Title IX Complaint Procedures

Reporting concerns about sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or other sex-based discrimination is a critical step in creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and equitable environment at Seattle Colleges. When incidents are reported, the College can take steps to stop the conduct, offer supportive measures, prevent future harm, and connect individuals with campus and community resources. We understand that deciding to share your experience can feel overwhelming or even risky. Our Title IX/EEO team responds to every report with sensitivity, respect, and a focus on your safety, privacy, and well-being. You are never required to file a formal complaint to receive help, and you remain in control of how you wish to proceed.

Reporting Options

1. Contact the Title IX/EEO Coordinator

   • Email: TitleIX.District@seattlecolleges.edu

   • Phone: 206.934.3873

   • Office: Siegal Center, 1500 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

2. Online Reporting Form

   • Submit a report through Maxient, the College’s secure case management system.

   • Reports can be submitted by anyone—students, employees, or community members.

3. In Person

   • Visit the Human Resources Office or Student Services at any Seattle Colleges campus to speak with staff and complete a report form.

4. Emergency Reporting

   • If you are in immediate danger or believe a crime has occurred, call 911 first, then contact your campus security:

     North Seattle College – CC 1252 – 206.934.3636
     Seattle Central College – BE 1108 – 206.934.5442
     Siegal Center – BE 1108 – 206.934.5442
     Wood Technology Center – 206.934.5442
     Health Education Center – 206.255.3974 / 206.934.5442
     Seattle Maritime Academy – 206.934.5442
     South Seattle College – RSB 62A – 206.934.5157
     Georgetown Apprenticeship & Education Center – C102 – 206.354.6185

When Seattle Colleges receives a report of conduct that could reasonably constitute sex discrimination or sex-based harassment, the response process is guided by Procedure 283 (Title IX) or applicable workplace investigation procedures. This ensures that every report is reviewed promptly, fairly, and in a manner that prioritizes the safety and rights of all involved.

1. Intake & Initial Assessment

• Report review: The Title IX/EEO Coordinator reviews the details of the report to determine whether the alleged conduct falls under Title IX jurisdiction—meaning it meets the federal definition of sexual harassment and occurred within a college education program or activity in the U.S.

• Policy check: If the report does not meet Title IX criteria but involves workplace or student conduct concerns, the Coordinator may refer it for review under Procedure 282 (Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying) or other relevant policies and procedures. 

• Early engagement: The Coordinator may reach out to the complainant to gather additional details, explain their rights, outline possible next steps, and discuss available supportive measures.

• Decision on next steps: Based on this assessment, the Coordinator determines whether to proceed with a formal Title IX grievance process, initiate a workplace investigation, refer to another applicable procedure, or take informal resolution measures when appropriate.

2. Supportive Measures & Privacy

• Immediate safety and access protections: Supportive measures are non-punitive services offered to both complainants and respondents to protect safety, maintain equal access to education or work, and prevent retaliation. Examples include:

  • Adjustments to class schedules or work assignments

  • No-contact directives

  • Academic accommodations or extensions

  • Workplace modifications

  • Counseling referrals

• Voluntary and available regardless of formal complaint: You do not have to file a formal complaint, participate in an investigation, or pursue any disciplinary process to receive supportive measures from Seattle Colleges for a Title IX complaint. These services are offered proactively to protect your safety, well-being, and ability to fully participate in your educational or work environment.

• Privacy safeguards: Information about the report is shared only with those who need to know to respond appropriately. Where possible, the College will honor requests for confidentiality or anonymity, unless doing so would compromise safety or the ability to maintain a safe environment.

3. Formal Investigation Process

If a formal investigation is initiated under Title IX, you can expect the following steps:

1. Intake

• Intake meeting: The Title IX/EEO Coordinator or investigator meets with the complainant (and later, the respondent) to explain the investigation process, rights, and responsibilities, and to answer questions about what to expect.

• Information gathering: During intake, the Title IX/EEO Coordinator or investigator collects a detailed account of the alleged conduct, identifies potential witnesses, and gathers any documents, emails, texts, or other relevant materials.

