Annual Security Policies and Report (ASR)

Western uses the 911 system. For all campus emergencies or to report an emergency in relation to a campus crime, immediately call 911. This service is available on a 24-hour basis. Non-emergency crimes may also be reported to the Gunnison Dispatch who will in turn provide contact to the Gunnison Police Department.

Campus Security Services Department Contact Policy

All non-emergency campus crimes, other than low-level cooperative underage alcohol pour-outs, are to be reported to Western’s Campus Security Services.  Contact the Campus Security duty cell phone at 970.209.1020 or call the Campus Security office at 970.943.3084. In the case there is no guard on duty contact the Campus Security emergency cell phone at 970.901.9857.  The Campus Security representative will contact the Gunnison Police Department if needed and document the incident.

The CARE Team is an administrative decision-making group that was formed to help prevent and respond to critical behavioral incidents that may occur at Western. Critical behavioral incidents are generally defined as, but not limited to, those campus situations that may involve a mental health emergency, a mental health crisis, or disruptive behavior that may threaten life, health, safety or property, or those which impact the University community.  The CARE Team’s purpose is to assist with decision-making, communication flow and operational response capability in dealing with crisis/emergency situations or incidents.  The team meets bi-monthly or as needed in an emergency situation throughout the academic year. For more information, please go here.

The Behavioral Intervention Threat Assessment Team (BITA) is a multidisciplinary, cross-functional team composed of members of the CARE Team that meets regularly and receives reports of concerning or disruptive behaviors and threats of violence. As a centralized point of contact and repository of information, the BITA Team is also able to track trends and detect patterns over time as well as coordinate and implement intentional and strategic interventions to help keep the University community safe and connect distressed students, faculty and staff to support services.

Mental Health Emergency

A mental health emergency is a life threatening situation in which an individual is imminently threatening harm to self or others, severely disoriented or out of touch with reality, has a severe inability to function, or is otherwise distraught and out of control.

Mental Health Crisis

A mental health crisis is a non-life threatening situation in which an individual is exhibiting extreme emotional disturbance or behavioral distress, considering harm to self or others, disoriented or out of touch with reality, has a compromised ability to function, or is otherwise agitated and unable to be calmed.

Disruptive Behavior

Disruptive behavior interferes with the instructional, administrative, and/or service functions of the University.

When to Make a Report

If someone you know is:

• experiencing a decline in work or academic performance?
• demonstrating disruptive or disturbing behavior?
• showing dramatic changes in appearance, behavior or weight?
• having problems at home, with classes or work?
• making disturbing comments in conversation, email, letters, social media postings or papers?
• sad, anxious or experiencing dramatic mood shifts?
• abusing alcohol or drugs?
• isolating themselves socially?
• acting paranoid or suspicious?
• frequently angry or easily frustrated?
• struggling with health problems?

These behaviors, especially when more than one are present, may be signs that a student, faculty member or staff member is in distress. There are many resources available at Western to help. Your confidential report to Western’s CARE Team can make a difference.  As a Western community member, you have the ability to report your concern for any community member to the CARE Team. The CARE Reporting Form can be accessed here.

The Care Team includes:

• Assistant Dean of Students-Community Wellness (Chair)
• Dean of Students
• Assistant Dean of Student-Risk Management and Security
• Director of Residence Life
• Assistant Director-Community Wellness
• University Counseling Center-Counseling Staff
• Director of Human Resources (as needed)
• Chief of Police (or designee), Gunnison Police Department (as needed)

The mission of Community Standards is to provide proactive programming and educational interventions in an effort to foster the development of personal and community responsibility. The goals include:

• To provide educational programs and interventions directed at encouraging responsible, community-minded behavior.
• To establish and enforce reasonable and clear limits designed to protect the campus community and the rights of its members.
• To develop and support a positive living and learning environment.
• To educate students regarding responsibility and accountability for their actions.
• To encourage and foster self-insight and self-initiated change of behavior.
• To protect the rights of individuals accused of violating University rules and policies.
• To provide a fair, supportive, and timely hearing process to address instances of alleged violations of University rules and policies.
• To offer learning experiences for students, staff, and faculty who participate in the on-going direction and implementation of the student conduct process.

