annual training about:

• Cultural competency and implicit bias 
• Student development and student conduct philosophies, including the educational component of the student conduct process 
• Identifying bias against individuals and against groups 
• Conflict of interest 
• Alcohol and drug prevention 
• Due process and burden of proof in student conduct matters 
• Sanctioning principles and guidelines 
• Title IX regulatory definitions, jurisdiction, and grievance processes 
• Relevant and admissible evidence. 

Conduct officers also receive annual training on alternative dispute resolution and restorative justice. 

Students in the process have the right to request recusal of a hearing officer and/or board member for demonstrated good cause, including conflict of interest or bias against either party.  

In matters that could result in suspension of greater than ten instructional days, revocation of degree, expulsion, or loss of recognition (for student organizations) where disciplinary action is appropriate, and for matters involving Title IX Sexual Harassment, the matter will be referred to a full adjudicatory hearing before the University Conduct Board. The University Conduct Board is presided over by an Administrative Law Judge employed with the Office of Administrative Hearings. All relevant parties are notified of their rights during the hearing, the issues to be determined during the hearing, and any relevant dates, times, and locations; relevant parties also receive timely and equal access to any information that will be used during the disciplinary or sanctioning process. Finally, all relevant parties have the right to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice.  When the University Conduct Board concludes their review of relevant evidence, parties will be informed of the university’s decision at the same time and their right to appeal to the University Appeals Board. The decision becomes final either at the end of the appeals period on the twenty-first calendar day after the date the decision is sent to the parties or when the University Appeals Board issues their decision. For more information about the University Conduct Board process, please visit WAC 504-26-403. 

In some circumstances, CCShttps://communitystandards.wsu.edu/ may address the matter through a less formal one-to-one conduct officer hearing (please note, this does not apply to matters involving Title IX Sexual Harassment; such matters are always afforded a full adjudicative hearing, unless resolved through an Informal Resolution process). The Conduct Officer will make a decision regarding the responding student’s responsibility within ten calendar days of the hearing and will notify all relevant parties of the decision at the same time and inform them about their right to appeal to the University Appeals Board. The decision becomes final either on the twenty-first calendar day after the date the decision is sent to the parties or when the University Appeals Board issues their decision. Conduct Officers may issue educational sanctions including those listed in WAC 504-26-425, but not suspension of greater than ten instructional days, expulsion, revocation of degree, or loss of recognition (for student organizations).  

Appeals rights are available to students for both matters reviewed by the University Conduct Board or the less formal one-to-one conduct officer hearings.  Appeals are reviewed by the University Appeals Board.  

Students are not asked to sign non-disclosure agreements but are informed of the prohibition on retaliation and interference by or against any individual during these processes.

6.13 – Campus Sanctioning/Disciplinary Procedures – Employees

WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) will determine whether the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy #15 (EP 15) is implicated. Human Resource Services (HRS) will determine whether any other university policies may be implicated. Internal Audit may also be consulted in some matters. In some situations, WSU may be required to proceed with an investigation regardless of whether the reporting party decides to participate in the investigation or disciplinary process. During an investigation, CCR will interview witnesses and gather any documentary or other evidence, as provided by the individuals involved in the matter. During the investigation, the parties have the right to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice. The parties also have an opportunity to review evidence and submit an additional written statement to be considered by the investigator prior to publication of a final report. 

At the conclusion of the investigation, CCR will send a report to HRS, relevant supervisors, and relevant parties. In Title IX Sexual Harassment matters the investigative report will include a summary of the investigation but will not constitute the final decision of the university and will not include a final determination regarding responsibility.  For all other matters, the closing document may include findings, conclusions, credibility assessments, which may be relied upon by supervisors or decision makers. 

After CCR issues a final report, the Complainant(s) or Respondent(s) may file for an appeal of the investigation, in writing, with the WSU Office of the President within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of issuance. The WSU President has a standing CCR Appeals Committee (the Committee), which consists of a committee chair, two regular committee members, and two alternate committee members. Committee members receive appropriate training, as determined by CCR, prior to serving on the committee and at least annually thereafter that is related to the nature of cases that they may review, including discrimination and sexual violence. Committee members are also screened for conflict of interest or bias against the reporting or responding parties. 

During the fair and neutral review of an appeal, the chair of the Committee will conduct an initial review of the appeal, determine whether it met the minimum requirements of the appeals process, and if so, the chair will convene the Committee and send notice to the Complainant(s), Respondent(s), and CCR within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the appeal. After reviewing the appeal, the Committee will issue a decision letter to both parties within thirty (30) calendar days, unless good cause for an extension of up to thirty (30) days is necessary. The Committee’s decision is final with respect to the CCR investigation, unless the Committee determines that additional investigation by CCR is warranted. If the Committee concludes that additional investigation is warranted, at the conclusion of such additional investigation, no further appeal is available. 

After the CCR investigative process and appeals process is completed, employee violations are reviewed by the appropriate supervisor, with the support of HRS.  Supervisors will impose sanctions following the procedures set forth in applicable university policies and handbooks (e.g., the Title IX Hearing Process, the WSU Faculty Manual, the Administrative Professional Handbook, WAC 357-40 (civil service employees), or applicable collective bargaining agreements).  For matters involving Title IX Sexual Harassment, the parties are provided with a live hearing, in which a decision maker will consider all relevant evidence. Witness statements made outside of the live hearing can only be considered by the decision maker if the witness submits to cross-examination by an advisor.  

Employees are not asked to sign non-disclosure agreements but are informed of the prohibition on retaliation and interference by or against any individual during these processes.

6.14 – Possible Sanctions

WSU vigorously enforces the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy 15 (EP 15). Persons determined to have violated this policy are subject to sanctions imposed using the procedures set forth in applicable university policies and handbooks (e.g., the WSU Faculty Manual, the Administrative Professional Handbook, BPPM 60.50, WAC 357-40 (civil service employees), applicable collective bargaining agreements, or WAC 504-26 containing the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students including any appeal procedures therein). Any imposed sanctions are to be adequately and appropriately severe to prevent future offenses and to protect other students and the University community. The sanctions that are imposed, or other actions taken, must be reported to CCR by the administrator or supervisor who imposed the sanctions. 

In a matter involving an employee, possible sanctions may include: (i) verbal counseling; (ii) warning, verbal and/or in writing; (iii) required training; (iv) memorandum of concern; (v) letter of reprimand; (vi) suspension without pay; (vii) demotion; (viii) salary reduction; (ix) termination; or (x) any combination of the previously stated corrective or disciplinary sanctions. In addition, inappropriate and unprofessional behavior by WSU personnel that does not rise to the level of a policy violation (e.g., unwelcome sexual comments that are not sufficiently severe or pervasive, and objectively offensive to constitute sexual harassment) may nonetheless be subject to corrective or disciplinary action in some cases. 

In a matter involving a student or recognized or registered student organization, possible sanctions may include: (i) warning; (ii) probation; (iii) loss of privileges; (iv) restitution; (v) education; (vi) community service; (vii) University housing suspension or expulsion; (viii) University suspension; (ix) University expulsion; (x) revocation of admission and/or degree; (xi) withholding degree; (xii) trespass; (xiii) loss of recognition; (xiv) hold on transcript and/or registration; (xv) no contact directive; (xvi) remedies; or (xvii) any combination of the previously stated disciplinary sanctions. More information on sanctioning can be found in WAC 504-26-425.

7 – Education, Training, and Prevention Programs

WSU provides a range of education and prevention programs to strengthen prevention efforts, further develop campus-wide understanding of policy and processes and enhance accessibility to services for victims/survivors of such violence. WSU regularly provides all students with information about reporting options via email messages, as well as through in-person trainings specifically designed to explain available processes. WSU also produces an array of online and printed materials for students and employees about accessing support services and making complaints regarding sexual violence, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

7.1 – Campus Security Programs

The Washington State University Police Department (WSU PD) strives to educate the Pullman campus community and maintain a reasonably safe environment on campus. In 2022, WSU PD personnel provided 34 educational and prevention driven programs to students. Additionally, each residence hall on campus has an assigned police officer representative that works closely with hall staff to provide general crime prevention and safety programs for the residents. Although WSU PD takes many steps to educate and maintain safety on campus, each individual within the campus community plays a role and it is important to be aware of surroundings and use reasonable judgment when living, working, or visiting on campus. Please report suspicious or criminal activities to law enforcement at 509-332-2521 or 911. 

The College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) and WSU Extension strive to educate the campus community and maintain a reasonably safe environment at all of its locations. WSU encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to the appropriate police agencies when the victim of a crime elects to, or is unable to, make such a report.  

Each individual within the CAHNRS Research and Extension community plays a role and it is important to be aware of surroundings and use reasonable judgment when living, working, or visiting any CAHNRS location. Please report suspicious or criminal activities to law enforcement, local authorities, or 911. 

WSU-Bremerton community members are also encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious or criminal activities to Olympic College Campus security or to local law enforcement, and to contact 911 for all emergencies.  

WSU Bremerton students receive safety information during their orientation, are provided a flyer of safety information, and have access to a compilation of safety resources available to them on this website: Safety and Security for Students at WSU Bremerton. In addition, Olympic College’s Campus Safety & Security Departments provides panel discussions and safety lectures to interested academic classes, student organizations, and community members, including on topics relating to personal safety, theft prevention, and child safety.  

Students and staff located at WSU Research and Extension sites covered by this report are provided with a safety orientation and other safety programming when available (e.g. active shooter training, chemical/lab safety, etc.).  Safety committees for these sites review programs and policies for appropriate protocols and identify training opportunities, as needed. Staff contact local police, as needed, to respond to concerns or to request safety advice.  

Employees at all locations go through a safety orientation checklist with their supervisor or safety committee representative.

7.2 – Prevention Programs

WSU provides a wide range of crime prevention programming, as well as programming specific to preventing dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

7.2.1 – Available Education for Incoming Students

Every incoming undergraduate student has access to three education programs on the WSU Pullman campus (also available to students at WSU Research and Extension sites), about bystander intervention, risk reduction, and the definitions and WSU policies in place to respond to sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence and stalking.

