Comprised of faculty, staff and students appointed by the chancellor, University Sexual Harassment Investigation Board (USHIB) members are trained to investigate and help resolve complaints involving reports of sexual assault as well as some reports of sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
For more information about the USHIB’s role, review the Student Title IX Grievance Process and the Student Gender Equity Grievance Process.
Title IX and Gender Equity Investigations
Investigation Statistics
The USHIB (formerly USAIB) process was put into place in January of 2013. From July 2013 to July 2022, 61 investigations have been initiated and 58 have been decided by the USHIB (formerly USAIB). (Three investigations were halted by the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant.) Of those 61 decisions, 34 found the Respondent responsible, while 24 did not.
Decisions by year and outcome
| Academic Year | No. of investigations | Responsible | Not Responsible | Complaint withdrawn or resolved by mediation | Expulsion | Suspension | Probation, No Contact Order and/or educational sanctions |
| 2022-23 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2021-22 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 2020-21 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019-20 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2018-19 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| 2017-18 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| 2016-17 | 13 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| 2015-16 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| 2014-15 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 2013-14 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
USHIB Member Recruitment
Each spring, the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office solicits recommendations for new USHIB members from current USHIB members and those who are familiar with our faculty, staff and students including the president of Student Union, the leaders of the Graduate Student Senate, the Graduate and Professional Council, academic and student services deans, directors and department heads.
- Because of the nature of the work, the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office requests names of individuals who stand out from the rest because of their maturity, thoughtfulness, trustworthiness and insight.
- Each potential new member must demonstrate the highest ethical standards, exhibit the sensitivity necessary to serve on these sorts of cases and respect the confidentiality of the process.
- They also have to be willing to make the time commitment to the training and the investigations to which they may be assigned.
The Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office then reaches out to determine interest in serving on the board. Those who are interested must complete two half days of training in the fall. Potential student members are also screened for behavioral and disciplinary matters handled by the university through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office. Once the training is complete, members are appointed to two-year terms by the chancellor.
Ongoing Training for USHIB Members
USHIB members receive training throughout the academic year, beginning with two half-day trainings in September and a half-day training in the spring semester. Monthly 1.5 hour trainings are also provided.
Trainings are a combination of presentations by university staff members, presentations by outside experts, role playing and group discussion and activities.
The training also utilizes case studies and video presentations. The topics covered include: trauma and trauma-informed practices in investigations; how to question parties; how to question witnesses; the role alcohol and drugs play in sexual assault; the USHIB process; prevention efforts at WashU; how to review the initial investigation reports; how to make decisions using the “more likely than not” standard; how to write a decision; SafeZones training; the role of WUPD in sexual assault investigations; vicarious trauma and self-care; and implicit bias, among others.
To view training materials for the USHIB since August 14, 2020, click here.
To view training materials for Hearing Chairs since August 14, 2020, click here. Hearing chairs also attend all USHIB member trainings.
To view training material for Advisors to the USHIB process since August 14, 2020, click here.
Involvement of the Office of the Vice Chancellor and General Counsel in the USHIB Panel Interview Process
- The Office of the Vice Chancellor and General Counsel (OGC) works with the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office and the USHIB panel members to help ensure that university rules and procedures are followed throughout the investigation process.
- The OGC attorney does not ask questions of the parties or witnesses during the interviews and is not present during the panel’s deliberations.