Questions about the Title IX can be directed to:

Joan Cook – Title IX Office & Title IX Coordinator
tixadministrator@western.edu
(650) 383-4753 x277

Questions about the Student Conduct and Community Standards can be directed to:

Daniel Vargas – Associate Director for Community Living
daniel.vargas@western.edu
(970) 943-2101

Western believes that a student’s behavior in the larger community may be grounds for misconduct action, provided that the behavior could have serious adverse impact on the University community. The University believes that all students are responsible for obeying federal, state, and municipal laws; violation of these laws can lead to misconduct action by the University. Therefore, the University has established procedures with the Gunnison Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies for notification of criminal activity that happens in the surrounding community by individuals known to be Western students.

Western Colorado University prohibits the following conduct: sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and other forms of sexual harassment defined in Board Policy 3.5: Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct.

The federal Clery Act includes the following categories of sexual assault within the definition of sexual assault: rape, sexual contact, incest, and statutory rape which are incorporated in Board Policy 3.5.

Board Policy 3.5 applies to the entire Western Colorado University community, including, but not limited to, students, student organizations, faculty, administrators, and staff, whether on or off campus, and third parties such as guests, visitors, volunteers, invitees, and alumni when they are on the University’s campus or participating in University’s Education Programs or Activities within the United States. The University’s response to sexual misconduct depends in part on its authority over the alleged individual(s). This policy applies when the alleged individual(s) is an employee, student or volunteer of the University, or was at the time of the alleged incident and intends to participate in an education program or activity of the University. However, if sexual misconduct is reported when the University does not have authority over the alleged individual (i.e. third parties), the University still will work with the person who is alleged to have experienced sexual misconduct (Complainant) regarding their options and appropriate supportive measures. The University also will consider whether it is appropriate to take any other actions to protect the safety of the University community under these circumstances.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct

Western’s preferred way to report sexual misconduct is via its secure online Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form. Anyone, even those unaffiliated with the University, may  report via this form. The online report form automatically sends the report to the Restorative Justice and Title IX Office, and the Title IX Coordinator or designee will respond to reports within two business days whenever possible.

Individuals who are not responsible employees may submit this form anonymously. Depending on the amount of information included in the report, the University may be limited in its ability to respond to the concern. Individuals who are designated as Responsible Employees (Board Policy 3.5.IV.C.2) must fill in all known information and cannot remain anonymous. Employees who are reporting sexual misconduct directed toward them, may choose to report anonymously.

In the event of an emergency, please call 911 for an immediate response.

Anyone may also contact the Title IX Coordinator directly at TIXadministrator@western.edu to make a report.

External complaints of sexual misconduct may be filed with the federal Office of Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education. https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr.

Maintaining the Privacy of Sexual Misconduct Reports

Western will make reasonable efforts to protect the privacy of those who disclose experiencing sexual misconduct in accordance with applicable state and federal law, while balancing the need to gather information to take steps to eliminate the prohibited conduct, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects. Western will complete publicly available recordkeeping, including Clery Act reporting and disclosures, without the inclusion of personally identifying information about the individual reporting an experience of sexual misconduct. Any accommodations or supportive/protective measures provided to the individual reporting experiencing sexual misconduct will be kept confidential to the extent that maintaining confidentiality will not impair Western’s ability to provide the accommodations or measures.

All University employees involved in responding to a concern or report of sexual misconduct receive specific instructions on respecting and safeguarding private information.

Learn more on Western’s Privacy Policy page.

How to Confidentially Report Sexual Misconduct

Confidentiality means that information will not be shared unless there is an imminent threat of harm to the individual or others or where there is knowledge or reasonable suspicion of elder or child abuse or neglect.

