Resources for Respondents

[Resources marked with a (+) are confidential]

ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES: Students Accused of Sexual Misconduct

If you have any questions about sexual misconduct or need help following being notified that you are accused of an act of sexual misconduct, the following University offices and staff members can offer information and support. Choose any office or person with whom you feel most comfortable.

ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES: Students Accused of Sexual Misconduct
If you have any questions about sexual misconduct or need help after receiving notification that you are accused of an act of sexual misconduct, the following University offices and staff members can offer information and support.

The Counseling Center (+) (610-436-2301, Lawrence 241) offers confidential counseling to students who have been accused or found responsible of sexual misconduct. All counseling is confidential. This means that the counselor cannot speak with others about the student’s situation without the student’s written permission.

The Counseling Center is staffed by men and women psychologists and trainees. Once the student has met with a counselor, together they decide a plan for treatment. Subsequent counseling sessions typically focus on providing emotional support and understanding the impact of the sex offense in the student’s life now. Since there is no “one way” to process an event, the Counseling Center seeks to support the student through their individual process.

There are no fees for currently enrolled students to receive counseling. Visit the Counseling Center during triage hours to schedule an appointment. During this time the student will complete an online assessment and meet with a psychologist for a short period of time to determine the level of care. Triage hours are listed on the Counseling Center’s website at

If a situation occurs after normal business hours, the on-call psychologist may be accessed by contacting Public Safety (610-436-3311).

WCU Community Mental Health Clinic (CMHC) (+) (610-436-2510, 8th Floor, Wayne Hall) is affiliated with the West Chester University Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program. CMHC serves as a training center for graduate students in the Psy.D. program and as a clinical research site for faculty in the Psychology Department. As a non-profit training and research facility, CMHS is able to provide low-cost, cutting edge psychotherapy and testing. Services are provided by graduate students earning a doctorate in Psychology who are closely supervised by experienced, licensed Psychologists. Assessment appointments can be made by contacting the Clinic. For counseling, students will be referred from the Counseling Center for longer term therapy.

Office for Student Conduct (610-436-3511, Ruby Jones 200) is responsible for enforcing violations of the Student Code of Conduct. The Office staff can provide assistance and guidance to students, staff, and faculty in submitting reports on any violation of the Student Code of Conduct including sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. The Office also maintains a list (on their website ) of Policy and Process Advisors who can provide guidance and assistance to students throughout the investigative and conduct processes.

Public Safety (610-436-3311, 690 South Church Street) Public Safety is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. University police officers will make all efforts to investigate any crimes that occur on campus within the scope of the law and will provide support and referral options. Persons who have experienced sexual misconduct may want to consider preserving all physical evidence, regardless of whether or not they want to press charges. Choosing not to press charges immediately does not prohibit one from doing so in the future, and physical evidence will be important to the case. University police will honor all Protection From Abuse Orders and No Contact Directives, as copies of these are kept on file with the department. For off campus incidents, Public Safety Officers can assist in identifying and connecting with the municipality where the crime may have occurred.

Title IX Coordinator/Director for Equity and Compliance (610-436-2433, 114. W. Rosedale Avenue) offers assistance to students, faculty, or staff in matters regarding sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. The Director for Equity and Compliance can:

  • discuss situations that may give rise to a complaint of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct and provide options for addressing the situation;
  • oversees fact finding investigations into complaints of sexual misconduct;
  • oversees investigations of complaints of sexual harassment against University employees;
  • provide interim measures for issues of discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct;
  • facilitate adjustments to on-campus transportation, parking, or work and other measures to ensure the safety of both parties, and
  • assist University personnel and students with questions about sexual misconduct policies and procedures.

In addition, the Title IX Coordinator/Director for Equity and Compliance monitors and oversees complaints of discrimination and harassment in compliance with federal regulations.

Additional On-Campus Resources

  • LARC (Learning Assistance and Resource Center) (610-436-2535, Lawrence 224) is a resource to provide quality academic support services which help students become independent, active learners who achieve academic success. The LARC can assist in tutoring and other supports to continue to be successful academically.
  • Department of Athletics (610-436-3573, Sturzebecker HSC 220) Students may choose to contact them for help in locating appropriate resources such as counseling, medical services and academic assistance.
  • Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy (610-436-3147, Sykes 238) offers support services for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and their allies.
  • Center for Women and Gender Equity (610-436-2122, Lawrence 214) offers assistance, resources, and referrals for those who are impacted by sexual assault or misconduct. The Center does not offer counseling services or medical services. The Center is classified as a non-confidential resource, which means the staff is required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title IX office. The Center’s staff will provide information on resources and support for the person.
  • Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (610-436-2117, Sykes 238) Students may choose to contact the Director who can assist with identifying support resources.
  • Dowdy Multicultural Center (610-436-3273, Sykes 003) offers a supportive environment for multicultural students at West Chester University. The Dowdy Center coordinates services, programs, and referrals that enhance the academic and personal development of students of color. In matters of sexual misconduct, the Dowdy Multicultural Center provides assistance in identifying support resources.
  • Office of Residence Life (610-436-3307, Lawrence 202) The Department of Residence Life and Housing Services has live-in staff available to students involved with sexual misconduct. The staff includes Area Coordinators (AC), Graduate Hall Directors (GHD), and Resident Assistants (RA). Staff members assist with room changes with the Title IX Coordinator/Director for Equity and Compliance.
  • Office of Educational Accessibility (OEA) (610-436-2564, Lawrence 223) Students may choose to contact the Director for assistance with identifying support resources.
  • Free Student Legal Service is available by appointment during the fall and spring semesters. A student may make an appointment by logging onto their myWCU account, selecting the 'Useful Lin's icon, and then selecting 'Schedule Judicial Appointment' on the left-hand menu. More information can be found here and any questions can be directed to Off Campus and Commuter Services at 610-436-2209.

OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES: For Those Accused of Sexual Misconduct
In addition to the numerous services on campus, there are many additional services available for those accused of sexual misconduct.

  • Chester County Bar Association: Access to Justice Program This program provides access to free legal services for those who do not qualify for legal aid. They can be contacted at: 15 W. Gay Street, West Chester, PA. Or call 610-692-1889.
  • Family Service of Chester County provides low cost or free professional counseling. Health insurance is not required and the organization is committed to eliminating financial barriers to professional care. They can be contacted at: 310 N. Matlack Street, West Chester, PA. Or call 610-696-4900
  • Legal Aid of Southeastern PA offers legal aid and is located at 222 N. Walnut Street, 2nd floor, West Chester, PA. Or call 610-436-4510.