University policy prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability or genetic information.
GeMWGS is committed to helping graduate students navigate existing resources and providing an environment in which graduate students can express their concerns fully without fear of ridicule or denial of experience.
Any University employee who becomes aware of instances or allegations of discrimination or harassment by or against a person under his or her supervisory authority, and any faculty member who becomes aware of instances or allegations of discrimination or harassment against a student, must report it to those charged with responding to such reports, such as a Coordinator, department head, director, or other similar administrator. These administrators must respond not only when they receive a specific complaint or report alleging improper activity, but also when such matters come to their attention informally.
Resources for specific situations
Internal and External Resources Chart from the WashU Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) Center: https://rsvpcenter.wustl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/RSVPupdaedposter8.17.pdf
Use this flow chart to weigh your confidential and non-confidential options available on or off campus to report sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Contact information and phone numbers are provided. Non-confidential sources have a responsibility to report information to the Title IX Coordinator.
RSVP Center Website: https://rsvpcenter.wustl.edu/
Center for Diversity and Inclusion: Bias Report and Support System https://diversityinclusion.wustl.edu/brss/
Contact for Jessica Kutcha-Miller (WashU Ombudsperson) https://sites.wustl.edu/ombuds/people/jessica-kuchta-miller/
The office of the Ombuds provides graduate students with an “off-the-record” option for discussing possible red flags or problems without fear of retribution, retaliation or impact on their status. Students can contact the office at any point when a concern arises, and it is a space to explore options and evaluate how to move forward. Discussing your concerns over the phone is the most effective route.
Some examples of when students might want to contact the Ombuds include:
- Interpersonal disputes (between peers, with an advisor, or others in the department or university)
- Administrative roadblocks or bureaucratic runarounds (usually related to a policy)
- Wash U policies and procedures (when these are unclear, ambiguous, inconsistent, or when students feel that a policy or procedure has been unfairly applied)
- Concerns about relationship with advisor
- Academic progress, grade disputes
- Ethical dilemmas (misuse of research funds, animal treatment, lack of appropriate protocols, cheating, etc.)
- Research-related matters (i.e. authorship, proprietorship, conflict of interest or scientific misconduct)
- Abrasive conduct, incivility, problematic behavior
- Unfair treatment (based on protected class status– sex, race, age, gender identity, ability, etc.)
- Harassment or discrimination
- Health and safety
- Threats or retaliation
- Billing disputes or tuition concerns
Contact for Travis Tucker, Jr. (WashU Assistant Director for Leadership and LGBTQIA Involvement) https://campuslife.wustl.edu/people/travis-tucker-jr/
Internal and External Resources Chart from the WashU Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) Center: https://rsvpcenter.wustl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/RSVPupdaedposter8.17.pdf
WashU Title IX Coordinators’ contact information: https://titleix.wustl.edu/coordinator/
RSVP Center Website: https://rsvpcenter.wustl.edu/
Contact for Jessica Kutcha-Miller (WashU Ombudsperson) https://sites.wustl.edu/ombuds/people/jessica-kuchta-miller/