Confidential resources include licensed counselors, medical providers, attorneys, clergy (pastoral or religious counselors), and certified rape crisis counselors. Contact information for confidential reporting resources is available in Board Policy 3.5 and at https://western.edu/about/center-for-civil-rights/title-ix/ under “Resources & Information.”

Amnesty Policy

In those cases where individuals have been involved in incidents of sexual harassment while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, the University will not pursue disciplinary actions against those involved (or against a witness) for their improper use of alcohol or drugs (e.g., underage drinking, or under the influence at a campus function). Amnesty is intended to support individuals reporting incidents of prohibited discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment, and other violations of this policy, and to protect an individual’s safety. Individuals experiencing or witnessing violations of this policy while themselves violating another University policy (for example, the University policy concerning alcohol and other drug use) are encouraged to report the violations of this policy that they experienced or witnessed.

Board Policy 3.5: Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct describes the steps, anticipated timelines, and decision-making process used by the University for students and employees in cases of alleged sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and other types of sexual harassment as defined in the policy. The procedure explains how to file a formal complaint and provides a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution using the preponderance of the evidence standard. The process is conducted by officials who receive annual training on the issues related to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, and how to complete an investigation and hearing process that protects the safety of those who report experiencing sexual misconduct (complainants) and promotes accountability.

The policy states that the complainant and the respondent are entitled to the opportunity to be accompanied to any related meeting or proceeding by an advisor of their choice and that both parties shall be simultaneously informed in writing of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary or conduct proceeding that arises from an allegation of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The procedure also includes Western’s process for both parties to appeal the results of the proceeding, learn of any change to the results before they are finalized, and know when such results become final. Western recognizes that not every case of sexual misconduct is alike in severity. Therefore, Western reserves the right to consider what sanction or sanctions are appropriate under the specific circumstances.

Potential sanctions for a Western community member who is found responsible for sexual misconduct at the conclusion of a prompt, fair, and impartial resolution process are:

• Completion of appropriate educational, rehabilitation, or training programs
• Removal of leadership or supervisory roles
• Removal or suspension from university clubs, organizations, athletic teams, or other University education programs or activities
• Revocation of honorary titles, or other university-granted rights or privileges
• Removal from University housing
• Reprimand
• Probation
• Suspension from the University
• Expulsion from the University
• Corrective action
• A fine
• Temporary adjustment of pay to a lower step in the assigned pay grade
• Demotion
• Reassignment with or without a salary adjustment
• Suspension with or without pay
• Termination

Additional sanctions applicable to students are found in the University’s Student Handbook.

Where a member of Western’s community is found to have engaged in sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, the sanction will generally result in a temporary separation or permanent removal from the University. The Respondent’s conduct record will be considered when assigning sanctions. More than one sanction may be imposed for any single violation. Any sanction imposed will be in effect on all University-owned or controlled property and at all events or functions sponsored by or under the supervision of the University unless otherwise provided in the written decision.

A range of supportive/protective measures that the University may offer to a Complainant as reasonable and available following an allegation of sexual violence includes, but is not limited to:

• Counseling
• Extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments
• Modifications to work or class schedules
• Campus escort services
• Mutual restrictions on contact between the parties
• Changes in work or housing locations
• Assistance with transportation
• Leaves of absence
• Increased security and monitoring of certain areas on campus
• Other similar measures as deemed appropriate by the Title IX Coordinator

Procedures Those Who Experience Sexual Violence are Encouraged to Follow

If a person feels they are in immediate danger, they are strongly encouraged to call 911.

Those who experience sexual violence have many options. The following steps are optional but strongly encouraged.

1. Get to a safe place.

After experiencing a traumatizing event such as sexual violence, it is essential to go to a comfortable and safe place.

