Texas Tech Title IX Lawyer

If the Texas Tech Title IX office has contacted you about a report that you committed sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking or other sexual misconduct, this page explains how Texas Tech’s own documents describe the process. It is written for students who are the respondent (the person named in the report) and for their parents. If you are looking for a Texas Tech Title IX lawyer, or only trying to understand the notice you received, start with the documents below. Texas state law is covered on our Texas Title IX defense attorney page.

The Texas Tech Offices That Handle Your Case

Student Civil Rights & Sexual Misconduct (SCRSM)

Section D of the Student Code of Conduct says the Office of Institutional Compliance houses Student Civil Rights & Sexual Misconduct (SCRSM), which investigates complaints of sexual misconduct by or between students. Some campus partners call SCRSM the Title IX Office. Its staff include the Title IX Coordinator, a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Case Managers, Investigators, CARE Coordinators and a Training and Outreach/Hearing Coordinator. The Case Manager conducts intake meetings with both the Complainant and the Respondent and coordinates Supportive Measures.

Section D says investigations are conducted in an equitable and impartial manner and are not criminal investigations. It requires the Title IX Coordinator, Investigator, Hearing Panel members, appeal officers and informal resolution facilitators to be free of conflicts of interest or bias against a party.

SCRSM is not a confidential office. Section D calls information given to SCRSM private, shared only with other campus officials in an emergency or for an educational need to know. Reports go to law enforcement only with the express consent of the student involved or through a lawfully issued subpoena. Section D also tells students that any information they provide may be used in a Grievance Process, and that all University employees have mandatory reporting obligations.

The student conduct office

Section D is itself part of the Student Code of Conduct, and SCRSM runs the process it describes. Dismissal of a Title IX complaint does not prevent action under other policies, including the Code of Student Conduct. The Title IX office’s Supportive Measures page adds that an allegation of violating a No Contact Order is referred to the Office of Student Conduct for investigation and possible sanctions. If the respondent is a faculty or staff member, the investigation follows the Office of Equal Opportunity, not SCRSM.

Which Texas Tech Document Applies to You

• Section D: Civil Rights Misconduct Procedures for Students 2026 to 2027, part of the Student Code of Conduct.
• System Regulation 10.01: Sexual Misconduct, publish date August 14, 2020. It has two parts: 10.01.A Title IX Sexual Misconduct and 10.01.B Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct.
• OP 40.03: Sexual Misconduct, dated September 24, 2024.

Section D says Texas Tech has adopted two distinct procedures. Title IX Sexual Misconduct is handled under System Regulation 10.01.A and Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct under 10.01.B. The applicable one is based on the nature, context and location of the alleged conduct, and the Title IX Coordinator or designee decides which to use.

Section D defines Title IX Sexual Misconduct as conduct on the basis of sex, against a person in the United States, in the University’s Education Program or Activity, that is either quid pro quo conduct by a University employee or unwelcome conduct so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies equal access. Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking as defined there are deemed to meet that standard. Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct covers the other listed conduct, such as nonconsensual sexual contact, nonconsensual sexual intercourse, sexual exploitation, public indecency, interpersonal violence and sexual harassment as defined for that category. Other misconduct under Section D is generally handled with the Non-Title IX process.

Your own Notice of Formal Complaint names the conduct as Title IX Sexual Misconduct or Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct, so it tells you which procedure is being used. OP 40.03 says questions about which policy applies go to the Title IX Coordinator or the System Office of Equal Opportunity. Section D says any conflict between the Handbook and the System Regulations is resolved by the System Regulations.

The Texas Tech Process Step by Step

Report and Formal Complaint

Anyone can report an incident. An incident report is not a Formal Complaint. It lets the University offer Supportive Measures to all parties and does not necessarily start a Grievance Process. Only the Complainant or the Title IX Coordinator can start the Grievance Process by signing a Formal Complaint. Section D says the University usually will not go forward without a Formal Complaint signed by the Complainant, but the Title IX Coordinator or designee may proceed case by case if the behavior involves pattern, predation, threat, or violence (PPTV).

Initial review and dismissal

When a Formal Complaint arrives, SCRSM evaluates jurisdiction and dismissal, assesses Supportive Measures for both parties, considers Emergency Removal and starts the Grievance Process. For Title IX Sexual Misconduct, SCRSM must dismiss if the allegation, even if proven, would not be Title IX Sexual Misconduct as defined, did not occur in the Education Program or Activity, or did not occur against a person in the United States. For Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct, it must dismiss if the conduct would not qualify even if proven or the Respondent is not a member of the University Community. SCRSM may dismiss if the Complainant withdraws in writing, the Respondent is no longer enrolled or employed, or circumstances prevent gathering enough evidence. Both parties get written notice of a dismissal, and any party can appeal it.

Notice to you

Section D says SCRSM gives the Respondent written notice with three (3) business days to prepare a response before an initial interview. The Notice of Formal Complaint covers the Grievance Process, the Informal Resolution process, the allegations and known details, and the section(s) of the Code of Student Conduct you are alleged to have violated. It also states that you are presumed not responsible, that you may have an advisor who may be an attorney, and that parties may inspect and review evidence. Notices go to your University email, and you are responsible for what is sent there.