• SAFETY ON CAMPUS: 
  • This workshop is offered during the New Coug Orientation and includes information about campus policies, resources and reporting options for students. In this workshop, students learn about WSU’s prohibition on dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. They also learn the following definitions: 
    • Dating violence: Intimate partner abuse is conduct or threats which are targeted against a person with whom an individual is in or had been in a romantic, sexual, or dating relationship, where the conduct or threats are used to coerce, intimidate, or control the person. This may include physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, or financial assault and/or control. It may also include direct or indirect conduct, as well as threats or conduct directed towards the person’s family, friends, property, or pets.   
    • Domestic violence: A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed 
      • By a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim 
      • By a person with whom the victim shares a child in common 
      • By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner 
      • By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred, or
      • By any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.  
  • Sexual assault: Nonconsensual sexual contact is any intentional sexual touching, however slight, with any object or body part, by one person against another person’s intimate parts (or clothing covering any of those areas), or by causing another person to touch his or her own or another person’s intimate body parts without consent and/or by force. Sexual contact also can include any intentional bodily contact in a sexual manner with another person’s nonintimate body parts. It also includes nonconsensual sexual intercourse. 
  • Consent: Consent to any sexual activity must be clear, knowing, and voluntary. Anything less is equivalent to a “no.” Clear, knowing, and voluntary consent to sexual activity requires that, at the time of the act, and throughout the sexual contact, all parties actively express words or conduct that a reasonable person would conclude demonstrates clear permission regarding willingness to engage in sexual activity and the conditions of such activity. Consent is active; silence or passivity is not consent. Even if words or conduct alone seem to imply consent, sexual activity is nonconsensual when: 
    • Force or coercion is threatened or used to procure compliance with the sexual activity. 
      • Force is the use of physical violence, physical force, threat, or intimidation to overcome resistance or gain consent to sexual activity. 
      • Coercion is unreasonable pressure for sexual activity. When an individual makes it clear through words or actions that the individual does not want to engage in sexual contact, wants to stop, or does not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction, continued pressure beyond that point may be coercive. Other examples of coercion may include using blackmail or extortion to overcome resistance or gain consent to sexual activity. 
    • The person is asleep, unconscious, or physically unable to communicate his or her unwillingness to engage in sexual activity; or 
    • A reasonable person would or should know that the other person lacks the mental capacity at the time of the sexual activity to be able to understand the nature or consequences of the act, whether that incapacity is produced by illness, defect, the influence of alcohol or another substance, or some other cause. When alcohol or drugs are involved, a person is considered incapacitated or unable to give valid consent if the individual cannot fully understand the details of the sexual interaction (i.e., who, what, when, where, why, and how), and/or the individual lacks the capacity to reasonably understand the situation and to make rational, reasonable decisions. 
  • Stalking: Stalking is engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: 
    • (a) Fear for their safety or the safety of others; 
    • (b) Fear for harm to their property or the property of others; or
    • (c) Suffer substantial emotional distress. 
  • Stalking includes, but is not limited to, conduct occurring in person, electronically, or through a third party. 

• Count on Cougs 
  • Students attend an introduction to the Count on Cougs bystander intervention program to learn how to recognize and respond to situations that could be high risk for violence. Students practice safe, realistic intervention skills in a variety of scenarios. 
• eCHECKUP TO GO 
  • This online, confidential survey allows students to receive personalized feedback about the impacts of alcohol and other drug use. It is an open access survey, and available to all students. Results are anonymous and personalized.

Other programs designed to enhance understanding about sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, and stalking are provided throughout the academic year. These interactive programs are open to all students on the WSU Pullman campus. Students can sign up for programs through Presence and the Health Education Website.   

Graduate students at all locations are provided an orientation that includes information on reporting and resources for discrimination, harassment, student misconduct, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.  The Graduate Student Policies and Procedures Manual also includes information on reporting options and grievance procedures. 

Students at WSU Bremerton can access violence prevention and substance abuse prevention education through the WSU Health Promotions office, including: 

• Count on Cougs:
  • A violence prevention program focused on empowering bystanders to actively reduce gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual assault.  Count on Cougs is made available to students throughout the WSU system via Zoom throughout the year. For information on upcoming programs, visit the Health Education Website.
• ECHECKUP TO GO:
  • These online assessments provide personalized prevention information relating to substance abuse and helps students understand their relationship with substances. 
  • eCHECKUP TO GO Alcohol
  • eCHECKUP TO GO Cannabis
• Mental Health First Aid:
  • An 8-hour training (2 hours pre-work and 6 hours Zoom training) that teaches participants to identify mental health disorder symptoms, how to respond in a crisis, and active listening skills to support many disorders. To attend, visit: Registration Site.  
• Campus Connect:
  • A 2-hour training that teaches participants statistics and facts about college student suicide, how to respond in a suicidal crisis, appropriate referrals, and active listening, communication, and relationship-building skills. To attend, visit: Registration Site.

7.2.2 – Student-Athlete Education

Mandated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), student-athletes, coaches, and athletics department staff are required to participate in yearly sexual violence prevention education. Education includes consent, sexual assault, harassment, stalking, gender-based violence, reporting, and resources. Education is executed through educational workshops, eLearning modules, or external speakers.  

7.2.3 – Campus Disciplinary Processes

The Center for Community Standards (CCS) offers trainings to students and staff on the campus disciplinary programs throughout the year. Staff presentations are given upon request. Information sessions are also available upon request for students who are engaged in the community standards process. These sessions outline what students can expect when engaging with CCS and also outline student rights and available resources.

7.2.4 – Ally Training

The LGBTQ+ Center is respectful of confidentiality and is knowledgeable about resources for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. WSU promotes an atmosphere that is safe, inclusive, and affirming for all members of the campus community and does not condone discrimination. Any faculty, staff, student, or community member may participate in Ally training. Since summer 2020, Ally training has been expanded and offered twice per semester and upon request for departments system-wide.  

7.2.5 – Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence Prevention Training

WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) offers a number of trainings for students, faculty, and staff in person, via video-conferencing software, and via on-demand webinars, including trainings on the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, Executive Policy 15 (EP 15); discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence prevention; university investigative processes; grievance and disciplinary processes; mandatory reporting; available university resources and response; and targeted training on resources and reporting options for victims of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In 2022, CCR offered 82 live trainings to the campus community and 10 on-demand trainings.  

7.2.6 – Equity Education and Training

The Office for Social Justice Education and Outreach (SJEO) offers a variety of workshops related to equity and inclusion that provide a link between theory and practical application of concepts related to engaging across difference. These workshops help participants build skills through experiential opportunities that are conducive to an inclusive and engaged campus climate and work environment. Faculty, staff, and administrators may register to participate in a host of Equity and Inclusion Educational courses that comprise the Community & Equity Certificate Program for Faculty and Staff. More information about the certificate is available on the SJEO website. Contact the SJEO for more information at 509-335-5078. In addition, Peer-to-Peer and professional to student training is available for WSU students presented by the WSU Social Justice Peer Educator (SJPE) Program and SJEO staff. To learn more about the student-led programming and to request a workshop, please visit the following website: Request a Workshop. For professional to student training, please reach out to Allen.sutton@wsu.edu.  

7.2.7 – Bystander Intervention

WSU understands that keeping our community safe requires everyone on campus to be proactive. To that end, all WSU students on the Pullman campus receive training on the role bystanders play in reducing risk on campus, and the Count on Cougs violence prevention program is offered to students remotely at all other campus locations. Often when bystanders see situations that could lead to violence, our tendency is to walk away. We may feel unsure about our role in the situation or may be concerned for our physical safety. Even so, there are safe and positive options available to intervene in situations that may lead to acts of violence. These options include:

• Being direct. If you see someone doing something that is making another person uncomfortable, speak up.
• Getting someone else involved. If you feel like you can’t handle the situation on your own, ask a group of friends to help you, or talk to a supervisor, Resident Advisor, or other person of authority. If the situation is making you feel unsafe, contact the police.
• Creating a distraction. Sometimes the best way to get someone out of a potentially dangerous situation is to divert attention elsewhere.
• Offering resources and support after the fact. Interpersonal violence can happen quickly. If you are concerned someone has already experienced violence, you can provide meaningful support and options after the fact that may prevent further violence. 
• If a situation is making you uncomfortable, chances are other people are uncomfortable too. By standing up and being a proactive bystander, you give other people encouragement to do the same. 
• Being proactive. There are small and simple actions that WSU students, faculty and staff can take every day to create a safe and supportive campus. More information about the bystander intervention training is available on the Health Education Website.

7.2.8 – Risk Reduction

WSU believes that it is not a victim’s/survivor’s decision that leads to acts of harm or violence. Rather, someone else is making choices to cause harm to another person. Reducing rates of violence on our campus can seem overwhelming, but it becomes a much easier task when we all work together. There are steps everyone can take to promote individual and community safety on campus that are also provided to all incoming students at the WSU Pullman campus:

• Plan ahead. Charge your phone before going out and stay in contact with your friends throughout the evening. Ask friends to check in with each other before leaving for the night. If someone doesn’t check in, call or text to make sure they’re okay.
• Make a back-up plan if things don’t go as planned. Bring extra cash if you need to call a cab to get home or call a trusted friend to walk you home if you feel unsafe walking alone at night. 
• Pay attention to your gut instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable, find someone you trust, or leave. Contact the police if you have concerns for your safety.
• If choosing to drink alcohol, be aware of how your body responds to drinking and plan accordingly. Plan out how many drinks you’ll have and stick to that plan. Eat a full meal before going out or eat snacks throughout the night. Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks or beverages. Maintain control of your drinks and beverages at all times to prevent someone from putting drugs or other unknown substances into them.
• Respect everyone’s personal boundaries in all situations, including those involving sex. Consent at WSU must be clear, knowing, and voluntary. If you’re not certain you’ve obtained consent, stop and check in with your partner.

8 – Timely Warning and Emergency Notifications

8.1 – Timely Warning Notifications

The Clery Act requires that “institutions must issue a timely warning for any Clery Act crime that occurs within Clery geography that is: (i) reported to campus security authorities; and (ii) is considered by the institution to represent a serious or continuing threat to students and employees.”  

According to the Clery Act, the timely warning must be issued in a timely manner and will withhold the names and personally identifying information about the victims as defined within Section 40002(a) (20) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. 

The timely warning will aid in the prevention of similar crimes, which may include incidents where the WSU Police Department (WSU PD) has identified a pattern of risk. A timely warning with respect to crimes reported to a pastoral or professional counselor is not required by WSU. 

A timely warning may be issued for a crime or incident as deemed necessary or appropriate by the WSU PD or local official. Taking into account the safety of the community, WSU PD’s officer-in-charge, or the above level, will assume the primary responsibility to determine the content, issue a timely warning notification, and initiate the appropriate elements of the notification system. In instances where there is a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of students or employees occurring on the campus, each WSU location will follow its emergency notification procedures, BPPM 50.39.  

Typically, WSU PD makes determinations as to when a timely warning may be issued for the Pullman campus, with corresponding campus authorities assuming that role at other locations, which may vary on a case-by-case basis. Some examples of matters requiring timely warnings include, but are not limited to: 

• Investigations of a series of car thefts in one particular area 
• Unsolved burglaries 
• A pattern of drug dealings or activities that puts students at risk 

WSU Research and Extension Center Directors or facilities managers may also issue timely warnings directly to their communities, as needed. Timely warnings for WSU Bremerton may also be issued by Olympic College Campus Security.

8.2 – Dissemination of a Timely Warning

WSU PD uses the WSU Alert system as the primary method of distributing notification of a timely warning; however, additional communications tools may also be used, including, WSU Insider, a press release, and the WSU campus outdoor warning system. All WSU students, staff, and faculty can subscribe and update their information for the WSU Alert system by accessing their MyWSU account.  

WSU Research and Extension sites may also directly communicate with affected individuals to provide timely warnings or advice to reduce risk of crime, specific to their sites.  

Olympic College, which hosts WSU Bremerton, has a Campus Outdoor Warning System consisting of siren/PA units mounted on the exterior/interior of campus buildings that provide siren warnings and voice announcements in the event of an emergency that may threaten the safety of individuals moving about the Olympic College campus. The Olympic College Directors of Marketing and Communications and Campus Safety & Security determine when a timely warning is appropriate and notifies the campus community via the Outdoor Warning System, emails, telephones, digital displays, computer network, radio network, public address system, or other methods.

9 – Emergency Response, Notifications, and Evacuation Procedures

9.1 – Emergency Notification

In the event of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of students or employees occurring on any campus, the WSU PD, WSU Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) and/or the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will determine and employ communication methods appropriate to the situation to notify the affected university community without delay, per the Emergency Planning and Preparedness Policy, BPPM 50.39. Confirmation of significant emergencies will require direct investigation by appropriate WSU personnel.   

