Title IX Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the Title IX process? Learn more about reporting, supportive measures, confidentiality, investigations, advisors, hearings and other commonly asked questions below.
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities receiving federal funding. At Whitman College, Title IX also addresses sex-based harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, pregnancy and parenting discrimination, and other forms of sex discrimination prohibited by college policy.
The Office of Equity and Compliance is committed to helping foster a campus environment where all members of the Whitman community can learn, work, live and participate free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. The Office coordinates Whitman College’s efforts to prevent and respond to sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, sexual misconduct, retaliation and other forms of discrimination prohibited by college policy.
We strive to provide a welcoming, supportive and respectful environment for all individuals who reach out. Whether you are seeking information, support, resources, accommodations or simply have questions about a situation, the Office of Equity & Compliance is available to help you understand your options and connect you with appropriate support.
The office is led by:
Kaylei Goodine (she/her)
Director of Equity & Compliance / Title IX Coordinator
Memorial Building 301
345 Boyer Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: 509-522-4314
Email: goodinek@whitman.edu
The Office of Equity and Compliance is not a disciplinary office. Rather, it serves as a compliance, prevention, education and resource office. The Title IX Coordinator helps ensure that reports are addressed in accordance with college policy and applicable law, coordinates supportive measures, provides information about available options and resources, and oversees the administration of grievance processes.
We recognize that reaching out for assistance can feel difficult, confusing or overwhelming. Individuals do not need to know whether a policy violation occurred, whether they wish to file a report or what steps they want to take before contacting the Office. The Title IX Coordinator can help individuals understand available resources, discuss supportive measures, answer questions and explore options without pressure to participate in a particular process.
Every report and inquiry is approached with care, respect and a commitment to fairness. Our office works to ensure that all parties are treated with dignity, have access to information and support and understand their rights and options under college policy.
Anyone may report conduct that may violate the college's Title IX Policy, including students, employees, applicants, visitors and third parties.
That’s okay. You do not need to determine whether conduct violates college policy before contacting the Title IX Office. If you are unsure whether a concern falls under the Title IX Policy, we encourage you to submit a report or contact the Title IX Coordinator. Even if you file a Title IX report and it is determined that it does fall within that office, then your report will be forwarded to the appropriate office.
The Title IX Coordinator will typically:
- Discuss available resources and support;
- Explain reporting and resolution options;
- Discuss supportive measures;
- Explain the Formal and Informal Resolution processes; and
- Answer questions about college policies and procedures.
Meeting with the Title IX Coordinator does not obligate you to participate in any process.
First, not every report received by Whitman College’s Office of Equity and Compliance falls within the scope of the Title IX Policy. Some reports may be more appropriately addressed through another college policy or process. If that occurs, the report may be referred to the appropriate office, such as Student Affairs, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, Campus Safety or another college office for review and response.
When the college receives a report involving potential sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, retaliation or another concern covered by college policy, the Title IX Coordinator or a designee will typically reach out to the individual identified as having experienced the conduct. This outreach is usually made by email and may also include a phone call or other communication.
The purpose of this initial outreach is to:
- Check on the individual’s wellbeing;
- Provide information about available resources and support;
- Discuss supportive measures;
- Explain reporting and resolution options; and
- Answer questions about College policies and procedures.
Meeting with the Title IX Coordinator does not automatically initiate an investigation or disciplinary process. The Title IX Coordinator’s role is to provide information, discuss available options, and help individuals make informed decisions about next steps.
Yes. Whitman College accepts anonymous reports through its online reporting system.
Individuals may also seek confidential support from designated confidential resources. Information shared with confidential resources generally will not be reported to the Office of Equity and Compliance without the individual’s permission, except in limited circumstances required by law or professional obligations.
Anonymous reports and requests for confidentiality will be respected to the extent possible. However, the college’s ability to respond, investigate or take corrective action may be limited when it does not have sufficient information to identify the individuals involved, understand the nature of the reported conduct or assess potential safety concerns.
Even when a report is submitted anonymously, the college will review the information provided, evaluate any potential risks to the campus community and take reasonable steps to respond when possible.
Individuals who are uncertain about whether to submit a report or who would like to discuss reporting options before making a decision are encouraged to contact the Title IX Coordinator or a confidential resource.
In most circumstances, Whitman College will not notify a student's parents or guardians about a report of sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, sexual misconduct, or participation in a Title IX process without the student's knowledge.
The College may disclose information to parents or guardians in limited circumstances permitted or required by law, including situations involving significant health or safety concerns, emergencies, or other circumstances authorized by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or other applicable laws.
