Southwestern University

Title IX

The Title IX Office supports Southwestern University’s commitment to providing an educational and working environment that is free of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct by providing support and resources to individuals impacted sexual misconduct, facilitating a fair and equitable grievance process, ensuring compliance with federal and state law, and proactively educating the campus community.

Contact

Title IX Office

Email

titleix@southwestern.edu

Phone

512.863.1111

Location

Cullen Building 250

Title IX Office

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Anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct should consider the following immediate response options:

Seek safety:

  • Physically move yourself to somewhere safe, and call someone you can trust. If you are in immediate danger, you can call SU Police at 512-863-1944 (if on campus) or call 911.
  • What happened was not your fault. Something happened to you that you didn’t want to happen - and that’s not OK.
  • For a local victim advocacy service such as HOPE Alliance, you can call their 24-hour hotline, 1.800.460.7233

Preserve Evidence:

  • Even if you don’t have visible injuries, it is important to receive medical attention for any sexual or physical assault, and It is also important to preserve evidence.
  • Forensics (bodily fluid) can be collected up to 72 hours after an assault, but forensic exams may still be completed up to 5 days after an assault. Do not shower, bathe, douche, urinate, brush your teeth, drink or change your clothing, prior to receiving medical attention.
  • Evidence collected may be used if you decide to file a police report. You may request to use a pseudonym during evidence collection which can be paid for by the state, and this gives you time to decide if you want to press charges.
  • If you do change clothes or bedding, place all items into a paper bag (not plastic).

Medical Attention:

  • You may call HOPE Alliance to ask if the local hospital has a Sexual Asault Nurse Examiner (SANE Nurse) available to conduct a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE exam). The closest emergency room to campus is David’s Georgetown.
  • For a free SAFE exam on (or off) campus, you can call BRAVE Alliance at 512-738-8817. You may request for a SANE Nurse to come to campus for the exam.

Texas Services for Crime Victims, creates a pathway for victims of crime who may be eligible for a wide variety of services and support. This does require a report to law enforcement within three years of the crime occurring.

If you are dealing with financial hardship regarding medication costs, please contact the Counseling and Health Center for assistance.

  • Policies

    The Prohibition of Sex Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy may be accessed HERE. This policy is designed to provide specific and clear descriptions of University prohibited conduct related to sex-based discrimination and sexual misconduct, as is required by Title IX Regulations, Title VII, VAWA, and the Campus SaVE Act. The policy outlines the University’s response to allegations of prohibited conduct and gives guidance about stakeholders responsibilities. Inquiries about this policy may be made to the Title IX Office.

  • Reporting

    To make a report you may complete the online reporting form, call the Title IX Office at 512-863-1111, or email us at titleixcoordinator@southwestern.edu. You may elect to complete the form anonymously.

    While you may not have all the information, or you may choose to be anonymous, be prepared with the following information:

      • The names and contact information of individuals involved
      • The names and contact information for witnesses
      • Time, date, location of the incident(s)
      • A detailed description of the incident(s) exactly as you believe it occurred. To the extent possible, use specific factual information such as dates, times, locations, names, direct quotes, observed behavior or injuries.
      • List any evidence you believe may exist

    What happens next?

      • The Title IX Coordinator will conduct a due diligence review of every report received.
      • If the harmed party (Complainant) is named, they will be provided with immediate support options, and information on grievance process options.
      • If the Complainant wants to proceed with a formal complaint, or an alternative resolution, the Title IX Coordinator will assist in this process.
      • There may be limited circumstances where the Title IX Coordinator will need to take formal action without the Complainants participation. If this happens, the Complainant will still have rights to be a witness and receive support measures.

    What are resolution options?