In addition, students at WSU Bremerton may also receive notifications directly from Olympic College, and individuals at the WSU Research and Extension sites may also receive direct communication relating to weather or fire emergency from the WSU Alert system or directly from the site facilities operator or director.  Off-campus suspended operations due to emergencies at Research and Extension Centers are governed by the WSU Safety and Security Manual Section 50.45.   In case of an emergency, the County or Reservation Extension Office Director (or designee) reports the emergency conditions to the WSU Extension Director, who notifies the CAHNRS Dean of the emergency and the current status of the locations. The County or Reservation Extension Officer Director may move from normal operations to suspended operations and notify personnel and students at their sites.  

For Pullman campus law enforcement issues, the WSU PD will be primarily responsible for confirming a significant emergency or dangerous public safety situation on the campus through victim, witness, or officer observations. Taking into account the safety of the community, WSU PD’s officer-in-charge, or the above level, will assume the primary responsibility to determine the content, issue campus emergency notifications, and initiate the appropriate elements of the emergency notification system unless the notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist victims or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency. Additional information about WSU’s policies and procedures in place to respond to emergencies is available from OEM.  WSU Research and Extension sites may consult with WSU PD or consult with local police or fire departments to determine whether emergency notifications should be issued, or other departments as identified in the WSU Safety and Security Manual Section 50.45.  WSU Bremerton may consult with WSU PD, Olympic College Campus Security, or local police and fire departments. Olympic College’s Campus Security, members of their Emergency Operations Team, and Directors of Marketing & Communications determine when a notification is warranted for their campus community. 

Other non-law enforcement emergencies such as hazardous materials releases, utility failures, computer systems/telecommunications failures, hazardous weather, infectious disease or public hazards, etc., may affect the WSU campuses. Other departments at WSU, including, but not limited to, OEM, EH&S, the Office of Research Assurances, Facilities Services, Information Technology, or Cougar Health Services may also confirm a significant emergency. Confirming departments will report the non-law enforcement emergency to the WSU PD and/or the University Emergency Management Coordinator, or their designee, who has the primary responsibility to prepare and issue non-law enforcement emergency notifications.  

Whether the emergency is a law enforcement or non-law enforcement issue, those authorized to issue emergency notifications will be responsible for determining the appropriate segment or segments of the campus community to notify. Incident circumstances may require only a floor, building, facility, area, etc. to be notified as compared to the entire campus. Examples of situations that could require immediate emergency notifications could include: 

• A dangerous assailant for aggravated assault, robbery, arson, rape, murder (even if a suspect is in custody), etc. 
• An occurring or impending natural disaster, or an occurring or impending man-made disaster 

An emergency notification will include information that would enable members of the university community to take actions to protect themselves, including information about the type of incident, location and instructions on what actions to take, and other safety tips.

9.2 – Dissemination of an Emergency Notification

WSU has a number of methods to provide warning and notification of emergency situations affecting the campus, including the Campus Outdoor Warning System and the WSU Alert Notification system. 

The Pullman Campus Outdoor Warning System consists of five (5) siren/public address units on the Pullman campus that WSU may sound in the event of an emergency that may threaten the safety of individuals moving about the Pullman campus. The siren tone warning will be followed by a voice announcement that provides information on what individuals should do as an emergency situation develops. 

The WSU Alert Notification system is a second method for distributing a notification of an emergency warning, which connects directly to students, faculty, and staff using voice and text messaging by telephone and email to provide warning of an emergency, see BPPM 50.39. It will include basic directions on what steps people should take in response. Receiving emergency warnings on personal cell phones, land line phones, and email requires registration, which can be accomplished by accessing a MyWSU account. All WSU students, staff, and faculty can subscribe and update their information for the WSU Alert Notification system by accessing their MyWSU account.  

In addition to these primary notification methods, the WSU Office of Emergency Management (OEM) also operates a campus-wide alert email listserv which allows email transmission of warnings and other messages to the campus population. 

The complete WSU Alert system allows the university to disseminate official information via email text messages, telephone, loudspeakers, WSU Alert page, social media and other means to notify the campus population of emergencies or threatening situations. 

For example, should an active shooter situation occur, individuals would be made aware of the incident through the WSU Alert system. Individuals could then assess their response to the situation based on the location and resources available and then choose the best action to ensure their safety. 

In addition, WSU Bremerton students located on the Olympic College campus can register for campus alerts through the Olympic College emergency alert system. The Olympic College Directors of Marketing and Communications and Campus Safety & Security are responsible for determining when an emergency notification is appropriate.  Olympic College has a Campus Outdoor Warning System consisting of siren/PA units mounted on the exterior/interior of campus buildings that provide siren warnings and voice announcements in the event of an emergency that may threaten the safety of individuals moving about the Olympic College campus. Olympic College has several other systems in place for communicating or receiving  emergency information including opt-out text message alert, all official/all student email, radio system, telephone system, public address system, duress buttons, callboxes, electronic key card door lock systems that can be remotely locked down, surveillance cameras positioned inside and outside throughout campus, building safety coordinators, digital displays and reader boards, and website home page banner.  

Similarly, for individuals working or studying at Research and Extension Centers, the Director may also follow Safety and Security Manual 50.45 to notify individuals of suspended operations or emergencies.  

To address the recent disturbing trends of violence on campuses for K-12 and higher education, the WSU security community has developed several prevention and protection measures for mitigating such threats. This includes the ability of the WSU PD and/or the WSU OEM to lock some WSU Pullman building doors from the outside through an automated system. Studies compiled by the FBI indicate the importance of active access control in buildings and the ability to lock down the campus entry doors and allow occupants to secure themselves within their surroundings. This function provides safety to the occupants of the building and allows for transit time for police to respond and address the incident. WSU would like to expand the availability of this locking feature to more buildings on all campuses.

9.3 – Drills, Exercises, and Training

The primary WSU campuses hold an emergency communications system test once a semester. The test includes activation of the WSU Alert system, Pullman Campus Outdoor Warning System, and the WSU Alert page.  Other methods of emergency communication may also be activated during these tests. These tests may be previously scheduled and announced to the community or may be unannounced. 

WSU holds drills or exercises for campus emergency responders and emergency management personnel at least once each semester and conducts follow-through activities designed for assessment and evaluation of existing emergency response plans, procedures, and capabilities. Whenever possible, emergency responders from local agencies participate in these exercises or drills with WSU emergency responders. WSU publishes a summary of its emergency response and evacuation procedures in conjunction with at least one drill or exercise each calendar year. 

Pullman on-campus residence halls hold evacuation drills four (4) times annually per the International Fire Code. Students learn the locations of emergency exits in the buildings and are provided guidance about the direction they should travel when exiting each facility for a short-term evacuation. WSU does not tell residents in advance about the designated locations for long-term evacuations because those decisions are affected by time of day, locations of the building being evacuated, the availability of various designated emergency gathering locations on campus, and other factors such as the location and nature of the threat. All other WSU units are encouraged to hold an evacuation drill at least once annually or more frequently when required by the International Fire Code. Housing units at WSU Research and Extension sites conduct drills and fire extinguisher drills, as well as offer additional trainings such as those provided by local fire departments, when available.  

An OEM officer will assist any Pullman units to coordinate an evacuation drill and provide an assessment of its effectiveness. The WSU Fire Safety and Emergency Management Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining records of each of these evacuation drills for seven years as required by the Clery Act. The OEM maintains records of all drills and exercises established for campus emergency responders as well as for emergency communications systems tests. The OEM also annually publishes information on emergency response and evacuation procedures in conjunction with the test and maintains the records for seven years as required by the Clery Act. The records include, for each test, a description of the exercise, the date, the time, and whether it was announced or unannounced. 

WSU PD provides active shooter training, safety consultations, and can share information about online trainings and resources. Individuals interested in additional information should contact WSU PD at 509-335-8548.  In addition, WSU employees can access an on-demand Active Shooter Response training through the Skillsoft Percipio online training system.

10 – Campus Security

10.1 – Campus Housing Safety

WSU has student housing at the following locations: 

• WSU – Pullman 
• Mount. Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center
• Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center 
• Puyallup Research and Extension Center 
• Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center 

WSU Bremerton, WSU Island County Extension Office, and WSU Bread Lab do not have student housing available. 

The Pullman WSU Housing and Residence Life (HRL) staff work closely with the WSU Police Department (WSU PD) and other safety officials to make living groups safe and secure communities. All students in WSU housing and residence halls must ultimately share in this responsibility. New students and RHL staff should familiarize themselves with campus resources including safety resources and evacuation locations for the residence hall/apartment they live in. RHL staff can answer questions and assist with problems. RHL hall staff are on duty each evening and professional staff are on call 24/7 to help promote safety. Staff members perform nightly rounds and have an on-call system during evenings and weekends. Residence hall exterior doors are secured 24 hours a day. Only residents of the halls, guests of residents, and authorized university personnel may gain access to residential floors and rooms. All residence halls have fire sprinkler systems. RHL staff also perform room inspections during break periods to ensure that student rooms are in compliance with safety, Washington Administrative Code (WAC) requirements, and WSU housing policies. 

WSU – Pullman apartments for single students and families are supervised by the apartment coordinator in each complex and by the residents. WSU PD officers routinely patrol these areas, and during the scheduled summer and winter breaks, residents may request walkthroughs by WSU PD by contacting their office at 509-335-8548. All safety-related questions or concerns should be directed to the WSU HRL staff at 509-335-1227, Streit-Perham Administration Suite, P.O. Box 641722. 

Housing at WSU Research and Extension sites have key card or key access to buildings, safety lighting, and fire and smoke alarms.  Lighting has been increased at some sites for better visibility. 

10.2 – Measures to Secure Entrances to Student Housing Facilities

The maintenance of a safe and secure residence hall environment is everyone’s responsibility. To this end, the admittance of unauthorized persons to residence halls is prohibited. Residents should always lock their room doors to ensure personal safety and security of their property. For emergency situations requiring police, medical, or firefight response, dial 911. For nonemergency assistance, call the WSU PD at 509-335-8548, or local law enforcement. Living areas of all residence halls are locked 24 hours per day, with the exception of McEachern hall, where all rooms have direct access from outdoors. 

10.3 – Safety Considerations in the Maintenance of Campus Facilities

WSU devotes time from various campus resources including Facilities Services and Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) to address the safety and security of the campus and at Research and Extension sites. The key distribution for academic buildings is controlled by the colleges and departments within the building. The buildings are opened in the mornings and secured in the evening by Facilities Services. WSU PD officers patrol these areas regularly. WSU PD provides several services designed to enhance the safety of all WSU community members: 

• A yearly “Walk in the Dark” to survey areas of the campus in need of enhanced lighting or shrub and tree trimming. 
• Regular monitoring of lighting levels on campus and evaluation of the security to student residences. 
• The availability of blue light emergency phones around campus. 

WSU Bremerton is on the Olympic College campus which is monitored by the Olympic College Campus Security. Emergency call boxes are available and are a way to contact Campus Security for assistance during an emergency, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Campus Security also provides security escorts. Buildings at Olympic College are open to the public and are secured after hours.  The Olympic College Facilities department conducts periodic checks of the grounds for safety issues, including lighting and walkway access. 

10.4 – Students Events and Organizations

Groups or individuals may use the university’s limited public forum areas for those activities protected by the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States, subject to the requirements set forth in 504-33 WAC. University groups or individuals are requested to provide notice of the intended use of the desired Pullman Campus limited public forum area to the WSU PD. Non-university groups and individuals must provide notice five business days prior to the intended use of the desired limited public forum area, in accordance with WAC 504-33-025. 

