Title IX Confidentiality

To make informed choices, all parties should be aware of confidentiality and privacy considerations, as well as institutional mandatory reporting requirements.  

Confidential Reporting

If a Complainant wishes to keep the details of an incident confidential, they should speak with campus mental health counselors and/or health service providers. Campus counselors are available to help on an emergency basis. Their service is free of charge. Local resources such as crisis centers are also confidential and have no duty to report disclosed information to Western Iowa Tech.  

Confidential Resources

  • On-campus licensed professional counselors and staff 
  • On-campus health service providers and staff 
  • Off-campus (non-employees): 
    • Licensed professional counselors and other medical providers 
    • Local rape crisis counselors 
    • Domestic violence resources  
    • Local or state assistance agencies  
    • Clergy/Chaplains 
    • Attorneys 

Mandated Reporting

All employees who are not designated as confidential are considered mandated reporters. 

This means that if you share information about an incident with them, they are required to pass that information along to the Title IX Coordinator. 

Sharing information with a mandated reporter does not automatically start a formal complaint or require you to participate in a process. The Title IX Coordinator will reach out to you to offer supportive measures and explain your options, including how to file a formal complaint if you choose to do so. 

Officials with Authority or OWAs

These are employees who can help connect you with support and make sure the Title IX Coordinator is informed about a report. 

If you share information about an incident with an OWA, you will be connected with the Title IX Coordinator and offered supportive measures (such as academic, housing, or other assistance) and will be given information about your options for resolving the situation — either informally or through a formal complaint process. 

You can ask the Title IX Coordinator for supportive measures at any time, even if you do not want an investigation. 

If you decide to file a formal complaint, the College will move forward with a prompt and fair investigation under Western Iowa Tech’s Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Procedures. Please know that once a formal complaint is filed, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. The person accused (the Respondent) will receive enough information — including your name — to respond to the allegations. 

In some cases, the College may need to move forward with a formal complaint based on the information received, even if you prefer not to participate. The Title IX Coordinator has the authority to initiate a complaint when necessary. You are not required to participate in the process, but you may choose to do so as the Complainant or as a witness. Even if you decide not to participate, you may still access the rights available to a Complainant. Keep in mind that the College’s ability to fully address the situation may be limited without your involvement. 

If a report involves someone under the age of 18, the College may be required to notify state agencies or local law enforcement. In those situations, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.