Reporting Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation and Sexual Misconduct
What to do when you have concerns or questions or want to file a report or complaint.
General Information
Learn about the types of discrimination and harassment and accommodations for disability. The Office of Compliance & Equity can also help you understand reporting options. Students or individuals with complaints about students may also contact the Dean of Students Office.
Faculty and staff in some situations are required to make a report. Learn about mandatory reporting obligations.
William & Mary is dedicated to protecting anyone who makes a good-faith report or complaint of discrimination or harassment from retaliation.
Complaint/Grievance/Reporting Procedures
University ProceduresW&M has different procedures it uses to address reports and complaints of discrimination (including harassment or retaliation). Some procedures are used for specific types of complaints. For example, there is a dedicated procedure used for complaints about disability accommodation decisions. In most cases, the procedure used is decided based on the type of person reported, suspected, or alleged to have discriminated. Learn more about key aspects of each complaint process.
Some specific complaint or appeal procedures, such as grade appeals processes, the procedure for appealing a denial of tenure, and the appeal procedure for Honor Code verdicts, include discrimination as one of the bases. |
Commonwealth of Virginia Procedures for State EmployeesThe Commonwealth Department of Human Resource Management offers a mediation program – a voluntary process for faculty and staff employees to have concerns and conflicts mediated by a neutral third party. HR's Employee Relations Office can provide information about the program and arrange for mediation. Mediation is conducted by a neutral third party -- not a W&M employee -- and without significant cost. There are two grievance/complaint procedures administered by the Commonwealth, available to classified and operational employees and applicants for such positions: The Office of Equal Employment Services of the Virginia Department of Human Resources Management investigates complaints of discrimination made by classified and operational employees and applicants for such positions. The Department of Human Resource Management handles grievances, which can include allegations that an adverse employment action was discriminatory. The university’s Office of Human Resources can provide information about these two state procedures. |
Other External Processes and ResourcesWilliam & Mary encourages students and employees to use the internal procedures listed above, but individuals may also seek relief or information from federal agencies. The Office of Compliance & Equity has collected information about these agencies, available online. |
For reporting options for sexual harassment (including sexual misconduct), visit the Title IX reporting website.
For information on harassment and how to report harassment incidents, visit the harassment website.
This page last updated January 2017.