Registered Student Organizations and enrolled WSU students may contact the WSU Center for Student Organizations and Leadership Office for more information about campus events at:

10.5 – Blue Light Phones

Should you need immediate assistance in an emergency, you can look for a blue light on the Pullman WSU campus. The blue light identifies the location of an emergency telephone. Simply press the emergency telephone button (no dialing is necessary) to be connected to the Whitcom 911 Center. Describe your emergency to the dispatcher. Every call placed from a blue light phone is responded to by a WSU PD police officer. Please take notice of the location of the blue light telephones as you move throughout the campus. You may never need to use one, but they are there for emergencies. 

Students at WSU Bremerton have access to duress buttons installed throughout campus that will alert the Olympic College’s Campus Security. Emergency call boxes are available and are a way to contact Campus Security for assistance during an emergency, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

10.6 – Elevator Telephones

Emergency telephones are located in the elevators for both academic and residence hall buildings in Pullman. Simply push the button marked “Emergency Phone” and you will be connected to the Whitcom 911 Center. Every telephone call placed by an elevator telephone is responded to by a police officer (unless activation was accidental). If you are stuck, remain calm and stay inside the elevator. Trained elevator service personnel and Pullman Fire Department personnel are authorized to remove trapped occupants. No one else should attempt to release them or to force elevator doors open. The elevator telephone is for emergencies ONLY; please refrain from using the telephone unless it is an emergency. 

10.7 – Student Care Network

The Student Care Network is a resource through which individuals can share concerns about a student’s emotional or psychological well-being, physical health, or academic performance with university administrators who can help. Anyone can submit a Student Care referral including students, faculty, staff, family members, and community members. Information submitted through the Student Care Network will be reviewed by the Office of the Dean of Students Student Care Case Management team for appropriate follow up.

10.8 – Student Care Team

The Student Care Team responds to referrals about students who are exhibiting behavior of concern and/or have received a Student Care or other report of a concern for a student. The multi-disciplinary Student Care team intervenes with care and support to protect the safety and well-being of the involved student, as well as the WSU community, by working directly with the student, and/or connecting students with others with appropriate resources and services.

10.9 – Campus Patrol

WSU PD has a minimum staffing of two officers on duty, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  They provide patrols in vehicles, on foot, and on bicycles.  Each Pullman residence hall on campus has an assigned police officer that works closely with hall staff to provide general crime prevention and safety programs for the residents.  Although WSU PD takes many steps to educate and maintain safety on campus, each individual within the campus community plays a role and it is important to be aware of surroundings and use reasonable judgment when living, working, or visiting on campus. Please report suspicious or criminal activities to law enforcement at 509-332-2521 or 911.

10.10 – Daily Crime and Fire Log

The WSU Pullman campus has a dedicated campus police force, WSU Police Department (WSU PD). The WSU PD produces and posts a Daily Crime Log of all crimes reported to WSU PD. The log is available 24 hours per day to anyone wishing to access it. The log identifies the type of report, location, and time of each incident reported to the WSU PD. The Daily Crime Log is available online and in person at WSU PD, located at 2201 E. Grimes Way, Pullman, Washington 99164. 

The Fire Safety and Emergency Management Coordinator maintains a Fire Log of all fire incidents that have occurred in WSU Housing and Residence Life (HRL) buildings. The log identifies the type of incident, location, a time of each fire incident in HRL buildings. The Fire Log is available at the WSU PD office located at 2201 E. Grimes Way, Pullman, Washington 99164. 

WSU Bremerton students can visit the Olympic College Daily Crime Log, viewable on the Campus Safety and Security web page. 

10.11 – Safety in Global Learning Faculty Led Programs

Washington State University International Programs vets all Faculty Led program vendors and locations to ensure safety and security of our students abroad. The primary means of vetting a program location is through both an itinerary and contractor risk assessment. All hotel or lodging vendors are required to respond to questions including but not limited to fire safety, locking doors (external and between rooms) and neighborhood safety related to crime. The itineraries and contractors are then vetted to ensure safety via the US Department of State Travel Advisors, On Call Insurance (our international insurance providers), the CDC and other resources relevant to the specific program activities.  

Other safety measures employed by WSU Global Learning include: 

• WSU International Security, Health and Safety Committee convenes monthly to review Global Learning policies and requests from students to Department of State Level 3 locations, 
• Required international medical/emergency insurance coverage, including repatriation of remains and evacuation for natural and political disasters, 
• Required orientation for students, faculty, and staff who take part in Global Learning programs, including but not limited to risk mitigation, emergency procedures and reporting,
• Faculty led orientations once the group arrives in country re: local safety and behavioral expectations, 
• Liability insurance proven by each vendor of a faculty led program or third-party provider,  
• A 24/7 emergency response phone for faculty contact, 
• Emergency response cards and QR codes to download WSU’s 24-hour emergency line and insurance information, 
• Program fee contingency funds for unexpected circumstances, 
• Utilization of vendors in the location of a program when arranging programs to ensure first-hand knowledge of location safety, expectations, and resources, 
• Daily evaluation of international events as reported by the Department of State Overseas Security Advisory Committee and cross reference with student location query in tracking system, 
• Student returnee evaluations that allow for student rating and comments related to location safety.  

Third-party provider and Exchange partners are vetted to assure they carry out equivalent or more rigorous safety and risk vetting.  

11 – Drug and Alcohol Policies and Programs

11.1 – WSU Policies Governing Alcohol and Other Drugs

WSU’s Drug and Alcohol Policies, including WSU Executive Policy #20, aims to eliminate alcohol and drug abuse and to educate the University community on relevant laws and consequences. This policy provides consistency and clarity on the permitted use and enforcement of alcohol laws and statutes on all WSU properties statewide. WSU’s policy prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol on University-controlled property.  

Additionally, Washington state law, RCW Chapter 70.160, prohibits smoking in any WSU owned, leased, rented public place, or place of employment. The WSU Pullman, WSU Spokane, WSU Tri-Cities, and WSU Vancouver campuses each restrict tobacco and nicotine use on campus, with the exception to tobacco cessation programs or approved research. Refer to Safety Policies and Procedures Manual (SPPM) 6.10.  
Employees who violate Executive Policy #20 or Safety Policies and Procedures Manual (SPPM) 6.10 (SPPM 6.10) may be subject to corrective or disciplinary actions. 

11.2 – Workplace Policy

WSU complies with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. This program provides educational and training programs and prohibits the use of controlled substances in the workplace. In addition, WSU has developed programs to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and/or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol by employees and students. Any employee who violates the WSU Alcohol and Drug Policy, Executive Policy #20, may be subject to corrective or disciplinary action by the university, in addition to any penalties resulting from violating local, state and/or federal law. Sanctions for illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol in the workplace may include, but are not limited to, recommendations for completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, written or verbal warning, required training, letter of reprimand, censure, demotion, salary reduction, dismissal, and, in emergency situations, immediate suspension. Additionally, Washington state law (RCW Chapter 70.160) prohibits smoking in any University owned, leased, or rented public place or place of employment. 

11.3 – Student Policies

11.3.1 – University Alcohol and Drug Policy

The WSU PD and local police enforce all Washington state laws pertaining to drugs and alcohol, and students may also be subject to sanctions through the Center for Community Standards (CCS). CCS will follow procedures outlined in the Standards of Conduct for Students (Standards of Conduct), WAC 504-26, if an alleged violation is reported. 

The legal age for individuals to consume alcohol in the state of Washington is 21. Those not of legal age who consume alcohol will be in violation of the Standards of Conduct and WSU’s Alcohol and Drug Policy. Students of legal age who choose to drink alcoholic beverages are expected to do so responsibly. 

Students are accountable to the Standards of Conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree. The Standards of Conduct apply to on campus and online behavior and some off-campus behavior. For more information about jurisdiction, please visit WAC 504-26-015.   

11.3.2 – Applicable Standards of Conduct for Students

WAC 504-26-211 Drugs and drug paraphernalia: Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of marijuana, narcotics, or other controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia except as permitted by federal, state, and local law. 

WAC 504-26-212 Alcohol: Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by university regulations, and federal, state, and local laws), or public intoxication. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person not of legal age.

11.3.3 – Good Samaritan Guideline

The WSU Good Samaritan Guideline ensures that students receive prompt and appropriate attention in the event of alcohol and/or drug intoxication. This guideline is similar to Washington State laws followed by law enforcement. If a student or community member sees a friend or stranger experiencing symptoms of alcohol or drug intoxication and needing medical help, they can contact local police, WSU PD, medical professionals, university staff members, and/or resident advisors for assistance. Neither party will receive any formal discipline for alcohol or drug use and possession under our community standards. This guideline does not apply to any disciplinary action for incidents beyond drug and alcohol use. For example, incidents that include hazing, sexual assault, physical abuse, malicious mischief, disorderly conduct, acts of hate or bias, may initiate the community standards process.  WSU reserves the right to sanction repeat alcohol and drug offenders, including organizations, and to pursue disciplinary action for any violation which the University considers serious enough to require such action. 

11.4 – Medical and Recreational Cannabis

In accordance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, WSU strictly prohibits the use, possession, manufacture, or distribution and/or sale of cannabis and other controlled substances anywhere on campus. It is a violation of the Standards of Conduct, as well as University Housing Policy, for students to use, possess, manufacture, distribute and/or sell cannabis while on University property, even if the student is over the age of 21 and/or procured the cannabis through legal means. 

Additionally, WSU prohibits the use of medical cannabis on campus, including all residence halls and WSU apartments. Cannabis obtained for medicinal purposes cannot be stored or used in the residence halls or WSU apartments. The use and/or storage of all drug paraphernalia is also prohibited in the residence halls and WSU apartments. All questions regarding the reasonable accommodation of medical conditions, including conditions treated with medical cannabis, should be directed to the WSU Access Center by calling 509-335-3417. 

11.5 – Drug and Alcohol Education Programs

Cougar Health Services (including Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Medical Clinic Services) and WSU Health Promotions

Cougar Health Services (CHS) and WSU Health Promotions offer a range of online and in-person services related to substance use including individual counseling, assessment, therapy groups, workshops and outreach programs, online confidential and personalized feedback, text messaging, and consultation to WSU students. These services support personal efforts to maintain health and the reduction of health harms—including substance use/disorder—so students can achieve academic, career, and personal success. The foundation of CHS and Health Promotions programs is built on best practice recommended for substance abuse in a university setting in the College Alcohol Intervention Matrix (College AIM, 2015). 

Additionally, CHS and WSU Health Promotions substance abuse programs are in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA). DFSCA report is available upon request. Select programs and targeted services are described below. 

Clinical Treatment  

CAPS utilizes a generalist model of alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment, whereby all senior clinical staff (e.g., licensed psychologists) and counselors-in-training (e.g., doctoral psychology interns, practicum students) may be referred clients with AOD issues, as AOD issues are often co-morbid with other psychological disorders. All CAPS clinicians are able to work with AOD issues. Generally, clinical services are based on student need and voluntary participation. 

These include:  

• Alcohol and other drug use screening at intake and addressed within individual counseling sessions.  
• Follow-up for WSU students following AOD-related hospitalization, in conjunction with Pullman Regional Hospital. 
• Ongoing workshops/groups provided in CAPS integrate AOD use into discussion and intervention. 
• Referral to community-based services and resources. 

Harm Reduction Outreach  

eCHECKUP TO GO is an interactive, confidential web survey that allow students to enter information about their drinking patterns and receive personalized feedback about your alcohol use. eCHECKUP TO GO enables students to monitor changes to their drinking patterns and can alert them to potentially dangerous drinking habits. 

