ED400 – Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking

University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence and Stalking

POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT, SEXUAL ASSAULT, DATING VIOLENCE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, AND STALKING

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

August 14, 2020

Table of Contents

SECTION 1 3

INTRODUCTION 3

  1. Overview 3
  2. Scope and Applicability 3
  3. Academic Freedom and First Amendment Rights 5

SECTION 2 6

PROHIBITED CONDUCT 6

SECTION 3 12

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES USED TO ADDRESS PROHIBITED CONDUCT 12

SECTION 4 13

SUPPORTIVE MEASURES AND REPORTING OPTIONS 13

  1. Overview 13
  2. Title IX Coordinator/Title IX Officials 13
  3. Distinction between Privacy and Confidentiality 15
  4. Confidential Care and Support 15
  5. Reporting Options 15

APPENDIX A 22

GUIDE ON SUPPORTIVE MEASURES AND REPORTING OPTIONS 22

APPENDIX B 40

CONSENT 40

APPENDIX C 42

PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATING AND RESOLVING ALLEGATIONS OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT WHEN THE RESPONDENT IS A STUDENT 42

Sample Notice of Receipt of Formal Complaint 53

APPENDIX D 55

PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATING AND RESOLVING ALLEGATIONS OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT WHEN THE RESPONDENT IS AN EMPLOYEE OR THIRD PARTY 55

APPENDIX E 68

GUIDE FOR MANDATORY REPORTERS 68

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

Overview

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment free from Sexual Harassment (including Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking), Sexual Exploitation, and Retaliation (collectively, “Prohibited Conduct”). Prohibited Conduct will not be tolerated and will be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University and termination of employment.

The primary purposes of this Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence and Stalking (“Policy”) are to: (1) define, eliminate, prevent, and remedy the effects of Prohibited Conduct; (2) identify care, support, and reporting options for students and employees; (3) explain the obligations of employees to report Prohibited Conduct to the University; and (4) identify the grievance procedures the University will follow to thoroughly, equitably, and promptly investigate and resolve reports of Prohibited Conduct. Additional information about each campus’s procedures and training and prevention programs relating to Prohibited Conduct can be found online at https://www.uthsc.edu/oed/sexual-misconduct.php

Scope and Applicability

    1. Individuals Covered by This Policy

This Policy applies to the conduct of and protects:

    • Students of The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC)
    • Employees and affiliates of the University1; and
    • University contractors and third parties participating or attempting to participate in the University’s operations or education.

This Policy applies regardless of the Complainant’s or the Respondent’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Prohibited Conduct can occur between individuals regardless of their relationship status and can occur between people of the same or of different sexes, sexual orientations, gender identities, or gender expressions.

    • The “Complainant” means an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute Prohibited Conduct, regardless of whether that person makes a report or seeks action under this Policy.
    • The “Respondent” means an individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute Prohibited Conduct.

Those terms do not imply pre-judgment concerning whether Prohibited Conduct occurred. Other key terms used in this Policy are defined in other places in this Policy and are capitalized throughout this Policy.

1 “University” in this Policy means the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

    1. Jurisdiction

With respect to employees and other non-students, this Policy applies to conduct which: (i) occurs on University-controlled property; (ii) occurs in the context of a University education program or activity, including University employment; and/or (iii) occurs outside the context of a University education program or activity, but has continuing adverse effects or creates a sexually hostile environment on University-controlled property or in any University education program or activity, including University employment.

The University’s jurisdiction concerning misconduct by students is governed by the University’s Student Code of Conduct (“Code”). The Code applies to Prohibited Conduct which occurs on University- controlled property. The Code also applies to Prohibited Conduct that occurs off of University-controlled property if the conduct adversely affects the interests of the University, including Prohibited Conduct which: (1) occurs in connection with a University-affiliated activity including, without limitation, an overseas study program or a clinical, field, internship, or in-service experience; (2) involves another member of the University community; or (3) threatens, or indicates that the student poses a threat to, the health, safety, or welfare of others or the security of any person’s property. The University may address Prohibited Conduct that occurs off-campus regardless of whether the University has a duty under Title IX to address the conduct.

The University may address Prohibited Conduct that occurs off-campus regardless of whether the University has a duty under Title IX to address the conduct.

    1. Effective Date

The effective date of this Policy is August 14, 2020. This Policy applies to all Prohibited Conduct reported to have occurred on or after August 14, 2020. If the Prohibited Conduct reportedly occurred prior to August 14, 2020, then: (1) the report will be evaluated using definitions of misconduct contained in applicable University policies in effect on the date the reported Prohibited Conduct occurred; and (2) other aspects of the University’s response to the report (e.g., grievance procedures) will be based on this Policy.

    1. Other University System Policies

Except for the University of Tennessee System Safety Policy 0575 (Programs for Minors) (policy.tennessee.edu/safety_policy/sa0575/) and as otherwise provided in this Policy, this Policy takes precedence over other University policies and procedures concerning Prohibited Conduct in the event of a conflict.

In addition, for employees, conduct that is not Prohibited Conduct under this Policy may also violate other federal or state antidiscrimination laws, including Title VII, and other University policies, including, without limitation: University of Tennessee System Human Resources Policies 0220 (“Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action and Diversity”) (policy.tennessee.edu/hr_policy/hr0220/), 0280 (“Sexual

Harassment and Other Discriminatory Harassment”) (policy.tennessee.edu/hr_policy/hr0280/), and 0580 (“Code of Conduct”) (policy.tennessee.edu/hr_policy/hr0580/).

Consensual romantic or sexual relationships between members of the University community are subject to other University policies. For example, the University’s policy on amorous or sexual relationships between faculty and students can be found in the UTHSC Consensual Relationship Policy. Even if an amorous or sexual relationship between members of the University community begins as consensual and welcome, it can evolve into situations that lead to allegations of Prohibited Conduct

Academic Freedom and First Amendment Rights

This Policy is not intended to, and will not be used to, infringe on academic freedom or to censor or punish students, faculty, or staff who exercise their First Amendment rights, even though such expression may be offensive or unpleasant.

SECTION 2

PROHIBITED CONDUCT

  1. INTRODUCTION

This Policy prohibits the following conduct:2

  • Sexual Harassment
    • Sexual Assault
      • Rape
      • Fondling
      • Incest
      • Statutory Rape
    • Dating Violence
    • Domestic Violence
    • Stalking
  • Sexual Exploitation
  • Retaliation

Section 2.2 contains definitions of Prohibited Conduct, and Section 2.3 contains definitions of other terms used in the definitions of Prohibited Conduct.

  1. DEFINITIONS OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT
    1. Sexual Harassment3

“Sexual Harassment” is conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

  1. An employee of the University conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the University on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;

2 The University’s Nondiscrimination Statement [http://uthsc.edu/oed/civil-rights-compliance.php] prohibits Sex Discrimination in any University education program or activity, including employment and admissions. Sex Discrimination means conduct directed at a specific person or a group of identifiable persons that subjects the person or group to treatment that adversely affects their employment, education, or ability to participate in or benefit equally in any University program or activity, on the basis of sex. Sex Discrimination may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature. Complaints of Sex Discrimination should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator and will be handled in accordance with the UTHSC Complaint Procedures.

3 With respect to conduct by employees, the University also prohibits sexual harassment in accordance with University of Tennessee System Human Resources Policy 0280 (“Sexual Harassment and Other Discriminatory Harassment”) (policy.tennessee.edu/hrpolicy/hr0280). Conduct by employees that does not necessarily violate this Policy may be a violation of University of Tennessee System Human Resources Policy 0280. Complaints of sexual harassment prohibited by University of Tennessee System Human Resources Policy 0280 should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator and will be handled in accordance with the UTHSC Complaint Procedures.

  1. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the University’s education program or activity; or
  2. Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and/or Stalking.

For the definition of Sexual Harassment, “reasonable person” means a reasonable person under similar circumstances as and with similar identities to the complainant.

To determine whether words and/or conduct constitute Sexual Harassment, the University will consider the totality of the circumstances, including without limitation: the context in which the conduct and/or words occurred; and the frequency, nature, and severity of the words and/or conduct.

In no event shall the term “Sexual Harassment” be construed to prohibit speech protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution (e.g., mere insulting or offensive speech).

    1. Sexual Assault

“Sexual Assault” is any sexual act directed against another person, without consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent. Sexual Assault includes Rape, Fondling, Incest, and Statutory Rape.

    1. Rape

“Rape” means 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.

    1. Fondling

“Fondling” means 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.

    1. Incest

Incestmeans sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.

    1. Statutory Rape

“Statutory Rapemeans sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.

2.2.7 Dating Violence

“Dating Violence” means violence committed by a person—

  1. who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and
  2. where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
    1. The length of the relationship.
    2. The type of relationship.
    3. The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
      1. Domestic Violence

“Domestic Violence” includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime occurs, or by 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 occurs.

In cases involving allegations of mutual acts or threats of acts of violence, the designated investigator(s) will, when appropriate, identify the primary aggressor in the situation based on the totality of the information gathered, including without limitation: the history of violence between the parties; the relative severity of the injuries inflicted on each person; information gathered from the persons involved in the situation and witnesses to the situation; and whether the acts or threats were done in self- defense. The primary aggressor will be considered the Respondent for the purpose of evaluating Domestic Violence.

    1. Stalking

“Stalking” means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to—

    1. fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or
    2. suffer substantial emotional distress.

“Course of conduct” means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which a person directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates with or about another person, or interferes with another person’s property. “Substantial emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. For the definition of Stalking, “reasonable person” means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the complainant.

    1. Sexual Exploitation

“Sexual Exploitation” means taking sexual advantage of another person, without that person’s active agreement. An active agreement is words and/or conduct that communicates a person’s willingness to participate in an act. A person cannot actively agree to an act if: (1) the person is Incapacitated, if either the person claiming to have obtained the other person’s active agreement knows that the other person is Incapacitated or a Reasonable Person would know that the other person is Incapacitated; or (2) the person is Forced to act or participate in an activity.

Examples of Sexual Exploitation include, without limitation:

  • Surreptitiously observing, photographing, audiotaping, videotaping, or recording an image of a person who is engaging in a sexual act(s), or a person’s breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals, when the person being observed/photographed/audiotaped/videotaped/recorded is in a place in which the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy;
  • Allowing or enabling a person to surreptitiously observe, photograph, audiotape, videotape, or record an image of another person who is engaging in a sexual act(s), or another person’s breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals, when the person being observed/photographed/audiotaped/videotaped/recorded is in a place in which the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy;
  • Showing, posting, or sharing video, audio, or an image that depicts a person who is engaging in a sexual act(s), or a person’s breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals, when the person being observed/photographed/audiotaped/videotaped/recorded is in a place in which the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, if all persons who are depicted have not agreed to having the video/audio/image shown, posted, or shared;
  • Prostituting another person or engaging in sex trafficking;
  • Knowingly exposing another person to a sexually transmitted infection or disease without informing the other person that one has a sexually transmitted infection or disease;
  • Forcing a person to participate in sexual act(s)with a person other than oneself;
  • Forcing a person to expose the person’s breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals;
  • Forcing a person to take an action against that person’s will by threatening to show, post, or share video, audio, or an image that depicts the person’s nudity or depicts the person engaging in a sexual act(s);
  • Forcing a person to take action of a sexual nature against that person’s will by threatening to disclose information that would harm a person’s reputation;
  • Forcing a person to take an action against that person’s will by threatening to disclose information of a sexual or intimate nature that would harm a person’s reputation; or
  • Causing or requesting an incapacitated person to expose the person’s breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals or to participate in sexual act with a person other than oneself.
    1. Retaliation

“Retaliation” means to intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by this Policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing.

Intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination, including charges against an individual for code of conduct violations that do not involve sex discrimination or sexual harassment, but arise out of the same facts or circumstances as a report or complaint of sex discrimination, or a report or formal complaint of sexual harassment, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by this Policy constitutes retaliation.

  1. The exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment does not constitute retaliation.
  2. Charging an individual with a code of conduct violation for making a materially false statement in bad faith in the course of a grievance proceeding under this part does not constitute retaliation. Retaliation is a violation of this Policy regardless of whether the underlying allegation of a violation of this Policy is ultimately found to have merit. Determination regarding responsibility, alone, is not sufficient to conclude that any party made a materially false statement in bad faith.
    1. RELATED DEFINITIONS: CONSENT; FORCE; INCAPACITATION; REASONABLE PERSON
      1. Consent

“Consent” means an active agreement to participate in a sexual act. An active agreement is words and/or conduct that communicate a person’s willingness to participate in a sexual act.

Examples of sexual act(s) include, without limitation: vaginal intercourse; anal intercourse; oral sex; any other intrusion, however slight, of a person’s finger or any object into any other person’s genitals or anus; the intentional touching of a person’s intimate parts (genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttock or breast), the intentional touching of the clothing covering the immediate area of a person’s intimate parts, or the intentional touching of any other person with a person’s own intimate parts, if that intentional touching can be reasonably construed as being for the purpose of sexual gratification.

Consent can be revoked at any time. Valid Consent cannot be given if:

  • A person is Incapacitated and a Reasonable Person in the same situation as the Respondent would have known that the person is Incapacitated;
  • A person is Forced; or
  • The sexual penetration of a person by the Respondent would constitute mitigated statutory rape, statutory rape, or aggravated statutory rape under state law, based on the ages of the Respondent and the other person.

Appendix B explains how the University determines whether Consent was obtained. Persons subject to this Policy are responsible for understanding and conforming their conduct to the standards described in Section 2 and Appendix B.

    1. Force

“Force (Forced)” means words and/or conduct that, viewed from the perspective of a reasonable person, substantially impair(s) a person’s ability to voluntarily choose whether to take an action or participate in an activity.

Examples of Force include, without limitation:

  • Physical force (e.g., hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, restraining, choking, kidnapping, using a weapon, blocking access to an exit);
  • Words and/or conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear:
    • Physical force or other harm to the person’s health, safety, or property, or a third person’s health, safety, or property;
    • Loss or impairment of an academic benefit, employment benefit, or money;
    • Disclosure of sensitive personal information or information that would harm a person’s reputation;
    • Disclosure of video, audio, or an image that depicts the person’s nudity or depicts the person engaging in a sexual act (s); or
    • Other immediate or future physical, emotional, reputational, financial, or other harm to the person or a third person.
      1. Incapacitation

“Incapacitation” means that a person lacks the ability to actively agree to sexual activity because the person is asleep, unconscious, under the influence of an anesthetizing or intoxicating substance such that the person does not have control over their body, is otherwise unaware that sexual activity is occurring, or their mental, physical, or developmental abilities renders them incapable of making a rational informed judgment. Incapacitation is not the same as legal intoxication.

A person violates this Policy when they engage in sexual activity with another person who is Incapacitated under circumstances in which a reasonable person in the same situation would have known the other person to be Incapacitated. For evaluating Incapacitation, a “reasonable person” means a sober, objectively reasonable person in the same situation, with ordinary sensitivities, and with similar identities as the Respondent.

Incapacitation can be voluntary or involuntary. Signs of Incapacitation may include, without limitation: sleep; total or intermittent unconsciousness; lack of control over physical movements (e.g., inability to dress/undress without assistance; inability to walk without assistance); lack of awareness of circumstances or surroundings; emotional volatility; combativeness; vomiting; incontinence; unresponsiveness; and inability to communicate coherently. Incapacitation is an individualized determination based on the totality of the circumstances.

SECTION 3

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES USED TO ADDRESS PROHIBITED CONDUCT

The University has specific grievance procedures for addressing reports of Prohibited Conduct after the report to the Title IX Coordinator (Section 4.5.2.3). The procedures the University uses are based on the nature of the allegations and the relationship of the Respondent to the University.

  1. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES WHEN THE RESPONDENT IS A STUDENT

Appendix C describes the procedures the University uses to investigate and resolve allegations of Prohibited Conduct when the Respondent is a student.

  1. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES WHEN THE RESPONDENT IS AN EMPLOYEE

Appendix D describes the procedures the University uses to investigate and resolve allegations of Prohibited Conduct when the Respondent is an employee.

  1. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES WHEN THE RESPONDENT IS BOTH A STUDENT AND AN EMPLOYEE

When the Respondent is both a student and an employee the Title IX Coordinator will determine the appropriate procedures to use to address the report of Prohibited Conduct based on the facts and circumstances of the situation.

