Received a WVU Title IX Notice of Allegations? What Students and Parents Should Do Next
Your student opens an email from WVU and sees the words “Notice of Allegations.”
Before writing a response, obtain the complete notice and attachments. Identify the allegation, the university rules involved, and the next required action.
A Notice of Allegations deserves prompt attention, but it is not itself a finding that your student committed misconduct.
Read the Notice Before Explaining the Incident
Look for the conduct alleged, the incident date and location, the policy cited, and the assigned investigator.
Check for an interview request, response deadline, advisor instructions, no-contact directive, housing restriction, and links to the governing procedures.
WVU’s Title IX procedure provides for notice of the allegations, a presumption that the respondent is not responsible, and information about the right to an advisor. Ask counsel to clarify missing details rather than guessing about the accusation.
Preserve the Complete Record
Keep the original email, attachments, envelopes, and subsequent communications. Preserve relevant messages, photographs, videos, receipts, and calendar entries.
Do not selectively delete unfavorable material or ask anyone else to remove records. Create a list of potential witnesses for counsel. Note what each person may have personally observed rather than what they heard from others.
If surveillance footage might matter, identify its possible location promptly.
Avoid a Rushed Written Response
Students often want to send a long explanation immediately. An early response may omit important context, contain inaccurate estimates, or address an allegation the student has misunderstood.
Before submitting incident details, discuss the notice with counsel. An attorney can help identify what information is available and what additional records should be requested.
Do not ignore the notice while seeking advice. Calendar the deadline and ask about any necessary extension through the appropriate channel.
Follow Existing Restrictions
A notice may arrive with separate instructions about contact, housing, or access. Preserve those documents and comply while seeking clarification. Disputing the allegation does not suspend an existing restriction.
Questions Parents Often Ask
Should I Write the Response for My Student?
Help organize documents, but let counsel advise on the substantive response. The student needs to understand and verify any statement submitted in their name.
Does the Notice Mean Criminal Charges Have Been Filed?
Not necessarily. A university allegation and a criminal charge are different matters. Counsel should investigate whether police are also involved.
Get the Notice Reviewed
Call Frank Walker Law at (304) 413-0179 for a free consultation about a WVU Notice of Allegations. Have the complete notice, attachments, and earliest deadline available.
More guidance: WVU Title IX Defense Attorney in Morgantown: Guidance for Students and Parents