Faculty/Staff Reporting Obligations Under Title IX

As faculty or staff of the university you have certain reporting responsibilities and obligations:  

  • UNM faculty, staff, Teaching Assistants, and Graduate Assistants are considered “responsible employees” by the Department of Education (see pg 15 - http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/qa-201404-title-ix.pdf).
  • This designation requires that any report of gender discrimination, which includes sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and sexual violence made to a faculty member, TA, or GA must be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the Office of Equal Opportunity (oeo.unm.edu).
  • For more information on the campus policy regarding sexual misconduct, see: https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/2000/2740.html. Staff and faculty who are not employed in a designated advocacy center and those who have other requirements to maintain confidentiality under law or license, are also considered “responsible employees” under Title IX and have this same designation.

For more information regarding Title IX and reporting requirements, you may contact the Title IX Coordinator, Angela Catena, at acatena@unm.edu

Title IX Guidelines for Faculty and Staff

It is important to provide the student with the information and resources and allow them to make the decisions for themselves. Allowing students the opportunity to determine what is best for them provides them with a sense of autonomy and empowerment they may need to continue to be successful. Do not force your opinions, or what you think they need, onto the student.

       I. Respond

  • Before a student discloses an incident to you, if possible, make them aware of your reporting obligations
  • If a student chooses not to disclose any information, you can walk them over to an anonymous reporting location to further discuss their options
  • Review the policies regarding your obligations to make a report and take the appropriate steps
  • Ask the student what they are comfortable sharing
  • Remind the student it is not their fault
  • Let the student know resources and support are available
  • Assist the student in identifying support systems and available resources
  • Talk to the student about safety concerns, including fear(s) associated with making a report or seeing the perpetrator
  • Allow the student to make decisions

    II. Refer

  • There are a number of counseling resources available to students on campus and within the community, some of which are provided free of cost. Please refer to the resource guide.

  • If the assault occurred within the past 120 hours (5 days) the student has the option to obtain a medical examination through SANE services. SANE will provide prophylaxis as well as a medical exam for the purpose of evidence collection. The student does not need to file a report or press charges to utilize these services. The services provided by SANE are FREE of charge.
  • Provide the student with the information and services available at the University of New Mexico. Students can also contact the LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center for additional information and options available to them.

  • Review what was discussed with the student and explore possible next steps of action.

 III. Report

  • When you hear of an allegation or potential of abuse, as a person with “authority” you must report the allegation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.
  • For more information regarding responsible employees by the Department of Education please view the link below (see pg. 15 - http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/qa-201404-title-ix.pdf).
  • In addition to contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity, it may also be beneficial to document the report with your supervisor. This can ensure appropriate measures have been taken and, in some cases, accommodations can be made for the student in an effort to support their continued success.  

Should you have any questions regarding how to support your students, or how to navigate these rather difficult conversations, please call the LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center at 505.277.2911 to consult with one of the knowledgeable and trained staff.

 

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