  1. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES WHEN THE RESPONDENT IS A THIRD PARTY

Appendix D describes the procedures the University uses to investigate and resolve allegations of Prohibited Conduct when the Respondent is a third party, such as a visitor or vendor. The University’s ability to take disciplinary, remedial, and/or protective measures with respect to a third party will depend on the nature of the relationship between the third party and the University. The Title IX Coordinator (or designee) has the authority to alter the manner of resolving a report of Prohibited Conduct alleged to be committed by a third party if the procedures in Appendix D are not appropriate.

SECTION 4

SUPPORTIVE MEASURES AND REPORTING OPTIONS

Overview

Complainants and Respondents have a wide range of options for care, support, and reporting options in response to Prohibited Conduct. For comprehensive information about those options, students and employees should refer to Appendix A. Third parties should contact the University’s Title IX Coordinator.

Title IX Coordinator/Title IX Officials

The University is subject to the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which states:

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

The University’s Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the University’s efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX.

The University’s Title IX Coordinator is:

Dr. Michael Alston

Office of Equity and Diversity 920 Madison Ave, Suite 825

Memphis, TN 38163

901.448.2112

mialston@uthsc.edu www.uthsc.edu/oed

Reports or complaints of Prohibited Conduct or questions about the University’s policies, procedures, resources, or programs concerning Prohibited Conduct, may be directed to the University’s Title IX Coordinator or other Title IX Officials, who are trained and accessible to members of the University community for consultation and assistance.

The term “Title IX Official” in this Policy means the Title IX Coordinator, a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, or one of their designees.

The responsibilities of Title IX Officials are described in more detail at http://uthsc.edu/oed/civil-rights- compliance.php. The Title IX Coordinator is available to meet with any student, employee, or third party to answer questions about this Policy. Inquiries or complaints concerning Title IX also may be referred to the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 61 Forsyth Street, S.W., Suite 19T10, Atlanta, GA 30303-8927, (404) 974-9406 (phone), (404) 974-9471 (fax), OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov.

The University’s Deputy Title IX Coordinators are:

NAME

TITLE(S)

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cindy Russell, PhD

Associate Vice-Chancellor

Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Faculty

400 O.W. Hyman Building Memphis, TN 38163

901-448-6158

crussell@uthsc.edu

Aaron Haynes, MSBA

Director

GME Administration

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for GME Memphis

920 Madison, Suite 447 Memphis, TN

38163

901-448-5364

ahaynes@uthsc.edu

Rebekka Freeman, JD

Employee Relations Manager Human Resources

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Staff

910 Madison, 7th floor Memphis, TN 38163

901-448-5600

rfreema8@uthsc.edu

Quintin Robinson, MS

Education Specialist Office of Student Life

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students

800 Madison, Suite 300 Memphis, TN

38163

901-448-5610

qrobinso@uthsc.edu

Connie Childs, MA

Director

International Programs Deputy Title IX Coordinator for International Programs

910 Madison, Rm 105 Memphis, TN

38163

901-448-8484

cburk@uthsc.edu

Joanne Morrow

Police Lieutenant

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Clery Compliance

3 N. Dunlap

Memphis, TN, 38163

901-448-6452

Jmorrow9@uthsc.edu

Amy Paganelli, CPA, MBA

Assistant Dean

GSM-Finance and Administration Deputy Title IX Coordinator for GME Knoxville

Graduate School of Medicine-Knoxville 1924 Alcoa Highway

Knoxville, TN 37920-6999

865-305-9290

apaganel@utmck.edu

Geoffrey Smallwood, MD

Chief Academic Officer-Saint Thomas Deputy Title IX Coordinator for GME Nashville

Clinical Medical Education Saint Thomas Health Nashville, TN

615-284-5555

Geoffrey.Smallwood@ascension.org

Steven Youngentob, PhD

Associate Vice-Chancellor Research

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Research

608 910 Madison Bldg.,

Memphis, TN 38163

901-448-1278

syougen@uthsc.edu

Pamela Scott

Director

Clinical Medical Education

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for GME Chattanooga

Office of Graduate Medical Education 960 East Third Street, Suite 104

Chattanooga, TN 37403

423-778-7442

Pam.Scott@erlanger.org

Distinction between Privacy and Confidentiality

Under this Policy, privacy should be distinguished from confidentiality.
  • Confidentiality: If a Complainant desires to communicate with someone who, by law or by University policy, can keep information confidential, then the Complainant should contact one of the resources outlined in Section 4.4.
  • Privacy: Information communicated to a Title IX Official (Section 4.2) or a Mandatory Reporter (Section 4.5.2.1) will be kept as private as possible, which means that the information will initially be shared only with the University employees whom a Title IX Official determines need to be involved in responding to the incident, except as required or permitted by law. When speaking with a Title IX Official, Complainants are free to limit the details they share while they decide whether to report an incident to the University.

Confidential Care and Support

The persons identified below can keep information communicated to them confidential and will not communicate such information to a Title IX Official, the University, the police, or any other third party, unless required or permitted by law4. Complainants may pursue these confidential care, support, and reporting options regardless of whether they choose to report the incident to the University or the police (Section 4.5).

    1. Confidential Employees

A student or employee may speak with a Confidential Employee if they do not desire action by the University but desire to confide in a University employee confidentially. Confidential Employees are University employees who can keep information confidential because they hold a valid license in a profession for which Tennessee law recognizes a confidential relationship between a professional and a professional’s client or patient or because the University has deemed the employee as someone who can keep information confidential. Appendix A identifies the University’s Confidential Employees and explains the limited situations in which Confidential Employees are required or permitted by law to disclose confidential information.

    1. Confidential Care and Support Outside of the University Community

Students and employees also have options to receive confidential care and support from someone who is not affiliated with the University. These confidential options also are described in Appendix A.

Reporting Options

A Complainant has multiple options for reporting Prohibited Conduct. A Complainant may report Prohibited Conduct to the University, to the police, to both, or to neither.

4 An employee of the UTHSC Police Department participates in the University’s Response Team. However, UTHSC Police will not write a police report unless the Complainant decides to report the incident to the police.

    1. Report to the Police

Prohibited Conduct may constitute both a violation of this Policy and criminal law. Therefore, the University encourages Complainants to report incidents of Prohibited Conduct to the police. Prompt reporting of an incident to the police is especially critical because the collection and preservation of evidence are essential for police investigations and criminal prosecutions. A Complainant has the right to decline to report the incident to the police. Even if a Complainant does not report the incident to the police, the Complainant may still request Support Measures (Section 4.6) by reporting the incident to a Title IX Official. Appendix A provides contact information for campus and local police and information about what to expect after reporting an incident to the police. Appendix A, Sections 1.1 and 2.1, also provide suggestions about the preservation of evidence relating to Prohibited Conduct.

    1. Report to the University

A Report means notification to the Title IX Coordinator or designee of Prohibited Conduct, (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute Prohibited Conduct). A Report may be made in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written notification. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address, listed for the Title IX Coordinator.

A person who wants to report Prohibited Conduct to the University should contact a Title IX Official (Section 4.2). If a person reports Prohibited Conduct to a University employee who is not a Title IX Official, then the employee’s responsibility to report that information to the University depends on whether the employee is a Mandatory Reporter.

    1. Mandatory Reporters

A Mandatory Reporter is a University employee who is required to report information about known or suspected Prohibited Conduct to a Title IX Official, whether the employee received the information by means of a complaint, report, personal observation, or otherwise, including information learned from third parties. A University employee is almost always a Mandatory Reporter when either the Complainant or Respondent is a student. Employees who have questions about their reporting responsibilities, or students who have questions about an employee’s reporting responsibilities, should contact the Title IX Coordinator.

A University employee is a Mandatory Reporter if either of the following apply:
      1. The Prohibited Conduct involves either a Complainant who is a student or a Respondent who is a student.

OR

      1. The employee is the supervisor of either a Complainant who is an employee or a Respondent who is an employee, or otherwise has the authority to redress the Prohibited Conduct (e.g., human resources administrators, OED employees, Title IX Officials, department heads, deans, vice chancellors, chancellors, vice presidents, campus police).
Exceptions – No Duty to Report:

The employee is a Confidential Employee (Section 4.4.1) and receives the information while acting in a professional, confidential capacity;

The employee receives the information during a public awareness event such as “Take Back the Night,” candlelight vigils, protests, “survivor speak-outs” or other public forums including online forums such as social networking sites and blogs;

The employee receives the information through a person’s participation as a subject in an Institutional Review Board-approved human subjects research protocol;

The employee receives information through an in-class discussion, a class paper, or other academic assignment; or

The employee is a student employee (e.g., trainee/resident) and did not receive notice of the incident in the student employee’s University employment capacity.

Mandatory Reporters are required to inform a Title IX Official about all information known to them about the Prohibited Conduct. Failure to adhere to one’s duty to report Prohibited Conduct to a Title IX Official may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

The Title IX Coordinator or designee will evaluate allegations that a Mandatory Reporter failed to report Prohibited Conduct to a Title IX Official. In evaluating those allegations, the Title IX Coordinator or designee may meet with the Complainant, the Mandatory Reporter, the Mandatory Reporter’s supervisor or campus unit, and other witnesses who can provide information. The Title IX Coordinator or designee will determine whether further investigation is warranted on a case-by-case basis, including but not limited to, the Mandatory Reporter’s role within the University; the nature and scope of the suspected Prohibited Conduct; and the risk to the University community if the report of Prohibited Conduct were substantiated. The Title IX Coordinator may recommend additional education and training and other remedial or corrective actions.

In some cases, the Title IX Coordinator or designee may refer the allegations that a Mandatory Reporter failed to report Prohibited Conduct to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED) which will conduct an investigation. The Office of Equity and Diversity will make findings of fact and will determine whether, by a preponderance of the evidence, a Mandatory Reporter failed to report Prohibited Conduct. The Title IX Coordinator and the appropriate University administrator will review the findings. The administrator will determine in writing whether to accept the Office of Equity and Diversity’s findings and conclusion and may include a description of remedial or corrective actions the University will implement. The Title IX Coordinator may also recommend remedial or corrective actions.

Appendix E explains other actions that a Mandatory Reporter must take, should take, and must not take in response to the notice of Prohibited Conduct. Complainants who are Mandatory Reporters are not required to report or take any other action identified in this section with respect to Prohibited Conduct to which they personally have been subjected.

University employees also may have reporting responsibilities under other University policies, such as:

Child Abuse: Employees who receive information about suspected child abuse or child sexual abuse must comply with the University of Tennessee System Safety Policy 0575 (Programs for Minors) (policy.tennessee.edu/safety_policy/sa0575/). Safety Policy 0575 takes precedence over this Policy with respect to reporting suspected child abuse and child sexual abuse. Note

that under Tennessee law, the obligation to report child abuse or child sexual abuse is not limited to situations involving University-related activities and programs.

Campus Security Authorities – Clery Act: Mandatory Reporters who have been designated by UTHSC-PD as Campus Security Authorities for purposes of compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”) satisfy their reporting duties with respect to this Policy and the Clery Act if they report the incident to a Title IX Official. The Title IX Official is responsible for timely communicating the appropriate non- personally identifying information to UTHSC-PD. Employees who have been designated as Campus Security Authorities may have an obligation to report an incident to UTHSC PD even when they do not have an obligation to report the incident under this Policy. Questions about the reporting obligations of Campus Security Authorities should be directed to Joanne Morrow, the University’s Clery Compliance Coordinator, at jmorrow9@uthsc.edu or 901.448.5679

    1. Benefits of Reporting Prohibited Conduct to the University

Reporting Prohibited Conduct to the University enables the University to provide Supportive Measures and information regarding the University’s grievance process. If an incident is not reported to the University, then the University will not be able to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures or the grievance process with the Complainant. Complainants are not required to report Prohibited Conduct if they do not want the University to respond to the incident or assist with Interim Measures (Section 4.6). A Complainant may opt to report an incident of Prohibited Conduct but decline to disclose the identity of the Respondent; in that case, a Title IX Official will offer Supportive Measures to the Complainant, but the University’s ability to investigate the incident and pursue disciplinary action against the Respondent or take other remedial action will be limited.

    1. Initial Response and Assessment by the Title IX Coordinator

Appendix A, Section 2.3.2 describes the steps the Title IX Coordinator will take after receiving a report of Prohibited Conduct.

    1. Limited Action

When the University receives notice of a potential incident of Prohibited Conduct, the Title IX Coordinator will communicate with the Complainant about the following:

  • How the Complainant can file a formal complaint;
  • Supportive measures that the University can take in order to support the Complainant; and
  • On and off-campus resources that the Complainant can access for assistance.

If the Complainant declines to respond to outreach or states that they do not wish to file a formal complaint or participate in an investigation, the University will generally take Limited Action. Limited Action includes providing supportive measures like academic support, safety escorts, no-contact directives, and campus support services. For more information about supportive measures, please visit section 4.6.

There are limited circumstances in which the Title IX Coordinator may determine that the University must continue with an investigation without the Complainant’s participation or assent, because of the University’s commitment to providing a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working

environment free from Prohibited Conduct. These limited circumstances are referred to as University- initiated investigations. For example, if the University has credible information that the Respondent alleged to have committed one or more other acts of Prohibited Conduct, then the balance of factors might compel the University to investigate the allegation, and, if appropriate, pursue disciplinary.

When evaluating whether the University must conduct a University- initiated investigation, the Title IX Coordinator will consider a range of factors, including, without limitation, the following factors:

  • The risk that the Respondent will commit additional acts of Prohibited Conduct, such as:
    • Whether there have been other reports of Prohibited Conduct or other relevant misconduct concerning the same Respondent, whether or not the incidents occurred while the Respondent was a University student or employee;
    • Whether the Respondent threatened further Prohibited Conduct or other misconduct against the Complainant or others; and
    • Whether the Prohibited Conduct was committed by multiple perpetrators;
  • The nature and scope of the Prohibited Conduct, including whether the Prohibited Conduct was perpetrated with a weapon;
  • The ages and roles of the Complainant and the Respondent;
  • Whether the University can pursue the investigation without the participation of the Complainant (e.g., whether there are other available means to obtain relevant evidence of the Prohibited Conduct such as security cameras or physical evidence);
  • Whether the Complainant’s report reveals a pattern of perpetration (e.g., perpetration involving illicit use of drugs or alcohol) at a given location or by a particular group;
  • The University’s commitment to providing a safe, non-discriminatory environment, including the risk posted to any individual or to the campus community by not proceeding with an investigation; and
  • Complainant safety.

If the Title IX Coordinator determines the University must conduct an investigation, then the Title IX Coordinator will inform the Complainant of the decision prior to starting/continuing the grievance process and will, to the extent possible and unless otherwise required by law, only share information with people responsible for handling the University’s response. The University will honor a request by the Complainant that the University inform the Respondent that the Complainant asked the University not to investigate or seek discipline. The University will take ongoing steps that it determines are reasonable and appropriate to protect the Complainant from Retaliation or harm and may work with the Complainant to create a safety plan. The University will also assist the Complainant to access the support resources identified in Appendix A and inform the Complainant of the right to report a crime to campus or local law enforcement (and provide the Complainant with assistance in reporting if the Complainant requests it). The University will not tolerate retaliation against any person, including the Complainant.

Because the University is under a continuing obligation to address the issues of Prohibited Conduct campus-wide, reports of Prohibited Conduct (including non-identifying reports and reports for which the University only takes Limited Action) may also prompt the University to consider broader remedial action – such as increased monitoring, supervision or security at locations where the reported Prohibited Conduct occurred; increasing education and prevention efforts, including to targeted

population groups; conducting additional climate assessments/victimization surveys; and/or revisiting its policies and practices.

    1. Complainant’s Participation in an Investigation or Disciplinary Proceeding

The University will not require a Complainant to participate in any investigation or hearing before a University Hearing Officer or board. A Complainant may be required to participate in a hearing held by an administrative judge pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act if the Complainant receives a subpoena from a party other than the University. If a Complainant chooses not to participate in an investigation or disciplinary hearing, the University’s ability to discipline the Respondent may be affected.

