Welcome to the Austin College Title IX Office homepage.
Here you can find the Title IX Policy, Coordinator contact information, and available resource information.
Home Page | Reporting | Policy Definitions | Grievance Procedures | Title IX Staff Training | Texas Compliance | Mandatory Student Training
This policy, dated August 14, 2020, supersedes any policies previously adopted and/or published in College handbooks, in the operational guide, or on the website.
0.1 Introduction
Congress passed the Higher Education Amendments in 1972, and included within them was Title IX, 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...” Since 1972, additional federal and Texas state laws and regulations have been adopted to offer further protection to those in higher education (i.e., students, employees, and third parties) from discrimination and harassment based on a person’s sex or gender. Austin College is committed to establishing an environment free of such discrimination and prohibits such acts. This policy has been updated to substantially comply with the Department of Education’s August 14, 2020 Title IX Regulations, and Texas laws H.B. 1735, S.B. 212, and H.B. 449.
Hence, Austin College (the College) will respond in a clearly reasonable way (as defined by Sections 106.44 and 106.45 of the New Title IX Regulations) to Reports and Formal Complaints containing information about actionable sex-and gender-based discrimination occurring in the College’s educational programs or activities in the United States, of which the Title IX Office is given Actual Notice of. These responses are intended to stop prohibited conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address any lingering impact on both participants and the campus community. Any retaliation against, or intimidation of those involved in a misconduct incident, be it those bringing a complaint, those accused, or those participating in the resolution process, is prohibited and will not be tolerated by the College.
Emergency Contacts |
| Counseling Services Adams Center 903.813.2247 |
| Campus Safety 903.813.2555 |
| Student Life Duty Number 903.815.3705 |
| Title IX Coordinator 903.813.2433 |
| Sherman Police - 911 |
| Grayson Crisis Center 903.893.5615 |
| National Sexual Assault Hotline 1.800.656.4673 |
| Sexual Misconduct Communication Form |
Austin College supports persons involved in this process through available support services. The College encourages all parties in Austin College’s Community who wish to receive confidential support services regarding sex- and gender-based discrimination to seek assistance from the Title IX Coordinator, staff in counseling services or health services, the office of the College chaplain, the Grayson County Crisis Center, or to seek other medical attention. Additionally, employees needing support services may seek assistance from the Human Resource Department or the Employee Assistance Program. Nothing in this policy prohibits individuals from reporting crimes to Law Enforcement.
Questions regarding Title IX may also be referred to the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, Dallas Office.
U.S. Department of Education
1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620
Dallas, TX 75201
Telephone: 214-661-9600
FAX: 214-661-9687; TTD: 877-521-2172
Email: OCR.Dallas@ed.gov
0.2 Notice of Non-Discrimination
Austin College is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic that is protected by applicable state or federal law in its operations, employment opportunities, educational programs, and related activities. Austin College is committed to providing individuals with disabilities equal access to the process outline in this policy. If you need an accommodation in the process, please consult with the Title IX Coordinator.
The Chief Human Resource Officer has been designated by the College as the appropriate person with authority to redress allegations of non-sexual misconduct: discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. All reports or formal complaints must be made to the Chief Human Resource Officer in order for Austin College to have actual notice of the issue and respond in a clearly reasonable way.
Reports of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation must be made to the Chief Human Resource Officer:
Melanie Oelfke, 900 N. Grand Ave., Suite 6I Sherman, TX 75090.
Phone: 903.813.2433
Email: moelfke@austincollege.edu
Reports may also be submitted to the Chief Human Resource Officer through the Campus Conduct Hotline (CCH) (866.943.5787), or the Online Campus Conduct Reporting tool, both of which are linked at the bottom of every Austin College webpage via “Campus Conduct Hotline.”
If a report is made to anyone else, the reporter risks the possibility that it will not come to the attention of the appropriate College authorities and may, therefore, not be acted upon officially by an Austin College employee with authority to redress the allegations.
Any person may make a report of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to the Chief Human Resource Officer. Austin College will likely be limited in its response when reports are made by, or against, individuals that are not under Austin College’s control. All persons have the right to contact law enforcement or other resources outside of Austin College’s process.
Once reported to the Chief Human Resource Officer, the College may take any appropriate immediate action, as determined by the College, including Administrative Leave, Emergency Removal, and Supportive Measures.