Respondents

A Respondent (or Responding Party, RP) is someone alleged to have been involved in an incident of prohibited conduct under Title IX. The Respondent is designated to respond to a report received by the university. Respondents investigated under Title IX or The University's HOP 3-3031: Prohibition of Sexual Assault, Interpersonal Violence, Stalking, Sexual Harassment, and Sex Discrimination may have been accused of alleged prohibited conduct including: 

  • Sexual assault
  • Interpersonal violence (including dating and domestic violence)  
  • Stalking 
  • Sexual harassment (including harassment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy status)
  • Sex discrimination
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Unprofessional or inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature
  • Retaliation 
  • False information and false complaints
  • Interference with a grievance process under this policy
  • Failing to report Prohibited Conduct as a non-confidential employee

For complete definitions and examples, see the Policy page.

Receiving a letter of notice (called a "Notice of Complaint") does not mean a Respondent has been found in violation of a policy.  It means an investigation has been started to determine if there was a violation of policy.  The investigation process can be stressful and complicated.  It is important for Respondents to understand the process and the rights afforded to them. For more information, please see the Process page. 

Safety 

If you feel you are in immediate danger of harm by another person or yourself, call 911. It is important that physical and emotional needs are met first.  For mental health crisis support, call the CMHC Hotline 24/7 at 512-471-2255. 

Support and Assistance 

The university has various offices available to address mental, physical, emotional, and academic needs including:  

  • Emotional support and processing after an incident. 
  • Course load reductions or full withdrawals.  
  • Discreet absence notifications. 
  • Requests for flexibility/ alternative participation to faculty and supervisors. 
  • Safety planning. 
  • Emergency funds. 
  • Short-term emergency housing accommodations or housing changes. 
  • Services for food insecurity. 
  • Address questions and concerns about institutional policy and procedure. 
  • Conflict resolution and dispute management. 
  • Support and referrals for concerns friends, family, partners, and faculty/staff members. 

Some of these options are available through confidential and private support resources without the need to file an official report to the university.  Visit the Campus Resources page for more information.

Confidentiality and Privacy 

Confidential resources are confidential by federal and state law.  These services will not share any identifiable information with Title IX, the police, parents, or anyone else without permission first, except in cases where there is concern of imminent harm to yourself, someone else, or the campus community. For more information about confidential, visit the Campus Resources page.   

Even if a resource is not confidential, all student information will be handled in accordance with the regulations established by FERPA and maintained on a need-to-know basis. 

Mandatory Reporters : A mandatory reporter, also known as a “Responsible Employee,” is a UT employee who is required to report Incidents of sexual misconduct to the university.  

Contact Us

Location:

Student Services Building (SSB) 4.204
100 W Dean Keeton Suite 4.204
Austin, Texas 78712

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