    1. Amnesty

The University recognizes that a student who is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time of an incident of Prohibited Conduct may be hesitant to report the incident to the University because of a fear of University disciplinary sanctions for the person’s own violation of the University standards of conduct. Because of the importance to the University of responding to incidents of Prohibited Conduct, a student who reports Prohibited Conduct to the University or provides information in a University investigation into alleged Prohibited Conduct will not be subject to disciplinary action by the University for personal consumption of alcohol or other drugs, or minor offenses, at or near the time of the reported incident, but may be responsible for other, more serious conduct that harmed or placed the health or safety of any other person at risk (“Amnesty”). The University may, however, initiate an educational discussion or pursue other educational remedies with the student regarding alcohol or drugs. The Title IX Coordinator has the discretion to grant Amnesty to persons other than the person who reported Prohibited Conduct (e.g., Complainant, Respondent, witnesses). This Section 4.5.2.6 does not apply to reports to UTHSC-PD; rather, it applies only to discipline for violations of the University’s Code of Conduct.

    1. False Reports

A person who makes a report of Prohibited Conduct to the University that is later found to have made materially false statement(s) in bad faith may be subject to University disciplinary action. This provision does not apply to reports made in good faith, even if an investigation of the incident does not find a Policy violation. Similarly, a person who intentionally provides materially false statement(s) in bad faith to the University during a University investigation or disciplinary proceeding action may be subject to disciplinary action.

  1. SUPPORTIVE PROTECTIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES

After receiving a report of Prohibited Conduct, the Title IX Coordinator may implement supportive protective and remedial measures (“Supportive Measures”) while the University assesses, investigates, and resolves the report. Supportive Measures may be implemented upon request or at the Title IX Coordinator’s initiative.

The specific Supportive Measures implemented and the process for implementing those measures will usually be determined by the Title IX Coordinator or designee and will vary and be individualized, reasonable, and appropriate depending on the facts of each case and the student or employee status of

the Complainant and the Respondent.5 In fairly assessing the need for an individual to receive Supportive Measures, the Title IX Coordinator does not rely on fixed rules or operating assumptions in favor of one party over another.

Examples of Interim Measures are listed in Appendix A. Supportive Measures are available to Complainants and Respondents.

Supportive Measures are available:

  • Even if the Complainant does not want to report the incident to the police;
  • Even if the Complainant does not make a formal complaint. (The University may be limited in the Supportive Measures it can implement while keeping the identity of the Complainant private, such as: providing support services to the Complainant; changing living arrangements or course schedules, assignments, or tests; and providing increased monitoring, supervision, or security at locations or activities where the Prohibited Conduct occurred);
  • To the Complainant, the Respondent, and witnesses, when determined to be appropriate by the Title IX Coordinator or designee; and
  • Prior to, during, or after the investigation or resolution of a report of Prohibited Conduct.

Individuals are encouraged to report to the Title IX Coordinator concerns about the failure of another person to abide by the terms of a Supportive Measure; however, in the event of an immediate health or safety concern, individuals should call 911. The University will take immediate and responsive action to enforce a previously implemented Supportive Measure and alleged violations will be investigated and addressed by the appropriate office. The Title IX Coordinator or designee will strive to communicate with the Complainant and the Respondent throughout the grievance process to ensure that the Supportive Measures in place are necessary and effective based on the evolving needs of the parties.

The Title IX Coordinator has the discretion to issue, modify, or remove any Interim Measure at any time.

With respect to non-student employees and third parties, the Title IX Coordinator may delegate the authority to determine and implement appropriate Supportive Measures.

5 The Clery Act requires the University to provide certain interim measures upon the request of a Complainant if such measures are reasonably available. 34 C.F.R. § 668.46(b)(11)(v).

APPENDIX A

GUIDE ON SUPPORTIVE MEASURES AND REPORTING OPTIONS

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment free from Sexual Harassment (including Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking), Sexual Exploitation, and Retaliation (collectively, “Prohibited Conduct”). Prohibited Conduct is defined in the University’s Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence and Stalking (the “Policy”)6.

The purpose of this appendix is to provide an overview of the available Supportive Measures; the right to file a formal complaint; and how to file a formal complaint. The resources available include confidential resources and options for filing a formal complaint with the University or reporting Prohibited Conduct to the police. Complainants do not have to file a formal complaint with the University or report to law enforcement to receive Supportive Measures.

The University has developed OED Notes that highlight the areas addressed in this appendix, but this appendix serves as a comprehensive resource.

Section 4 of the Policy identifies the University’s Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinators, who are trained and accessible for consultation and assistance about the available Supportive Measures; the right to file a formal complaint; and how to file a formal complaint. The Title IX Coordinator, the Deputy Title IX Coordinators, and their designees are referred to collectively in the Policy and this guide as “Title IX Officials.”

SECTION 1. CARE AND SUPPORT RESOURCES

This section describes a variety of counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid assistance, and other services available, both within the University and in the community.

  1. Medical Care

The University strongly encourages Complainants who experience any form of interpersonal violence to seek medical care immediately if applicable even if they choose not to report the incident. Medical care providers can keep information communicated to them confidential and will not communicate such information to the University, the police, or any other third party, unless required or permitted by law. Complainants are not required to report an incident to the University or the police to receive medical care.

6 Capitalized terms have the same meaning in the Policy and Appendix A.

Medical care may be obtained from the following:

PLACE

WHEN

CONTACT INFORMATION

University Health Services (UHS)

Day time or evening/weekends (option for students only)

901.448.5630 (daytime)

901.541.5654

(evenings/weekends – students

only)

Local Hospitals

24 hours, seven days a week

Various locations in Memphis/Shelby

/Knox/Hamilton/Davidson County Areas

In cases of Sexual Assault, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to determine the presence of physical injury, address pregnancy concerns, determine the possibility of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, and, if the Complainant later decides to pursue legal options, to obtain evidence to assist in criminal prosecution, a civil action, or in obtaining a civil protection order.

The key to the success of the evidentiary exam is collecting physical evidence as soon as possible; however, evidence can be collected up to 72 hours after the assault. Assaults do not have to be reported to law enforcement to receive Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) services. Prior to seeking medical care following a Sexual Assault, a Complainant should avoid changing their clothing, bathing, showering, using a douche, using the bathroom, brushing their teeth, drinking liquids, washing their hands or face, or combing their hair. If the Complainant changes their clothes, then the best way to preserve evidence relating to clothing is to put the clothing in a paper (not plastic) bag. Other tips on the preservation of evidence are described in Appendix A, Section 2.1.

The collection of evidence for use in a criminal prosecution or an order of protection hearing relating to Sexual Assault can only be performed by trained personnel at a hospital emergency room; physical examinations by other healthcare providers are likely to impede potential future legal remedies. In cases of Sexual Assault, a medical professional typically will: examine the Complainant; provide appropriate medical treatment; collect evidence of the assault, such as hairs, fluids, and fibers; and, if applicable, talk with the Complainant about the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. A medical examination preserves evidence for forensic analysis in case a Complainant wishes to pursue criminal prosecution or an order of protection. The medical examination likely will be performed by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) who is specially trained to collect evidence in cases of Sexual Assault. If the Complainant chooses not to report the incident to the police at the time of the medical examination, then the medical provider will provide the examination materials to local police with a unique identifying number that will also be provided to the Complainant. The police department with jurisdiction will store the examination materials for up to three (3) years. If in that time the Complainant decides to make a police report, then the Complainant may report to the police department with jurisdiction and refer to the unique identifying number so that the Complainant’s examination materials may be matched with the Complainant’s police report for evidentiary purposes.

  1. Confidential Support and Counseling for Complainants and Respondents

Emotional and mental health support are critical resources in addressing of Prohibited Conduct. The persons identified in this Section 1.2 can keep information communicated to them confidential, which means that they will not communicate such information to the University, the police, or any other third party, unless required or permitted by law, court order, or subpoena. Complainants may pursue the confidential support and counseling options identified in this Section 1.2 regardless of whether they choose to report the incident to the University or the police.

    1. University “Confidential Employees”

Confidential Employees are University employees who can keep information confidential because they hold a valid license in a profession for which Tennessee law recognizes a confidential relationship between a professional and a professional’s client or patient or because the University has deemed the employee as a confidential resource for students and employees.

A Confidential Employee can provide emotional support and help explore options for care and provide information on reporting options and Support Measures.

Information communicated to a Confidential Employee does not constitute notice or a report to the University of an incident of Prohibited Conduct. Except in the limited circumstances described in Section

1.2.1.2 of Appendix A, information communicated to a Confidential Employee will not be shared with a Title IX Official, and the University, therefore, will be unable to use such information to investigate alleged Prohibited Conduct or to pursue disciplinary action against the Respondent.

    1. Identification of Confidential Employees

PLACE

WHEN

CONTACT INFORMATION

University Health Services

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri – 8:00

a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wed 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

901.448.5630 (daytime)

901.541.5654

(evening/weekends)

Student Behavioral Health

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri – 8:00

a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wed 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

901.448.5630 (daytime)

901.541.5654

(evening/weekends)

Student Academic Support Services and Inclusion (SASSI) Licensed Counselors Only

Mon – Thurs 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.

901.448.5056 (daytime) After hours: 901.690.CARE (2273)

A University employee identified above is a Confidential Employee only if the individual is communicating with the employee as a patient or client of the employee, as opposed to communicating with the employee in another context (e.g., faculty members in law, psychology, social work, and nursing not acting in a licensed capacity).

Confidential Employees include the persons identified above, University employees working under their supervision (i.e., administrative professionals and intern and practicum students), and University employees providing administrative, operational, and/or related support for such persons.

    1. Confidentiality Exceptions

In a limited number of circumstances, Confidential Employees are required or permitted by law to disclose confidential information:

  • The patient or client signs a written consent permitting the information disclosure;
  • Confidential Employees may be required to comply with subpoenas and court orders to testify in legal proceedings;
  • Confidential Employees may periodically report non-personally identifiable information about Prohibited Conduct to the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator to keep that person informed about the general extent and nature of Prohibited Conduct on and off-campus;
  • Confidential Employees who are “Campus Security Authorities” for purposes of Clery Act compliance are required to report non-personally identifiable information to the University’s Clery Compliance Coordinator unless they received the information when acting as a pastoral or professional counselor as defined by the Clery Act regulations, 34 C.F.R. § 668.46(a);
  • Confidential Employees are required by Tennessee law to report suspected child abuse or child sexual abuse (Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 37-1-401 et seq.; 37-1-601 et seq.);
  • Confidential Employees are required to report certain injuries to law enforcement (Tennessee Code Annotated § 38-1-101);
  • Confidential Employees are required to report threats of serious bodily harm or death against a reasonably identifiable victim or victims (Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 33-3-206; 33-3-210);
  • Confidential Employees may be required to report information about a person knowingly exposing another person to sexually transmitted diseases. (Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 68- 10-102; 68-10-115); and
  • Confidential Employees are required by law to report information that a person age 60 or older, or a person with certain physical and mental disabilities, has been subject to abuse, neglect, or exploitation (Tennessee Code Annotated § 71-6-101 et seq.).
    1. Confidential Support and Counseling Outside of the University

Individuals who desire to receive confidential support and counseling from someone not affiliated with the University may contact one of the following:

Memphis Area Resources for Complainants
  • Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center

o 901.222.3950

The Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center provides a place where survivors are treated with dignity and respect while healing from trauma. CVRCC Sexual Assault Forensic Exams are available 24/7/365. All services provided by CRVCC are free and confidential. Additionally, CVRCC focuses on three areas: Help, Healing, and Hope. These program areas are described in more detail below.

  • Help – Sexual Assault Forensic Exams are available 24/7/365. The Crisis Victims and Rape Crisis Center also provides Crisis Intervention services, Justice Support, which includes court accompaniment, Personal Advocacy, and Social Service Coordination and Support. These programs and services provide resources and referrals to help restore stability to the lives of survivors.
  • Healing – The CVRCC provides an array of free and confidential counseling services like Trauma and Group Counseling to survivors and their families.
  • Hope – The Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center collaborates within the community and facilitates multi-disciplinary teams to coordinate victim services and prevention efforts. Additionally, the CVRCC offers content expertise to community members on the prevention and intervention of violence through outreach and a variety of educational options.
National and state crisis lines available 24 hours/7 days a week for Complainants
  • Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence 800-289-9018

800-356-6767 – 24-hour statewide domestic violence hotline tncoalition.org

The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (TCEDS) is a private nonprofit organization composed of diverse community leaders and program members who share a common vision of ending violence in the lives of Tennesseans through public policy, advocacy, education and activities that increase the capacity of programs and communities to address violence. The TCEDS is a stateside organization that serves: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault programs; community groups and organizations; criminal justice agencies; allied professionals (e.g., medical, legal, mental health professionals); individuals seeking information and resources; and immigrant victims of domestic or sexual violence, Stalking or trafficking.

  • RAINN National Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673)

rainn.org/get-help/national-sexual-assault-hotline

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233)

Thehotline.org

  • Love is Respect – National Dating Abuse Hotline 866-331-9474

Loveisrespect.org

  • Anti-Violence Project/24-Hour Bilingual Hotline: For LGBTQ+ and HIV+ survivors of violence 212-714-1141
Other confidential, non-University resources for Complainants and Respondents
  • A personal attorney
  • A clergy member
  • A physician or licensed mental health professional who is not an employee or contractor of the University
  • A licensed marital or family therapist, licensed professional counselor, or certified clinical pastoral therapist who is not an employee or contractor of the University

Non-University counselors, advocates, and health care providers will maintain confidentiality unless state law requires or permits the disclosure of information.

  1. Legal Resources for Complainants and Respondents
    1. Orders of Protection, Victim Advocacy Services and Private Legal Assistance

For assistance in pursuing orders of protection in Shelby County, Knox County, Hamilton County, and Davidson County and other legal remedies, a person may contact:

Family Safety Center of Memphis and Shelby

1750 Madison Avenue

Suite 600

Memphis, TN 38104

(901) 222-4400

24-HOUR CRISIS LINE (901.249.7611)

familysafetycenter.org/

  • Knoxville Family Justice Center 400 Harriet Tubman Street Knoxville, TN 37915

(865) 521-6336 (24/7 crisis line) fjcknoxville.com

Knox County Fourth Circuit Court

City County Building 400 Main Street

Knoxville, TN 37902

(865) 215-2399

knoxcounty.org/fourthcircuitcourt/index.php

Hamilton County Clerk & Master

300 Courthouse

625 Georgia Avenue

Chattanooga, TN 37402 http://www.hamiltontn.gov/Courts/ClerkMaster/

Circuit Court Clerk’s Office

1 Public Square

Suite 302

Nashville, TN 37201

(615) 862-5181

http://circuitclerk.nashville.gov/

Bristol – Victim’s Services

801 Anderson Street P O Box 1189

Bristol, TN 37620 http://bristoltn.org/925/Victims-Services

Northwest Safeline

800-957-0055 (24 hour crisis hotline) https://www.domesticshelters.org/tn/dyersburg/38025/northwest-safeline#.V79H_1srJhE (This entity provides services to victims of domestic violence in the following West Tennessee counties: Crockett, Dyer, Henry, Lauderdale, Lake, Obion, Tipton, and Weakley.)

A Title IX Coordinator/Deputy Title IX Coordinators/Deputy Title IX Investigators or UTHSC-PD can assist a Complainant with arranging an appointment with the Family Safety Center to discuss options for pursuing an order of protection and other legal remedies. The Title IX Coordinator can explore the implementation of University Interim Measures (Appendix A, Section 1.5) to assist with enforcing the terms of an order of protection.

Additional information on orders of protection can be found here:

  • The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence provides information about orders of protection on its website.

The University does not provide advocacy services or private legal assistance to students or employees.

The Memphis Bar Association provides assistance with finding an attorney in the greater Memphis area: https://www.memphisbar.org/index.cfm?pg=LegalClinics.

The American Bar Association also provides information on finding legal services by state: apps.americanbar.org/legalservices/findlegalhelp/home.cfm.

The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (tncoalition.org) operates a Sexual Assault Legal Clinic, which offers direct legal services to sexual assault victims who may have legal questions and needs related to their victimization. The Sexual Assault Legal Clinic assists with family law matters;

orders of protection; victim’s compensation; housing; employment; administrative hearings; referrals for civil cases; and other legal matters relating to sexual assault. The Sexual Assault Legal Clinic can be reached at (615) 386-9406 or 800-289-9018.

    1. Visa and Immigration

International students and employees who are Complainants receive the same rights under Title IX and the Clery Act as other Complainants, regardless of their immigration and visa status. For victims of Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, and Stalking, there may be other visa options, including U and T Visas.