When reports involve individuals under the age of 18, the College may have additional reporting obligations and may be required to notify law enforcement, child welfare authorities, parents, or guardians, depending on the circumstances and applicable law.
Students with questions about privacy, confidentiality, or parental notification are encouraged to discuss those concerns with the Title IX Coordinator.
Supportive measures are individualized services and accommodations designed to help students, employees or other individuals maintain equal access to the college’s educational programs and activities following a report of sex discrimination, sexual harassment or other conduct prohibited by the Title IX Policy.
Supportive measures are available regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed and may be offered to the complainant, respondent or both, as appropriate. These measures are intended to restore or preserve access to the college’s programs and activities while minimizing unnecessary burdens on either party.
Examples of supportive measures may include:
- Academic support or modifications
- Changes to class schedules or work assignments
- Mutual restrictions on contact between individuals
- Adjustments to housing arrangements
- Workplace modifications
- Assistance accessing counseling, health or advocacy services
- Safety planning and other measures designed to protect an individual’s well-being
The Office of Equity and Compliance / Title IX will work with individuals to identify appropriate supportive measures based on their specific circumstances. Supportive measures are provided free of charge and are designed to be nondisciplinary and nonpunitive.
Confidential resources are individuals who can provide support, information and assistance without automatically sharing what you tell them with the Office of Equity and Compliance or initiating a college response, except in limited circumstances required by law or professional obligations.
Many people choose to speak with a confidential resource when they are unsure whether they want to make a report, would like emotional support or counseling, want to discuss an experience privately or would like to learn about available options before making any decisions.
Most Whitman employees are Responsible Employees and are required to share information about potential sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence or retaliation with the Title IX Coordinator. Confidential resources are generally not required to make such reports and can discuss concerns privately, subject to limited legal exceptions.
Speaking with a confidential resource does not prevent you from later contacting the Title IX Coordinator, requesting supportive measures, making a report, participating in a resolution process or seeking other forms of assistance.
No. You do not have to file a Formal Complaint to receive supportive measures. Whitman College can provide individualized, nondisciplinary and nonpunitive supportive measures whether or not you choose to participate in an investigation or other resolution process.
Supportive measures are designed to help restore or preserve equal access to the college’s educational programs and activities and may include academic, housing, workplace, safety or other appropriate accommodations. The Title IX Coordinator will work with you to identify reasonable supportive measures based on your individual needs.
If you later decide you would like to pursue a Formal Complaint, you may discuss your options with the Title IX Coordinator at any time.
No. The Title IX Office cannot force anyone to participate in a Title IX process or make a statement. Participation is voluntary.
However, if the college has sufficient information to proceed, it may continue an investigation or other resolution process without a party’s participation. If this occurs, the college will make decisions based on the information available and will continue to offer appropriate supportive measures.
Yes. Both Complainants and Respondents have the right to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice throughout the Title IX process. An advisor may be a friend, family member, attorney or another individual of your choosing.
If you do not have an advisor for the live hearing, the college will provide one at no cost to conduct cross-examination on your behalf, as required by the Title IX Policy. The advisor may provide support and guidance throughout the process but must follow the procedures outlined in the policy.
Retaliation is prohibited. This means no one may intimidate, threaten, coerce, discriminate against or take adverse action against a person because they reported a concern, participated in a process, supported someone else or exercised rights under college policy.
Concerns about retaliation should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator as soon as possible.
Whitman College’s commitment to preventing sex discrimination extends beyond responding to individual reports. The college works proactively to foster a safe, respectful and inclusive educational environment through prevention, education and ongoing compliance efforts. These efforts include:
- Creating a Culture of Respect. Whitman participates in NASPA’s Culture of Respect Collective, a multi-year initiative that helps colleges assess campus climate, strengthen policies and practices and implement evidence-based strategies to prevent sexual violence.
- Empowering Student Leadership. Through CHECK IT, a student-led bystander intervention initiative, Whitman empowers students with the knowledge and skills to recognize concerning behavior, intervene safely, support those affected by harm and help foster a consent-centered campus culture.
- Education and Training. Whitman provides prevention education and training for students and employees, as well as specialized annual training for individuals who serve in Title IX roles, including investigators, decision-makers, advisors and appeal officers.
- Support and Resources. The college offers supportive measures, connects individuals with campus and community resources and provides information about reporting options regardless of whether a Formal Complaint is filed.
- Continuous Assessment and Improvement. Whitman regularly reviews its policies, procedures, prevention efforts and campus practices to ensure compliance with applicable laws, incorporate evolving best practices and promote a safe and equitable educational environment.