Where Do I Turn?

Washington and Lee University is committed to creating a safe campus environment where its members treat each other with courtesy and respect. At the same time, our goal is to provide employees and their families with resources to deal with a wide variety of concerns that might arise and to provide multiple ways that a faculty or staff member can address an issue. On this webpage, you will find a number of resources available to you.

Most importantly, members of the community are encouraged to report concerns to their supervisor and/or to use the resources available to them for guidance and support. Some of the resources are confidential, some provide guidance for addressing a concern, and some take official action related to a complaint. W&L has a strong policy that prohibits retaliation against persons who make complaints. These safeguards are designed to create a safe and productive campus climate.

Human Resources

Human Resources website
540-458-8920

The Office of Human Resources helps both employees and managers with all matters related to the workplace. Human Resources staff are available for private and confidential consultations at any time. People often have questions such as,

• "How do I go about resolving a conflict with my co-worker myself?"
• "What should I say and how should I say it?"
• "What if my initial attempt fails?"

Please feel free to contact the Office of Human Resources with questions and concerns. Issues rarely resolve themselves, and early attempts at resolution are often productive. HR can connect faculty and staff to other external resources when appropriate.

Carilion Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Carilion Employee Assistance Program (EAP) website
800-992-1931

The EAP is a free counseling service provided by W&L to benefit-eligible employees and their immediate family members. Carilion EAP can provide options for addressing virtually any issue or problem including emotional challenges, family concerns, grief or loss, alcohol or substance misuse, martial challenges, job-related challenges, and legal/financial concerns. Experienced counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone. W&L does not know who uses the benefit or what is discussed.

Discrimination Policy Advisors (DPAs) and Title IX Coordinators

Lauren Kozak, Title IX Coordinator
540-458-4055

Jodi Williams, Asst. Title IX Coordinator for Employment
540-458-8318

Title IX Coordinators can provide procedural information and options regarding complaints against faculty, staff, students and other members of the W&L community under the Sexual Discrimination and Misconduct Policy as well as the University Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Other Than Sex. If nonconfidential employees become aware of prohibited conduct under our Sexual Discrimination and Misconduct Policy against any member of the University community, they should report it to the Title IX Coordinator.

University Grievance Policy for Employees

University Grievance Policy webpage
Jodi Williams, Executive Director of Human Resources
Lena Hill, Provost

Grievance procedures provide a structured process for faculty and staff to address Grievable workplace decisions based on procedural errors or unfairness. The policy protects participants from retaliation.

Whistleblower Complaints

Whistleblower Policy webpage

All members of the W&L community are encouraged to report possible criminal misconduct and other improper activities such as fraudulent or dishonest conduct to their supervisor/department head. W&L supervisors and department heads are required to report any concerns brought to them, and any situations in which they suspect improper activities, to their vice president, the relevant dean, or the provost, or the president.

Health Advocate

Health Advocate website
866-695-8622

Health Advocate is an advocacy and assistance company available to help navigate the complexities of the health care and health insurance systems. All benefit-eligible employees, spouses or domestic partners, dependent children, parents and parents-in-law can use this free service. Additional programs available are Eldercare and the Generations Program.

Environmental Health and Safety

Michael Jennings, Director
540-458-8175

W&L is committed to reducing the risks to its students, employees and visitors. Employees should immediately report any concerns about unsafe health, safety or environmental conditions to their supervisor, a member of the safety committee or the director of environmental health and safety.

Employee workplace injuries should be reported via the Safety Incident Report in Workday within 24 hours.

Emergency Management

Emergency Management website
Alex Rabar, Chief Public Safety Officer
540-458-8999

W&L takes great pride in being a community of trust and care for one another. W&L and the city of Lexington, however, are not immune from emergencies. Information about how we communicate in the event of minor or major emergencies, a summary of the University’s Emergency Management Plan and other details about how the University responds in the event of an emergency can be found on the website.

Public Safety

Public Safety website
Alex Rabar, Chief Public Safety Officer
540-458-8999

The Office of Public Safety promotes a safe environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors to the University. This requires the cooperation, understanding and support of every member of our community. If you are concerned about something you’ve seen, please report it as soon as possible. If you wish to make an anonymous report you can use the online report form.

Additional Emergency Management information and methods to connect with Public Safety are available on the W&L LiveSafe App, information can be found on the webpage.

Hazing Prevention and Reporting

Hazing Prevention, Education, and Reporting website

Hazing is prohibited by Washington and Lee University, the Code of Virginia § 18.2-56, and the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act (H.R. 5646). There are multiple avenues for students, parents, faculty, staff and community members to report hazing. For the safety of our students, if you see or hear something that concerns you, please report it to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs or use our Silent Witness Report Form. If there is immediate concern for safety, call 911 before taking any next steps.