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Contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
(847) 467-6165 OCR@northwestern.edu
1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 4500, Evanston, IL 60201


Responses Specific to You and Your Experience

Depending on when or where your experience of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct occurred, and the extent of the harm inflicted, it may fall within the scope of the University's Title IX policy or the University's additional policy related to sexual misconduct. Whether or not it does, Northwestern can offer you support. Report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance to connect with a Title IX Coordinator and learn what your options are.

Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct

Any and all allegations of sexual misconduct should be addressed. The Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct concerns allegations that outside of the bounds of the Interim Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment. This broader policy applies to:

  • allegations of discrimination and harassment on the basis of a protected status or protected characteristic including sex, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, and dating or domestic violence;
  • incidents, which occur in educational programs or activities Northwestern operates (whether on- or off-campus, including outside of the United States);
  • allegations which concern members of our community — students, faculty, and staff, University vendors, contractors, visitors, guests, volunteers, interns, and third parties — at the time of the report; and
  • incident, which occur in-person, or online/electronically.
Reports of violations of other University policies will be referred to the appropriate office, such as the Office of Human Resources, the Provost Office, or the Office of Community Standards.
Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct

Title IX Sexual Harassment is a type of misconduct defined by the Interim Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment. The policy applies to allegations which:

  • occurred on or after August 14, 2020;
  • occurred within in the University's education programs or activities and within the United States;
  • included quid pro quo harassment by an employee; severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature; and Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, or Stalking as defined under the Clery Act and VAWA; and
  • was committed by any student, faculty member, staff member, or third-party affiliate who has a formal (including contractual) relationship with the University community (allegations committed by visitors or guests to the University are not included).

Victims of misconduct not defined by this policy should still report to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance to receive support, resources, and information. These allegations may be addressed by other university policies.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Reporting Options and Pathways

University community members who have experienced discrimination or harassment have the right to report to police, the university, both, or neither. Reporting to both the university and local police does not limit your options in seeking support from either.

Within the university, multiple resolution pathways are available to you. You can seek formal resolution, alternative, or educational resolutions, and confidential support and/or supportive measures.

Reporting an Incident

Ways to Report and What to Expect

Resources and Learning

Community Resources to Help Create a Misconduct-Free Environment

Education and Prevention

The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (OCR) offers a variety of training, awareness, and prevention programs.

Campus Support Partner

Students impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, or stalking, including friends or partners of survivors, can visit the Center for Awareness, Response and Education (CARE).

Definitions

Find definitions for common terms and phrases used in the reporting and resolution process.

Resource Guides

Resource guides help parties navigate the processes and policies surrounding sexual misconduct.

Request a Training

Informational sessions, trainings and workshops related to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct policy for Northwestern community members.