The University’s Office of International Affairs can provide useful information regarding immigration status, although the office does not provide legal advice:

Office of International Affairs One Stop Student Services 910 Madison Ave, Suite 105

Memphis, TN 38163

Phone: (901) 448-8484

Fax: (901) 448-1370

Email: oia@uthsc.edu

International students and employees with questions about their immigration and visa status should seek the assistance of an immigration attorney. Immigration lawyers are licensed attorneys who specialize in the field of immigration law. They function as the client’s advocate and can represent them before immigration agencies, both in immigration court as well as in filing applications for immigration benefits. The attorney can give general advice and can discuss immigration options. Like all attorneys, immigration attorneys are bound by professional ethical and legal requirements to keep client discussions confidential.

The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (tncoalition.org) operates an Immigrant Legal Clinic (brochure), which provides legal advice and representation to immigrant and trafficked victims of domestic or sexual violence throughout Tennessee. The Immigrant Legal Clinic was created to address the unique problems faced by immigrant victims of domestic or sexual violence. There are no restrictions on what type of immigration case the clinic takes, nor are there strict income guidelines.

However, all the clients must be victims of domestic or sexual violence and unable to afford an attorney on their own. Case acceptance is handled on a case-by-case basis and determined on the merits of the case and whether relief is available. To inquire about receiving the services of the Immigrant Legal Clinic, an individual may call (615) 386-9406 or 800-289-9018.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office), a bureau of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), offers two sites to help individuals find free or low-cost legal representation:

USCIS Find Help in your Community Webpage: uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/find-help-your- community

USCIS Find Legal Services Webpage: uscis.gov/avoid-scams/find-legal-services

The Board of Immigration Appeals (justice.gov/eoir/board-of-immigration-appeals) provides a listing of attorneys by state who provide free or low-cost immigration services: justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono- legal-service-providers-map.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (aila.org) offers an online immigration lawyer referral service (ailalawyer.org) that can help a student or employee find an immigration lawyer.

  1. Student Financial Aid Resources for Complainants and Respondents

Students who need assistance with financial aid issues may contact the financial aid office at 901.448.7703, https://www.uthsc.edu/financial-aid/.

  1. Supportive Measures Implemented by the University for Complainants and Respondents

After receiving a report of Prohibited Conduct, the Title IX Coordinator may implement interim protective and remedial measures (“Supportive Measures”) while the University assesses, investigates, and resolves the report. Supportive Measures may be implemented upon request or at the Title IX Coordinator’s initiative. Section 4.6 of the Policy explains the availability of Supportive Measures and how they are determined, implemented, and enforced.

The following are examples of Supportive Measures:

  • Issuing a no-contact directive, which provides mutual restrictions between parties from having verbal, physical, written, and/or electronic contact and/or from being present on designated University-controlled property for a definite or indefinite period of time; and/or
  • Issuing an Emergency Removal (i.e. Interim Suspension), an Emergency Removal of the Respondent (student or employee) is issued based on an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student or other individual arising from the allegations of Prohibited Conduct. The Respondent will have the ability to challenge the decision immediately (within 3 business days) following the removal;
  • Informing the Complainant of the right to report the incident to the police for criminal investigation and prosecution and offering to assist the Complainant in reporting an incident to the police;
  • Putting a Respondent (if an employee) on leave, in accordance with other applicable University policies, prior to the conclusion of the investigation and resolution of a report or formal complaint of Prohibited Conduct;
  • Assisting an individual in obtaining medical, advocacy, and counseling services;
  • Exploring changes in living, transportation, dining, and working arrangements;
  • Arranging appointments for an individual for follow-up on-campus support services or off- campus support services, such as those identified in this Section 1 (e.g., arranging an appointment with the Family Safety Center of Memphis and Shelby County to discuss options for pursuing an order of protection in Shelby County);
  • Exploring changes in class and extracurricular schedules, including adjustments so that the Complainant and the Respondent do not share the same classes;
  • Assisting an individual in communicating with faculty;
  • Assisting an individual in requesting that directory information be removed from public sources by contacting the Office of the Registrar;
  • Accessing academic support for an individual, including tutoring;

Assisting with requesting academic accommodations such as re-scheduling exams, obtaining extensions of time for assignments, re-taking a course, dropping a course, or withdrawing for a semester without financial or academic penalty.

SECTION 2. REPORTING PROHIBITED CONDUCT

The University encourages students who have experienced, have knowledge of, or have witnessed Prohibited Conduct to promptly report the incident to the police or the University.7 Those reporting options are not mutually exclusive. A student may report Prohibited Conduct to the University, to the police, to both, or to neither. Section 2 describes reporting options in detail so that students can make informed choices about whether and how to report Prohibited Conduct.

  1. Preservation of Evidence

The University recognizes that a Complainant may need time to decide whether to report an incident of Prohibited Conduct to the police and/or the University. The purpose of this section is to provide Complainants with suggestions on preserving evidence while they decide whether to report an incident.

The University strongly encourages Complainants, as soon as possible after experiencing Prohibited Conduct, to take steps to preserve evidence of the Prohibited Conduct, such as:

  • Have a forensic sexual assault nurse examination performed as soon as possible after the incident, but no later than 72 hours after the incident (Appendix A, Section 1.1);
  • When possible, prior to having a forensic sexual assault nurse examination performed, avoid changing clothing, bathing, showering, using a douche, using the bathroom, brushing one’s teeth, drinking liquids, washing one’s hands or face, or combing one’s hair;
  • Preserve any clothing, sheets, or other materials (items containing bodily fluids should be stored in cardboard boxes or paper bags);
  • Preserve or capture electronic communications such as text messages, e-mails, social media posts or exchanges (e.g., Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter);
  • Preserve or capture video, audio (e.g., voice mail messages), or photographs, including those stored on smartphones or other devices; and
  • Preserve any other physical, documentary, and/or electronic data that might be helpful to an investigator.
    1. Reporting to the Police

Prohibited Conduct may constitute both a violation of the Policy and criminal law. Therefore, the University encourages Complainants to report Prohibited Conduct to the police immediately. Prompt reporting of an incident to the police is especially critical for certain incidents of Sexual Assault because the collection and preservation of evidence relating to Sexual Assault often is essential for police investigations and criminal prosecutions. Complainants should report Prohibited Conduct to the police because the police have the unique legal authority to investigate and respond to Prohibited Conduct,

7 Student-employees who are Mandatory Reporters (Policy, Section 4.5.2.1) are required to report information they receive about Prohibited Conduct.

including the power to seek and execute search warrants, collect forensic evidence, make arrests, and assist in seeking emergency protective orders.

A Complainant has the right to decline to report the incident to the police. Even if a Complainant does not report the incident to the police, the Complainant may still request Supportive Measures from the University by reporting the incident to a Title IX Official.

    1. Contact Information for Police

A Complainant may report Prohibited Conduct to the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

INCIDENT LOCATION

CONTACT

Regardless of where the incident occurred

Call 911 in an emergency Or

UTHSC Campus Police

3 N. Dunlap Street, Memphis, TN (901) 448-4444

www.uthsc.edu/campus-police/

In the city of Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga

Memphis Police Department (MPD) 201 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN (901) 636-3700

www.memphispolice.org/

Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

200 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37201 Sex Crimes Section (615) 862-7540

(615) 862-8600 (Non-emergency)

https://www.nashville.gov/Police-Department/Investigative-Services/Criminal- Investigations/Sex-Crimes.aspx

Knoxville Police Department

800 Howard Baker Jr. Ave Knoxville, TN 37915

(865) 215-7450 (Non-emergency)

https://knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/police_department

Knox County Sheriff

400 Main Street, Suite L165, Knoxville, TN 37902 (865) 215-2243

http://www.knoxsheriff.org

Chattanooga Police Department

3410 Amnicola Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 37406

http://www.chattanooga.gov/police-department

(423) 643-5000 Dispatch: (423) 698-2525

In Shelby County but outside of the City of Memphis

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office 201 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN (901) 222-5600

http://www.shelby-sheriff.org/

 

or UTHSC-PD

Outside of Shelby County

Contact the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the location where the incident occurred

or

Contact UTHSC-PD for assistance in contacting another jurisdiction’s law enforcement agency

Upon the Complainant’s request, a Title IX Official will assist a Complainant in contacting UTHSC Police Department or another appropriate local police department.

Employees of UTHSC-PD are Mandatory Reporters for reports of Prohibited Conduct involving students. Accordingly, if a person reports an incident to UTHSC-PD, and the incident has not been previously reported to a Mandatory Reporter outside of UTHSC-PD, then UTHSC-PD will contact the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant regarding the University’s response to the report. In contrast, if a Complainant reports the incident to another police department other than UTHSC-PD, then the Complainant also will need to report the incident to a Title IX Official (Appendix A, Section 2.3) if the Complainant wants the University to take any action under the Policy.

    1. What to Expect after Reporting Prohibited Conduct to the Police

Even if a Complainant is unsure whether to pursue criminal prosecution or an order of protection, the University recommends that the Complainant report the incident to the police as soon as possible. In most cases, after addressing a Complainant’s immediate safety needs and/or needs for medical care, a police officer will meet with the Complainant and take a statement about what occurred. In cases of Prohibited Conduct, in addition to taking a statement, the police officer may ask to examine the scene of the incident and collect bedding, clothing, or other items of evidentiary value. A UTHSC- PD law enforcement officer will also conduct a thorough interview to record as many details as possible and as precisely as possible, which may take as long as several hours, depending on the circumstances of the case. Due to the traumatic effects of Sexual Assaults, multiple interviews may be required to get all of the pertinent details of the assault. When UTHSC-PD conducts the police interview, the UTHSC-PD police officer typically will offer resources from a local victim advocacy center.

If the police determine that a crime occurred after concluding its investigation, then the police will refer the matter to the district attorney. The district attorney will decide whether to pursue criminal prosecution; however, it is unusual for cases to proceed without the cooperation of the Complainant. Reporting the incident to the police does not obligate the Complainant to cooperate with the district attorney’s criminal prosecution. If criminal prosecution is pursued, however, the likelihood of success will be much higher if the Complainant reported and allowed evidence to be collected immediately after the incident of Prohibited Conduct.

    1. How University Policies/Procedures Relate to Criminal Law/Procedures

The University will cooperate with law enforcement if a Complainant decides to pursue the criminal process, to the extent permitted by law. However, the University’s Policy and procedures may differ in significant respects from criminal law. A Complainant may seek resolution through the University’s grievance process in the Policy, may pursue criminal action, may choose one but not the other, may choose both, or may choose neither. Procedures under the Policy may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off-campus. Although the University may delay temporarily the fact-finding portion of its investigation while law enforcement is gathering evidence, the University will implement appropriate Supportive Measures during such a delay. Decisions made or penalties imposed by the University are not based on a result of criminal charges or civil claims against a Respondent arising from the same incident being dismissed, reduced, rejected, sustained, or not prosecuted; however, a Respondent’s plea or a finding against a Respondent in a criminal or civil proceeding maybe used by the University in a University disciplinary proceeding.

    1. Anonymous Reporting to the Police
Memphis

Persons may report Sexual Misconduct or Relationship Violence anonymously to the Campus Police through the Confidential Silent Witness Report portal. The portal is an Internet-based tool that enables the police to respond. Persons may also report a crime anonymously to the Memphis Police Department by calling (901) 545-2677 or visiting CyberWatch . Persons may report a crime anonymously to the Shelby County Sherriff by calling (901) 379-7625.

Emergency calls should be made to 911.

Knoxville

Knoxville Persons also may report a crime anonymously to the Knoxville Police Department by calling (865) 215-7212. Persons may report a crime anonymously to the Knox County Sheriff by visiting www.knoxsheriff.org/tip/index.php or by texting the word Knox to Crimes 274637. Texting is not an alternative to calling 911; in an emergency, call 911.

Nashville

Domestic Violence Section of the Metro Nashville Police Department: Call (615) 880-3000 if you need assistance. Phones are manned from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with evening investigators who may be in at other hours. For help, call (615) 862-8600; Call 911 if it is an emergency.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga Police Department: To report a crime or request assistance: (423) 698-2525 Emergency calls should be made to 911. Persons may report a crime anonymously to the Chattanooga Police Department or the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department by calling the Crime Stoppers Hotline: (423) 698-3333.

Texting is not an alternative to calling 911; in an emergency, call 911.
  1. Reporting to the University

Reporting Prohibited Conduct enables the University to provide Supportive Measures and information regarding the University’s grievance process. If an incident is not reported to the University, then the University will not be able to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures or the grievance process with the Complainant. Complainants are not required to report Prohibited Conduct if they do not want the University to respond to the incident or assist with Supportive Measures (Section 4.6). A Complainant may opt to report an incident of Prohibited Conduct but decline to disclose the identity of the Respondent; in that case, a Title IX Official will offer Supportive Measures to the Complainant, but the University’s ability to investigate the incident and pursue disciplinary action against the Respondent or take other remedial action will be limited.

If a person reports an incident of Prohibited Conduct to the University, there is no requirement that the Complainant pursue criminal prosecution or University discipline against a Respondent. The University recognizes that a Complainant’s decision on how to proceed after a report is filed is a process that may unfold over time; thus, at the time a report is made to the University, a Complainant does not have to decide whether to request any particular course of action.

    1. Who to Contact at the University

Students are encouraged to report Prohibited Conduct to a Title IX Official, who are trained to support Complainants: The University’s Title IX Coordinator is Dr. Michael Alston, 920 Madison Ave, Ste. 825., Memphis, TN. 39163, 901.448.2112, mialston1@uthsc.edu, www.uthsc.edu/oed/.

The University’s Deputy Title IX Coordinators are:

NAME

TITLE(S)

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cindy Russell, PhD

Associate Vice-Chancellor

Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Faculty

400 O.W. Hyman Building Memphis, TN 38163

901-448-6158

crussell@uthsc.edu

Aaron Haynes, MSBA

Director

GME Administration (Memphis)

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for GME Memphis

920 Madison, Suite 447 Memphis, TN

38163

901-448-5364

ahaynes@uthsc.edu

Rebekka Freeman, JD

Employee Relations Manager Human Resources

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Staff

910 Madison, 7th floor Memphis, TN 38163

901-448-5600

rfreema8@uthsc.edu

Quintin Robinson, MS

Education Specialist Office of Student Life

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students

800 Madison, Suite 300 Memphis, TN

38163

901-448-5610

qrobinso@uthsc.edu

Connie Childs, MA

Director

International Programs Deputy Title IX Coordinator for International Programs

910 Madison, Rm 105 Memphis, TN

38163

901-448-8484

cburk@uthsc.edu

Joanne Morrow

Police Lieutenant

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Clery Compliance

3 N. Dunlap

Memphis, TN, 38163

901-448-6452

Jmorrow9@uthsc.edu

Amy Paganelli, CPA, MBA

Assistant Dean

GSM-Finance and Administration Deputy Title IX Coordinator for GME Knoxville

Graduate School of Medicine-Knoxville 1924 Alcoa Highway

Knoxville, TN 37920-6999

865-305-9290

wmetheny@utmck.edu

Geoffrey Smallwood, MD

Chief Academic Officer-Saint Thomas Deputy Title IX Coordinator for GME Nashville

Clinical Medical Education Saint Thomas Health Nashville, TN

615-284-5555

Geoffrey.Smallwood@ascension.org

Steven Youngentob, PhD

Associate Vice-Chancellor Research

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Research

608 910 Madison Bldg.

Memphis, TN 38163

901-448-1278

syougen@uthsc.edu

Pamela Scott

Director

Clinical Medical Education

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for GME Chattanooga

Office of Graduate Medical Education 960 East Third Street, Suite 104

Chattanooga, TN 37403

423-778-7442

Pam.Scott@erlanger.org

As explained in Section 4.3 of the Policy, privacy under this Policy is different than confidentiality. If a Complainant desires to communicate with someone who, by law or by University policy, can keep information confidential, then the Complainant should contact one of the resources outlined in Appendix A, Section 1.2.

If a student discloses information about Prohibited Conduct to a University employee who is not a Title IX Official, then the University employee’s duty to report the information to a Title IX Official will depend on whether the University employee is a Mandatory Reporter. All Mandatory Reporters are required to report information about Prohibited Conduct to a Title IX Official. Section 4.5.2.1 of the Policy identifies the University employees who are Mandatory Reporters.

