There are a number of policies that cover forms of speech, including:
- WAC Chapter 504-31-010: WSU’s general policy relating to protected speech.
- WAC Chapter 504-31-020 – Prohibited Conduct
- WAC Chapter 504-33: Facility use rules for First Amendment/free speech activities
- WSU Executive Policy 15: WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment
- WSU Executive Policy 45: University Ethics Policy
- RCW 42.52: State Ethics law
- WAC Chapter 504-26: WSU Standards of Conduct for Students
- Employee manuals:
Everyone responds to speech differently and at their own pace. Please be kind to yourself and others and seek resources, as needed.
- System wide resources:
- Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) reviews and investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. CCR is an excellent resource for learning about your options, even if you do not wish to formally report anything or move forward with an investigation process.
- Center for Community Standards (CCS) reviews and investigates student misconduct. CCS can help students understand WSU’s community standards and the process for when those standards are violated.
- Mobile Mental Health: Online available mental health and well-being services available to students 24/7:
- 24/7 support and access to mental health professionals by campus: Campus Mental Health Resources
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress should dial the hotline at 9-8-8.
- Campus specific resources:
The following resources are available to employees, system-wide:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Faculty and staff are encouraged to utilize the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling and referral services.
The EAP offers 24/7 in-the-moment crisis counseling by phone for individuals in crisis. Please call 877-313-4455 and select option 2 to speak with the on-call counseling service.
Another resource separate from EAP is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress can dial the hotline at 9-8-8.
Human Resource Services (HRS)
Human Resource Services provides resources for faculty and staff on workplace interactions and concerns. Please call 509-335-4521 or email hrs@wsu.edu.
Individuals eligible for employee benefits offered through the university have counseling services available as part of their benefits package. Certificates of Coverage for each of the plans, which provide details on behavioral health/mental health services coverage, are available at HRS Medical Insurance. Questions about services and coverage may also be directed to the plans:
- Uniform Medical: 888-849-3681
- Kaiser Permanente WA: 866-648-1928
- Kaiser Permanente NW: 800-813-2000
All the benefit plans also provide access to myStrength, a digital program with tools and support for stress, depression, sleep, and more. This resource can be accessed as a mobile app. To sign up for this tool, click on your medical plan provider:
If you have questions about your benefit options, please email HRS Benefits at hrs.benefits@wsu.edu.
Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR)
Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) reviews and investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. CCR is an excellent resource for learning about your options, even if you do not wish to formally report anything or move forward with an investigation process.
Office of the University Ombuds
The Office of the University Ombuds works to protect the interests, rights, and privileges of students, staff, and faculty at all levels of university operations and programs. The Ombuds office is designated by the university to function as an impartial and neutral resource to assist all members of the university community. The Ombuds office provides information relating to university policies and procedures and facilitates the resolution of problems and grievances through informal investigation and mediation. The office does not replace or supersede other university grievances, complaints, or appeal procedures.