      • Formal Complaint/Formal Grievance Process
        • Formal resolutions will require an investigation, witness meetings, and evidence review.
        • The matter will be resolved by convening a Hearing Board of decision-makers, which are often made up of three trained employees.
        • Employee-related formal matters ay also be resolved by presenting the investigation evidence to a member of the PResident’s Staff, who will act as a decision-maker.
        • A formal complaint by the harmed party is required.
        • The only outcome of a formal resolution is “responsible” or “not responsible”, based on the Preponderance of the Evidence Standard.
        • If a person is found “responsible”, a sanction will follow. Sanctions range in severity from a disciplinary probation, disciplinary probation with suspension of privileges, suspension, or expulsion.
        • Decisions may be appealed based only on these grounds: a procedural irregularity affected the outcome; new evidence that was not reasonably available at the time of the hearing; or, a conflict of interest or bias exists against the individual that affected the outcome.
      • Alternative Resolutions
        • Alternative remedies are optional for complaints about sex-based harm, which may be resolved in a manner that aids in restoring the situation and/or facilitates ongoing education for the person causing harm.
        • Generally, this involves structured intervention such as mediation, written impact letters, agreements about future interactions or involvement in campus activities.
        • A written request to the Title IX Coordinator is required, and then both parties must agree to the process.
        • If an agreement is reached by the parties, then the matter will close without the option for a formal resolution. If an agreement is not reached, then the matter will be resolved through formal resolution.
  • Bystander Intervention

    The University has a Good Samaritan Policy, which allows a person who may have been engaging in prohibited or illegal activities such as drinking alcohol under 21, or consuming illegal drugs, to make a call to SUPD or other law enforcement in an attempt to save themselves or another person from harm, without then being disciplined from the University.

    A bystander is someone who witnesses a risky situation occurring, but is not directly part of the action. An ACTIVE BYSTANDER will take action to intervene or mitigate the situation. Active bystanders are critical in reducing harm and getting necessary assistance to vulnerable individuals. You may find yourself in a position of deciding if you should be an active bystander. If you do, you may consider these questions:

      • Am I witnessing a problem or risky situation?
      • Is someone else in need of help?
      • Am I, or others, part of the solution?
      • How do I keep myself safe?
      • What options do I have to intervene? Other people, phone, reporting to authorities, a hotline etc.
      • Are there others I can call upon to help?
      • When should I act?
      • Take Action!

    Campus resources:

        • Southwestern Police (SUPD): 512-863-1944
        • Counseling and Health Center: Prothro (PRC) 2nd floor; 512-863-1252
        • Title IX Office: 512-863-1111
        • Chaplain: 512-863-1527

    Off-campus Resources:

  • Responsible Employee Information

    All employees who are not designated as confidential are considered Responsible Employees. This includes all staff, faculty and Resident Assistants.

    The Requirement: 

    • As required by state law (TEC, Section 51.252), a Responsible Employee who:
      • in the course and scope of their employment
      • learns about an incident of
        • sexual harassment,
        • sexual assault,
        • dating violence, and
        • stalking,
      • that is alleged to have been committed by or against a person who was a student enrolled at or an employee of the University at the time of the incident,
      • must promptly report the incident to the Title IX Office.
    • The University also requires Responsible Employees to report incidents of all other prohibited conduct in this policy, such as:
      • sex discrimination,
      • sexual exploitation,
      • relationship abuse,
      • discrimination based on sex or gender identity, and
      • inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature.

    Such reports must include all information related to the incident known to the employee, including the names of individuals involved, what is alleged to have occurred, and if the person who experienced harm has expressed a desire for confidentiality in reporting the incident.

    Exceptions: A Responsible Employee has no obligation to report prohibited conduct that the employee themselves was a harmed party of. This requirement does not apply to students, although the University may require certain student-workers, such as Resident Assistants, to report incidents of prohibited conduct. Responsible Employees who learn about reportable incidents at a “public awareness event” sponsored by the University or by a student organization affiliated with the University are not required to report those incidents (e.g., “Take Back the Night”).

    Failure to Report: All Responsible Employees who fail to make such a report are subject to termination, and criminal prosecution as required by state law (TEC, Section 51.255(a)). Student-workers would not be subject to criminal prosecution.

  • Retaliation Is Prohibited

    Retaliation means intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual for the purpose of interfering with their rights or privileges, because that individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this policy. Retaliation is prohibited and is considered a stand-alone policy violation without regard to any finding of responsibility for other Prohibited Conduct.

    Complaints of retaliation should be reported immediately to the Title IX Coordinator at 512-863-1111, or titleixcoordinator@southwestern.edu

  • On-Campus Resources and Support Measures

    The University may provide a variety of support measures and resources upon request, with or without filing a formal complaint. Support measures are available to Complainants, Respondents, Witnesses, or reporting parties.