    1. Initial Response and Assessment by the Title IX Coordinator

After receiving a report of Prohibited Conduct, the Title IX Coordinator will take immediate and appropriate steps to:

  • Promptly contact the complainant to offer to meet with, or otherwise communicate with, the Complainant;
  • Discuss the availability of Supportive Measures;
  • Consider the Complainant’s wishes with respect to Supportive Measures;
  • Inform the Complainant of the availability of Supportive Measures with or without filing of a formal complaint;
  • Explain to the Complainant the process for filing a formal complaint;
  • Implement Supportive Measures (Appendix A, Section 1.5) to eliminate and prevent the recurrence of Prohibited Conduct, deter Retaliation, and remedy the effects of Prohibited Conduct through reasonable support services, accommodations, and other assistance;
  • In cases of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking, whether the Prohibited Conduct occurred on or off-campus, provide a Complainant with a paper or electronic copy of this Policy and/or another written publication approved by the Title IX

Coordinator that informs the Complainant of the Complainant’s rights and options under this Policy (if that has not already been done by a Mandatory Reporter), which will include: (1) notification about counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, and other services available for victims, both within the University and in the community; and (2) notification about options for, available assistance in, and how to request changes to academic, living, transportation, and working situations or protective measures;

  • If the Complainant chooses to file a formal complaint, the Title IX Coordinator must make an initial evaluation based on the nature of the conduct alleged and the reported location of the alleged conduct to determine whether the alleged conduct meets the definition of Sexual Harassment that occurs in a University education program or activity in the United States, in which case the formal complaint will be received as a Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint. If the Title IX Coordinator determines that the alleged conduct is not Title IX Sexual Harassment that occurs in a University education program or activity in the United States but is otherwise Prohibited Conduct to which this Policy applies, the formal complaint will be received as a Prohibited Conduct Complaint. Regardless of the designation of the formal complaint,8 the Title IX Coordinator will initiate the grievance procedures outlined in Appendix C or Appendix D; and
  • If the Complainant requests, assist the Complainant in reporting the incident to the police.

The Title IX Coordinator may delegate the authority to take some or all the steps described above to another Title IX Official.

    1. Limited Action

If the Complainant declines to respond to outreach, or states that they do not wish to file a formal complaint or participate in an investigation, the University will generally take Limited Action. Limited Action includes providing supportive measures like academic support, safety escorts, no contact directives, and campus support services. If a Complainant chooses not to make a formal complaint, the University will normally take Limited Action. There are limited circumstances; however, in which the Title IX Coordinator may determine that the University must continue with an investigation without the Complainant’s participation or assent, because of the University’s commitment to providing a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment free from Prohibited Conduct. Section

4.5.2.4 of the Policy explains Limited Action and the limited circumstances where the University will initiate an investigation without the complainant’s participation or assent.

    1. Amnesty for Students Who Report Prohibited Conduct to the University

Because of the importance to the University of responding to incidents of Prohibited Conduct, a student who reports Prohibited Conduct to the University or provides information in a University investigation into alleged Prohibited Conduct will not be subject to University disciplinary action by the Office of

8 If the formal complaint is received as a Sexual Harassment Complaint, and the conduct alleged in the formal complaint would not constitute Sexual Harassment as defined in this Policy, did not occur in the University’s education program or activity, or did not occur against a person in the United States, the Title IX Coordinator is required by federal law to dismiss the formal complaint. However, that dismissal does not preclude the University from taking action under this Policy, including by treating the alleged conduct as Prohibited Conduct to which this Policy applies.

Student Conduct and Community Standards for personal consumption of alcohol or other drugs, or minor offenses, at or near the time of the reported incident, but may be responsible for other, more serious conduct that harmed or placed the health or safety of any other person at risk (“Amnesty”). More information on the University’s Amnesty policy can be found in Section 4.5.2.6 of the Policy.

    1. The University’s Disclosure Obligations under Federal and Tennessee Law Relating to Reports of Prohibited Conduct

Clery Act

Certain University employees, called Campus Security Authorities, have a duty to report certain incidents of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking to UTHSC-PD to comply with the Clery Act. Campus Security Authorities are not required to report personally identifiable information to UTHSC-PD for Clery Act purposes, but statistical information must be sent to UTHSC-PD regarding the type of incident that occurred and its general location (e.g., on or off-campus) for publication in an annual report of crime statistics, called the Annual Security Report. Statistics published in the Annual Security Report help to provide the campus community with a clearer picture of the extent and nature of campus crime, but the statistics do not personally identify Complainants or Respondents. Reports by Campus Security Authorities are not official police reports and do not initiate criminal investigations.

In addition to the Annual Security Report and in compliance with the Clery Act, UTHSC-PD maintains a daily crime log that includes entries for all crimes and alleged crimes that occurred within the University’s Clery Geography or the patrol jurisdiction of UTHSC-PD.

Complainants of Prohibited Conduct also should be aware that the Clery Act requires the University to issue timely warnings for crimes reported to UTHSC-PD or Campus Security Authorities that pose a serious or continuing threat to members of the campus community. The University will undertake reasonable efforts to avoid disclosing a Complainant’s name and other identifying information, while still providing enough information for community members to make safety decisions in light of the potential danger.

The University’s Clery Compliance Coordinator is Joanne Morrow, (901) 448-6452,

jmorrow9@uthsc.edu.

FERPA

In accordance with FERPA, personally identifiable information about a Complainant or Respondent who is a student that has been communicated to a Mandatory Reporter regarding Prohibited Conduct will be shared within the University only with Title IX Officials and those University employees who “need to know” in order to assist with the University’s response to the Prohibited Conduct. Personally identifiable information concerning a Complainant or Respondent who is a student will not be disclosed by the University to third parties unaffiliated with the University without the consent of the student except in response to a lawfully issued subpoena, court order, or as otherwise required or allowed by law. If a Respondent who is a student makes a request to review documents concerning the University’s investigation or resolution of Prohibited Conduct, the University will be required by FERPA to grant the Respondent’s request to inspect and review records that relate specifically to the Respondent. The

University may be required, under FERPA regulations, to disclose information regarding a Complainant, where the records cannot be segregated or redacted.

Tennessee Public Records Act

Incident reports prepared by UTHSC-PD for law enforcement purposes are generally considered public records under the Tennessee Public Records Act (Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 et seq.) and are not protected by FERPA, which means the University is obligated by law to make them available to any Tennessee citizen upon request unless the report is part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Local law enforcement agencies may also be required to make their records available under similar circumstances.

In addition, investigative reports prepared by other University officials that do not contain personally identifiable student information also are generally considered public records under the Tennessee Public Records Act. However, Tennessee law provides that information that is reasonably likely to identify a student accused of committing an alleged sexual offense or alleged violent sexual offense as defined in Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-39-202 or any information that is reasonably likely to identify the victim of an alleged sexual offense or alleged violent sexual offense as defined in Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-39-202, must be treated as confidential and not be open for inspection by members of the public under the Tennessee Public Records Act.

However, upon request by a citizen of Tennessee, the Tennessee Public Records Act requires the University to disclose the final results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the University against a student who is an alleged perpetrator of any crime of violence, as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. § 16, or a nonforcible sex offense, if the University determines as a result of that disciplinary proceeding that the student committed a violation of the University’s rules or policies with respect to such crime or offense. “Final results” include only the name of the student who committed the violation, the violation committed, and any sanction imposed by the University on the student. The names of other students, such as a Complainant, are not disclosed without the other students’ consent.

Robert (Robbie) Nottingham Campus Crime Scene Investigation Act

The Robert (Robbie) Nottingham Campus Crime Scene Investigation Act (Nottingham Act), Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-129, requires UTHSC-PD to notify the law enforcement agency with jurisdictional oversight upon UTHSC-PD’s receipt of a report from a victim alleging that any degree of rape has occurred on University property. The Nottingham Act requires UTHSC-PD and the responding law enforcement agency with jurisdictional oversight to participate in a joint investigation of the rape, with UTHSC PD leading the investigation. The Nottingham Act also requires sexual assault programs and services on campus to report annually to UTHSC-PD the number of requests for assistance received from persons who were raped on or in the vicinity of campus during the preceding calendar year. Personally identifiable information is not provided to UTHSC-PD in connection with that report.

Disclosure to Respondents During the Disciplinary Process

After the University has formally initiated the grievance procedure a Respondent has rights under federal and state law, including the right to be informed of sufficient details including the identifies of the parties involved, the conduct allegedly constituting Prohibited Conduct, and the date and location of the incident (if known), and the right to equal access to all information that will be used in the disciplinary process.

APPENDIX B

CONSENT

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment free from Sexual Harassment including Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking (collectively, “Sexual Harassment ”), Sexual Exploitation, and Retaliation. Prohibited Conduct is defined in the University’s Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence, and Stalking (the “Policy”).9

The purpose of this Appendix B is to inform students, employees, and third parties about how the University, in investigations and disciplinary hearings,10 will determine whether Rape or Fondling occurred without Consent.

“Consent” means an active agreement to participate in a sexual act. An active agreement is words and/or conduct that communicate a person’s willingness to participate in a sexual act.

Examples of sexual act(s) include, without limitation: vaginal intercourse; anal intercourse; oral sex; any other intrusion, however slight, of a person’s finger or any object into any other person’s genitals or anus; the intentional touching of a person’s intimate parts (genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttock or breast), the intentional touching of the clothing covering the immediate area of a person’s intimate parts, or the intentional touching of any other person with a person’s own intimate parts, if that intentional touching can be reasonably construed as being for the purpose of sexual gratification.

Consent can be revoked at any time.

  • Valid Consent cannot be given if:
    • A person is Incapacitated and a Reasonable Person in the same situation as the Respondent would have known that the person is Incapacitated;
    • A person is Forced; or
    • The sexual penetration of a person by the Respondent would constitute mitigated statutory rape, statutory rape, or aggravated statutory under state law, based on the ages of the Respondent and the other person.
  • During a sexual encounter, each person has responsibility for obtaining Consent from the other person. During a University investigation or disciplinary hearing, the University has the burden of proving that sexual act(s) occurred without Consent (and it is not a Respondent’s burden to prove Consent).
  • Whether a person has communicated Consent to participate in a sexual act(s) generally is evaluated from the perspective of what a Reasonable Person who perceived the individual’s words and/or non-verbal conduct would have understood; however, in the context of a relationship that has involved sexual activity and a pattern of communicating Consent, whether Consent has been communicated may be evaluated based on a subjective standard (i.e., What did

9 Capitalized terms have the same meaning in the Policy and Appendix B.

10 Including contested case proceedings under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, Tennessee Code Annotated § 4-5-101 et seq. (“UAPA”).

the specific person who initiated the sexual act(s) conclude based on the pattern of communication?).

  • A verbal “no” (or words equivalent to “no”) or the nonverbal communication of “no,” even if it sounds or appears insincere or indecisive, means that Consent has not been communicated, or if previously communicated has been withdrawn. The absence of a verbal “no” or the absence of a nonverbal communication of “no” does not necessarily mean that Consent has been communicated.
  • Consent must exist from the beginning to the end of each sexual encounter and for each act of sexual act(s) that occurs during a sexual encounter. A person has a right to change their mind; thus, Consent to participate in a sexual act(s) may be withdrawn at any time. A withdrawal of Consent is communicated through clear words and/or conduct that indicate that a person no longer agrees to participate in an act of sexual act. Once a person’s withdrawal of Consent has been communicated, the other person must cease the sexual act for which Consent was withdrawn and must obtain Consent before reinitiating that sexual act. Consent is automatically withdrawn when a person becomes Incapacitated or is Forced to participate in a sexual act(s).
  • Consent to one type of sexual act (e.g., oral sex) does not constitute or imply Consent for another type of sexual act (e.g., vaginal intercourse), whether during a sexual encounter or based on a previous sexual encounter.
  • The following do not communicate a person’s willingness to participate in a sexual act(s):
    • Silence, unless accompanied by non-verbal conduct conveying a willingness to participate in Sexual Contact or Sexual Penetration;
    • Consent communicated by the person on a previous occasion;
    • Consent communicated to a third person;
    • The person’s failure to resist physical force (however, for purposes of the Policy, the person’s resistance to physical force will be viewed as a clear demonstration that the person has not communicated Consent);
    • A current or previous dating, romantic, intimate, or sexual relationship with the other person;
    • Currently or previously cohabitating with the other person;
    • The person’s attire, reputation, giving or acceptance of gifts, sexual arousal, or extension or acceptance of an invitation to go to a private residence, room, or other location.
  • One’s own use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances does not diminish one’s responsibility to obtain Consent from the other person. Another person’s use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances does not diminish one’s responsibility to obtain Consent from that person.

Recommendations on Consent

  • The University urges individuals to communicate with one another before and throughout a sexual encounter to ensure Consent exists for every sexual act. Because interpreting non-verbal conduct may lead to misunderstanding and a violation of the Policy, persons subject to the Policy are strongly encouraged to err on the side of caution and not rely solely on the non-verbal conduct of another person in concluding that the other person has communicated Consent.
  • The University urges individuals to be cautious before engaging in sexual activity when either person has been consuming alcohol or using other drugs. Alcohol and other drugs impair a person’s ability to give Consent and impair a person’s ability to determine whether Consent has been given.

APPENDIX C

PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATING AND RESOLVING ALLEGATIONS OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT WHEN THE RESPONDENT IS A STUDENT

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment free from Sexual Harassment (including Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence and Stalking), Sexual Exploitation, and Retaliation (collectively, “Prohibited Conduct”). Prohibited Conduct is defined in the University’s Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence, and Stalking (the “Policy”).11

Disciplinary proceedings12 relating to Prohibited Conduct when the Respondent is a student will be handled by the University in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct (“Code”), as modified and/or clarified by this Appendix C and in compliance with Title IX regulations, 34 C.F.R. 106.45, and Clery Act regulations, 34 C.F.R. § 668.46. A graphical summary of the process can be found at the end of Appendix

C. A copy of the Code may be found at https://www.uthsc.edu/sace/student-conduct/index.php.

HOW TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT

Prohibited Conduct may be reported to any Title IX Official identified in Section 4 of the Policy. Upon receiving a report of Prohibited Conduct, the Title IX Coordinator (or designee) will promptly contact the Complainant to explain the process for filing a Formal Complaint.

A Formal Complaint is a document filed by the Complainant (or, in some circumstances, signed by the Title IX Coordinator) alleging Prohibited Conduct against a Respondent and requesting that the University investigate the allegations.

Two types of Formal Complaints may be filed. The Title IX Coordinator or other Title IX Official can explain to a Complainant the options for Formal Complaints.

First, a Complainant may file a Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint in a case involving allegations that a Respondent’s conduct constitutes Sexual Harassment in the University’s education program or activity in the United States as defined in 34 C.F.R. 106.30(a) (“Title IX Allegations”). For Title IX Allegations, the University’s “education program or activity” includes locations, events, or circumstances over which the University exercised substantial control over both the Respondent and the context in which the Sexual

11 Capitalized terms have the same meaning in the Policy and Appendix C.

12 “Disciplinary proceeding” means all activities related to the University’s non-criminal resolution of a report to the University of Prohibited Conduct, including, but not limited to, fact-finding investigations, formal or informal meetings, and hearings. “Disciplinary proceeding” does not include communications and meetings between Title IX Officials and a Complainant or a Respondent concerning supportive measures.

Harassment occurs, and also includes any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the University.

Second, the Complainant may file a Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint in a case in which the Prohibited Conduct did not occur in the University’s education program or activity or did not occur in the United States but would, if proven, violate the Code (i.e., allegations of misconduct in a study abroad program or off-campus misconduct committed against another member of the University community).

If a Complainant files a Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint, the University must investigate the allegations. Under federal law, the University must dismiss a Title IX complaint if the conduct alleged in the Title IX Complaint (i) would not be Sexual Harassment, even if proven; (ii) did not occur in the University’s “education program or activity;” or (iii) did not occur within the United States. However, if the Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint is dismissed, the Complainant has the option of filing a Non- Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint requesting the University investigate allegations that may, if proven, violate the Code.

The University may dismiss, but is not required to dismiss, a Formal Complaint (both Title IX and Non- Title IX) if, at any time during the investigation and hearing: (1) the Complainant notifies the Title IX Coordinator in writing that the Complainant would like to withdraw the Formal Complaint; (2) the Respondent is no longer enrolled; or (3) specific circumstances prevent the University from gathering sufficient evidence to reach a determination as to the Respondent’s responsibility.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST OR BIAS OF UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS

Disciplinary proceedings relating to Prohibited Conduct will be conducted by persons who do not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against Complainants and Respondents generally or an individual Complainant or Respondent.