Multicultural Student Services (MSS) outreach

Health Education facilitates culturally-based outreaches and liaison services focused on long-term relationships with student groups primarily located in MSS. The effective practice of psycho-education and harm reduction in higher education requires culturally competent facilitation in outreach and education efforts in order to advance the health of all individual students and the university community at large. This includes the design of outreach, which reflects the social, political, and economic diversity of the student body and cultural environments. Health Education’s efforts towards culturally competent outreach includes the application of empirically-based strategies in conjunction with culturally-focused strategies. This comprehensive program utilizes a peer/professional model, identity concordance and the use of various education modalities with motivational interviewing. 

Fraternity and Sorority Community and Residence Hall Outreach

Upon request, Health Education offers harm reduction outreach and consultation to Housing & Residence Life (HRL), individual residence halls, Fraternity and Sorority chapter houses, and the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life. Topics can include substance use emergency response, blackout and cognitive impact, mixing alcohol and other substances, academic impacts and substance use, sleep and impacts of substance use. 

Additionally, CHS, CAPS and Health Education provide annual training to Residential Education Directors (REDs) and Residence Advisors (RAs) on the interrelationship between substance use, mental health, and academic success. Training is available to Fraternity and Sorority leadership upon request and is provided at Fraternity and Sorority leadership meetings. Trainings with the CCS staff and student employees are available upon request. 

3^rd Millenium Educational Programs 

For first time cannabis and alcohol referrals to the CCS, students are asked to complete an online educational course provided by a third-party provider, 3^rd Millenium. The courses are empirically based educational programs that target risk reduction strategies and behavioral change. 

IMPACT 

IMPACT is an education service provided to students, who are referred by CCS for repeated substance use violations. The purpose of this intervention is to administer a substance abuse education program that is focused on harm reduction strategies, motivational interviewing, and brief intervention. Students are referred to CAPS for a one-on-one meeting with a licensed mental health provider.  

12 – Additional Campus Security Policies or Resources

12.1 – Missing Student Policy

WSU takes the well-being of students seriously and the university has processes in place when a student is missing. If anyone has reason to believe that a WSU student is missing, they should immediately call 911 and report the concern. Callers outside the Pullman area should call WHITCOM at 509-332-2521. Should the student reside on campus, the WSU staff in on-campus housing are instructed to contact the WSU PD if they believe a student is missing or reported by others to be missing. 

Housing and Residence Life (HRL) Policy for Missing Students: 

If you believe a student to be missing, whether reported by their roommate, family member, or your own concerns, follow these steps: 

1. Gather information on why the student is suspected as missing (e.g. missing class, not home for a couple days, their things are missing from the room, etc). 
2. Call the RED on Duty immediately
   Information that is helpful to have when talking with the RED on Duty (or your own RED) includes: 
   1. All the information listed above 
   2. Student’s cell phone number 
   3. When and where the student was last seen 
   4. If anyone (parent, police, etc.) have been asking about the student or looking for the student 
3. Call WSU PD immediately following your call to the RED on Duty 
   1. If the missing student is under 18 and is not an emancipated individual, WSU PD will notify the student’s parent/guardian within 24 hours after they’re determined missing 
   2. All students residing in on-campus housing, regardless of age, may identify “one or more” individuals to be a contact “strictly for missing persons purposes.” Students can update this through their myWSU account; the information provided will only be accessible to authorized campus offices and law enforcement (see next section for more information).  

12.1.1 – Contact Person Policy

All students residing in on-campus housing, regardless of age, may identify one or more individuals to be a contact strictly for missing persons purposes. The contact person(s) will be contacted by the university not later than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined missing by WSU PD. Students are encouraged to provide contact information on their MyWSU account at incoming mandatory orientation. Students can update the contact(s) by accessing their MyWSU account; contact information is registered confidentially. The information provided will only be accessible to authorized campus offices and to law enforcement in case of emergency, which may include a missing person investigation.   

Students under 18 years of age and not emancipated are advised that the institution must notify a custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing, in addition to notifying any additional contact person designated by the student. In addition, WSU will notify local law enforcement agencies within 24 hours of the determination that a student is missing, unless the local law enforcement agency was the entity that made the determination that the student is missing.  

12.1.2 – Procedures

All students residing in on-campus housing, regardless of age, may identify one or more individuals to be a contact strictly for missing persons purposes. The contact person(s) will be contacted by the university not later than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined missing by WSU PD. Students are encouraged to provide contact information on their MyWSU account at incoming mandatory orientation. Students can update the contact(s) by accessing their MyWSU account. The information provided will only be accessible to authorized campus offices and to law enforcement in case of emergency, which may include a missing person investigation.   

WSU PD makes the determination as to whether the student is considered to be missing. Consistent with the Clery Act, within 24 hours of a determination that a student residing in on-campus housing is missing, WSU PD will transmit a report for inclusion within the Washington Crime Information Center (WACIC) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases. The information is also relayed to other local and surrounding law enforcement agencies. Additionally, if the missing student is under the age of 18 and not emancipated, WSU will notify the student’s parent or legal guardian and any other contact person(s) designated by the student within 24 hours after WSU PD has determined the student is missing. 

12.2 – Weapons Policy

The WSU Standards of Conduct for Students, WAC 504-26-213, prohibits students from carrying, possessing or using any firearm, explosive (including fireworks), dangerous chemicals, or any dangerous weapon on university property or in university approved housing. Additionally, airsoft guns and any other item that appears to be a firearm, or any item that shoots projectiles are prohibited in WSU housing.

12.3 – Sexual or Violent Offenders List

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 requires colleges and universities to inform students and employees how to learn the identity of registered sex offenders on campus. This law also requires that sex offenders provide notice to any institution of higher education at which the person is employed or is a student. 

You can obtain information regarding registered sex offenders in the Pullman area by contacting the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, Records Department, located at N. 411 Mill, Colfax, Washington, 509-397-6266. Additionally, the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office maintains an OffenderWatch portal which can be found at the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office Website .  This page includes information on how to search for registered sex offenders in the area as well as additional information about sex offender registration laws, safety tips, and shareable Community Awareness Fliers.  In addition, you can obtain information regarding registered sex offenders throughout Washington state from the Washington Sex Offender Public Registry or through the National Sex Offender Public Website.  

13 – Housing and Fire Safety

In August 2008, the Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-315) became law. This act requires all U.S. academic institutions to produce an annual fire safety report outlining fire safety practices, standards, and all fire-related, on-campus statistics pertaining to on-campus residential buildings.  Pursuant to this act, the following section includes fire safety practices and standards applicable to the WSU Pullman campus.  Fire statistics for the relevant period covering this report (2020-2022) are available near the end of this report.

13.1 – On Campus Housing Fire Safety Regulations

University Housing and Residence Life Residence Halls 

All of WSU’s operational residence halls in Pullman have full fire sprinkler systems and automatic fire alarm systems that report to a continuously staffed dispatch center. WSU Facilities Services maintains residence hall fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems referencing International Fire Code requirements. Specific information is listed in the table below. 

(1) Partial Sprinkler System is defined as having sprinklers in the common areas only.
(2) Full Sprinkler system is defined as having sprinklers in both the common areas and individual rooms.
(3) Monitored by Central Station Monitoring (CSM)
*Smoke detectors not monitored by CSM

Campus Apartments 

The WSU campus in Pullman has nine (9) on-campus apartment complexes for students and their families. Of these nine (9) complexes, two (2) have a full fire sprinkler system and an alarm system that automatically reports to a continuously staffed dispatch center. One (1) of the nine (9) on-campus apartment complexes has a room level alarm system that automatically reports to a continuously staffed dispatch center. All apartment units in all nine (9) complexes have smoke detectors. Most of these smoke detectors are single station detectors that sound a local alarm but do not automatically report to the dispatch center. Two of these apartment complexes have heat detectors in boiler and laundry rooms which automatically report to the dispatch center. 

(1) Partial Sprinkler System is defined as having sprinklers in the common areas only.
(2) Full Sprinkler system is defined as having sprinklers in both the common areas and individual rooms.
(3) Monitored by Central Station Monitoring (CSM)
*Smoke detectors not monitored by CSM

Research and Extension Center Housing

Housing at Research and Extension sites have fire alarms and extinguishers available, and fire response protocols. Drills and/or trainings are provided; evacuation routes are posted. Research and Extension sites contract with local fire departments or security companies for fire code inspections, including inspections of fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and fire alarms.

(1) Partial Sprinkler System is defined as having sprinklers in the common areas only.
(2) Full Sprinkler system is defined as having sprinklers in both the common areas and individual rooms.
(3) Smoke/CO2

13.2 – Student Housing Evacuation Procedures

Student Residence Hall evacuation locations are as follows: 

Community Duncan Dunn 

• PRIMARY 
  • Across the street near McCroskey Hall in the open grass area 
• SECONDARY 
  • Honors Hall ground and 1^st floor 

Gannon-Goldsworthy

• PRIMARY 
  • In the Kruegel (Green) parking lot 
• SECONDARY 
  • Orton Lobby & 12^th Floor 

Global Scholars 

• PRIMARY
  • Across the street in the Smith Gym parking lot 
• SECONDARY 
  • Northside Lobby 

Honors 

• PRIMARY 
  • Across the street (Spokane St.) in front of Honors 
• SECONDARY 
  • McCroskey Lobby 

McCroskey 

• PRIMARY
  • The south lawn, across the sidewalk, between McCroskey and Thompson 
• SECONDARY 
  • Honors 4th floor lounge 

McEachern 

• PRIMARY 
  • The Rogers-Orton playfield 
• SECONDARY 
  • Orton Lobby/12th floor 

Northside 

• PRIMARY
  • Around the fire pit and Flag Lane/bus parking area by the track 
• SECONDARY 
  • Regents Lobby/Sky Lounge 

Olympia

• PRIMARY
  • The McEachern Basketball court 
• SECONDARY 
  • McEachern Lobby 

Orton 

• PRIMARY
  • The Rogers-Orton playfield 
• SECONDARY 
  • McEachern Lobby 

Regents 

• PRIMARY
  • Across Colorado Street in front of Bohler Gym 
• SECONDARY 
  • Coman Lobby/Lounge 

Rogers 

• PRIMARY
  • The Green parking lot near Kruegel Hall 
• SECONDARY 
  • McEachern Lobby 

Scott-Coman 

• PRIMARY
  • The Crimson lot in front of Regents, next to Northside Hall 
• SECONDARY 
  • Regents Lobby/Sky Lounge 

Stephenson East 

• PRIMARY
  • End of the lowest Crimson 2 parking lot of the hall 
• SECONDARY 
  • Gannon-Goldsworthy Lobby 

Stephenson North

• PRIMARY
  • The Kruegel Hall (Green) parking lot across the street 
• SECONDARY 
  • Gannon-Goldsworthy Lobby 

Stephenson South

• PRIMARY
  • The lower Crimson 2 parking lot behind the building 
• SECONDARY 
  • Gannon-Goldsworthy Lobby 

Stephenson Complex 

• PRIMARY
  • Individual Buildings locations 
• SECONDARY 
  • RGannon-Goldsworthy Lobby 

Stevens 

• PRIMARY
  • The sidewalk in front of the building 
• SECONDARY 
  • Wilmer Lounge 

Stimson

• PRIMARY
  • Waller basketball court and lower lot 
• SECONDARY 
  • Waller Lobby 

Streit Perham

• PRIMARY
  • On Flag Lane near the fire pit 
• SECONDARY 
  • Regents Lobby/Sky Lounge 

Waller

• PRIMARY
  • Stimson basketball court and lot 
• SECONDARY 
  • Stimson Lobby 

Wilmer-Davis 

• PRIMARY
  • Stevens Lawn 
• SECONDARY 
  • Community-Duncan Dunn Lobby 

For all WSU Research and Extension housing sites, evacuation procedures are provided in their safety orientation or posted in buildings.  

