Title IX at PSU

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal funds. Title IX addresses sex discrimination in admissions, academics, scholarships, athletics, hiring, promotion or any program or activities of the University as well as sexual harassment.

For the purpose of the Title IX Policy, Sexual Harassment includes the following:

1. Quid Pro Quo Harassment (an employee of PSU conditions the provision of a PSU aid, benefit, or service, academic requirements,  on a person’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
2. Creation of a Hostile Environment: The Respondent engages in unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to PSU’s Education Program or Activity; and/or
3. Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking.

Title IX covers sexual harassment when it occurs when the matter complained of:

1. meets the definition of SexualHarassment in this Policy, as defined above.
2. occurs in the education program or activity of PSU or in a PSU owned building or property controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by PSU,
3. takes place in the United States,
4. is brought by a potential Complainant who is participating in or attempting to participate in a PSU education program or activity or is an employee of the university, and
5. is against a potential Respondent who is a member of the PSU community.

In addition to Title IX, Oregon law and PSU's Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy define sexual harassment as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where such conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive that it has the effect, intended or unintended, of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or it has created an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment and would have such an effect on a reasonable person.

If a report of sexual harassment falls outside of the scope of Title IX, PSU will address the matter pursuant to PSU's Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy.

If a matter complained of does not meet those requirements, PSU may be able to address the matter through PSU’s Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy, PSU’s Student Code of Conduct, or any other relevant PSU policy.

Confidential advocates at PSU are both privileged and confidential. This means anything you share about sexual harassment, including sexual or relationship violence, will not be reported to university officials and will not trigger an investigation without your consent.

The Confidential Advocacy program at the Center for Student Health & Counseling (SHAC) offers trauma-informed support, guidance, and resources for students affected by sexual violence. You can schedule a meeting with a confidential advocate at psuca.youcanbook.me or call the confidential advocacy line at 503-894-7982.

In addition to confidential advocates, other confidential services are available on and off campus. For a list of additional confidential services, please review the Sexual and Relationship Violence Resource guide.

Students, employees, applicants, volunteers and visitors may contact Equity & Compliance if they have concerns of discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, failure to accommodate a disability, or a violation of the consensual relationship policy against employees (faculty and staff).

• Online reporting form
• Email: titleixcoordinator@pdx.edu
• In person: Richard and Maureen Neuberger Center (RMNC), 1600 SW 4th Ave., Suite 830

Complaints regarding a student's conduct may be reported to the Office of the Dean of Student Life by completing and submitting a Student Conduct Complaint Form. The office administers PSU's Student Code of Conduct, which describes and provides a process for addressing inappropriate student behavior, including discrimination and harassment.

Any Dean, Chair of a department, supervisor, manager, faculty member, instructor, residence assistant, or any other employee with the title of "Director" or higher who becomes aware of an incident that may constitute discrimination or discriminatory harassment, including any form of sexual harassment, is required to promptly notify the Office of Equity, Audit & Compliance or the Office of the Dean of Student Life.

After PSU receives a Title IX report, the Title IX Coordinator reviews the information and reaches out to discuss available supportive measures and complaint processes. Supportive measures can be provided whether or not a formal complaint is filed.

The Title IX Coordinator then assesses which policies apply and whether the report falls under Title IX. The complainant is informed of the outcome of that assessment.

If appropriate, the complainant may choose to move forward with supportive measures only, request an informal resolution, or request a formal Title IX investigation. If a formal investigation occurs, both parties are notified, an investigation is conducted, and the process includes a formal hearing, a written report, and a notice of the outcome, determination, and remedies.

View the Title IX Investigative Process Flowchart.

Visit PSU’s Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response website for available resources, policies, and reporting options. Additionally, the Sexual and Relationship Resource guide provides information about available confidential and non-confidential services.

Title IX includes protections for students who become pregnant or are postpartum. PSU’s Student Pregnancy and Postpartum Assistance and Accommodation Policy addresses student rights and obligations when they become pregnant or are postpartum. Students can request pregnancy or postpartum accommodations through PSU CARES, using the dropdown request for pregnancy or parenting accommodations, to obtain assistance with your academics. For more resources, please review information from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights on Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnancy and Parenting Students.

Yes. Title IX also requires PSU to monitor and address gender equity in athletics. Questions regarding athletic compliance can be directed to PSU's Title IX Coordinator or to Jasmine MIller, Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Assistant Director of Athletics at jasmill@pdx.edu or by calling 503-725-5621.

Portland State University periodically conducts a Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Survey to assess students’ experiences, perceptions, and attitudes related to sexual misconduct. The survey helps PSU better understand campus climate and identify opportunities to improve prevention, education, and support efforts.

PSU last administered a Campus Climate Survey in 2021, with the results identifying the need for additional prevention efforts. PSU will administer a new climate survey in 2026.

Learn more about the Campus Climate Survey and view past results.

PSU Title IX staff (current and former) are required to complete specific trainings to meet federal and university compliance standards.