Disciplinary proceedings will be conducted in a prompt, fair, and impartial manner from the investigation to the final result. Throughout the grievance process, investigators and decision makers will objectively evaluate all relevant evidence, including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence, and credibility determinations will not be based on a person’s status as a Complainant, Respondent, or witness.

STANDARD OF PROOF

The standard of proof used in disciplinary proceedings is the preponderance of the evidence standard, i.e., whether it is more likely than not that the Respondent violated the Code by engaging in Prohibited Conduct.

RIGHT TO AN ADVISOR

The Complainant and the Respondent have the right to be assisted by an advisor during all stages of a disciplinary proceeding, including all meetings, investigative interviews, and hearings. The advisor may be, but is not required to be, an attorney.

The role of the advisor in the Formal Hearing depends on the type of Formal Hearing (described below) used to resolve the Formal Complaint. The role of the advisor is described in the Code in Section 8.2. In general, an advisor is not permitted to speak for or on behalf of a Complainant or Respondent, appear in

lieu of a Complainant or Respondent, participate as a witness, or participate directly in any other manner during any phase of the student conduct process, except in a Title IX Hearing. In a Title IX Hearing, the advisor, and not the party, must ask the other party and any witnesses all relevant questions and follow-up questions.

INVESTIGATIONS

Within three (3) business days of receiving a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will refer the Formal Complaint to an investigator, who will investigate the allegations. 13

In all investigations of Prohibited Conduct, the University must ensure that the burden of proof of gathering evidence rests on the University and not on the parties. The University will provide an equal opportunity for the parties to identify and present witnesses for interview, including fact witnesses and expert witnesses, and other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence. The University will provide written notice of the date, time, location, participants, and purpose of all investigative interviews and other meetings, with sufficient time to prepare to participate.

At the end of the investigation, the University will prepare an investigative report setting forth a preliminary recommendation as to whether the Respondent shall be held responsible or not, and, if responsible, a non-binding proposed sanction. The investigative report will be provided to the parties and the disciplinary board or hearing officer in a Formal Hearing, but the preliminary recommendation and any non-binding proposed sanction will be removed from the report before it is provided to the disciplinary board or hearing officer.

Prior to preparing a written investigative report, the University will provide both parties with an equal opportunity to inspect and review any evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly related to the allegations raised in the Formal Complaint. The parties will have ten (10) business days to submit a written response, which the investigator will consider prior to completion of the investigative report. The investigation will generally be completed within sixty-five (65) business days.

The University will send the investigative report to each party and the party’s advisor. Within ten (10) business days after being sent the reports, each party may make a written response to the investigative report, which will be provided to the other party. No hearing shall take place until the ten (10) days to respond has lapsed, even if a response from a party has been received earlier.

COMPLAINANT’S RIGHT TO APPEAL A NO ACTION DETERMINATION IN A NON-TITLE IX PROHIBITED CONDUCT COMPLAINT

If the investigation of a Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint concludes with OSCCS making a final determination that no action will be taken with respect to a report of Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct, then the Complainant may appeal that determination to the Vice Chancellor for Academic, Faculty and Student Affairs (VCAFSA), in writing, within seven (7) calendar days of the date that OSCCS transmitted

13 Investigations of reports of Prohibited Conduct are usually performed by OSCCS. However, for good cause, the Title IX Coordinator may select an investigator(s) external to OSCCS, provided that the investigator has specific training and experience investigating allegations of Prohibited Conduct. Any investigator(s) chosen to conduct the investigation must be impartial and free of any conflict of interest or bias. The investigator(s) may be a University employee, a team of University employees, an external investigator engaged to assist the University, or a team of external investigators engaged to assist the University.

notice of the no action determination to the Complainant. Upon receipt of the appeal, OSCCS will send a copy of the appeal to the Respondent. The Respondent may respond to the appeal by filing a written response within three (3) calendar days after receipt of the Complainant’s appeal. The VCAFSA may affirm the decision of OSCCS, reverse the decision and direct OSCCS to charge the Respondent with violating the Standards of Conduct, or remand the matter for additional investigation or consideration. The VCAFSA shall issue a decision in writing, sent to the Complainant and the Respondent simultaneously, within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the Complainant’s appeal or the Respondent’s response, whichever is later. The decision of the VCAFSA is final and may not be appealed.

At the conclusion of an investigation of a Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint, however, OSCCS does not make any determination that no action will be taken. Therefore, no appeal is made at that time in the process.

FORMAL HEARINGS

In Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct cases that do not result in a determination that no action will be taken, and, in all Title IX Prohibited Conduct cases, the cases will proceed to a Formal Hearing. Section VIII of the Code describes the types of Formal Hearings that will be used in cases of Prohibited Conduct.

A Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint may be resolved by a hearing before a hearing examiner or hearing panel, or, in some cases, a hearing under state law, the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.14 Sections VIII of the Code describes the process for those hearings. The University generally concludes these hearings with a decision within thirty (30) business days of the end of the investigation.

A Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint must be resolved through the Title IX Hearing process unless the parties agree to an Informal Resolution. Section 8.5 of the Code describes the process for a Title IX Hearing. These University generally concludes these hearings with a decision within forty (40) business days of the end of the investigation.

For ease of reference, the following charts show the steps that generally apply in a Title IX Hearing. The parties are directed to the provisions of the Code for additional information.

14 The timelines described below do not apply if a Respondent exercises the right to have a hearing conducted under state law, the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, Tennessee Code Annotated § 4-5-101 et seq. (“UAPA”). If a Respondent exercises a right to a UAPA hearing, then an administrative judge will be appointed by the University’s Agency Head typically within five (5) business days of the Respondent’s request for a UAPA hearing. The timelines for a UAPA hearing are governed by the UAPA.

Title IX Hearing

Step

Code Reference

Anticipated Timeline

Notice of Title IX Hearing sent to Complainant and Respondent

Section 8.5(c)

At least ten (10) business days prior to the hearing

Complainant and Respondent provide names of advisors to Title IX Hearing Officer, or inform Title IX Hearing Officer that they have no advisor and

an advisor will be appointed

Section 8.5(d)

At least five (5) business days prior to the hearing

Notice of Decision issued by Title IX Hearing Officer

Section 8.5(g)

Within ten (10) business days of the conclusion of the hearing

APPEALS

The Complainant and the Respondent have equal rights to appeal the decision after a Formal Hearing. Under the Code, the decision of a Hearing Officer or Hearing Examiner is subject to review by the Chancellor.

Section 8.5 describes the process for appealing a decision by the Title IX Hearing Officer. For ease of reference, the following charts show the steps that generally apply in appeals in Title IX Hearings. The parties are directed to the provisions of the Code for additional information.

Appeals from Title IX Hearing Officer Decision

Step

Code Reference

Anticipated Timeline

Notice of Appeal filed

Section 8.5(h)(1)

Within five (5) business days of the transmittal of the decision

SCCS notifies non-appealing

party of appeal

Section 8.5(h)(3)

As soon as practicable

Both parties may submit written statement in support of or opposition to the Vice Chancellor for Academic,

Faculty, and Student Affairs

Section 8.5(h)(3)

Within five (5) business days of the date on which the non- appealing party received notice that the other party filed a

Notice of Appeal

Notice of Decision issued by Vice Chancellor of Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs

Section 8.5(h)(3)

Within ten (10) business days of receipt of written statements

ANTICIPATED TIMELINES

Although the University strives to adhere to the timelines described above, in each case, the University may extend the times frames for good cause. Good cause may include, without limitation: the complexity of the allegations; the complexity of the disciplinary proceeding; the severity and extent of the alleged misconduct; the number of parties, witnesses, and the types of other evidence (e.g., forensic evidence) involved; the availability of the parties, advisors, witnesses, and evidence (e.g., forensic evidence); concurrent law enforcement activity; intervening University holidays, breaks, or other closures; the need for language assistance or accommodation of disabilities; and/or other unforeseen circumstances. In the event that the need arises to adjust the timelines described above or those previously communicated to the Complainant and the Respondent for good cause, the University will notify the Complainant and the Respondent in writing of the reason for the delay and the expected adjustment in timelines.

POSSIBLE SANCTIONS

Following a determination under the Code that a student is responsible for engaging in Prohibited Conduct, the Hearing Examiner, Hearing Panel, or Title IX Hearing Officer will issue a sanction. Section V of the Code identifies the possible sanctions that may be imposed if, after the conclusion of the student conduct process, a Respondent is found responsible for engaging in Prohibited Conduct. Possible sanctions include: warning; disciplinary probation; deferred suspension; suspension; expulsion; withholding of degree; disciplinary probation for student organizations; social probation for student organizations; revocation or suspension of University registration for student organizations; educational activities; restitution; supervised work/service; loss or restriction of privileges; University housing reassignment or removal; and/or mandatory education. Any sanction imposed may be appealed as set forth in Section VIII of the Code. Once a sanction decision is final, OSCCS will ensure the effective implementation of final sanctions. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for effective implementation of any remedies.

RESOLUTION WITHOUT A FORMAL HEARING

The Code provides processes by which Formal Complaints may be resolved without a Formal Hearing. These processes differ depending on whether the Formal Complaint is a Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint or a Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint.

Alternative Resolution of Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaints.

At any time during the student conduct process, allegations against a Respondent may be resolved through an alternative resolution. An alternative resolution is a resolution that is reached through a process and/or by a sanction or restriction not described in the Code. Before proposing an alternative resolution in a case involving Prohibited Conduct, OSCCS shall determine whether an alternative resolution would be appropriate based on the facts and circumstances of the case, and, if so, what type of alternative resolution process should be used. The Title IX Coordinator will ensure that any proposed alternative resolution is consistent with the University’s Title IX obligations.

Examples of alternative resolution processes that may be proposed include but are not limited to mediation, facilitated dialogue, conflict coaching, and restorative justice. The process of trying to reach an alternative resolution is voluntary (i.e., neither the Respondent nor a Complainant is required to

participate). At any time during an alternative resolution process, either the Complainant or the Respondent may request that the process cease, and the investigation and resolution process continue.

An Alternative Resolution Agreement is a written agreement that confirms an agreement to resolve the allegations against the Respondent through an alternative resolution. To be valid, an Alternative Resolution Agreement shall in all cases be signed by OSCCS and the Respondent, and shall include a waiver of the Respondent’s right, if any, to have a Formal Hearing on the allegations. Prior to the execution of an Alternative Resolution Agreement, if a Complainant has not participated with OSCCS in the discussion of an alternative resolution, then OSCCS will provide the Complainant with an opportunity to provide a timely objection to the proposed alternative resolution. In appropriate cases, the University may request the Complainant to sign an Alternative Resolution Agreement and determine that the Alternative Resolution Agreement is not effective without the Complainant’s signature. Neither the Respondent nor the Complainant may revoke or appeal an Alternative Resolution Agreement.

If an Alternative Resolution Agreement is not reached, then the student conduct process will proceed, and the allegations against the Respondent will be resolved through one of the other resolution methods in the Code.

Informal Resolution of Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaints

In Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaints, at any time prior to reaching a determination regarding responsibility, OSCCS may facilitate an informal resolution process with the Complainant and the Respondent. OSCCS will not facilitate an information resolution process without both parties’ agreement, and will obtain their voluntary, written consent. OSCCS will provide to the parties a written notice disclosing the allegations, as well as the requirements of the informal resolution process, including the circumstances under which the parties cannot resume the investigation or Title IX Hearing process arising from the same allegations.

At any time prior to agreeing to an informal resolution, any party has the right to withdraw from the informal resolution process and resume the investigation and Title IX Hearing process.

UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT FOR NON-TITLE IX PROHIBITED CONDUCT COMPLAINTS

Chapter 1720-1-5 of the Rules of the University of Tennessee (https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/1720/1720-01/1720-01-05.20180524.pdf) sets forth the University’s procedures for conducting a contested case hearing pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, Tennessee Code Annotated, § 4-5-301 et seq. In a case involving a Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint, the administrative judge or hearing officer must modify those procedures when required to comply with federal law, including without limitation, the Clery Act and FERPA. In Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct cases, where the University recommends a sanction of deferred suspension, suspension, expulsion, withholding of degree, or revocation of degree or greater, a Respondent may elect a contested case hearing. In Title IX Prohibited Conduct cases, the decision of the Title IX Hearing Officer is only subject to the appeals process provided in Section 8.5(h) of the Code and mandated by the Title IX regulations. For Formal Complaints in Title IX Prohibited Conduct cases, the Title IX regulations preempt the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. 34 C.F.R. § 106.6(h).

TRAINING FOR UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS

Disciplinary proceedings relating to Prohibited Conduct will be conducted by persons who receive annual training on the issues related to Prohibited Conduct. Title IX Officials, investigators, Title IX Hearing Officers, and any other person who makes decisions in a case involving Title IX Allegations, at a minimum, receive annual training on: (1) the definitions of Prohibited Conduct included in this Policy;

(2) the scope of the University’s “education program or activity; (3) how to conduct the grievance process outlined in the Policy and Code (including investigations, hearings, appeals, and informal resolution processes); and (4) how to serve impartially (including avoiding conflicts of interest, personal biases, and prejudgment of the facts of a matter. In addition, all investigators will receive training on issues of relevance and drafting an investigative report that fairly summarizes the evidence.

All Title IX Hearing Officers, and any other person who makes decisions in a case involving Title IX Allegations, will receive necessary training on technology to be used at a live hearing, as well as on issues of relevance of questions and evidence.

Training materials used to train Title IX Officials, investigators, Title IX Hearings Officers, and other decision makers will be publicly maintained at https://titleix.tennessee.edu/policies/2020-training- materials/.

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Sample Notice of Receipt of Formal Complaint

{{BASIC_SALUTATION}},

This letter serves as notice that the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards (SCCS) received a Formal Complaint alleging that {{RESPONDENT NAME}} (the “Respondent”) engaged in misconduct against {{COMPLAINANT NAME}} (the “Complainant”). SCCS is investigating the allegation as a possible violation of Standard of Conduct 7 of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Student Code of Conduct (“Code”):

  • Standard of Conduct 7: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, Sexual Exploitation, and/or Retaliation. Violating the University’s Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence, Relationship Violence, and Stalking, which includes sexual exploitation, and retaliation.

Specifically, the Formal Complaint detailed that on or about {{INCIDENT DATE}}, at or near {{INCIDENT LOCATION}}, the Respondent engaged in {{TYPE OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT}} when {{BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CONDUCT PULLED FROM FORMAL COMPLAINT}}. The University’s Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence, and Stalking (“Policy”) defines {{TYPE OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT}} as follows:

  • {{SPECIFIC POLICY DEFINITION}}

The University responds to Formal Complaints by following the grievance process outlined in Code Section

8. Please note that the grievance process includes the following information:

  • A Respondent is presumed not responsible for engaging in alleged misconduct and the University will not make a determination regarding responsibility until the conclusion of the grievance process.
  • The Complainant and the Respondent may each be assisted by an Advisor of choice during all stages of this investigation. An Advisor may be a person outside of the University (for example, an attorney or other person of your choosing), or may be a University employee who is trained to serve in this role. Please see Code Section 8.2(b) for more information about the role of an Advisor.
  • The Complainant and the Respondent may each inspect and review relevant evidence collected during this investigation prior to a hearing or determination of responsibility.
  • If, during the course of this investigation, additional instances of alleged misconduct arise, SCCS will, where appropriate, send the Complainant and the Respondent an additional notice letter outlining the allegations.

Please see the attached information sheet for an overview of the investigation process.

SCCS will send a second letter to provide notice of your scheduled meeting/interview. Please note that providing false information to SCCS during the investigation may result in a separate disciplinary investigation of the alleged conduct under Standard of Conduct 4.2.

Sincerely,

{{SIGNATURE}}

APPENDIX D

PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATING AND RESOLVING ALLEGATIONS OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT WHEN THE RESPONDENT IS AN EMPLOYEE OR THIRD PARTY

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment free from Sexual Harassment (including Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence and Stalking), Sexual Exploitation, and Retaliation (collectively, “Prohibited Conduct”). Prohibited Conduct is defined in the University’s Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence, and Stalking (the “Policy”).15

The process for investigating and resolving Prohibited Conduct when the Respondent is an employee or third party (such as a visitor to campus or a contractor) will be handled by the University’s Office of Equity and Diversity/Inclusion (OED or OEI) in accordance with University Human Resources Policies (applicable to all employees) and the Board of Trustees Policies Governing Academic Freedom, Responsibility, and Tenure (BT0006) (applicable to faculty), as modified and/or clarified by this Appendix D and Appendix D-1, and in compliance with Title IX regulations, 34 C.F.R. 106.45, and Clery Act regulations, 34 C.F.R. § 668.46.16

HOW TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT

Prohibited Conduct may be reported to any Title IX Official identified in Section 4 of the Policy. Upon receiving a report of Prohibited Conduct, the Title IX Coordinator (or designee) will promptly contact the Complainant to explain the process for filing a Formal Complaint.