13.3 – On Campus Housing Fire Safety Regulations

The following is the list of room regulations every resident in WSU-Pullman residential sites must follow. This information is available in the housing policies section of the housing website and agreed to in the housing application process. The list is posted in every residence hall room. 

• Smoke detectors are located in all residence hall sleeping rooms as a source of early warning in case of fire. To ensure it is working properly, test your smoke detector monthly. Smoke detectors can be tested by pushing the test button on the bottom of the detector. If a loud shrill alarm is produced by the detector, it is working properly. If the detector fails to sound an alarm or if it emits a short beep intermittently, the battery in the detectors must be replaced. Remove the battery from the detector and take it to the hall’s area desk for a replacement battery, free of charge. 
• All extension cords must be three-wire, three-prong type, and must be constructed with a minimum of 16-gauge wire. (Gauge numbers vary inversely with capacity.) Cords must be well-maintained with no breaks in the insulation. 
• Light-construction, multiple-outlet devices (cube taps) that plug directly into outlets are not authorized. Heavy duty, multiple outlet devices equipped with internal breaker protection, three-wire, three-prong ground protection, and 16-gauge or heavier wires are authorized. Authorized extension cords may be equipped with multiple outlets, as long as the outlet fitting is a single-piece, fused-rubber type that is an integral component of the extension cord. 
• Not more than one high-wattage appliance such as a hair dryer, water warmer, etc., may be connected to a single wall outlet at one time. 
• All appliances must be sufficiently protected from shock hazards and must be maintained in good repair with no insulation damage or exposed wires. 
• Electrical cooking equipment such as fry pans, toasters, hot oil popcorn poppers, hot plates, personal microwaves (except for designated halls with electrical capacity for personal microwaves), etc., are not authorized for use in student rooms. Well-maintained hot air popcorn poppers, coffee pots, bread making machines, and water warmers are allowed only if they are placed on a non-combustible surface such as ceramic or insulated metal. 
• Electrical cords must not be crushed, compressed, constricted, or coiled in a manner that may cause breakdown of insulation, cause heat, or cause an induced current to appear in adjacent metal objects. Modification of electrical wiring is not permitted. Electrical cords shall not run through walls, ceilings, floors, doorways or windows, or across exits. 
• Under certain circumstances (heating is inadequate, nonexistent, or temporarily out of order), portable heaters are authorized in residence halls. For guidance on authorized models see the Safety Policies and Procedures Manual, Policy 8.50. 
• Draperies, tapestries, blankets, or posters that are displayed on walls and doors in a manner which would facilitate ignition, block exits or fire detection units, or present overhead fire hazards are not authorized. 
• Student-constructed furniture, posters, papers, and combustible decorations may not be present in sufficient amounts to constitute an excessive combustible fire load, nor can fire safety devices be obstructed. 
• Decisions concerning fire load violations will be rendered in accordance with the judgment of the inspector and the following inspection guidelines: 
  • Combustible wall paneling is prohibited. 
  • Not more than 50% of room wall space may be covered with combustible decorations. 
  • Full floor carpeting is allowed only on the original floor. 
  • Anything that hinders quick exit from a room (e.g. messy room, furniture, etc.) is prohibited and must be corrected. 
  • Life safety signs on the inside of each residence room door shall be visible at all times. If the placard has been torn or defected, a new placard shall be obtained from Housing Services and placed over the existing placard. 
  • Decorations must be non-combustible or flame proofed. Paper and streamers attached to ceilings are not allowed. All decorations must be removed no later than three days following a holiday; Christmas/Chanukah/ Kwanzaa/Ramadan decorations must be removed before semester break. Christmas trees and decorations are prohibited in hallways and elevator rooms. Small, fresh Christmas trees are permitted and must be placed in water. The base of the tree must be removed with an angled cut, at least one inch above the original cut. Trees must be well-supported, away from all sources of heat and ignition. Decorative lighting must be well maintained and bear the “UL” label. Lights must be unplugged when unattended. 
  • Decorations in hallways are limited to room doors. 
• Any explosives, including but not limited to, primers, powder, dynamite caps, firecrackers, and pyrotechnics, as well as ammunition and dangerous chemicals, are prohibited in the residence halls. Toy guns and “assassin” games, the purpose of which is to simulate killing others, are prohibited. 

Individuals found in violation of safety regulations will be cited and given the opportunity to correct the problem. Failure to comply with safety regulations will result in disciplinary action and/or a fine. 

Candles, incense and similar open-flame-producing items shall not be allowed in sleeping units in Group R-2 dormitory occupancies per the International Fire Code.  

No smoking is permitted on the WSU Pullman campus including buildings, residence halls, and apartments. WSU Pullman’s campus policy in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 504-38 prohibits all forms of tobacco and any nicotine-delivery devices, including electronic cigarettes, in or on WSU Pullman campus grounds and state owned vehicles and equipment. This includes non-contiguous WSU-owned property located within the city limits of Pullman, WA and within Whitman County. 

WSU employees, students and visitors are responsible for complying with Washington state law (RCW Chapter 70.160, Clean Indoor Air Act) and any applicable campus tobacco and nicotine use policy, referenced above. 

13.4 – Fire Drills for Residence Halls

WSU Pullman conducts four (4) fire drills a year in each residence hall. The first drill of the fall semester must be performed within 10 days of classes starting and is coordinated with the Pullman Fire Department. Academic buildings receive fire drills periodically based on hazard assessment, accreditation requirements, and safety committee recommendations.  

WSU Research and Extension Sites provide fire drills or trainings yearly, at times with local fire departments.

13.5 – Plans for Future Improvement in Fire Safety

WSU will continue to maintain facilities, including residence halls and university owned apartments in a manner consistent with the International Fire Code, International Building Code, National Fire Protection Association, as well as state and federal laws. All new construction shall be compliant with the appropriate fire, building, and life safety code requirements. 

The WSU Fire Safety Officer and WSU Life Safety Technicians work closely with the Pullman Fire Marshal or local fire department to address and correct deficiencies in an ongoing effort to improve fire safety on campus. 

14 – University Fire Safety Resources and Education Programs

14.1 – Education and Training Programs

WSU Fire and Safety conducts fire extinguisher training classes with hands-on extinguishment of fires for university employees. These classes are conducted outside in non-freezing weather using water and propane gas-based fire extinguisher training apparatus. 

The Fire Safety Officer also conducts fire safety seminars and classes for residence halls and academic departments when requested. Five fire safety videos from the Center for Campus Fire Safety regarding college residence hall fires are available. Fire safety training includes the procedures that students and employees should follow in the case of a fire.  For further information, call the Fire Safety Officer’s office at 509-335-5251.   

Research and Extension Centers partner with local fire departments to provide fire safety training periodically. Safety orientations are provided for students and staff.

14.2 – Resources

Emergency Fire Response: 

The Pullman Fire Department is a combination department comprised of full-time professional and reserve firefighters engaging in the performance of fire suppression and emergency medical services. Fire suppression is provided to all properties within the city limits of Pullman including WSU. Department Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians provide ambulance service to the city and to 450 square miles of rural area, including the town of Palouse. 

Research and Extension Centers contact local fire departments for fire suppression and emergency medical services.

Life Safety Technicians: 

WSU Facilities Operations employs full-time NICET certified life safety technicians who routinely maintain and test fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and fire extinguishers on the WSU Pullman campus to ensure reliable operation in the event of a fire emergency.

14.3 – Reporting in Case of a Fire

If there is a fire emergency dial 911. 

Reports that a fire occurred should be made to the WSU Fire Safety Officer by calling 509-335-5251. Reports made to the WSU Fire Safety Officer are included in the statistics in the annual fire safety report.  WSU employees should follow the Fire Safety Procedures, Section 8.20, in the Safety Policies and Procedures Manual.

15 – Crime Definitions under Federal Law

The following definitions are provided in the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act)(34 CFR Part 668), or referenced from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. For purposes of complying with the Clery Act, an incident meeting these definitions is considered a crime for the purpose of Clery Act reporting.

Dating Violence:

• Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim.
  • (i) The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
  • (ii) For the purposes of this definition – 
    1. (A) Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse.
    2. (B) Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.
  • (iii) For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this section and § 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting. 

Domestic Violence:

• (i) A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed –
  • (A) By a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim;
  • (B) By a person with whom the victim shares a child in common; 
  • (C) By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; 
  • (D) By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred, or 
  • (E) By any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred. 
• (iii) For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this section and § 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting. 

Sexual Assault:

An offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as used in the FBI’s UCR program.

Rape:

The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim. 

Fondling:

The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.

Incest:

Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.

Statutory Rape:

Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent. 

Stalking:

• (i) Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to – 
  • (A) Fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or 
  • (B) Suffer substantial emotional distress. 
• (ii) For the purposes of this definition – 
  • (A) Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property.
  • (B) Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim. 
  • (C) Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. 
• (iii) For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this section and § 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting. 

Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter:

The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.

Negligent manslaughter:

The killing of another person through gross negligence.  

Robbery:

The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.

Aggravated Assault: 

An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. (It is not necessary that injury result from an aggravated assault when a gun, knife, or other weapon is used which could and probably would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully completed.) 

Burglary: 

The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. For reporting purposes this definition includes: unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or felony; breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny; housebreaking; safecracking; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. 

Motor Vehicle theft: 

The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. (Motor vehicle theft includes all cases where automobiles are taken by persons not having lawful access even though the vehicles are later abandoned – including joyriding.) 

Weapons (Carrying, Possessing, Etc.): 

The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices, or other deadly weapons. 

Arson: 

Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.  

Liquor Law Violations: 

The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages, not including driving under the influence and drunkenness.  

Drug Abuse Violations: 

The violation of laws prohibiting the production, distribution, and/or use of certain controlled substances and the equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and/or use. 

The unlawful cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, use, possession, transportation, or importation of any controlled drug or narcotic substance.  

Arrests for violations of State and local laws, specifically those relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs. 

Hate crime:  

A crime reported to local police agencies or to a campus security authority that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the perpetrator’s bias against the victim. For the purposes of this section, the categories of bias include the victim’s actual or perceived race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, and disability. 

For Clery Act reporting purposes, hate crimes include any offense in the following list that is motivated by bias: Murder and non-negligent manslaughter, negligent manslaughter, rape, fondling, incest, statutory rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, destruction/damage/vandalism to property, intimidation, larceny/theft, and simply assault.   

Larceny-Theft (Except Motor Vehicle Theft): 

The unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another. Attempted larcenies are included. Embezzlement, confidence games, forgery, worthless checks, etc., are excluded. 

Simple Assault: 

An unlawful physical attack by one person upon another where neither the offender displays a weapon, nor the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration, or loss of consciousness. 

Intimidation: 

To unlawfully place another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct, but without displaying a weapon or subjecting the victim to actual physical attack. 

Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property: 

To willfully or maliciously destroy, damage, deface, or otherwise injure real or personal property without the consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it.

Definitions Contained in the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 – effective on October 1, 2022 

Sexual Assault (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)) 

The term ‘sexual assault’ means any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent. 

