Title IX FAQs

Yes, students and employees may contact the Office of Institutional Equity to discuss supportive measures. More information can be found in the Interim Procedures for Formal Complaints of Title IX Sexual Harassment.

No. There are no time limits on reporting acts of sex-based discrimination, violence or assault. You can report an incident of sexual violence or misconduct to the University and/or police at any time, regardless of when it occurred. Keep in mind that the sooner you file a report, the more likely it is that University and/or police will be able to identify and speak to witnesses, and be able to conduct a more complete investigation.

Yes. Confidential resources include Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS) and Survivor Advocacy.

There are multiple ways you can submit a report to OIE: 

In person by visiting the OIE office, located in the University Services Building, Suite 213.

You may contact OIE whether or not you wish to file a report with the police, participate in an investigation with OIE, or if you are undecided. The University’s first priority is to make sure you are safe and that your immediate needs are taken care of. OIE will work to connect you with resources and supportive measures regardless of your desire to participate in any investigative or accountability process. You may also contact OIE if you witnessed acts of sex-based discrimination, violence, or assault by a student, staff or faculty member. 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. On August 14, 2020 Title IX regulations were updated by the U.S. Department of Education to reflect that Title IX Prohibited Conduct consists of six specifically defined forms of alleged conduct - Quid Pro Quo Harassment (Employee-Student), Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Sex-Based Stalking - where the conduct occurred in the United States and in the University's education program or activity. Conduct meeting these specific definitions are addressed through the University of Arizona’s Interim Procedures for Formal Complainants of Title IX Sexual Harassment.

OIE is responsible for objectively investigating formal complaints of Title IX discrimination and harassment in accordance with the Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassment Policy. OIE also objectively addresses and investigates complaints of sex discrimination and sexual harassment (including sexual misconduct) against students in violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

If your concerns involve sex discrimination or harassment (including sexual misconduct and/or violence) OIE will work with you to share resources, supportive measures, and explain applicable investigative procedures and processes.

Individuals are encouraged to report incidents which occur off-campus. The University can investigate if the incident has sufficient ties to the University (if it occurs at a University event, if it involves an Arizona student, faculty or staff member, etc.).

If there are insufficient ties to the University to allow for an investigation, individuals are still encouraged to report so they can be provided with assistance and support.

Individuals are also encouraged to report any potential crime to law enforcement. 

The rights of students and employees who are alleged to have committed sexual discrimination, harassment or misconduct are protected as outlined in the Interim Procedures for Formal Complaints of Title IX Sexual Harassment, the OIE Procedures, and the Student Disciplinary Procedures.

For additional information and assistance, individuals with specific questions about the process or related concerns may contact OIE, the Dean of Students Office, or the Title IX Coordinator.

The well-being of all University of Arizona students is of primary concern. The University’s practice is to not pursue Student Code of Conduct charges for alcohol violations that are self-disclosed during the course of reporting, or while serving as a witness in an investigation related to, potential sexual misconduct.  No student should be dissuaded from reporting, or providing information related to, sexual misconduct concerns for fear of disciplinary action related to alcohol consumption.  For more information, please review the University of Arizona’s  Good Samaritan Protocol.

The University of Arizona defines sexual violence under the ABOR Student Code of Conduct as Sexual Misconduct:

Sexual violence and other non-consensual sexual contact – actual or attempted physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person by force and without consent or where a person is incapable of giving consent due to circumstances including, but not limited to: 1) use of drugs or alcohol, 2) intellectual or other disability, or 3) age.

Sexual Misconduct also includes: 

  • Sexual harassment – unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe or pervasive as to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or
  • Other sexual misconduct including, but not limited to: indecent exposure, sexual exploitation or voyeurism, or non-consensual photographing or audio-recording or video recording of another in a state of full or partial undress or while engaged in sexual activity, or publishing or disseminating such materials. 

If you believe you have been sexually assaulted, immediately go somewhere safe if you believe you require medical attention and/or to report the crime dial 9-1-1 and tell the dispatcher that immediate medical attention is required.

Reporting:

The University of Arizona Police Department investigates all allegations of sexual assault reported to the Department. If the assault occurred outside the jurisdictional responsibility of UAPD, the Department will assist the victim with notification and reporting to the proper law enforcement agency. When a report of sexual assault is received, an officer will immediately be dispatched to seek medical attention for the victim, investigate the crime and provide other assistance. UAPD utilizes the resources of the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault when investigating sexual assaults, as well as a support-counseling network of University personnel.

Members of the University community, who believe they have been sexually assaulted can also submit an online report with OIE.

Please note: this reporting option is for non-emergency situations and is not monitored during nights, weekends, or holidays. For emergencies please call 9-1-1.

Evidence Collection and Preservation:

Arizona has a statute that provides the victim the ability to seek medical treatment for the collection of sexual assault evidence without charge to the victim. The victim does not need to aide in prosecution in order to seek medical treatment for the collection of sexual assault evidence. It is the victim who will decide if he/she wishes to pursue criminal charges. All members of the university community are encouraged to report incidents of sexual assault or abuse to the police. Campus authorities including the Dean of Students office, Campus Health and Residence Hall Staff are available to assist a victim in notifying law enforcement. Our primary concern is for the victim’s immediate and long term well-being. 

Source: Excepted from the 2015 Campus Safety Report available from the UAPD website. 

Things to know:

  • Refrain from washing, bathing, showering, or douching. 

  • Refrain from washing clothes or other items worn/used during the sexual assault.  

  • Show the officer where these items are located upon their arrival. Give as detailed an account of the incident as possible to assist officers with their investigation.

Please note that in order for evidence collection to be most effective sexual assault should be reported within 72 hours.

Medical Care: 

Medical personnel will assess for injuries, STD or HIV infection, pregnancy and other medical concerns that may have resulted from the assault.  While it is safer to act quickly, medical concerns can be addressed regardless of length of time since the assault occurred.  Medical services available to support you include: Campus Health General Health Services (520-621-6493) and Women’s Health Services (520-621-6512), Planned Parenthood (520-624-1761), and 24 hour Emergency Medical Care (911). 

Additional information related to medical-forensic exams

Emotional Support:

Sexual assault is a very serious and traumatizing offense.  It is important to find someone you can talk to about the assault who will make you feel safe and supported.  Services that offer counseling and advocacy for sexual assault victims include the Oasis Program (520-626-2051), the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault (520-327-1171) and Campus Health Counseling and Psych Services (520-621-3334). 

The annual Campus Safety and Security report is published to provide information including crime statistics and policies and procedures concerning alcohol, drugs, sexual assault and general safety on The University of Arizona campus.  The report can be accessed by going to the UAPD website and clicking on the “Campus Safety & Security Report” link. Anyone, including prospective students and employees, may obtain a paper copy of the report by contacting UAPD at 520-621-8273.

Campus Health Service has a variety of information available online. Although you will find some links below there is additional information available from the Campus Health website: 

Students can submit the Petition for Retroactive Academic Withdrawal Form by emailing a completed form to equity@arizona.edu. Students can contact the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) at 520-621-9449.