2. Consider contacting law enforcement.

No one who has experienced sexual violence (Complainant) is required to contact law enforcement. The Title IX Coordinator or a confidential community victim advocate can assist a Complainant to notify law enforcement if they choose to do so. Complainants may contact law enforcement to assist them in obtaining medical treatment and police services by calling:

• 911
• Western’s Campus Security (while on campus)
  University Center 102E
  970.943.3084 (office)
  970.209.1020 (mobile)
• Gunnison Police Department
  910 W. Bidwell Ave.
  970.641.8200 (office)

Even if a Complainant contacts the police, they do not have to pursue criminal charges or participate in a criminal investigation.

If the incident occurred off University property, the Security Office can assist the Complainant to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency for assistance. Depending on where the incident occurred, the appropriate law enforcement agency will work directly with the Complainant.

Complainants also have the option to inquire about a civil protection order or other legal orders of protection with a local law enforcement agency or via a community advocate such as through Project Hope of Gunnison Valley.

3. Consider seeking medical attention.

For physical acts of sexual violence, like sexual assault, dating violence, or domestic violence, Complainants are encouraged to go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible, preferably within ninety-six (96) hours of the incident. A Complainant may decide whether to receive a medical exam at the hospital.

A medical exam treats the full extent of injuries and physical trauma. In the case of sexual assault, the purpose of the exam is to:

• Consider the possibilities of sexually transmitted infection or pregnancy
• Properly preserve evidence in case the Complainant decides to report the crime to law enforcement, and a criminal investigation is pursued

A Complainant can decide to have a medical exam, but not have evidence collected. If they decide to have evidence collected, they can choose not to file a police report and/or not to participate in pursuing criminal charges.

The collection of evidence during the medical exam will help keep the option to pursue criminal charges open for the future.

Medical exams are provided locally by:

Gunnison Valley Health Hospital
711 North Taylor Street
970.641.1456 (Phone)

Funds are available through the Office of Student Affairs to assist students with transportation options/costs.

4. Preserve all physical evidence.

Complainants are encouraged to keep evidence such as text messages, social media posts, voicemails, notes, and pictures related to the incident in case they decide to pursue an administrative investigation with the University under Board Policy 3.5, or there is a criminal investigation with the police, or obtain a protection order.

If a person has been sexually assaulted, they are encouraged to save all clothing from the time of the attack in a paper bag because plastic degrades evidence. Victims of a sexual assault should not bathe, douche, brush their teeth, or drink, as it may destroy evidence that will be needed if they decide to pursue a criminal investigation. No one should disturb where the incident occurred – leave all sheets, towels, etc., that may contain evidence for the police to collect.

5. Consider contacting the Title IX Coordinator.

They will provide information regarding options, including reporting procedures and supportive measures.

Title IX Coordinator:

Joan Cook
Phone: 650.383.4753 x227
Email: tixadministrator@western.edu

Mailing Address:
Restorative Justice & Title IX Office
1 Western Way
Gunnison Colorado 81231

6. Consider contacting a relative or close friend if they can provide emotional support.

7. Consider contacting trained and experienced counselors.

See the Restorative Justice and Title IX Office webpage for free and reduced-cost counseling and other resources listed under the headings “Student & Employee Confidential Reporting” and “Additional Employee Mental Health Resources.”

Any student, employee, or third party who reports sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, whether the offense occurred on or off University property, will be given a written explanation of their rights, options, and available services regardless of whether they choose to report the crime to University security or local law enforcement and regardless of whether, after reporting to the Title IX Coordinator, they decide to move forward with a complaint and the administrative, investigative process described in Board Policy 3.5: Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct. The University provides written notification of existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid and other services available at the University and in the community; the Complainant’s option to notify law enforcement authorities, be assisted by campus authorities in providing such notification, or decline to notify law enforcement authorities; rights of victims and the University’s responsibilities for orders of protection; the procedure for institutional disciplinary action in cases of alleged sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking; and options for and available assistance in changing academic, working, living, and transportation situations, and other protective measures.

For the 2025 calendar year, there were two (2) reports of stalking that occurred in On-campus Student Housing Facilities.

For information on Sex Offender Registration information, please visit the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Convicted Sex Offender site.

