Introduction

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which students, faculty, and staff can work and study in an atmosphere free from all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Every member of the university community should be aware that the university does not tolerate student harassment, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, and that such behavior is prohibited by both federal and state law and by University policy. UTRGV will take action to prevent, correct, and if necessary, discipline or prosecute behavior that violates this policy and the law. All forms of sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, and all attempts to commit such acts, are regarded as serious University offenses that will to result in disciplinary action which may include, suspension, required withdrawal, expulsion, or termination.

UTRGV is committed to assisting all victims and survivors of, sexual harassment, including sexual violence. A member of the university community who wishes to file a complaint or who has information regarding a violation of university policy has various options regarding filing a report including contacting the Title IX Coordinator, University Police Department or filing an anonymous report at www.utrgv.edu/ReportIt. Prosecution can also take place in accordance with Texas criminal law, independent of University actions.

Students, faculty and staff are also encouraged to seek assistance through the Office for Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention (OVAVP) at 956-665-8287, OVAVP@utrgv.edu, or www.utrgv.edu/OVAVP. Services through advocates at OVAVP are confidential and advocates can assist in navigating campus and community reporting, available resources, and accommodations for victims/survivors.

A chart illustrating the reporting options and detailing the services available campus can be found on the website for the Title IX Office at www.utrgv.edu/Equity.