A Formal Complaint is a document filed by the Complainant (or, in some circumstances, signed by the Title IX Coordinator) alleging Prohibited Conduct against a Respondent and requesting that the University investigate the allegations.

Two types of Formal Complaints may be filed. The Title IX Coordinator or other Title IX Official can explain to a Complainant the options for Formal Complaints.

First, a Complainant may file a Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint in a case involving allegations that a Respondent’s conduct constitutes Sexual Harassment in the University’s education program or activity in the United States as defined in 34 C.F.R. 106.30(a) (“Title IX Allegations”). For Title IX Allegations, the University’s “education program or activity” includes locations, events, or circumstances over which the University exercised substantial control over both the Respondent and the context in which the Sexual Harassment occurs, and also includes any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the University.

Second, the Complainant may file a Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint in a case in which the Prohibited Conduct did not occur in the University’s education program or activity or did not occur in the United States but would, if proven, violate the Policy (i.e., allegations of misconduct in a study

15 Capitalized terms have the same meaning in the Policy and Appendix D and D-1.

16 The procedures set forth in Appendix D and D-1 will discuss employee Respondents, and will be modified, as needed, for third parties.

abroad program or off-campus misconduct committed against another member of the University community).

As soon as practicable after the filing of a Formal Complaint, OED will provide a Notice of Receipt of Formal Complaint to the parties who are known. The Notice of Receipt of Formal Complaint shall include the following information: (1) notice of the process that applies to the allegations; (2) the identities of the parties involved in the incident; (3) the conduct allegedly constituting the violation; (4) the date and location of the incident, if known; (5) a statement that the Respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct; (6) a statement that a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the process; (7) the parties’ right to have an Advisor of their choice, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney; (8) the parties’ right to inspect and review evidence; and (9) notice that providing false information to a University official is a violation of the Code of Conduct, HR0580.

If a Complainant files a Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint, the University must investigate the allegations. Under federal law, the University must dismiss a Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint if the conduct alleged in the complaint (i) would not be Sexual Harassment, even if proven; (ii) did not occur in the University’s “education program or activity;” or (iii) did not occur within the United States. However, if the Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint is dismissed, the Complainant has the option of filing a Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint requesting the University investigate allegations that may, if proven, still violate the Policy.

The University may dismiss, but is not required to dismiss, a Formal Complaint (both Title IX and Non- Title IX) if, at any time during the investigation and hearing: (1) the Complainant notifies the Title IX Coordinator in writing that the Complainant would like to withdraw the Formal Complaint; (2) the Respondent is no longer employed; or (3) specific circumstances prevent the University from gathering sufficient evidence to reach a determination as to the Respondent’s responsibility.

In addition to Formal Complaints under the Policy regarding Prohibited Conduct, anyone can file a complaint under the University’s Human Resources Policy prohibiting sexual harassment (HR0280). HR0280 prohibits sexual harassment (and other discrimination) in employment. The requirements for investigating and resolving a matter under HR0280 differ from the requirements under this policy, and the University may be obligated to investigate an allegation of harassment under HR0280 regardless of whether a Formal Complaint is filed. Employees wishing to file a complaint under HR0280 must do so within 300 days of the alleged violation.

ADMINSTRATIVE LEAVE

In any case involving Prohibited Conduct, the University may place any employee on administrative leave during the pendency of the grievance process.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST OR BIAS OF UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS

Investigations, hearings, and appeals relating to Prohibited Conduct will be conducted by persons who do not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against Complainants and Respondents generally or an individual Complainant or Respondent.

Investigations, hearings, and appeals will be conducted in a prompt, fair, and impartial manner from the investigation to the final result. Throughout the grievance process, investigators and decision makers

will objectively evaluate all relevant evidence, including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence, and credibility determinations will not be based on a person’s status as a Complainant, Respondent, or witness.

STANDARD OF PROOF

The standard of proof used in deciding Prohibited Conduct complaints is the preponderance of the evidence standard, i.e., whether it is more likely than not that the Respondent engaged in Prohibited Conduct.

RIGHT TO AN ADVISOR

The Complainant and the Respondent have the right to be assisted by an Advisor during all stages of the Prohibited Conduct investigation and, if applicable, hearing process, including all meetings, investigative interviews, and hearings. The Advisor may be, but is not required to be, an attorney.

In general, an Advisor is not permitted to speak for or on behalf of a Complainant or Respondent, appear in lieu of a Complainant or Respondent, participate as a witness, or participate directly in any other manner during any phase of the process, except in a Title IX Hearing. In a Title IX Hearing, the Advisor, and not the party, must ask the other party and any witnesses all relevant questions and follow- up questions

If a Complainant or Respondent does not have an Advisor at a Title IX Hearing, the University will provide one (selected by the University) without fee or charge to that party.

RIGHT TO A SUPPORT PERSON

The Complainant and the Respondent also have the right to be assisted by a support person during all stages of the Prohibited Conduct investigation, and if applicable, hearing process, including all meetings, investigative interviews, and hearings. A support person may be a friend, a family member, or any individual who is not otherwise a potential witness in the Prohibited Conduct investigation. The support person is not permitted to speak for or on behalf of a Complainant or Respondent, appear in lieu of a Complainant or Respondent, participate as a witness, or participate directly in any other manner during any phase of the investigation or grievance process.

INVESTIGATIONS

Within three (3) business days of receiving a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will refer the Formal Complaint to an investigator, who will investigate the allegations.17

17 Investigations of reports of Prohibited Conduct are usually performed by OED/OEI. However, for good cause, the Title IX Coordinator may select an investigator(s) external to OED/OEI, provided that the investigator has specific training and experience investigating allegations of Prohibited Conduct. Any investigator(s) chosen to conduct the investigation must be impartial and free of any conflict of interest or bias. The investigator(s) may be a University employee, a team of University employees, an external investigator engaged to assist the University, or a team of external investigators engaged to assist the University. Good cause may include circumstances in which OED/OEI has a conflict of interest (e.g. an OED/OEI employee or someone who has oversight over OED/OEI is a party or witness), the complexity of the case requires expertise or resources external to OED/OEI; and the workload of OED/OEI require an investigator external to OED/OEI to timely investigate a case.

In all investigations of Prohibited Conduct, the University must ensure that the burden of proof and the burden of gathering evidence rests on the University and not on the parties. The University may interview and re-interview the Complainant, the Respondent, and/or any other person at any time during the investigation in order to obtain additional and/or clarifying information. The University will provide an equal opportunity for the parties to identify and present witnesses for interview, including fact witnesses and expert witnesses, and present other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence. The University will provide written notice of the date, time, location, participants, and purpose of all investigative interviews and other meetings, with sufficient time to prepare to participate.

At the end of the investigation, the University will prepare an investigative report setting forth a preliminary recommendation as to whether the Respondent shall be held responsible or not. The investigative report will be provided to the parties and the appropriate University administrator in Non- Title IX Prohibited Conduct Cases and provided to the parties and the Title IX Hearing Officer in Title IX Prohibited Conduct Cases. In Title IX Prohibited Conduct cases, the preliminary recommendation will be removed from the report before it is provided to the Title IX Hearing Officer.

Prior to preparing a written investigative report, the University will provide both parties with an equal opportunity to inspect and review any evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly related to the allegations raised in the Formal Complaint. The parties will have ten (10) business days to submit a written response, which the investigator will consider prior to completion of the investigative report. The investigation will generally be completed within sixty-five (65) business days.

The University will send the investigative report to each party and the party’s Advisor. Within ten (10) business days after being sent the reports, each party may make a written response to the investigative report, which will be provided to the other party. A hearing, if required, shall not take place until the ten (10) days to respond has lapsed, even if a response from a party has been received earlier.

DISPOSITION OF NON-TITLE IX MATTERS

If the investigation of a Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint concludes with the University making a determination that the evidence does not support the allegations, then the Complainant may request an administrative review of that decision by the Chancellor. Such a request must be made in writing to OED within fifteen (15) business days after the investigative report is issued to the parties.

If the investigation results in a preliminary recommendation that the Respondent is responsible, the appropriate University administrator may accept or not accept the recommendation. If the appropriate University administrator accepts the recommendation, the administrator will impose an appropriate sanction. If the administrator does not accept the recommendation, the administrator shall prepare a written explanation for not accepting the recommendation. The administrator’s decision not to accept the recommendation of OED/OEI is subject to administrative review by the Chancellor at the request of the Complainant. Such a request must be made in writing to OED/OEI within fifteen (15) business days after the administrator’s decision.

If the administrator accepts a finding that the Respondent is responsible and imposes a sanction (or no sanction), the Respondent may appeal that decision (as well as the sanction) as set forth in the University’s Disciplinary Action policy (HR0525). The Complainant may also request an administrative review of the sanction decision by the Chancellor.

DISPOSITION OF TITLE IX MATTERS

At the conclusion of all investigations of Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaints, the case will proceed to a Title IX Hearing, unless the parties agree to an Informal Resolution. Complaints by a student against an employee cannot be resolved through an Informal Resolution. The University generally concludes a Title IX Hearing with a decision within forty (40) business days of the end of the investigation. Appendix D-1 describes the Title IX Hearing process.

The Complainant and the Respondent have equal rights to appeal the decision after a Title IX Hearing, or a decision by the University to dismiss a Formal Complaint. Appendix D-1 describes the process for appealing a decision by the Title IX Hearing Officer, and the same process shall apply to appeals of the University’s decision to dismiss a Formal Complaint of Title IX Allegations.

ANTICIPATED TIMELINES

Although the University strives to adhere to the timelines described above and in Appendix D-1, in each case, the University may extend the times frames for good cause. Good cause may include, without limitation: the complexity of the allegations; the complexity of the disciplinary proceeding; the severity and extent of the alleged misconduct; the number of parties, witnesses, and the types of other evidence (e.g., forensic evidence) involved; the availability of the parties, Advisors, witnesses, and evidence (e.g., forensic evidence); concurrent law enforcement activity; intervening University holidays, breaks, or other closures; the need for language assistance or accommodation of disabilities; and/or other unforeseen circumstances. In the event that the need arises to adjust the timelines described above or those previously communicated to the Complainant and the Respondent for good cause, the University will notify the Complainant and the Respondent in writing of the reason for the delay and the expected adjustment in timelines.

POSSIBLE SANCTIONS

Following a determination that an employee is responsible for engaging in Prohibited Conduct, the appropriate University administrator (in a Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint) or the Title IX Hearing Officer (in a Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint) will issue a sanction. Possible sanctions range from a verbal warning to termination, and include: verbal or written warning, written reprimand or censure, a suspension with or without pay, probation, demotion, removal or alteration of job responsibilities (and a corresponding loss of pay), and termination. A sanction for faculty members could also include revocation of tenure and revocation of emeritus status.

Any sanction imposed may be appealed as set forth above and in Appendix D-1. Once a sanction decision is final, the University will ensure the effective implementation of the final sanctions. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for effective implementation of any remedies.

INFORMAL RESOLUTIONS

In some cases, Formal Complaints may be resolved prior to the conclusion of the OED/OEI investigation. These resolution processes differ depending on whether the Formal Complaint is a Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint or a Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint, and may not be available in all cases.

Alternative Resolution of Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaints. Any time during the investigation process, allegations against a Respondent may be resolved through an alternative resolution. An alternative resolution is a resolution that is reached through a process and/or by a sanction or restriction outside of the normal process. The Title IX Coordinator will ensure that any proposed alternative resolution is consistent with the University’s Title IX obligations.

An Alternative Resolution Agreement is a written agreement that confirms an agreement to resolve the allegations against the Respondent through an alternative resolution. To be valid, an Alternative Resolution Agreement shall in all cases be signed by OED/OEI and the Respondent. In appropriate cases, OED/OEI may request the Complainant to sign an Alternative Resolution Agreement and determine that the Alternative Resolution Agreement is not effective without the Complainant’s signature. Neither the Respondent nor the Complainant may revoke or appeal an Alternative Resolution Agreement.

Informal Resolution of Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaints. At any time prior to reaching a determination regarding responsibility, OED/OEI may facilitate an informal resolution process with the Complainant (who is not a student) and the Respondent. OED/OEI will not facilitate an informal resolution process without both parties’ agreement, and will obtain their voluntary, written consent. OED/OEI will provide to the parties a written notice disclosing the allegations, as well as the requirements of the informal resolution process, including the circumstances under which the parties cannot resume the investigation or Title IX Hearing process arising from the same allegations. By law, when the Complainant is a student, the University is not permitted to resolve a Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint through an informal resolution.

At any time prior to agreeing to an informal resolution, any party has the right to withdraw from the informal resolution process and resume the investigation and Title IX Hearing process.

TRAINING FOR UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS

Proceedings relating to Prohibited Conduct will be conducted by persons who receive annual training on the issues related to Prohibited Conduct. Title IX Officials, investigators, Title IX Hearing Officers, and any other person who makes decisions in a case involving Title IX Allegations will, at a minimum, receive annual training on: (1) the definitions of Prohibited Conduct included in this Policy; (2) the scope of the University’s education program or activity; (3) how to conduct the grievance process outlined in the Policy and Appendix D-1 (including investigations, hearings, appeals, and informal resolution processes); and (4) how to serve impartially (including avoiding conflicts of interest, personal biases, and prejudgment of the facts of a matter). In addition, all investigators will receive training on issues of relevance and drafting an investigative report that fairly summarizes the evidence.

All Title IX Hearing Officers, and any other person who makes decisions in a case involving Title IX Allegations, will receive necessary training on technology to be used at a live hearing, as well as on issues of relevance of questions and evidence.

Training materials used to train Title IX Officials, investigators, Title IX Hearings Officers, and other decision makers will be publicly maintained at https://titleix.tennessee.edu/policies/2020-training- materials/

APPENDIX D-1

OED/OEI TITLE IX HEARINGS AND APPEALS

  1. The Title IX Hearing. Any case involving allegations that a Respondent’s conduct constitutes Sexual Harassment in the University’s education program or activity in the United States as defined in 34 C.F.R. 106.30(a) (“Title IX Allegations”) will be resolved through a Title IX Hearing. The Title IX Hearing must be conducted in accordance with 34 C.F.R. 106.45.
  2. The Title IX Hearing Officer. The Director of OED/OEI will appoint a qualified Title IX Hearing Officer to conduct the Title IX Hearing and will notify the parties and their Advisors, if any, of the appointment. The Title IX Hearing Officer may be a University employee, a team of University employees, an external person engaged to conduct the Title IX Hearing, or a team of external people engaged to conduct the Title IX Hearing. A party may object to the appointment of any Title IX Hearing Officer, in writing to OED/OEI. Any objection must be received within three (3) business days of the notice of appointment, and it must state the party’s grounds for objecting. The Director of OED/OEI will decide whether an objection is justified, and that decision is final. If a Title IX Hearing Officer is removed based on an objection, the Director of OED/OEI will appoint a new qualified Title IX Hearing Officer to conduct the Title IX Hearing
Notice of Title IX Hearing.
  1. When a Notice of Title IX Hearing is Sent. The Title IX Hearing Officer will send the Respondent and the Complainant a Notice of Title IX Hearing at least ten (10) business days in advance of the date of the hearing.
  2. Information in the Notice of Title IX Hearing. The Notice of Title IX Hearing will contain, or be accompanied by, the following information: (1) the date, time, and place of the Title IX Hearing; (2) notice of the right to have an Advisor of the party’s choice, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney, and that, if the party does not have an Advisor present at the hearing, the University will provide an Advisor of the University’s choice, without fee or charge, to ask the other party and any witnesses all relevant questions and follow-up questions on behalf of that party; (3) notice that any cross-examination of any other party or witness must be conducted by the Advisor, and never by a party personally; and (4) notice that all of the evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly related to the allegations raised in the Formal Complaint will be available to the parties at the hearing. Other pre-hearing information may also be included in the Notice of Title IX Hearing. Any Title IX Hearing may be rescheduled by the Title IX Hearing Officer or upon request of any party and for good cause shown.
  3. More than One Respondent. In cases involving more than one (1) Respondent, Title IX Hearings concerning each Respondent’s conduct may be conducted separately upon written request of a party submitted at least seven (7) business days in advance of the hearing. The University has the discretion to make the final determination of whether to grant such a request and will notify the parties of the decision.
  4. Consequences of Failing to Attend a Title IX Hearing. If a party fails to attend a Title IX Hearing, the Title IX Hearing Officer may proceed with the Title IX Hearing without that party’s participation.
General Rules Governing Title IX Hearings.
  1. The Title IX Hearing will take place no sooner than ten (10) business days after the parties’ receipt of the written investigative report.
  2. The Title IX Hearing Officer may conduct pre-hearing meetings or conferences with the parties and their Advisors, if any, to discuss any pre-hearing issues, including but not limited to, the date of the hearing, the location of the hearing, any technology to be used at the hearing, the general rules governing the hearing, including any rules of decorum, the identification of witnesses, and the availability of evidence at the hearing,
  3. Each party must notify the Title IX Hearing Officer at least five (5) business days before the hearing of the identity of the party’s Advisor, if any, or that the party does not have an Advisor so that the University can provide an Advisor.
  4. At the request of either party, the University will provide for the hearing to occur with the parties located in separate rooms with technology enabling the Title IX Hearing Officer and parties to simultaneously see and hear the party or the witness answering questions.
  5. Upon the request and for good cause shown, a Title IX Hearing Officer may permit the participation of witnesses who were not identified by the party to the investigator, or the inclusion of evidence not provided by the party to the investigator.
Procedural Rules for Title IX Hearings.
  1. Authority of the Title IX Hearing Officer. The Title IX Hearing Officer has the authority to maintain order and make all decisions necessary for the fair, orderly, and expeditious conduct of the Title IX Hearing. The Title IX Hearing Officer shall be the final decision maker concerning what, how, and in what order witnesses are questioned and evidence is examined.
Exclusion of Information.
    1. Questions and evidence about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant, unless such questions and evidence about the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior are offered to prove that someone other than the Respondent committed the conduct alleged by the Complainant, or if the questions and evidence concern specific incidents of the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the Respondent and are offered to prove consent.
    2. The University cannot access, consider, disclose, or otherwise use a party’s records that are made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting in the professional’s or

paraprofessional’s capacity, or assisting in that capacity, and which are made and maintained in connection with the provision of treatment to the party, unless the University obtains that party’s voluntary, written consent to do so.

