Title IX

Find resources, reporting information, and support for all Title IX issues.

List of links to page content below:

• What is Title IX?
• File a Formal Complaint
• Report a Sexual Misconduct Violation
• Find Confidential Support
• Mandatory Reporters
• Pregnant and Parenting Students
• Make a Report to Law enforcement
• Your Rights and Other Resource Links
• Glossary of Terms
• Title IX Designated Officials
• Education and Training
• FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions

This webpage is a resource on how to report incidents of sexual discrimination for students, faculty, staff and visitors who are part of the Texas A&M University–Central Texas community.

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities at federally funded institutions. Title IX protects students, faculty, staff, and visitors to our campus from all forms of sex discrimination.

Under Title IX, you have the right to

• Work and learn in an environment free from discrimination
• File a report, when you are ready, to the Title IX office
• Seek academic accommodations
• File a report with the University Police or local law enforcement
• Obtain a “no-contact” order
• Receive confidential counseling

Title IX Mission Statement

A&M–Central Texas does not tolerate acts of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on a protected class. The Office of Institutional Compliance is committed to providing and protecting equal access to A&M-Central Texas educational programs, employment programs and campus activities by supporting parties through a fair, equitable and thorough investigation and resolution process in accordance with A&M System Regulation, Civil Rights Compliance, 08.01.01.

If you have observed, become aware of, or experienced an incident that constitutes sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking based on sex, you can report the incident using one of the reporting avenues listed below.

File a Formal Complaint

Title IX requires that a complainant who is alleging sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment submit a formal complaint in order to initiate the grievance process. More information about the Title IX grievance process can be found here in our Civil Rights Compliance Rule.

File a Formal Complaint of Sexual Misconduct Under Title IX

Filing a formal complaint will initiate the grievance process related to the reported allegations which includes initiating an investigation, and/or initiating the informal resolution process, and/or the student conduct process.  

Report a Sexual Misconduct Violation

The following report form link is for complainants who wish to put the institution on notice, but do not wish to file a formal complaint: Report a violation.

Anyone who feels that they have been the victim of prohibited, sexual misconduct but does not wish to file a formal complaint can still find help. Resources are available even if an individual chooses not to file a formal complaint to law enforcement or the university.

You may use this report with the University if you are seeking support and resources such as academic accommodations or counseling under the Report a Sexual Misconduct Violation (individuals do not need to file a formal complaint to seek support and resources), and/or disciplinary remedies such as probation, suspension, or expulsion (for students), or termination of employment (for employees).

Requests from complainants to withhold any name, or a request not to investigate or seek action against the respondent, will be considered in the context of A&M–Central Texas’ duty to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory work, educational, and campus environment. This may require that A&M–Central Texas take action when the complainant requests no action, such as when violence is involved, when the threat of violence exists, or when required by law, as in the case of elderly, disabled, or child abuse. A request to withhold information or not to investigate the alleged misconduct may limit the member’s ability to respond.

Find Confidential Support

Anyone who feels that they have experienced prohibited, sexual misconduct but do not wish to disclose to the university or file a formal complaint with the university can still find help. Resources are available even if an individual chooses not to file a formal complaint to law enforcement or the university.

Confidential Reporters are required to provide general non-identifying information to the Clery Compliance Coordinator regarding Clery crimes as required to comply with the Clery Act, and any type of sex-based misconduct made known to them to the Title IX Coordinator without violate that person’s expectation of privacy. Exceptions to confidentiality/privacy include reports of child abuse, abuse or neglect of disabled or elderly persons, and when a party poses an imminent danger to themselves or others.

Student Resources

Employee Resources

Mandatory Reporters

All employees are responsible for ensuring their work and educational environments are free from sex discrimination. If an employee reasonably believes that an incident constitutes sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking based on sex and that the incident is alleged to have been committed by or against a person who was a student enrolled at or an employee of the institution at the time of the incident, the employee must promptly report the incident to the member’s Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

All complaints should include the following to the extent possible:

1. date(s) of the complaint and alleged incident(s);
2. nature and description of the alleged conduct;
3. name(s), category (employee, student, and/or third party) and title(s), if applicable, of the individual who was subjected to the alleged discriminatory conduct; and
4. name(s), category (employee, student, and/or third party) and title(s), if applicable, of the respondent(s), if known.

Employees are mandatory reporters and must

Report incident to the A&M–Central Texas, Title IX Coordinator:
Jacqueline Orellana, 254.519.5716, [email protected].

For Complaints against Students

Report incident to A&M–Central Texas, Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Paul York, 254.501.5909, [email protected].

