Filing a Formal Complaint  

The University’s Title IX Complaint Resolution Procedures, 1105 provide for the prompt and equitable investigation and resolution of complaints or reports of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and retaliation. A formal complaint is needed to initiate the grievance process. 

Anyone in the campus community who experiences or becomes aware of an incident of sexual harassment or retaliation is encouraged to immediately report it to the Title IX Coordinator.   

1. A Formal Complaint is a document filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment as defined by the Title IX Regulations and University policy against a Respondent and requesting the University to initiate an investigation. 
2. A Formal Complaint must be in writing and may be filed with the Title IX Coordinator in person, by mail, or by email. The Formal Complaint must contain the Complainant’s physical or digital signature, or some other indication that the Complainant is the person filing it. At the time of filing a Formal Complaint, a Complainant must be participating in or attempting to participate in a University educational program or activity.  
3. The Title IX Coordinator will respect the Complainant’s wishes regarding a desire that the University not investigate a complaint unless the Title IX Coordinator determines that the failure to investigate could be harmful to the University community, or threaten the safety or security of any student or member of the University’s faculty or staff. 
4. Formal Complaints against employees will also be referred to the Office of EEO & Title IX Compliance and simultaneously evaluated under applicable employee conduct policies and procedures. 
5. Complaints and reports of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking should be made immediately to the Virginia State University Department of Police and Public Safety, the Title IX Coordinator, or local law enforcement. A Complainant who wishes to pursue criminal action in addition to, or instead of, making a report or filing a Formal Complaint under these procedures should contact law enforcement directly.   
   • 911 (for emergencies) 
   • VSU Campus Police (804) 524-5411 (for campus emergencies); (804) 524-5360 (for non-emergencies) 
   • Chesterfield County Police (804) 748-1269 (for non-emergencies) 
   • City of Petersburg Police (804) 732-4225 (for non-emergencies) 
   • City of Colonial Heights Police (804) 520-9300 (for non-emergencies) 
6. University employees receiving reports or complaints of sexual harassment, or other sexual misconduct should immediately notify the Title IX Coordinator and should not undertake any independent efforts to determine whether or not the report or complaint has merit before reporting it to the Title IX Coordinator.   
7. As will be the case with all reports, however made, the reporting individual will be contacted promptly for an interview with the Title IX Coordinator or the VSU Campus Police.  
8. Withdrawal of a Formal Complaint  

A Complainant may withdraw a Formal Complaint at any time by providing written notice to the Title IX Coordinator. That withdrawal concludes the Formal Complaint Resolution Process unless the Title IX Coordinator deems it necessary to continue the process to fulfill the University’s duties under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Title IX in instances where the Title IX Coordinator has actual knowledge of acts of sexual violence, or other conduct that threatens individuals or the University community.