If a reported crime is investigated by law enforcement authorities and found to be false or baseless, and no offense occurred, the crime is “unfounded” and is not included in our statistics.

Why This Policy Exists

• Required by Colorado SB 26-120, signed May 26, 2026 — a new state legal mandate, not a discretionary update.
• Applies to all enrolled students last known to reside in Colorado, residential and non-residential.

The Core Decision (Upon Receiving a Report)

• Option A — Immediate Law Enforcement Contact: used when there’s credible risk (foul play, mental health crisis, suicide risk, imminent danger). Skip the assessment; call Campus Safety / Gunnison PD immediately.
• Option B — Preliminary Wellness Assessment (PWA): used when no immediate red flags exist. Starts a 6-hour clock.

PWA — Required Steps, In Order, or Some Steps Could be Completed Simultaneously

• Digital Contact Attempt — email, student portal, personal contact info; every attempt logged (time, method, outcome).
• Residential Verification — physical room check, only if student is in university housing; done by an authorized representative.
• Academic & Social Inquiry — check with faculty/staff on last known attendance, within student privacy law.
• Emergency Contact Attempt (if not found after 6 hrs) required in addition to, not instead of, notifying law enforcement.

The 6-Hour Rule

• Clock starts when the report is received.
• A credible risk identified at any point ends the clock — law enforcement is contacted immediately.
• A step that genuinely can’t be completed in time is not a policy failure, but the reason must be documented.

Law Enforcement Notification Triggers

• Student not located within 6 hours:
• University elects not to conduct a PWA
• Credible risk identified at any time.
• Routed by address on file: local address → permanent address → Campus Safety/Gunnison PD if unclear.

Roles & Responsibilities

• RAs are front-line responders and should notify the RD/on-call staff member immediately. RDs and RAs should never enter a room alone, no contact with family/social media without direction, initial report within thirty (30) minutes, full StarRez documentation within two (2) hours.
• Campus Safety: 24/7 authorized representative — satisfies the law’s after-hours coverage requirement.
• Dean of Students Office: issuing authority, provides oversight, and an annual policy review each August.
• All individuals identified in this section are authorized to conduct a Residential Verification
• Any of the individuals identified in this section should be contacted if an employee receives a report of a missing student to initiate the processes in this policy.

Documentation & Legal Protection

• All steps logged contemporaneously in StarRez; records retained a minimum of three (3) years and available to law enforcement on request.
• If student remains missing after thirty (30) days, records may be shared with the designated emergency contact.
• Good-faith compliance with all required steps provides civil liability immunity for the University and staff.

Confidentiality

• Report details are confidential.
• RAs may not discuss the situation with other students, contact family without direction, or post about it on social media. Violations may result in removal from the RA role and conduct action.

Campus drug and alcohol policies are outlined in the Western Colorado University Student Handbook. In summary, the University is subject to the laws of the federal government and the State of Colorado and will act in accordance with those laws and University policies in the event of violations.

In student housing, if students are 21 or over, they can possess and use alcohol in the privacy of their rooms, with the door closed and no minors present.  The use of alcohol in any other campus buildings or on campus grounds must be granted approval by the Office of Student Affairs.  In accordance with Federal law, the use of marijuana is strictly prohibited on the Western campus.

Prevention Education

Programs and Interventions for Western Students

Western Colorado University’s Student Affairs and Community Wellness teams serve the Western community by coordinating educational and support efforts on campus to assist students facing challenges, stressors, and barriers that impede academic and personal success. The Student Affairs team members, including Community Wellness, are primarily located in the University Center. Community Wellness is specifically located in University Center 118.