For Complaints against Employees

Report incident to A&M–Central Texas, Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Director of Human Resources, Tina Flores-Nevarez, 254.519.8015, [email protected].

Civil Rights and Title IX Reporting Template on Canvas for Employees

• Civil Rights/Title IX Reporting Form on Canvas

Information for Mandatory Reporters

What if the individual asks me not to report the information?

Often times the reporter is unaware that employees when acting in the course and scope of their employment are mandatory reporters therefore it is recommended to gently pause the reporter before or after they disclose an incident of discrimination to inform them of your duty to promptly report to a Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator or designee. Under A&M System Regulation Civil Rights Compliance, 08.01.01, an employee who is not designated as a confidential employee* must report the incident even if the individual asks you to keep his or her story confidential. If the individual decides not to share anymore information with you, you should encourage the individual to seek medical care for treatment of injuries, to preserve evidence and to seek counseling. Any information the individual gives to health practitioners in the course of treatment is confidential and no identifiable information will be shared. You should encourage (but not require) the individual to make a report to the appropriate law enforcement agency or the university Title IX Coordinator.

What happens if I don’t report the information?

An employee’s failure to report alleged or suspected discrimination, harassment, or related retaliation may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Are there any exemptions to the Mandatory Reporting requirement?

Students (who are not student employees) and third parties are encouraged, but not required to report incidents of sex discrimination.

What can I tell the individual who is disclosing discrimination or harassment what to expect after a report is received?

Once a report is received from a mandatory reporter the Title IX Coordinator will reach out to the reporter to offer them resources, rights and options. The Title IX Coordinator may open a formal investigation if it appears that a University policy was violated.

To read more on how the university complies with Title IX and other federal and state civil rights laws, A&M–Central Texas has developed rules and procedures, followed by System policies that prohibit discrimination in all its forms.

Pregnant and Parenting Students

The U.S. Department of Education’s regulation implementing Title IX specifically prohibits discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. From the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, here are some things you should know about your rights:

Classes and School Activities – TAMUCT MUST

• Allow you to continue participating in classes and extracurricular activities even though you are pregnant. This means that you can still participate in advanced placement and honors classes, school clubs, sports, honor societies, student leadership opportunities, and other activities, like after-school programs operated at the school.
• Allow you to choose whether you want to participate in special instructional programs or classes for pregnant students. You can participate if you want to, but your school cannot pressure you to do so. The alternative program must provide the same types of academic, extracurricular and enrichment opportunities as your school’s regular program.
• Allow you to participate in classes and extracurricular activities even though you are pregnant and not require you to submit a doctor’s note unless your school requires a doctor’s note from all students who have a physical or emotional condition requiring treatment by a doctor. Your school also must not require a doctor’s note from you after you have been hospitalized for childbirth unless it requires a doctor’s note from all students who have been hospitalized for other conditions.
• Provide you with reasonable adjustments, like a larger desk, elevator access, or allowing you to make frequent trips to the restroom, when necessary because of your pregnancy.

Excused Absences and Medical Leave – TAMUCT MUST

• Excuse absences due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as your doctor says it is necessary.
• Allow you to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before your medical leave began, which should include giving you the opportunity to make up any work missed while you were out.
• Ensure that faculty members understand the Title IX requirements related to excused absences/medical leave. Your teacher may not refuse to allow you to submit work after a deadline you missed because of pregnancy or childbirth. If your teacher’s grading is based in part on class participation or attendance and you missed class because of pregnancy or childbirth, you should be allowed to make up the participation or attendance credits you didn’t have the chance to earn.
• Provide pregnant students with the same special services it provides to students with temporary medical conditions. This includes homebound instruction/at-home tutoring/independent study.

Harassment – TAMUCT MUST

• Protect you from harassment based on sex, including harassment because of pregnancy or related conditions. Comments that could constitute prohibited harassment include making sexual comments or jokes about your pregnancy, calling you sexually charged names, spreading rumors about your sexual activity, and making sexual propositions or gestures, if the comments are sufficiently serious that it interferes with your ability to benefit from or participate in your school’s program.