Domestic violence (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)) 

The term “domestic violence” includes felony or misdemeanor crimes committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim under the family or domestic violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant funding and, in the case of victim services, includes the use or attempted use of physical abuse or sexual abuse, or a pattern of any other coercive behavior committed, enabled, or solicited to gain or maintain power and control over a victim, including verbal, psychological, economic, or technological abuse that may or may not constitute criminal behavior by a person who— 

• a)   is a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, or person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim;
• b)   is cohabitating, or has cohabitated, with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; 
• c)   shares a child in common with the victim; or 
• d)   commits acts against a youth or adult victim who is protected from those acts under the family or domestic violence laws of the jurisdiction.  

Dating violence (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)) 

• The term ‘‘dating violence’’ means violence committed by a person
  • who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and  
  • where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:  
    • The length of the relationship. 
    • The type of relationship.  
    • The frequency of interaction

Stalking (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)) 

The term ‘‘stalking’’ means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to— 

1. fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or 
2. suffer substantial emotional distress. 

Washington state law definitions of these crimes differ and are incorporated into the Revised Code of Washington.  

16 – Crime Definitions under Washington Law

The following definitions are provided under Washington State Law.  

Washington State Definitions  

The following definitions are provided under Washington State Law, RCW 9A , unless otherwise noted. 

Consent (RCW 9A.44.010) 

At the time of the act of sexual intercourse or sexual contact there are actual words or conduct indicating freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact. 

Mental Incapacity (RCW 9A.44.010) 

A condition existing at the time of the offense which prevents a person from understanding the nature or consequences of the act of sexual intercourse whether that condition is produced by illness, defect, the influence of a substance or from some other cause. 

Physically Helpless (RCW 9A.44.010) 

A person who is unconscious or for any other reason is physically unable to communicate unwillingness to an act. 

Forcible Compulsion (RCW 9A.44.010) 

Is physical force which overcomes resistance, or a threat, express or implied, that places a person in fear of death or physical injury to herself or himself or another person, or in fear that she or he or another person will be kidnapped. 

Sexual Intercourse (RCW 9A.44.010) 

• Has its ordinary meaning and occurs upon any penetration, however slight, and 
• Also means any penetration of the vagina or anus however slight, by an object, when committed on one person by another, whether such persons are of the same or opposite sex, except when such penetration is accomplished for medically recognized treatment or diagnostic purposes, and 
• Also means any act of sexual contact between persons involving the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another whether such persons are of the same or opposite sex. 

Sexual Contact (RCW 9A.44.010) 

Any touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of a person done for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire of either party or a third party. 

Domestic Violence (RCW 10.99.020) 

Includes but is not limited to any of the following crimes when committed either by (a) one family or household member against another family or household member, or (b) one intimate partner against another intimate partner: 

• Assault in the first degree (RCW 9A.36.011); 
• Assault in the second degree (RCW 9A.36.021); 
• Assault in the third degree (RCW 9A.36.031); 
• Assault in the fourth degree (RCW 9A.36.041): 
• Drive-by shooting (RCW 9A.36.045); 
• Reckless endangerment (RCW 9A.36.050); 
• Coercion (RCW 9A.36.070); 
• Burglary in the first degree (RCW 9A.52.020); 
• Burglary in the second degree (RCW 9A.52.030); 
• Criminal trespass in the first degree (RCW 9A.52.070); 
• Criminal trespass in the second degree (RCW 9A.52.080); 
• Malicious mischief in the first degree (RCW 9A.48.070); 
• Malicious mischief in the second degree (RCW 9A.48.090); 
• Malicious mischief in the third degree (RCW 9A.40.020); 
• Kidnapping in the first degree (RCW (9A.40.020); 
• Kidnapping in the second degree (RCW 9A.40.030); 
• Unlawful imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.040); 
• Violation of the provisions of a restraining order, no-contact order, or protection order restraining or enjoining the person or restraining the person from going onto the grounds of or entering a residence, workplace, school, or day care, or prohibiting the person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location, a protected party’s person, or a protected party’s vehicle (chapter 7.105 RCW, or RCW 10.99.040, 10.99.050, 26.09.300, 26.10.220, 26.26B.050, 26.44.063, 26.44.150, or 26.52.070, or any of the former RCW 26.50.060, 26.50.070, 26.50.130, and 74.34.145); 
• Rape in the first degree (RCW 9A.44.040); 
• Rape in the second degree (RCW 9A.44.050); 
• Residential burglary (RCW 9A.52.025); 
• Stalking (RCW 9A.46.110); and  
• Interference with the reporting of domestic violence (RCW 9A.36.150). 

Family Or Household Members (RCW 10.99.020) 

• Adult persons related by blood or marriage; 
• Adult persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past; and 
• Persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren. 

Intimate Partner (RCW 10.99.020) 

• Spouses or domestic partners; 
• Former spouses or former domestic partners; 
• Persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time; 
• Adult persons presently or previously residing together who have or have had a dating relationship; 
• Persons sixteen years of age or older who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past and who have or have had a dating relationship; and  
• Persons sixteen years of age or older with whom a person sixteen years of age or older has or has had a dating relationship. 

Dating Relationship (RCW 10.99.020, RCW 7.105.010) 

A social relationship of a romantic nature. Factors that the court may consider in making this determination include: 

• The length of time the relationship has existed; 
• The nature of the relationship; and 
• The frequency of interaction between the parties. 

Rape in the First Degree (RCW 9A.44.040)  

A person is guilty of rape in the first degree when such person engages in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion where the perpetrator or an accessory:  

• Uses or threatens to use a deadly weapon or what appears to be a deadly weapon; or 
• Kidnaps the victim; or  
• Inflicts serious physical injury, including but not limited to physical injury which renders the victim unconscious; or  
• Feloniously enters into the building or vehicle where the victim is situated.  

Rape in the Second Degree (RCW 9A.44.050)  

A person is guilty of rape in the second degree when, under circumstances not constituting rape in the first degree, the person engages in sexual intercourse with another person:  

• By forcible compulsion;  
• When the victim is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless or mentally incapacitated;  
• When the victim is a person with a developmental disability and the perpetrator is a person who:  
  • Has supervisory authority over the victim; or  
  • Was providing transportation, within the course of his or her employment, to the victim at the time of the offense;  
• When the perpetrator is a health care provider, the victim is a client or patient, and the sexual intercourse occurs during a treatment session, consultation, interview, or examination. It is an affirmative defense that the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the client or patient consented to the sexual intercourse with the knowledge that the sexual intercourse was not for the purpose of treatment;  
• When the victim is a resident of a facility for persons with a mental disorder or chemical dependency and the perpetrator is a person who has supervisory authority over the victim; or  
• When the victim is a frail elder or vulnerable adult and the perpetrator is a person who:  
  • Has a significant relationship with the victim; or  
  • Was providing transportation, within the course of his or her employment, to the victim at the time of the offense.  

Rape in the Third Degree (RCW 9A.44.060)  

A person is guilty of rape in the third degree when, under circumstances not constituting rape in the first or second degrees, such person engages in sexual intercourse with another person:  

• Where the victim did not consent as defined in RCW 9A.44.010(7), to sexual intercourse with the perpetrator; or  
• Where there is threat of substantial unlawful harm to property rights of the victim.  

Voyeurism (RCW 9A.44.115)  

A person commits the crime of voyeurism in the first degree if, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire any person, he or she knowingly views, photographs, or films:  

• Another person without that person’s knowledge and consent while the person being viewed, photographed, or filmed is in a place where he or she would have a reasonable expectation of privacy; or  
• The intimate areas of another person without that person’s knowledge and consent and under circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, whether in a public or private place.  

A person commits the crime of voyeurism in the second degree if he or she intentionally photographs or films another person for the purpose of photographing or filming the intimate areas of that person with the intent to distribute or disseminate the photograph or film, without that person’s knowledge and consent, and under circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, whether in a public or private place. 

Indecent Exposure (RCW 9A.88.010)  

A person is guilty of indecent exposure if he or she intentionally makes any open and obscene exposure of his or her person or the person of another knowing that such conduct is likely to cause reasonable affront or alarm. The act of breastfeeding or expressing breast milk is not indecent exposure.  

Harassment (RCW 9A.46.020)  

A person is guilty of harassment if:  

• Without lawful authority, the person knowingly threatens:  
  • To cause bodily injury immediately or in the future to the person threatened or to any other person; or  
  • To cause physical damage to the property of a person other than the actor; or 
  • To subject the person threatened or any other person to physical confinement or restraint; or  
  • Maliciously to do any other act which is intended to substantially harm the person threatened or another with respect to his or her physical or mental health or safety; and  
• The person by words or conduct places the person threatened in reasonable fear that the threat will be carried out. “Words or conduct” includes, in addition to any other form of communication or conduct, the sending of an electronic communication.  

Stalking (RCW 9A.46.110)  

• (a) A person commits the crime of stalking if, without lawful authority, the person: 
  • (i) Intentionally and repeatedly harasses another person; 
  • (ii) Intentionally and repeatedly follows another person; 
  • (iii) Intentionally contacts, follows, tracks, or monitors, or attempts to contact, follow, track, or monitor another person after being given actual notice that the person does not want to be contacted, followed, tracked, or monitored; or 
  • (iv) Knowingly and without consent installs or monitors an electronic tracking device, or causes an electronic tracking device to be installed, placed, or used, to track the location of another person; and
• (b) The person being harassed, followed, tracked, or monitored suffers substantial emotional distress or is placed in fear that the stalker intends to injure him or her, or another person, or his or her property, or the property of another person, or, in the circumstances identified in (a)(iv) of this subsection, the victim’s knowledge of the tracking device would reasonably elicit substantial emotional distress or fear. The feeling of substantial emotional distress or fear must be one that a reasonable person in the same situation would experience given the totality of the circumstances; and

Except as provided in RCW 9A.46.110, a person who stalks another person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.  A person who stalks another person is guilty of a class B felony if any of the following applies:

• The stalker has previously been convicted in this state or any other state of any crime of harassment, as defined in RCW 9A.46.060;  
• The stalking violates any protective order protecting the victim; 
• The stalker has previously been convicted of a gross misdemeanor or felony stalking offense under this section for stalking another person; 
• The stalker was armed with a deadly weapon, as defined in RCW 9.94A.825, while stalking the victim; 
• The victim is or was a law enforcement officer; judge; juror; attorney; victim advocate; legislator; community corrections’ officer; an employee, contract staff person; or volunteer of a correctional agency; court employee, court clerk; or courthouse facilitator; or an employee of the child protective, child welfare, or adult protective services division within the department of social and health services; and the stalker stalked the victim to retaliate against the victim for an act the victim performed during the course of official duties or to influence the victim’s performance of official duties; or 
• The victim is a current, former, or prospective witness in an adjudicative proceeding, and the stalker stalked the victim to retaliate against the victim as a result of the victim’s testimony or potential testimony.  

Washington State Definitions for protection orders 

Consent (RCW 7.105.010) 

Consent in the context of sexual acts means that at the time of sexual contact, there are actual words or conduct indicating freely given agreement to that sexual contact. Consent must be ongoing and may be revoked at any time. Conduct short of voluntary agreement does not constitute consent as a matter of law. Consent cannot be freely given when a person does not have capacity due to disability, intoxication, or age. Consent cannot be freely given when the other party has authority or control over the care or custody of a person incarcerated or detained.