    1. The University cannot not require, allow, rely upon, or otherwise use questions or evidence that constitute, or seek disclosure of, information protected under a legally recognized privilege, unless the person holding such privilege has waived the privilege.
    1. Preliminary Matters. The Title IX Hearing Officer shall begin the hearing by explaining the substance of the allegations and the specific University policy or policies allegedly violated.
    2. Attendance and Participation. Attendance during a Title IX Hearing generally is limited to the Title IX Hearing Officer, a representative from the University, the Complainant and the Complainant’s Advisor, the Respondent and the Respondent’s Advisor, and witnesses. Witnesses may attend the Title IX Hearing only while they are presenting information to the Title IX Hearing Officer unless the witness is the Complainant or the Respondent. The Title IX Hearing Officer and the University have the discretion to allow other persons to attend the Title IX Hearing, in accordance with state and federal law.
    3. Opening Statements. The Complainant and then the Respondent may make a brief statement of no longer than ten (10) minutes to the Title IX Hearing Officer, and they may provide a written copy of their statements to the Title IX Hearing Officer at the hearing. The Title IX Hearing Officer will provide a copy of any written statement received to the other party.
    4. Questioning the Witnesses. Following any opening statements, the Title IX Hearing Officer will question the Complainant, the Respondent, and any witnesses requested by the parties. The Title IX Hearing Officer will permit each party’s Advisor to ask the other party and any witnesses all relevant questions and follow-up questions, including those challenging credibility. Such cross-examination must be conducted directly, orally, and in real time by the party’s Advisor of choice and never by a party personally. Only relevant cross-examination and other questions may be asked of a party or witness. Before the Complainant, the Respondent, or any witness answers a cross-examination or other question, the Title IX Hearing Officer must first determine whether the question is relevant and explain any decision to exclude a question as not relevant. If a party or witness does not submit to cross-examination at the hearing, the Title IX Hearing Officer must not rely on any statement of that party or witness in reaching a determination regarding responsibility; provided, however, that the Title IX Hearing Officer cannot draw an inference about the determination regarding responsibility based solely on a party’s or witness’s absence from the hearing or refusal to answer cross-examination or other questions.
    5. Closing Statements. At the close of the Title IX Hearing, the Title IX Hearing Officer may allow the Complainant and the Respondent equal opportunities to make statements

summarizing the information presented to the Title IX Hearing Officer and/or advocating the decision that the Title IX Hearing Officer should reach.

  1. Recording of the Title IX Hearing. The University will create an audio or audiovisual recording or transcript, of the hearing and make it available to the parties for inspection and review.
  2. Notice of Decision of Title IX Hearing Officer. Within fifteen (15) business days of the hearing, the Title IX Hearing Officer must issue a written determination regarding responsibility (“Notice of Decision of Title IX Hearing Officer”). The written determination must include (i) identification of the allegations potentially constituting Sexual Harassment; (ii) a description of the procedural steps taken from the receipt of the Formal Complaint through the determination, including any notifications to the parties, interviews with parties and witnesses, site visits, methods used to gather other evidence, and hearings held; (iii) findings of fact supporting the determination; (iv) conclusions regarding the application of the Policy to the facts; (v) a statement of, and rationale for, the result as to each allegation, including a determination regarding responsibility, any disciplinary sanctions imposed on the Respondent, and whether remedies designed to restore or preserve equal access to the University’s education program or activity will be provided by the University to the Complainant; and (vi) the procedures and permissible bases for the Complainant and Respondent to appeal.

In deciding the appropriate sanctions for a Respondent’s misconduct, the Title IX Hearing Officer may consider information provided at the hearing by the Complainant, the Respondent, or any other witness with relevant information concerning the appropriate sanctions, if the Respondent is determined responsible.

The Title IX Hearing Officer shall transmit a copy of the Notice of Decision of Title IX Hearing Officer to the OED/OEI, and OED/OEI shall notify the Respondent, the Complainant, and their Advisors about the written determination and provide a copy of it simultaneously to the parties and their Advisors.

Appealing Decisions of the Title IX Hearing Officer.
  1. Appealable Decisions. The Complainant and the Respondent may appeal the decisions of the Title IX Hearing Officer that are contained in the Notice of Decision of Title IX Hearing Officer (as well as a decision by the University to dismiss a Formal Complaint), but the grounds for appeal are limited to those described in Section (8)(c).
  2. Notice of Appeal. An appeal is procedurally valid only if all of the following requirements are met: (1) an appeal shall be submitted to OED/OEI in writing by fully completing a form approved by the University called a “Notice of Appeal;” (2) the Notice of Appeal shall be received by OED/OEI within five (5) business days of the date that the University transmitted the Notice of Decision; and (3) the Notice of Appeal shall not include information that is not included in the record of the Title IX Hearing, except the Notice of Appeal may contain a summary of the new information described in Section (8)(c)(2). The University will notify the other party in writing when an appeal is received.
  3. Grounds for Appeal. The Notice of Appeal shall explain the grounds for the appeal, which shall be limited to one (1) or more of the following grounds:
    1. Procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter;
    2. New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination regarding responsibility or dismissal was made that could affect the outcome of the matter;
    3. The Title IX Coordinator, investigator(s), or decision-maker(s) had a conflict of interest or bias for or against Complainants or Respondents generally or the individual Complainant or Respondent that affected the outcome of the matter;
    4. Any disciplinary sanctions imposed on the Respondent should not be imposed, or different disciplinary sanctions from those specified in the determination regarding responsibility should be imposed, or disciplinary sanctions should be imposed if none were imposed;
    5. The Title IX Hearing Officer made a clear error in dismissing a Formal Complaint or in determining that the Respondent is or is not responsible for the Title IX Allegations.
  4. Effective Date of Sanction. The sanction(s) imposed by the Title IX Hearing Officer shall not be effective during the period in which a Notice of Appeal may be submitted, or, if a procedurally valid Notice of Appeal has been submitted (as determined by Section (8)(c)), until a Notice of Title IX Final Decision is issued by the Chief Human Resources Officer (for staff), the Chief Academic Officer (for faculty), and the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education (for residents), whichever is later.
  5. Appeal Process. Each party may submit a written statement in support of or challenging the outcome of the Title IX Hearing. The written statement must be received by OED/OEI within five (5) business days of the date on which the Notice of Appeal was filed, or on which the non-appealing party received notice that the other party filed a Notice of Appeal. After all statements are received by OED/OEA, staff appeals will be submitted to the Chief Human Resources Officer, faculty appeals will be submitted to the Chief Academic Officer, and resident appeals will be submitted to the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education. Within five (5) business days of the receipt of the last written statement, the Chief Human Resources Officer (for staff), the Chief Academic Officer (for faculty), and the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education (for residents) will issue a written decision (Notice of Title IX Final Decision) describing the result of the appeal and the rationale for the result, which will be provided simultaneously to both parties. The decision of the Chief Human Resources Officer (for staff) the Chief Academic Officer (for faculty), and the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education (for residents) is final and not further appealable.
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APPENDIX E

GUIDE FOR MANDATORY REPORTERS

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment free Sexual Harassment (including Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking), Sexual Exploitation, and Retaliation (collectively, “Prohibited Conduct”). Prohibited Conduct is defined in the University’s Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence, and Stalking (the “Policy”).18

A Mandatory Reporter is a University employee who is required to report information about known or suspected Prohibited Conduct to a Title IX Official, whether the employee received the information by means of a complaint, report, personal observation, or otherwise, including information learned from third parties. A University employee is almost always a Mandatory Reporter when either the Complainant or Respondent is a student. Employees who have questions about their reporting responsibilities, or students who have questions about an employee’s reporting responsibilities, should contact the Title IX Coordinator.

The purposes of this guide are to: (1) assist employees in determining whether they are Mandatory Reporters with respect to information they receive about Prohibited Conduct; and (2) assist Mandatory Reporters in determining how to respond to a report of Prohibited Conduct.

SECTION 1. QUESTIONS TO ASK TO DETERMINE WHETHER YOU ARE A MANDATORY REPORTER

  1. Are you a Confidential Employee, or do you work under the supervision of a Confidential Employee? If you do not know the answer to this question, then you are most likely not a Confidential Employee. Confidential Employees are University employees who can keep information confidential because they hold a valid license in a profession for which Tennessee law recognizes a confidential relationship between a professional and a professional’s client or patient or because the University has deemed the employee as a confidential resource for students, faculty, and staff. (Refer to Section 1.2.1 of Appendix A or contact a Title IX Coordinator if you are not sure whether you are a Confidential Employee)
    • If yes, and if you received the information about Prohibited Conduct in the context of a confidential relationship, then you are not a Mandatory Reporter. You should help a Complainant explore options for care and support, provide information on reporting options and interim measures, and provide emotional support.
    • If no, proceed with asking Question 2.
  2. Is the Complainant a child (under age 18)?
    • If yes, and the incident involves suspected child abuse or child sexual abuse, then you must report the incident in accordance with University of Tennessee Safety Policy 0575.
    • If no, proceed with asking Question 3.
  3. Is either the Complainant or the Respondent a student?
    • If yes, then you must report the incident to a Title IX Official19 unless:

18 Capitalized terms have the same meaning in the Policy and Appendix E.

19 The names and contact information for Title IX Officials are listed in Section 4 of the Policy.

    • You received the information about Prohibited Conduct during a public awareness event such as “Take Back the Night,” candlelight vigil, protest, “survivor speak-outs” or other public forums including online forums such as social networking sites or blogs;
    • You received notice of the incident during the student’s participation as a subject in an Institutional Review Board-approved human subjects research protocol;
    • You received notice through an in-class discussion, a class paper, or other academic assignment; or
    • You are a student employee (e.g., graduate assistant) and you did not receive notice of the incident in your University employment capacity.
  1. Are you the supervisor of either the Complainant or the Respondent, or do you otherwise have the authority to redress the Prohibited Conduct?
    • If yes, then you must report the incident to a Title IX Official unless you received the information about Prohibited Conduct during a public awareness event such as “Take Back the Night,” candlelight vigil, protest, “survivor speak outs” or other public forums including online forums such as social networking sites and blogs, or you received notice of the incident during a person’s participation as a subject in an Institutional Review Board-approved human subjects research protocol;
    • If no, then the University strongly encourages you to report the information to a Title IX Official even though you are not a Mandatory Reporter with respect to the incident. Employees who have been designated by campus law enforcement as Campus Security Authorities for purposes of compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”) should evaluate whether they have an independent obligation to report the incident to campus law enforcement. Questions about the reporting obligations of Campus Security Authorities should be directed to Lt. Joanne Morrow, the University’s Clery Compliance Coordinator, at jmorrow9@uthsc.edu or 901.448.6452

SECTION 2. ACTIONS THAT MANDATORY REPORTERS MUST TAKE

A Mandatory Reporter who receives information concerning an incident of Prohibited Conduct must:

  1. Support the Complainant by:
    • Assisting the Complainant with obtaining medical assistance (if requested) or accessing other on- or off-campus resources (if requested); and
    • Encouraging the Complainant to report the incident to law enforcement and assist the Complainant in contacting law enforcement if requested by the Complainant (call 911 in an emergency); and
  2. Report the incident to the University:
    • Report the incident to a Title IX Official promptly after receiving notice of the incident (no later than 48 hours20 after receiving the report).21 The Mandatory Reporter must communicate all details known about the alleged incident; or
    • If the incident involves suspected child abuse or child sexual abuse, comply with University of Tennessee Safety Policy 0575.

SECTION 3. ACTIONS THAT MANDATORY REPORTERS SHOULD TAKE

Before a Complainant reveals information to the Mandatory Reporter that the Complainant may wish to keep confidential, the University recommends that a Mandatory Reporter use his/her best efforts to ensure that the Complainant understands:

  1. The employee’s obligation to report the names of a Respondent and a Complainant involved in the alleged Prohibited Conduct, as well as other relevant facts regarding the alleged incident, to a Title IX Official;
  2. A Complainant’s ability to share the information confidentially with certain on- and off-campus resources (Appendix A of the Policy);
  3. A Complainant’s option under the Policy includes meeting with the Title IX Coordinator, accessing Supportive Measures, and choosing to make a formal complaint; and
  4. If the person indicates hesitancy to report an incident to the University, inform the person that the University prohibits Retaliation and will not only take steps to prevent Retaliation but also take responsive action if Retaliation occurs.

After a Complainant reveals information about Prohibited Conduct to the Mandatory Reporter, the University recommends that a Mandatory Reporter take the following actions (in addition to the actions in Section 2):

  1. Provide emotional support to the Complainant;
  2. Encourage the Complainant to preserve any evidence (see Appendix A of the Policy for tips on the preservation of evidence);
  3. Inform the Complainant that the employee will be reporting the incident to a Title IX Official, who will contact the Complainant to provide further guidance and assistance; and
  4. Provide a Complainant with a copy of Appendix A of the Policy or the campus resource information.

SECTION 4. ACTIONS THAT MANDATORY REPORTERS MUST NOT TAKE

A Mandatory Reporter who receives notice of an incident of Prohibited Conduct must not:

  1. Guarantee a Complainant that the employee will keep information confidential and not share the information with anyone else, including a Title IX Official;

20 If the end of the 48-hour reporting window falls on a weekend or a University holiday, then the Mandatory Reporter should report the incident as soon as possible on the next University business day.

21 A Mandatory Reporter may also inform his/her supervisor of the incident. With the prior approval of the Title IX Coordinator, a University unit may adopt a policy that requires a Mandatory Reporter in the unit to report an incident of Prohibited Conduct to his/her supervisor or other designee within the unit, who, in lieu of the Mandatory Reporter who received notice of the incident, must promptly report the incident to a Title IX Official.

  1. Share information about the incident with a person who does not have a University-related need to know;
  2. Share personally identifiable information about the incident with law enforcement (including UTHSC-PD) without the Complainant’s consent; and/or
  3. Investigate or otherwise attempt to resolve reports of Prohibited Conduct without the approval of a Title IX Official (this provision does not apply to UTHSC-PD), other than taking an action required or recommended in Section 2 or Section 3.

ED400 – Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking
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