FAQ's for Students

I have experienced an incident of sexual misconduct, who can I contact?

Both WCU Public Safety (610) 436-3311 and the Crime Victims Center of Chester County (610) 692-7273 are available for assistance 24 hours a day.

  • Chester County Hospital and Paoli Hospital are available for sexual assault exams. Please contact Crime Victims of Chester County to assess which hospital to go to on certain nights.
  • The Student Health Center is also available for STI testing and other follow up medical care at no cost to you.
  • WCU Public Safety can transport you to the hospital for an exam.

What are first steps I can take?

Take care of yourself. Your safety is your priority! Make sure you are somewhere safe and call a friend or family member for support. If you can, collect any evidence (just in case you decide to press charges).

Getting a rape kit done at a hospital BEFORE YOU SHOWER will ensure that the most evidence possible is collected. This does not mean that you have to press charges but will give you the strongest argument if you do. Save the clothes you were wearing during the incident by sealing them in a plastic bag.

You have options for how you proceed from here. These pages will help you choose the best option for you:

  • Rights and Responsibilities provides an overview of the rights that you have as someone who has experienced sexual misconduct
  • What is Sexual Misconduct defines the various forms of sexual misconduct so that you can better categorize your incident and how to deal with it.
  • The Resources page details various organizations on and off campus that provide legal and psychological support for survivors of sexual misconduct.
  • Filing a Report details the various reports that you can file, what each report entails, and the possible outcomes of each report.

If I don't have transportation, can someone drive me to the hospital?

Yes, WCU Public Safety will provide transportation to and from the hospital. They can be reached at (610) 436-3311.

What happens when I submit a Sexual Misconduct Report?

Reporting an incident allows our office to check on students and offer assistance. The Complainant decides how they want to proceed, if at all.

Report Received: The report is reviewed by a team member. The Title IX Coordinator decides if immediate action is needed. The information in the report is uploaded by the Compliance Coordinator. Complainant Contacted: Our office reaches out to the affected individual (the Complainant) via email, text, or phone. Supportive measures are instituted, if needed. A meeting is scheduled, if desired by Complainant. Options Discussed: The Complainant is given information regarding the processes. Supportive measures are offered, if needed. If the Complainant decides to file a Formal Complaint, the types of resolutions are discuessed.

What is available to me if I was assaulted by a non-student and/or off campus?

You still have access to all resources that are provided on-campus. You can also reach out to off-campus resources. A list of resources can be found at this link: Resources for TIX

Are university resources free?

Yes, all university resources are free for students to use.

Do I have to tell my parents/guardians?

You do not have to tell your parents and the university will not contact them without your permission, but they can often be a resource to support you in this time.

If I have experienced an act of sexual misconduct, will I need representation?

Students involved in sexual misconduct cases are encouraged to have an advisor and support system, but representation is up to the individual. The university does not provide representation for either party.

Will I get in trouble if I was under the influence of drugs/alcohol?

Under Amnesty and Reporting, a victim or witness who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the sexual misconduct incident generally will not face disciplinary charges from the university or from the Department of Public Safety for underage drinking or drug usage.

What if I don't want to tell anyone I was sexually assaulted?

You still have resources. Visiting the WCU Cares For You link will take you to a secure website where you have the option of completing a brief online questionnaire. You can submit your questionnaire anonymously, using a self-assigned User ID.

If you do submit a questionnaire, a WCU counselor will review it and send a personal response to you over the secure website, which will include any recommendations for follow-up. You will then have an opportunity to exchange online messages with the counselor through the anonymous dialogue feature using only your User ID, or to set up a face-to-face meeting to talk to the counselor in more detail.

How can I help a survivor of sexual misconduct?

The Resource Guide details various organizations on and off campus that provide legal and psychological support for survivors and witnesses of sexual misconduct, including 24-hour hotlines. Ensure they are aware of the information.

Listen with empathy and understanding, making sure you respond with compassion and care. Listen with no bias. Make sure the party or parties involved are taking care of themselves and their health. The on-campus Counseling Center is free and accessible for students if they need someone to talk with. Help the person understand their options. Refer the person(s) to the resources available on this page so they are educated on the steps available to them. Report the assault (with permission) so that the environment remains safe.

How do I file a report of an incident I've witnessed?

Whether a complainant, witness, or concerned third party, you can report an incident you are aware of, witnessed, or have experienced yourself. Reports can be made by anyone to the Title IX Office through this link:

Click Here to Report an Incident of Sexual Misconduct

Those who want to pursue criminal charges against a respondent should contact the Department of Public Safety (610-436-3311) or contact the police in the area where the incident took place. The Resources Guide details various organizations on and off campus that provide legal and psychological support for survivors and witnesses of sexual misconduct.

I'm still confused, where can I get more information?

Visit our Sexual Misconduct Website for more information. You can also contact the Title IX Coordinator (610) 436-2433 or (tix@wcupa.edu), for more information.

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