Reporting Sexual Harassment or Sex-based Misconduct

In processing reports of sexual harassment, sex-based misconduct and/or related retaliation involving students, TAMUK follows The Texas A&M University System Policy 08.01, Civil Rights Protections and Compliance and corresponding Regulation 08.01.01, Civil Rights Compliance (http://policies.tamus.edu/08-01-01.pdf (PDF)). These are supplemented by Texas A&M University- Kingsville Rule 08.01.01.K1, Civil Rights and Compliance. (http://www.tamuk.edu/policy/_files/pdf/08-01-01-K1.pdf (PDF)) You may also refer to the TAMUK Office of Compliance website for more information: http://www.tamuk.edu/compliance/index.html

1. An employee’s or student’s complaint alleging discrimination should be reported as soon as possible after the action that caused the complaint. (08.01.01, 4.1.4)
2. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, non-consensual sexual contact, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual exploitation and stalking may be reported to any university official. All faculty, staff, and student-employees, when working within their job description, are required to share all such reports relating to sexual harassment or sex-based misconduct with the Title IX Coordinator, located in the Office of Compliance and Risk Management, Lewis Hall, Room 130, (361) 593-4758. The Title IX Coordinator will work closely with other offices as appropriate to implement supportive measures and oversees the investigation process. As a matter of Texas A&M University System policy and state law, all employees must report a known allegation to the Office of Compliance and Risk Management. Failure to report may result in termination of employment and/or criminal charges.
3. Individuals reporting issues of sexual harassment, sex-based misconduct, or related retaliation will meet with the Title IX Coordinator, Dean of Students Office, or designees and/or law enforcement (if a criminal report is being made, which is not required, but is always encouraged).
4. The reporting party will be provided information about available resources including counseling, physical and mental health assistance, victim advocacy, and other services available. A student who has been the victim of sexual harassment, sex-based misconduct, or related retaliation may request an academic accommodation, notice of absences or change in on-campus residence after a report of sexual misconduct. (http://www.tamuk.edu/compliance/title_9/index.html).
5. The reporter may withhold identifying information; however, withholding information about the alleged misconduct may limit the university’s ability to respond to a complaint.
6. The University, at its discretion, may proceed with the investigation / disciplinary process without a formal complaint if the University has sufficient information that sexual misconduct may have occurred or determines an investigation is warranted considering the circumstances.
7. Individuals reporting, in good faith, an incident of sexual misconduct may not face disciplinary charges for other student conduct violations occurring at or near the incident unless the reporter was the perpetrator or assisted in the perpetration of the reported