FAQ - Title IX

Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault

1. What is UTSA’s policy regarding sexual harassment?

2. What should I do if I think I’ve been sexually harassed or victimized?

3. If I don’t feel safe, what should I do?

4. What does it mean when a person cannot give consent?

5. If an incident of sexual violence occurs off-campus, can the University investigate?

6. If an incident occurred at a party and I was drinking, will I get in trouble?

7. I’ve already gone to the police, so why should I contact the EOS/Title IX Office?

8. If I reported being sexually harassed or sexually assaulted to EOS, do I still need to go to the police?

9. Will my complaint remain confidential?

10. What if I want to remain anonymous?

11. Do I have to identify the alleged perpetrator?

12. I’m concerned that reporting might make matters worse. Should I still file a complaint?

13. My friend told me they were assaulted. What can I do to help?

14. Do I have to report to UTSA? Is there someone outside UTSA I can report to?

Title IX Coordinator

1. What is a Title IX Coordinator?

2. Who is the Title IX Coordinator?

 


Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault

1. What is UTSA’s policy regarding sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination and is prohibited by UTSA policy: For more information, please see UTSA’s Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) Section 9.24 Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct.
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2. What should I do if I think I’ve been sexually harassed or victimized?

If you are interested in filing a formal complaint, please complete this incident report form. If you need assistance when filing the complaint, you may contact EOS at (210) 458- 5100 or eos.office@utsa.edu

If you believe you are a victim of sexual violence, please contact UTSAPD. If it is an emergency, please contact (210) 458-4911. Otherwise contact (210) 458-4242 (nonemergency number).
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3. If I don’t feel safe, what should I do?

Please contact UTSAPD or your local PD. For UTSAPD, if it is an emergency, please contact (210) 458-4911. Otherwise contact (210) 458-4242 (nonemergency number).

The Title IX Coordinator can also  coordinate other assistance. Please visit the supportive measures link: https://www.utsa.edu/eos/title-ix/supportive-measures.html
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4. What does it mean when a person cannot give consent?

In certain situations, a person does not have the capacity to agree to participate in consensual sex. Examples include individuals who are under the age of consent, intoxicated, developmentally disabled, mentally/physically unable to consent, etc. Anyone engaging in sexual contact with someone who is unable to give consent may be committing sexual assault.
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5. If an incident of sexual violence occurs off-campus, can the University investigate?

Yes, if the incident has sufficient ties to UTSA (if it occurs at a UTSA event, if it involves a UTSA student, staff member or faculty member, etc.) then UTSA may be able to investigate and provide resolution.
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6. If an incident occurred at a party and I was drinking, will I get in trouble?

UTSA’s priority is to prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence. While the specifics of the situation will be considered, UTSA’s primary focus will be to address the sexual harassment or violence. UTSA does not want the involvement of alcohol or drugs to prevent the reporting of such serious misconduct. Also, the use of alcohol or drugs will not excuse sexual violence or harassment. See Section 3.6 of HOP 9.24 regarding Immunity. 
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7. I’ve already gone to the police, so why should I contact the EOS/Title IX Office?

Sexual harassment and sexual violence are potential crimes but they also are violations of Title IX and UTSA policy. Sometimes, specific conduct may not constitute a crime, but it still constitutes a violation of Title IX and UTSA policy. UTSA is committed to addressing and preventing sexual harassment and sexual violence, regardless of whether such activity constitutes a crime.
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8. If I reported being sexually harassed or sexually assaulted to EOS, do I still need to go to the police?

If you believe you have been sexually assaulted or a victim of any other crime, then you should contact UTSAPD.
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9. Will my complaint remain confidential?

The privacy of the parties is a priority to UTSA. However, sometimes, limited information must be disclosed in order to fully investigate a complaint. If you are concerned about confidentiality, discuss this issue with the EOS/Title IX Office.
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10. What if I want to remain anonymous?

Your confidentiality will be protected to the maximum extent possible, but anonymity may hinder an investigation into your complaint.
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11. Do I have to identify the alleged perpetrator?

Yes, in order to conduct a thorough investigation, the alleged perpetrator must be identified.
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12. I’m concerned that reporting might make matters worse. Should I still file a complaint?

Yes. If you have concerns for your safety, UTSAPD can provide escort services and take other steps to assist you. In addition, UTSA has a retaliation policy that is enforced if a complainant or a witness is retaliated against for participating in an EOS investigation.
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13. My friend told me they were assaulted. What can I do to help?

Be supportive – listen to what they have to say then encourage your friend to report the incident to the police or to the EOS/Title IX Office. You should also consider reporting the incident yourself. You may also suggest that they contact UTSA's Student Counseling Services.
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14. Do I have to report to UTSA? Is there someone outside UTSA I can report to?

You also can report to the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights or the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. However, UTSA is committed to addressing and preventing sexual harassment and sexual violence, and UTSA is best able to do that when it is made aware of possible violations.
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Title IX Coordinator

1. What is a Title IX Coordinator?

The Title IX Coordinator is the university official responsible for ensuring UTSA complies with Title IX, including responding to and investigating all complaints of gender discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) at UTSA.
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2. Who is the Title IX Coordinator?

Suzanne Patrick, EOS Director
UTSA Equal Opportunity Services
210-458-4120
Suzanne.Patrick@utsa.edu
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