Programs and services offered by Student Affairs and Community Wellness that promote prevention education include, but are not limited to:

• New Student Orientation:
  • Live educational skits hosted by the Orientation Leaders focusing on safety, consent, substance use prevention, and resources that can help support students. The skits are performed for every student at Orientation.
  • Welcome to the Party is a program that prepares new college students for the unique challenges and responsibilities of college life. Focusing on minimizing the risks associated with alcohol, drugs, and sexual violence. Welcome to the Party takes a harm-reduction approach that promotes safety, security, and campus policy, while also fostering learning and growth around safety and prevention. By participating, students learn about signs of alcohol poisoning, opioid overdose, and how to respond to those situations as it aligns with campus policy, State, and Federal law. This program introduces students to resources and wellness tools available to them at Western and the systems in place to help them, including Campus Security and the Gunnison Police Department. This program is required for all new freshmen students as part of new student orientation.
• Peer Health Educators: Western utilizes a best practice in higher education of having Peer Support available. Utilizing student leaders, known as Peer Health Educators (PHEs), wellness and prevention education is a top priority. PHEs work to reduce stigmas, increase the culture of help-seeking behaviors, and support the physical, social and emotional well-being of their peers. The PHEs are sophomore students and above, maintaining a 2.5 cumulative GPA. They provide health promotion and harm reduction programs, education, and awareness building campaigns regarding multiple health and wellness topics, while promoting campus and community resources to Western students.
• Community Connectors: Western has adopted another approach to peer education with our community connector program. Our community connectors are students who live in residence halls around campus, assisting in getting students connected to resources they need. Our community connectors focus on building relationships for retention, targeted harm reduction and prevention efforts, and connecting students of concern to specific resources and needs.
• Certified Peer Education Training: All Community Wellness staff receives NASPA’s Certified Peer Education training in which they learn about what it means to be a responsible peer educator, bystander intervention, and pertinent framework for successful peer education and programming.
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Consent, and Prevention Programming: Throughout the year, Community Wellness partners with local non-profits that specialize in promoting consent, safe sex practices, and sexual assault/domestic violence. Twice a year, once each semester, free STI testing is offered to all students. While efforts occur throughout the year, Community Wellness in partnership with the local non-profits, to program heavily during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Again, focus is on consent, safety, and connection to resources.
• Suicide Prevention Education: Community Wellness works closely with Gunnison Valley Behavioral Health to offer suicide prevention trainings and education programming to Western faculty, staff, and students. Trainings and educational workshops provide participants with the skills necessary to recognize suicidality warning signs and seek appropriate intervention. Intervention includes having access to the 24/7/365 Mobile Crisis Team in the Gunnison Valley. The Mobile Crisis Team will come to campus, or wherever a student, staff, or faculty member in crisis is, sit with the individual, create a safety plan with follow up, and even take individuals to the hospital, if needed.
• Mental Health and Support Services
  • The University Counseling Center, located in Crystal Hall 104, 970.648.7128 provides counseling services for Western students, faculty, and staff. Students are regularly referred to the Counseling Center regarding transition/adjustment issues, personal well-being, stress management, and alcohol/drug use. There is also a dedicated Peer Support Specialist on campus to share lived experience around mental health and substance use struggles and connect students, staff, and faculty to behavioral health services.
  • In addition, Western utilizes TimelyCare for 24/7 virtual health and well-being support. Services through TimelyCare includes scheduled counseling sessions, health coaching, psychiatry, and TalkNow, an on-demand access to a licensed mental health clinician or counselor 24/7.
• Syllabus Language: Western includes language in all class syllabus regarding wellness support and resources, including information regarding safety on campus and who to contact for wellness and Title IX support.

The educational resources and opportunities described below are implemented to raise awareness of sexual violence and prevent it. These programs include education about sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Departments and employee groups as well as students and student groups can request related training from the Equal Opportunity Office at eoo@western.edu or the Restorative Justice & Title IX Office at tixadministrator@western.edu.

The Restorative Justice and Title IX Office maintains a comprehensive website about sexual harassment, which includes sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, where students, employees, and third parties can find resources, options, privacy information, Western’s policy and procedure (Board Policy 3.5: Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct), information about submitting a report, and how to request training. The website is accessible at https://western.edu/about/center-for-civil-rights/title-ix/

Primary and Ongoing Prevention Programming and Awareness Campaigns

These are programs that promote awareness of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking which are given to employees and students. Western’s 2025 primary prevention and awareness programs include:

New student orientation training

New students received training about consent, including incapacitation, via scenario-based skits during new student orientation in August 2025.