Helpful Tips for Pregnant and Parenting Students

• Ask your school for help—meet with Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Paul York, [email protected], 254.501.5909 to see how TAMUCT can support you in continuing your education. Request assistance or academic accommodations related to pregnancy or parenting on our Pregnant & Parenting Students webpage
• Keep notes about your pregnancy-related absences, any instances of harassment and your interactions with school officials about your pregnancy, and immediately report problems to your school’s Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, counselor, or other staff.
• If you feel you are being discriminated against you because you are pregnant or parenting you may file a complaint at https://cm.maxient.com/reporting.php?TAMUCentralTexas
• If you feel you are being is discriminated against you because you are pregnant or parenting you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at Office for Civil Rights, at (800) 421-3481 or [email protected], even if you have not filed a complaint with your school. If you file with OCR, make sure you do so within 180 days of when the discrimination took place. If you wish, you may fill out a complaint form online at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/. You can use this resource to learn more about how to file a compliant with OCR and what to expect: OCRProcess_nwlc_PPToolkitAug2016.pdf

Make a Report to Law Enforcement

If you are seeking criminal penalties (such as incarceration or sex offender registration), you should file a report with the relevant law enforcement agency.

Individuals have the option of notifying both on-campus law enforcement and local law enforcement authorities to report sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking. Below is a list of local law enforcement agencies. Reports should be filed with the agency where the incident occurred.

Make a Report to Law Enforcement

Your Rights and Other Resource Links

Texas A&M University–Central Texas students, staff and faculty have a certain rights under Title IX. Employees and students have a right to: 

• Work and learn in an environment free from discrimination
• File a report, when you are ready to the Title IX Office -Seek academic or employment accommodations
• File a report with the university police or local law enforcement
• Obtain a no-contact order
• Receive confidential support and counseling 

A complainant and respondent have certain resources, rights, and options available under the Title IX resolution process.

The resource links below provide detailed information of those rights and resources.

• System Regulation 08.01.01
• University Rule 08.01.01.D1
• Student Code of Conduct
• Complainant Resources, Rights, and Options for Individuals Subjected to Sexual Harassment, Sex-based Misconduct, Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Sex-based Discrimination, Stalking, Domestic Violence, or Dating Violence
• Respondent Resources, Rights, and Options for Individuals Accused of Sexual Harassment, Sex-based Misconduct, Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Sex-based Discrimination, Stalking, Domestic Violence, or Dating Violence
• Counseling Services on Campus

Glossary of Terms

Discrimination
–a materially adverse action or actions that intentionally or unintentionally excludes one from full participation in, denies the benefits of, or affects the terms and conditions of employment or access to educational or institutional programs because of an individual’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Discrimination includes harassment (based on both hostile environment and quid pro quo) and retaliation based on a legally protected category.

Dating Violence
–violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. (a) The existence of such a relationship will be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. (b) For the purposes of this definition: (1) Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. (2) Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence. [34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10)] Dating violence is explicitly prohibited under this regulation. Aiding another in the commission of dating violence is also prohibited under this regulation. Dating violence is a form of sexual harassment or sex-based misconduct.

Domestic Violence
–a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by: (a) a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim; (b) a person with whom the victim shares a child in common; (c) a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; (d) a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred; or (e) any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred. [34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8)] Domestic violence is explicitly prohibited under this regulation. Aiding another in the commission of domestic violence is also prohibited under this regulation. Domestic violence is a form of sexual harassment or sex-based misconduct.

Retaliation
– intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured under civil rights laws and regulations, or because the individual has opposed a discriminatory practice, files a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing. The exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment does not constitute prohibited retaliation, nor does the filing of a mandatory report as required by Section 2.1 of this regulation. In addition, a university official who files a mandatory report or charges an individual with making a materially false statement in the course of an investigation has not engaged in prohibited retaliation. Aiding another in the commission of retaliation is also prohibited at A&M-Central Texas.

Sexual assault
–an offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest or statutory rape as used in the FBl’s Uniform Crime Reporting system. A sex offense is any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances in which the victim is incapable of giving consent. These offenses are defined as:

• Rape: The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim. Fondling: The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
• Incest: Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
• Statutory Rape: Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent. Sexual assault is explicitly prohibited under this regulation. Aiding another in the commission of sexual assault is also prohibited under this regulation. Sexual assault is a form of sexual harassment or sex-based misconduct.

Sex-based misconduct
– unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex that is severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create a work, educational, or campus living environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, abusive, or offensive. Sex-based misconduct is explicitly prohibited at A&M –Central Texas. Aiding another in the commission of sex-based misconduct is also prohibited at A&M –Central Texas. Sex-based includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking based on sex.

Sexual exploitation
– a situation in which an individual(s) takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his or her own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited. For example, sexual exploitation could include such actions as secretly videotaping sexual activity, voyeurism, sexually-based stalking, invasion of sexual privacy, exposing one’s genitals or causing another to expose one’s genitals, and knowingly exposing another person to a sexually transmitted infection or disease. Sexual exploitation is a form of sex-based misconduct.