• Clarifying the scope: The Title IX/EEO Coordinator or investigator works with the complainant to clarify the nature of the allegations and confirm the specific policies or procedures that apply (e.g., Procedure 283 for Title IX, Procedure 282 for other forms of discrimination/harassment, Procedure 421 for employee discipline).

• Explaining supportive measures: The Coordinator or investigator discusses available supportive measures and how to request changes during the process.

• Confidentiality and retaliation protections: Parties are reminded that information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis and that retaliation for participating in the process is prohibited.

2. Notice of Investigation (NOI)

• Both parties receive written notice detailing:

  • The names of the parties involved (if known)

  • The specific allegations, including dates, times, and locations (if known)

  • The relevant policies are alleged to have been violated

  • A statement that the respondent is presumed not responsible unless found otherwise after the process concludes

  • The right to have an advisor present at any meeting or proceeding

  • The opportunity to present witnesses and evidence

3. Fact-Gathering Process

• The investigator conducts separate interviews with the complainant, respondent, and witnesses.

• Relevant physical, digital, and documentary evidence is reviewed.

• Each party has the opportunity to respond to evidence and provide additional information before the investigative report is finalized.

4. Timeline

• Investigations aim to be completed within 90 calendar days.

• If an extension is necessary (due to complexity, the availability of parties, or other factors), both parties are notified in writing with an explanation.

5. Final Report

• The investigator compiles a written report summarizing the evidence, relevant findings of fact, and, where applicable, policy conclusions.

• 10-Day Review Period, both the complainant and respondent, along with their advisors, must be given at least 10 calendar days to review and respond to all evidence directly related to the allegations before the investigative report is finalized, and to the final investigative report before any determination of responsibility or hearing. This review period ensures each party has adequate time to prepare a meaningful response, submit additional evidence, or correct inaccuracies, in accordance with Seattle Colleges’ procedures.

4. Findings & Outcome

• Investigation report: A written report is prepared, summarizing the evidence, findings of fact, and determination based on the preponderance of the evidence standard (“more likely than not”).

• Review and determination:

  • In Title IX cases, the grievance process includes a hearing before a decision-maker who issues a written determination regarding responsibility and sanctions or remedies, if applicable.

• Privacy in access: Due to confidentiality obligations, full investigative reports may be shared only with individuals entitled to see them, though parties are notified in writing of the outcome.

5. Reconsideration & Appeals

• Title IX cases: Both parties have 10 calendar days to appeal certain decisions (dismissals or final determinations) on the grounds outlined in Procedure 283, such as procedural error, new evidence, or bias. Appeals are reviewed by an official not previously involved in the case.

6. No Retaliation

• Retaliation against anyone for reporting misconduct, participating in an investigation, or supporting a participant is strictly prohibited.

• Any retaliatory action—threats, harassment, intimidation, or adverse treatment—should be reported immediately to the Title IX/EEO Coordinator.

• Students:

  • Title IX complaints follow Procedure 283

  • If found responsible, sanctions are determined under the Student Conduct Code

  • Appeals process follows WAC and college procedures

• Employees:

  • Title IX complaints follow Procedure 283 for the grievance process

  • Any discipline is issued under Procedure 421 and applicable contracts

  • Appeals follow employee grievance procedures or collective bargaining agreement (CBA's)

If you believe you have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or any other form of sex discrimination, Seattle Colleges encourages you to take the following steps:

1. Ensure Safety First

• If you are in immediate danger or believe a crime has occurred, call 911.

• Contact campus security for on-site assistance and to help preserve evidence if needed.

Campus Security Contacts

• North Seattle College – CC 1252 – 206.934.3636

• Seattle Central College – BE 1108 – 206.934.5442

• Siegal Center – BE 1108 – 206.934.5442

• Wood Technology Center – 206.934.5442

• Health Education Center – 206.255.3974 / 206.934.5442

• Seattle Maritime Academy – 206.934.5442

• South Seattle College – RSB 62A – 206.934.5157

• Georgetown Apprenticeship & Education Center – C102 – 206.354.6185

2. Connect with Support Services

You are encouraged to seek help right away, whether or not you choose to file a formal complaint.