Sexual Abuse (RCW 7.105.010) 

Sexual abuse means any form of nonconsensual sexual conduct including, but not limited to, unwanted or inappropriate touching, rape, molestation, indecent liberties, sexual coercion, sexually explicit photographing or recording, voyeurism, indecent exposure, and sexual harassment.  

Sexual Penetration  (RCW 7.105.010) 

Sexual penetration means any contact, however slight, between the sex organ or anus of one person by an object, the sex organ, mouth, or anus of another person, or any intrusion, however slight, of any part of the body of one person or of any animal or object into the sex organ or anus of another person including, but not limited to, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anal penetration. Evidence of emission of semen is not required to prove sexual penetration.

Sexual Conduct (RCW 7.105.010) 

Sexual conduct means any of the following: 

• Any intentional or knowing touching or fondling of the genitals, anus, or breasts, directly or indirectly, including through clothing; 
• Any intentional or knowing display of the genitals, anus, or breasts of the purposes of arousal or sexual gratification of the respondent; 
• Any intentional or knowing touching or fondling of the genitals, anus, or breasts, directly or indirectly, including through clothing, that the petitioner is forced to perform by another person or the respondent; 
• Any forced display of the petitioner’s genitals, anus, or breasts for the purposes of arousal or sexual gratification of the respondent or others; 
• Any intentional or knowing touching of the clothed or unclothed body of a child under the age of 16, if done for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal of the respondent or others; or  
• Any coerced or forced touching or fondling by a child under the age of 16, directly or indirectly, including through clothing, of the genitals, anus, or breasts of the respondent or others.  

Stalking (RCW 7.105.010) 

Stalking means any of the following: 

• Any act of stalking as defined under RCW 9A.46.110; 
• Any act of cyberstalking as defined under RCW 9A.46.110; 
• Any course of conduct involving repeated or continuing contacts, attempts to contact, monitoring, tracking, surveillance, keeping under observation, disrupting activities in a harassing manner, or following of another person that: (1) Would cause a reasonable person to feel intimidated, frightened, under duress, significantly disrupted, or threatened and that actually causes such a feeling; (2) Serves no lawful purpose; and (3) The respondent knows, or reasonably should know, threatens, frightens, or intimidates the person, even if the respondent did not intend to intimidate, frighten, or threaten the person.  

Domestic Violence (RCW 7.105.010) 

Domestic Violence means:  

• Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of physical harm, bodily injury, or assault; Nonconsensual sexual contact or nonconsensual sexual penetration; coercive control; unlawful harassment; or stalking of one intimate partner by another intimate partner; or 
• Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of physical harm, bodily injury, or assault; nonconsensual sexual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration, coercive control; unlawful harassment; or stalking of one family or household member by another family or household member.  

Family or Household Members (RCW 7.105.010)  

Family or Household Members means:  

• Persons related by blood, marriage, domestic partnership, or adoption;
• Persons who have currently or formerly resided together; 
• Persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren, or a parent’s intimate partner and children; and  
• A person who is acting or has acted as a legal guardian. 

Intimate Partner (RCW 7.105.010) 

Intimate Partner means: 

• Spouses or domestic partners; 
• Former spouses or former domestic partners; 
• Persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time, unless the child is conceived through sexual assault; or 
• Persons who have or have had a dating relationship where both persons are at least 13 years of age or older. 

Dating Relationship (RCW 7.105.010) 

A social relationship of a romantic nature. Factors that the court may consider in making this determination include: 

• The length of time the relationship has existed; 
• The nature of the relationship; and 
• The frequency of interaction between the parties 

Coercive Control (RCW 7.105.010) 

A pattern of behavior that is used to cause another to suffer physical, emotional, or psychological harm, and in purpose or effect unreasonably interferes with a person’s free will and personal liberty. In determining whether the interference is unreasonable, the court shall consider the context and impact of the pattern of behavior from the perspective of a similarly situated person. Examples of coercive control include, but are not limited to, engaging in any of the following:

• Intimidation or controlling or compelling conduct by: 
  • Damaging, destroying, or threatening to damage or destroy, or forcing the other party to relinquish, goods, property, or items of special value; 
  • Using technology to threaten, humiliate, harass, stalk, intimidate, exert undue influence over, or abuse the other party, including by engaging in cyberstalking, monitoring, surveillance, impersonation, manipulation of electronic media, or distribution of or threats to distribute actual or fabricated intimate images; 
  • Carrying, exhibiting, displaying, drawing, or threatening to use, any firearm or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate the other party or that warrants alarm by the other party for their safety or the safety of other persons; 
  • Driving recklessly with the other party or minor children in the vehicle; 
  • Communicating, directly or indirectly, the intent to: 
    • Harm the other party’s children, family members, friends, or pets, including by use of physical forms of violence; 
    • Harm the other party’s career; 
    • Attempt suicide or other acts of self-harm; or 
    • Contact local or federal agencies based on actual or suspected immigration status; 
  • Exerting control over the other party’s identity documents; 
  • Making, or threatening to make, private information public, including the other party’s sexual orientation or gender identity, medical or behavioral health information, or other confidential information that jeopardizes safety; or 
  • Engaging in sexual or reproductive coercion; 
• Causing dependence, confinement, or isolation of the other party from friends, relatives, or other sources of support, including schooling and employment, or subjecting the other party to physical confinement or restraint; 
• Depriving the other party of basic necessities or committing other forms of financial exploitation; 
• Controlling, exerting undue influence over, interfering with, regulating, or monitoring the other party’s movements, communications, daily behavior, finances, economic resources, or employment, including but not limited to interference with or attempting to limit access to services for children of the other party, such as health care, medication, child care, or school-based extracurricular activities; 
• Engaging in vexatious litigation or abusive litigation as defined in RCW 26.51.020 against the other party to harass, coerce, or control the other party, to diminish or exhaust the other party’s financial resources, or to compromise the other party’s employment or housing; or  
• Engaging in psychological aggression, including inflicting fear, humiliating, degrading, or punishing the other party 

Coercive control does not include protective actions taken by a party in good faith for the legitimate and lawful purpose of protecting themselves or children from the risk of harm posed by the other party. 

17 – Crime Statistics

17.1 – Preparation of Crime Statistics

Washington State University (WSU) prepares this report in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), as well as the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA) amendments to the Clery Act, using information obtained by the WSU Clery Compliance Committee comprised of representatives from various WSU offices including, but not limited to, the WSU Police Department (WSU PD), WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), the Center for Community Standards (CCS), Cougar Health Services (CHS), Housing and Residence Life (HRL), WSU Research and Extension Site Directors, Environmental & Health Safety (E&HS), and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). 

Additionally, information is gathered from Campus Security Authorities (CSAs), campus law enforcement, and information provided by other local and State law enforcement agencies.

17.2 – Crime Statistics

*For 2022, there were 2 simple assault incidents characterized by gender, 1 intimidation incident characterized by race, 1 intimidation incident characterized by religion, 1 intimidation incident characterized by sexual orientation, and 1 intimidation incident characterized by gender.  For 2021, WSU received 1 intimidation incident characterized by race and 1 destruction/damage/vandalism incident characterized by gender identity. For 2020, WSU received 1 intimidation report characterized by race.

*For 2020-2022, WSU did not receive reports of hate crimes in on-campus housing.

*For 2020-2022, WSU did not receive reports of hate crimes in non-campus buildings or property.

*For 2020-2022, WSU did not receive reports of hate crimes in non-campus public property.

It should be noted that this report provides the definition of Domestic Violence as defined by Washington State law (RCW). However, for the purpose of reporting statistics, some relationships falling under the Washington State definition of domestic violence may be counted as dating violence, not domestic violence, pursuant to the definitions provided by the Clery Act. The Clery Act definition generally provides that an intimate, or romantic, relationship must exist to be considered dating violence, whereas, domestic violence requires that the individuals be cohabitating as current or former spouses, or have an intimate relationship, thus, the relationship must be more than just two people living together as roommates.

2020-2022 Crime Statistics – WSU Bremerton 

WSU relies on the published crime statistics for Olympic College, as well as any supplemental reports received by WSU Bremerton’s Campus Security Authority. WSU did not receive any supplemental reports from the Bremerton Campus Security Authority for 2020, 2021, or 2022. Crime statistics for Olympic College are available here:  Olympic College Crime Statistics.

There were no hate crimes reported for Mt. Vernon and no unfounded crimes.  The above table includes reports for on-campus property. There were no reportable crimes for non-campus public property and on campus residences. There are no reportable non-campus locations for this site.

There were no hate crimes reported for Prosser and no unfounded crimes. The above table includes reports for on-campus property. There were no reportable crimes for non-campus public property and on campus residences. There are no reportable non-campus locations for this site.

There were no hate crimes reported for Puyallup and no unfounded crimes. The above table includes reports for on-campus property. There were no reportable crimes for non-campus public property and on campus residences. There are no reportable non-campus locations for this site.

There were no hate crimes reported for Wenatchee and no unfounded crimes.  The above table includes all reportable areas, including on-campus property, on-campus residences, and non-campus public property; no crimes were reported for these locations. There are no reportable non-campus residences for this location.

There were no hate crimes reported for WSU Island County and no unfounded crimes.  The above table is for all reportable locations; no crimes were reported for on-campus property or non-campus public property. There are no reportable non-campus or on-campus residences for this location.

There were no hate crimes reported for WSU Island County and no unfounded crimes.  The above table is for all reportable locations; no crimes were reported for on-campus property or non-campus public property. There are no reportable non-campus or on-campus residences for this location.

18 – WSU Pullman Fire Statistics

18.1 – WSU Extension Research Centers Fire Statistics

19 – Campus Geography

19.1 – Crime Statistics Geographic Area

The locations for which Clery crimes are reported in the tables above includes the following areas: 

1. Buildings and property that are part of the institution’s campus; 
2. The institution’s non-campus buildings and property; and 
3. Public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. 

Campus is defined as: 

1. Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the institution’s educational purposes, including residence halls; and 
2. Any building or property that is within or reasonably contiguous to the area identified in paragraph (i) of this definition, that is owned by the institution but controlled by another person, is frequently used by students, and supports institutional purposes (such as a food or other retail vendor). 

Clery crimes are also reported when they occur at non-campus student housing facilities which includes university recognized fraternity and sorority residences. 

WSU issues annual security reports for multiple campus locations.  This report covers the primary Pullman campus, relevant public property, and non-campus buildings in Pullman. It also covers several Research and Extension Sites across the state of Washington, which are frequented by Pullman Students, and a satellite campus in Bremerton, Washington, which offers a mix of in-person and online engineering courses.  

19.1.1 – Campus – Pullman

WSU Pullman includes its core or main campus, campus residence halls, buildings, and/or facilities; designated non-campus properties and facilities in Whitman County; and public property adjacent to and accessible from on-campus property. WSU Pullman also has officially recognized student organizations that own or control housing facilities. These facilities are identified as part of the university’s “non-campus” geography.

19.2 – Campus – Research and Extension Sites

The following research and extension sites are considered Clery geography and are included in the crime statistic assessments: 

Campus  – WSU Engineering Program at Olympic College, Bremerton 

Olympic College Address:  
1600 Chester Ave 
Bremerton, WA 98337 

WSU Specific Buildings:
Building 17 (aka RBS building) 
1600 Warren Avenue 
Bremerton, WA 98337 

Building 18 (aka Storm King) 
1720 Warren Avenue 
Bremerton, WA 98337 

WSU utilizes Buildings 17 and 18 at Olympic College. However, this report has referenced the total security reports for Olympic College, as students are likely to utilize nearby parking lots, study areas, and campus amenities.