Sexual harassment
– a form of sex discrimination. Unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex (of a sexual nature or otherwise): (1) by an employee of the member who conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the member on an individual’s participation in that unwelcome sexual conduct; (2) determined by a reasonable person to be so severe and pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the member’s education program or activity; or (3) sexual assault or dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking based on sex.

Stalking
– engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: (a) fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or (b) suffer substantial emotional distress. 08.01.01 Civil Rights Compliance Page 6 of 29 For the purposes of this definition: (a) Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property. (b) Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim. (c) Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. [34 CFR 668.46(a)] Stalking is explicitly prohibited at A&M –Central Texas. Aiding another in the commission of stalking is also prohibited under this regulation. Stalking based on sex is a form of sexual harassment or sex-based misconduct.

Supportive measures
– non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the complainant or the respondent before or after the filing of a formal complaint or where no formal complaint has been filed. Such measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the member’s education program or activity without unreasonably burdening the other party, including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties or the member’s educational or work environment, or deter sexual harassment. Supportive measures may include counseling, extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, campus escort services, mutual restrictions on contact between the parties, changes in work or housing locations, leaves of absence, increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus or workplace, and other similar measures.

Quid pro quo sexual harassment
– “this” for “that”; i.e., unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, the submission to or rejection of which may result in an adverse educational or employment action. Quid pro quo sexual harassment is explicitly prohibited under this regulation. Aiding another in the commission of quid pro quo sexual harassment is also prohibited under this regulation.

Title IX Designated Officials

The Title IX Coordinator has primary responsibility for coordinating efforts for notification, investigation, resolution, implementation of and supportive measures, and monitoring the educational environment and workplace to stop, remedy, and prevent discrimination on the basis of sex.

For reporting incidents or making inquiries regarding discrimination based on sex, you may contact the Title IX Coordinator. Anyone who feels that they have been the victim of prohibited sexual misconduct conduct is encouraged to bring it to the attention of the University’s Title IX Compliance Coordinator, Jacqueline Orellana. She is empowered to provide supportive remedies and academic adjustments to all individuals involved in these situations and to protect the safety of the campus community through these measures.

Students, faculty, staff, visitors, and applicants for employment or admission should notify the appropriate Designated Official below who handles alleged violations perpetrated by students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Training

Course materials used to train individuals involved in the investigation and resolution of Title IX allegations at A&M-Central Texas:

2023

• TAMUS July 2023 Basic Informal Resolution Training (Facilitation)
• TAMUS July 2023 Basic Informal Resolution Training (Mediation)
• TAMUS July 2023 Basic Investigator Training

2022

• TAMUS February 2022 Civil Rights Advisor Training
• TAMUS February 2022 Civil Rights Adjudication Training (Refresher Training)
• TAMUS January 2022 Introductory Civil Rights Investigator Training (Refresher Training)
• NACCOP January 2022 Investigating Complaints of Past Misconduct
• NACCOP June 22, 9 ON 9 Series #5 Should We Update Our Policy Mid-Year?

2021

• TAMUS May 2021 Conflict Resolution Training (Facilitation – Bridge Training)
• NACCOP March 2021 Concurrent Criminal and Civil Rights Investigations
• TAMUS February 2021 Conflict Resolution Training (Facilitation)
• TAMUS February 2021 Conflict Resolution Training (Beginning Course)
• TAMUS January 2021 Introductory Civil Rights Investigator Training

2020

• TAMUS August 2020 Title IX and System Regulation 08.01.01: Mandatory Training for the Texas A&M University System
• TAMUS August 2020 Civil Rights Advisor Training for the Texas A&M University System
• TAMUS August 2020 Civil Rights Investigations Training for the Texas A&M University System
• TAMUS August 2020 Civil Rights Adjudication Training for the Texas A&M University System

Request Title IX or Green Dot Training: [email protected]

Contacts

Resources

• TAMUS Policy and Regulation Library
• Title IX Pregnancy and Parenting
• Confidential Resources of Sexual Misconduct for Students
• Confidential Resource of Sexual Misconduct for Employees
• Chief Executive Officer Reporting Requirements under Tex. Educ. Code § 51.253(c)
• Combined Report of The Texas A&M University System Institutions – SB 18/ Tex. Educ. Code Ann. § 51.9315, Protected Expression on Campus

File a Report

• Civil Rights and Title IX Reporting
• Formal Complaint of Sexual Misconduct Under Title IX
• Report Suspected Waste, Fraud or Abuse