USC has implemented comprehensive reforms to address sexual assault on campus, including clearer reporting procedures, survivor support services, and ongoing training for students and staff.
These changes reflect heightened awareness and institutional commitment to improving safety, transparency, and accountability within the university community.
| Initiative | Description | Key Contact | Impact Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Survivor Helpline | Confidential support available around the clock | USC Safety & Compliance | Over 1,200 calls handled annually |
| Consent Education Workshops | Interactive sessions for first-year and transfer students | Student Affairs | 92% participant satisfaction rate |
| Campus Climate Survey | Triennial survey measuring experiences and perceptions | Office of Institutional Research | Results inform policy revisions |
| Advocacy & Accompaniment Program | Trained advocates accompany survivors to medical and legal appointments | Violence Prevention & Response | 150+ students supported annually |
Understanding Campus Sexual Misconduct Policies
USC defines sexual misconduct broadly, including sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and harassment under its student conduct code.
The university aligns its procedures with Title IX requirements, ensuring that reports are handled promptly and impartially while protecting the rights of all parties.
Reporting Options and Procedures
Students can report sexual assault to USC officials, Campus Safety, confidential advocates, or local law enforcement, depending on their preferred level of confidentiality.
Reports trigger a coordinated response that includes safety planning, evidence preservation guidance, and connection to medical and counseling resources.
Investigation and Resolution Process
Investigation Timelines
USC aims to complete initial investigations within a reasonable timeframe, balancing thoroughness with sensitivity to the needs of survivors and respondents.
Resolution Outcomes
Findings may result in educational interventions, disciplinary sanctions, or no responsibility, with decisions communicated to involved parties along with available appeal options.
Support Services and Resources
- Confidential counseling through the Counseling and Psychological Services center
- Medical forensic exams and emergency contraception access via USC Verdugo Hills Hospital
- Academic accommodations such as schedule changes or course transfers
- No-contact orders and housing reassignments when requested
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I report sexual assault at USC while keeping my identity confidential?
You can contact confidential advocates, reach out to the Crisis Text Line, or speak with a counselor, as these resources do not create an official university report and limit disclosures to need-to-know parties.
What happens immediately after I submit a formal report to USC officials?
USC will conduct a safety assessment, provide information about evidence preservation, assign an advocate, and outline next steps for investigation while keeping you informed throughout the process.
Can I change my housing or academic schedule while my case is being reviewed?
Yes, you may request housing changes, no-contact orders, and academic accommodations through Student Affairs, and an advocate can help coordinate these arrangements.
What rights do I have if the respondent disagrees with the outcome of the investigation?
Both survivors and respondents have the right to appeal the decision based on specific grounds, and the university reviews appeals impartially with documented reasons.