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 and PSU address sex/gender/gender identity/sexual orientation discrimination in admissions, academics, scholarships, athletics, hiring, promotion or any program or activities of the University.

Per PSU's Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, sexual harassment means any of the following:

• quid pro quo, meaning an employee of PSU conditions the provision of a PSU aid, benefit, or service on an person's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
• creation of a hostile environment so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to their education program or activity; and
• sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

Title IX applies to conduct involving PSU students, employees, or community members that occurs in the United States and takes place on campus or as part of a PSU program or activity.

PSU’s Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy addresses all other forms of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment that does not meet the definition or jurisdictional standards of the Title IX regulations.

Oregon law defines 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.

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.

Students, employees, applicants, volunteers and visitors may contact Equity, Audit & 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, 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 written report, a formal hearing, 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.

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.