In 2025, new students were also required to take training online training that includes, but is not limited to, the University’s prohibition of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; resources and supportive measures for complainants; the legal definitions of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and consent in Colorado; how to report sexual misconduct and what happens after a report is made. This training also included a quiz to check for students’ understanding.

Graduate Assistants received a recorded training from the Restorative Justice & Title IX Office made available in Spring 2025.

All student athletes received primary education and prevention training from the Restorative Justice & Title IX Office in October 2025.

Employee primary training in compliance with the Clery Act that was conducted online via Vector Solutions. New employees were informed about the requirement to take this training at new employee orientation via a flyer telling them how to complete the training. New hires also were required to sign a policy acknowledgement which includes Board Policy 3.5.

Ongoing Prevention and Awareness Campaigns

In 2025, the Equal Opportunity Office facilitated training to increase awareness of sexual misconduct, reporting requirements, and Board Policy 3.5. Training was provided to the following employee groups:

Residence Life Residence Assistants & Directors – August 2025

School of the Arts – September 2025

Security Department – October 2025

University-wide Supervisors – October 2025

Graduate Programs Department – November 2025

Clark School – December 2025

Chairs and Directors of all Academic Departments – December 2025

Throughout 2025, Western’s Human Resources department regularly informed employees about available support resources applicable to those who have experienced sexual violence. Human Resources sent multiple emails to employees sharing the Colorado Higher Education Insurance Benefits Alliance (CHEIBA) Trust benefits guide and others highlighting the Mental Health Resources Page on the Inside Western portal.

Bystander intervention was also promoted among employees via employee-wide communication encouraging the use of the Care Team to provide appropriate intervention and support to members of the Western community, including those who experience sexual violence.

Additionally, Western encouraged employee use of the Ombud’s process during Human Resources trainings and on its Center for Civil Rights website for consultation about concerns and learn about available resolution processes and resource, including those to address sexual misconduct which comprises sexual violence.

In 2025, the following programming was presented for students and other members of the Western community:

Recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April 2025 which included:

• Sex Trivia hosted by Community Wellness in which students were engaged in learning about consent.
• Documentary film screening and panel discussion on sexual assault in partnership with community advocacy center Project Hope attended by Project Hope trauma-informed victim advocates.
• Facilitation of Denim Day at Western to encourage education about all forms of sexual violence and support survivors.
• Student-wide email regarding resources for sexual violence and reminding students how to make a report to the Title IX Coordinator.

In October 2025, Community Wellness hosted another round of Sex Trivia in which students were engaged in learning about consent.

Throughout 2025, Residence Life staff created bulletin boards and other messaging in residence halls to educate about sexual violence risk reduction strategies and healthy and unhealthy relationships.

All residence hall and campus apartment exit doors are locked on a 24-hour basis. Outside keys/card access are issued to all hall/apartment residents. Resident Assistants are on duty 5:00pm to 8:00am. The Library is open from 7:30am to 12:00am Monday through Thursday, and until 6:00pm on Friday. On the weekends, the hours are 12:00pm to 6:00pm on Saturdays and 12:00pm to 12:00am Sundays. All classroom buildings are open from 7:00am to 10:00pm. These buildings are routinely patrolled during evening hours.

Campus Security routinely engages in foot, bike, and vehicle patrols during their working hours. In conducting patrols of campus, security personnel check to see that locks and other door hardware are functional and report any needed repair to Campus Operations.

All residence hall and campus apartment building exit doors are locked on a 24-hour basis. Students are responsible to carry room keys/ key cards at all times. Propping doors during these closed hours is dangerous to the student population and property and, therefore, prohibited. Students found responsible for propping doors can expect judicial sanctions, and even potential legal action.

Western’s Campus Security maintains a daily security log that records all campus crimes and security related issues.