A bias incident involves any discriminatory act against an individual or a group based on their age, religion, disability (physical or mental), race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other identity.

In short, harassment can be defined as systematic/continued unwanted actions of one party against another, which may include threats and demands.

University policy defines sexual harassment as:

1. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by a person who has authority over the recipient when:
   • Submission to such conduct is made either an implicit or explicit condition of the individual’s employment, academic status, or ability to use University facilities and services, or
   • Submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as the basis for a decision that affects tangible aspects of the individual’s employment, academic status, or use of University facilities; or
2. Unwelcome and unsolicited language or conduct that is of a sexual nature and that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it could reasonably be expected to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment, or has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance. This also includes acts of sexual violence, such as sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

The College of Engineering incident reporting tool allows us to identify concerns and patterns specific to our community. Information collected through this process also helps us work strategically with those who need additional guidance on creating a more inclusive environment.

All UW students, staff, and faculty can submit a report regardless of their affiliation with the College of Engineering. For example, students in non-engineering majors who engage in any of our affiliated courses or opportunities are encouraged to contact us if concerns arise. You can also submit a report if you are a member of the College of Engineering and would like support following an encounter of bias, discrimination, or harassment in a non-engineering experience at the UW.

Yes, you can submit a report for an incident that happened in the past. Even if it did not happen recently, notifying us of a concern allows the College to identify possible patterns of behavior.

Unfortunately, many instances of bias, discrimination, and harassment are not reported. This process was created as a centralized way for community members to communicate where harm is being done and to identify places where further attention is needed. Submitting a report not only provides the option for you to receive tailored support from trained advocates, but it allows the College to better understand where targeted interventions are needed to improve our community as a whole.

Your report is first received by only a small number of staff members within the Dean’s Office at the College of Engineering who have been appropriately trained to handle various types of concerns. Depending on the nature of the report and your preferences moving forward, other pertinent individuals or offices may also be looped in.

Engineering Advocates are trained staff in the College of Engineering who can connect you to additional resources, articulate possible next steps, and support you in future conversations with other units if appropriate. Advocates can also keep you informed on what takes place following your report.

1. An initial email will be sent to confirm receipt of your report.
2. After the confirmation email, you will be communicated with based on the preference you indicated in the form. If you indicate that you’d like to be contacted, an engineering advocate will follow up and support you by communicating your options for having the matter investigated, providing information about relevant resources, and working with you to determine how you can be aided in any further actions. If you choose to remain anonymous, we commit to maintaining confidentiality and will not share your name in any conversations moving forward.
3. After gathering information, the committee will determine what kind of follow up is appropriate. The committee may take certain actions directly such as working with facilities to remove graffiti, reaching out to affected communities to provide support, or working with departments on possible next steps. Formal investigations are discussed below.
4. It is important to note that engineering advocates and the incident report committee do not perform formal investigations. Our mission is to provide you with support and advocacy while determining follow up activity where appropriate. Responses will vary based on the nature of the incident and can include additional communications with pertinent offices on campus. In most cases, the reporter decides if they want to have a formal investigation initiated. However, there are certain instances (e.g., sexual misconduct, hate crimes) where we may be compelled by law to report to an appropriate investigative body like Safe Campus.
5. The CoE will partner with the university’s central Bias Incident Advisory Committee to catalog reports and further track for trends.