Incident Reporting

If you feel that you have been a victim of a hateful act, please report an incident using the Online Incident Report using the link below. If you are in an immediate crisis, call 911.

 Submit Online Incident Report

Reporting to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputies

The Title IX Coordinator investigates sexual misconduct complaints against Oakton students and student groups. If you have concerns or do not know where to go or with whom to speak, below are ways you can get help:

  1. Complete a report online.
  2. Contact Robert Peterson, Title IX Coordinator, at [email protected] or 847.635.1745.
  3. Stop by the Office of Student Affairs, Room 2270, Des Plaines.

What Happens When I Report a Complaint?

  • When you make a complaint, you will be asked to write down what you saw, heard or experienced. It is critical you include as much detail as possible.
  • Witnesses may be requested to meet with the hearing officer to provide witness statements. Remember that the person named has a right to see what you write.
  • Once you file a complaint, a hearing officer is responsible for notifying the student or group of the charge, conducting a timely investigation and determining if there is a potential violation of Oakton policy related to sexual misconduct.
  • Student Conduct may investigate and judge complaints that occur on campus and off-campus. Student Conduct may also handle complaints that occur at Oakton activities or events, such as study abroad and school-sponsored trips.
  • Remember that sexual violence is a crime. Consider reporting to Oakton Police if the assault occurred on campus or to the local police department or agency if the assault occurred off-campus. You may also discuss those options with Student Conduct. However, there does not need to be a police report or complaint for the Title IX Coordinator to proceed with Oakton’s Title IX process.
  • Important: Complainants may bring a support person with them to meetings with Title IX staff.

Reporting to Human Resources

Human Resources investigates complaints against Oakton faculty or staff members. Contact [email protected], 847.635.1675.

Reporting to the Police

In an emergency, dial 911.

To report sexual misconduct that happened on campus, contact Oakton Police at:

Oakton Police Des Plaines
847.635.1880

Oakton Police Skokie
847.635.1422

If the misconduct occurred off-campus, contact the city police department in the jurisdiction where it occurred. Reporting an assault to the police does not require filing criminal charges. Reporting is best done as soon as possible after the assault, but you may do it at any time.

Oakton Survivors' Rights Guarantee

Sexual assaults, including date/acquaintance rape, are a serious concern of Oakton Police. If you feel you are the survivor of a sexual assault on campus, Oakton Police will guarantee you the following:

  1. We will meet with you privately to take a police incident report at a place of your choice.
  2. We will not release your name to the public or the press during the course of the criminal investigation without your consent.
  3. Our officers will not prejudge you and will not blame you for what occurred.
  4. We will treat you and your particular case with courtesy, sensitivity, dignity, understanding and professionalism.
  5. If you feel more comfortable talking with a female or male officer, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
  6. We will assist you in arranging for any hospital treatment or other medical needs, including transportation to a local hospital with a Rape Crisis Treatment Center.
  7. We will assist you in privately contacting counseling services, developing a safety plan and advising you about other available and/or necessary resources.
  8. We will fully investigate your case and will help you to achieve the best outcome. This may involve the arrest and full prosecution of the suspect responsible. You will be kept up to date on the progress of the investigation and/or prosecution.
  9. We will continue to be available to answer questions, explain the systems and processes involved (prosecutor, court, etc.) and, if you wish, be a listening ear.
  10. We consider your case seriously regardless of you or any suspect's race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.

If we fail to achieve any part of the listed guarantee, the chief of police will meet with you personally to address any problems or concerns. Oakton Police want to help you make our campuses safe for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

If you feel you are a sexual assault survivor, call Oakton Police and indicate that you want to file a sexual assault report (privately). You may call anytime (24/7).

Oakton Police Des Plaines
847.635.1880

Oakton Police Skokie
847.635.1422 

Title IX Investigation Process

Oakton’s Title IX process includes a prompt, fair and impartial investigation and resolution. Investigators and hearing board members are trained on issues relating to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. They are taught how to conduct an investigation and hearing process that protects all parties' safety and promotes accountability.

Oakton College's full Title IX investigation process can be viewed through the following link. The document complies with the 2020 Department of Education directives and outlines policies, procedures and supportive measures when a formal Title IX investigation is initiated. Please contact Student Affairs at [email protected] or 847-635-1745 if you have any questions regarding this process.

Title IX Investigation Process

After Filing a Complaint

Protective and Interim Measures for Survivors

Oakton may implement protective measures for students who report any acts of harassment or violence. For student perpetrators, these are also violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment. Perpetrators of criminal acts may also be subject to prosecution under federal and state law.

Retaliation is Prohibited

Oakton will not tolerate retaliation against any individual who makes an allegation, files a report, serves as a witness, assists a complainant, or participates in an investigation of discrimination or sexual harassment. College policy and procedures and state and federal law prohibit retaliation against an individual for reporting discrimination or harassment or for participating in an investigation. Retaliation is a serious violation that can subject the offender to discipline, up to and including termination of employment and/or expulsion from Oakton. Retaliation is prohibited regardless of the merits of the underlying allegation.

Allegations of retaliation should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator or a deputy coordinator.

Confidentiality and Reporting a Complaint

Oakton encourages student victims of sexual violence, discrimination, harassment and/or misconduct to talk to somebody about what happened for support and so that the college can respond appropriately.

You have the choice to seek private counseling or to file a report. However, who you tell about the incident can be important regarding your confidentiality. By law, different employees on campus have different abilities to maintain a student complainant’s confidentiality:

  • Employees in mental health counseling are required to maintain near complete confidentiality.
  • Employees who work in the Office of Student Affairs may talk to a student complainant in confidence and generally only report that an incident occurred without revealing any personally identifying information.

Regardless of to whom a report is made, Oakton is obligated to provide you with concise information written in plain language concerning your complainant’s rights and options to pursue.