Seattle Colleges Counseling Services

• North – 206.934.3676 – Gender Equity Resource Center: 206.934.3719

• Central – 206.934.5407

• South – 206.934.6409

Community Resources

• King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) – 24/7 Support Line: 888.998.6423

• Harborview Center for Sexual Assault & Traumatic Stress – 206.744.1600

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – For Seattle Colleges employees and family members: 877.313.4455 or Employee Assistance Program – DES

3. Reporting Options

You may submit a report through Maxient, the College’s secure case management system, contact your College's HR Department or Student Services Office, or share your concerns with the Title IX/EEO Coordinator at any time, even if you are not ready to begin a formal process. The Coordinator can:

• Provide information about supportive measures such as no-contact directives, academic or workplace adjustments, and counseling referrals

• Discuss your privacy options and explain how your information will be handled

• Connect you to campus and community resources

1. Before or Immediately After Disclosure

• If possible, explain your role as a mandatory reporter before the student begins sharing, so they understand your obligation to report.

• If that’s not possible, provide this explanation as soon as the disclosure ends.

• If the student chooses not to share details with you, connect them with confidential campus or community resources.

2. Care for the Student

• Ensure the student is safe. In an emergency, call 911 and then campus security.

• Listen without judgment or blame. Avoid pressing for details or defining the experience for the student.

• Allow the student to make their own decisions and support those choices.

• Remember that reactions vary—shock, fear, embarrassment, denial, anger, or sadness are common.

3. Connect the Student to Resources

Seattle Colleges Resources

• North – Counseling: 206.934.3676 | Gender Equity Resource Center: 206.934.3719

• Central – Counseling: 206.934.5407

• South – Counseling: 206.934.6409

Community Resources

• King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) – 24/7 Support Line: 888.998.6423

• Harborview Center for Sexual Assault & Traumatic Stress – 206.744.1600

4. Report to the Title IX/EEO Coordinator

• Make your report as soon as possible, and no later than 24 hours after receiving the disclosure.

• Include, to the extent known:

  • Names of the complainant, respondent, and any witnesses

  • Date, time, and location of the incident

  • Any other relevant details

• Submit the report via Maxient or directly to the Title IX/EEO Coordinator.

5. After You Report

• Once you have reported, no further action is required from you, unless the Coordinator needs follow-up information.

• If the incident involves the Title IX/EEO Coordinator, send the report to the College President or Chancellor for referral to an alternate designee.

If an employee or a person who is not a student or employee (such as a visitor, contractor, or community member) shares information with you about sexual harassment, discrimination, non–sex-based harassment, or bullying, you must report it to the Title IX/EEO Coordinator within 24 hours.

If the incident involves the Title IX/EEO Coordinator, send the report to the College President or Chancellor’s Office so it can be referred to an alternate designee.

Steps to Take After a Disclosure

1. Ensure Safety

   • If there is immediate danger, call 911 first.

   • Then contact campus security:

     North Seattle College – CC 1252 – 206.934.3636
     Seattle Central College – BE 1108 – 206.934.5442
     Siegal Center – BE 1108 – 206.934.5442
     Wood Technology Center – 206.934.5442
     Health Education Center – 206.255.3974 / 206.934.5442
     Seattle Maritime Academy – 206.934.5442
     South Seattle College – RSB 62A – 206.934.5157
     Georgetown Apprenticeship & Education Center – C102 – 206.354.6185

2. Provide Support

   • Listen without judgment or blame.

   • Avoid pressing for details; allow the individual to share what they choose.

   • Follow their lead—do not take control of the situation or “fix” it for them.

3. Connect Them with Resources
   Seattle Colleges Employee Resources

   • Human Resources Office at your campus or the District Office

   • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – 877.313.4455 or Employee Assistance Program – DES

   Community Resources

   • King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) – 24/7 Support Line: 888.998.6423

   • Harborview Center for Sexual Assault & Traumatic Stress – 206.744.1600

4. Report to the Title IX/EEO Coordinator

   • Include the names of the complainant, the accused, and any witnesses (if known)

   • Provide relevant details such as date, time, and location of the incident

   • Submit the report via Maxient or directly to the Title IX/EEO Coordinator

5. Encourage Filing a Complaint

   • Let the individual know they may file a formal complaint to initiate an investigation.

   • The Title IX/EEO Coordinator can explain their rights, options, and available supportive measures.