    • Support might include:
      • Academic accommodations as needed; contact the Center for Academic Services, 512-863-1286
      • Confidential counseling at the Counseling Center, 512-863-1252
      • Confidential health services at the Health Center, 512-863-1252
      • Confidential pastoral counseling with the Director of Spiritual and Religious Life, 512-863-1056
      • Criminal trespass warning, SUPD, 512-863-1944
      • Escort service, SUPD, 512-863-1944
      • General notification to your faculty that you are dealing with a difficult issue, Dean of Students, 512-863-1281, or Title IX Coordinator 512-863-1442
      • Modification of your housing arrangement as needed, Dean of Students, 512-863-1281
      • Reciprocal no-contact order (if the other party is an SU student and the facts support the need), Title IX Coordinator 512-863-1442 or Dean of Students, 512-863-1281

    Withdrawal from a course without academic penalty, even after the withdrawal date, if the parties involved are enrolled in the same course; Registrar, 512-863-1286 

  • Confidential Reporting

    To speak confidentially with someone before deciding whether to initiate the reporting process you may contact:

    • Health and Counseling Center at 512-863-1252
    • University Chaplain at 512-863-1959
    • After-Hours Services: SUPD, 512-863-1944 or University Operator, 512-863-6511, say “this is a confidential emergency, and may I speak with a counselor or a nurse?”
    • Private/Off Campus Resources:

    Stalking Resource Center: www.victimsofcrime.org

  • Non-Confidential Reporting

    These individuals are considered “Responsible Employees”, and will be required to report all information to the Title IX Office:

    • SU Police: 512-863-1944
    • Responsible Employees include:
      • Staff
      • Faculty
      • Resident Assistants
  • Pregnancy and Parenting Resources

    For students who are pregnant or experiencing related conditions:

    • If you are seeking an academic accommodation, or housing accommodation, you may speak with Lou Djurdjevic, 504 Coordinator, djurdjevl@southwestern.edu, 512-863-1536
    • Complaints related to discrimination based on pregnancy status, or related conditions, you may file a complaint with the Title IX Office.
    • The Pregnant Scholar is an excellent repository of information and resources for those experiencing pregnancy while enrolled or working in higher education.

    For employees who are pregnant or experiencing related conditions:

    Lactation Room: There is one designated lactation room open and available in the Fondren Jones Science Building (FJS), second floor, 218. When in use, the door will be locked. There is not a room reservation option for this room. For questions or concerns about the space, please contact Laura Polanco at polancol@southwestern.edu.

  • Athletics and NCAA Requirements

    The NCAA Board of Governors holds a Policy on Campus Sexual Violence (NCAA policy) and institutions are required to attest their compliance with this policy annually. The policy requires institutions to secure an annual student-athlete disclosure regarding major conduct.

    What is the requirement? 

    • Each year, all student-athletes are required to complete a disclosure form, indicating whether they have been found responsible by a higher education institution, or criminally, for interpersonal violence, sexual violence, or other violent conduct. The official Policy on Student-Athlete Disclosure Relating to Criminal and Student Conduct Matters can be found in the Student-Athlete Handbook.
    • Each year in the Fall and Spring semester, all student-athletes, coaches and staff are educated on sexual violence prevention, intervention, institutional policy and reporting requirements.
    • Southwestern takes reasonable steps to confirm whether incoming, continuing and transfer student-athletes have a pending institutional proceeding, or have been disciplined through a formal institutional proceeding, or criminally convicted of sexual, interpersonal or other acts of violence.

    Upon request from other institutions, Southwestern will provide information about a transferring or former student-athlete’s pending proceedings, disciplinary outcomes, or any known criminal conviction of the major conduct categories.

The Title IX Office coordinates required training for employees and education for students, and offers general education programming upon request. Below is a list of ongoing training and prevention programs, as well past programs, that meet the requirements of the Campus SaVE Act of 2013, and Title IX regulations.

Annual Training for Title IX Coordinators, Investigators and Decision Makers: 

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities receiving federal funding. Title IX requires Southwestern to respond to reports of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. Additionally, Southwestern prohibits relationship abuse, sexual exploitation, and inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature. 

The Title IX Office is committed to ensuring a campus environment free from discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions. Any student, faculty or staff member, visitor, or other member of the campus community who has witnessed or experienced sex discrimination or sexual misconduct is encouraged to contact the Title IX Office.