You are given a Student Rights and Responsibilities document to review and acknowledge before your interview with the Investigator. Section D says you may refrain from making any statement, but if you fail or refuse to provide information during the Investigation, you will not be allowed to present new information at the Hearing. The process can continue without you. If you do not respond to the notice, an administrative hold may be placed on your record to prevent further registration and transcript receipt.

Informal Resolution

After written notice of a Formal Complaint, the University may offer Informal Resolution. It requires the voluntary, written consent of both parties and the concurrence of the Title IX Coordinator or designee. Either party may withdraw before final resolution and return to the Grievance Process. Section D says an Informal Resolution is binding and final with no opportunity to appeal.

Investigation and evidence review

The Investigator gathers and reviews information. Section D places the burden of gathering evidence on the University, not the parties. Both sides are encouraged to present witnesses and evidence. Investigators cannot compel witnesses and have no subpoena power. The University cannot use your treatment records from a physician or therapist without your voluntary written consent. If a police investigation is occurring, the Investigator will, where possible, collaborate with the Texas Tech Police Department.

Each party gets the evidence directly related to the allegations and has at least ten (10) days to submit a written response, according to Section D. The Investigation Report goes to the parties at least ten (10) days before the Hearing. New evidence you plan to use at the Hearing must go to the Title IX Coordinator at least five (5) days before and to the other party at least three (3) days before, or it may be excluded. The Title IX office’s process page describes the draft report review as 10 business days.

Hearing and decision

If the complaint is not dismissed or resolved informally, it goes to a live Hearing after a Pre-Hearing Process with a Hearing Coordinator. Hearings are closed to the public, and each Hearing is limited to four (4) hours unless exceptional circumstances justify longer. The University creates a record that parties may inspect on request.

• Title IX Sexual Misconduct: A three-member Hearing Panel decides, with the Title IX Hearing Officer as chair. A majority vote determines responsibility. The Panel does not include the Title IX Coordinator or an involved Investigator. Advisors conduct cross-examination.
• Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct: The Title IX Coordinator or designee decides between an Administrative Hearing, where one Administrative Hearing Officer decides responsibility and sanctions, and a Panel Hearing with three members. You may state a preference, but the decision is theirs.
• Both: If you accept responsibility for the allegations in the Investigation Report, you may request a Sanction Only Hearing. You may ask to strike a Panel member whose impartiality may be in question, with a reasonable and substantiated reason.

Section D says the Title IX written determination goes to the parties within five (5) University working days. The same period applies to outcomes of the Non-Title IX hearings, which may be “as soon as practical” for Panel Hearings. The standard of proof is “a preponderance of the evidence, which means more likely than not.” Section D also says the process is to be concluded within 120 business days, with limited extensions for good cause and written notice to both parties.

Sanctions

Section D lists Disciplinary Reprimand, Disciplinary Probation, Time-Limited Disciplinary Suspension, Disciplinary Expulsion, Conditions (such as counseling or education programs) and Restrictions. The Sanctioning Grid is only a guideline, and the Hearing Panel may deviate for sufficient reason. Sanctions take effect when the appeal period has expired or the appeal decision has been sent.

Appeals

Under Section D, section 12, the Complainant, the Respondent or other appropriate offices may appeal a determination of responsibility or the sanctions by written petition to the Title IX Coordinator or designee within three (3) University working days of delivery of the written decision. An appeal cannot be filed for you by a third party, including your advisor. A disagreement with the decision alone is not a ground. The only grounds are:

• a procedural irregularity that significantly affected the outcome;
• new evidence not reasonably available earlier that could affect the outcome (lack of participation does not count as new evidence);
• conflict of interest or bias by the Title IX Coordinator, Investigator or decision maker that affected the outcome; or
• sanctions that “substantially varies from the range of sanctions normally imposed for similar infractions.”

After a Sanction Only Hearing, only the last ground is available. The other party has three (3) University working days to respond. The Title IX Coordinator selects an Appeal Officer who was not on the Panel and is not the Investigator or Title IX Coordinator. The Appeal Officer may modify the finding or sanctions or remand the case, and the notice of the result is due within five (5) University working days from receipt of all responses. That decision is final. The Title IX office’s process page describes the same windows as business days, so check your decision letter for the unit it uses.

Advisors at Texas Tech

In every procedure, Section D gives you the right to one advisor of choice at any meeting or Hearing. The advisor must sign and follow the Advisor Expectation document. An advisor “may be, but is not required to be, an attorney.” If your advisor is an attorney, an attorney from the Office of General Counsel may attend any meeting or Hearing. The Investigator will not accept materials from an advisor or communicate with an advisor on your behalf, and advisors may not participate directly unless a University official authorizes it. CARE Coordinators may also attend, but they do not serve as advisors.

In Title IX Sexual Misconduct Hearings, you must have an advisor present and must tell the University at least ten (10) days before the Hearing whether you will bring one. If you do not have one, the University provides an advisor without fee or charge. That advisor acts only as an advisor, not as legal counsel. The advisor’s only permitted roles at the Hearing are to advise you and to conduct cross-examination for you.

In other hearings, an advisor only advises and does not actively participate, though advisors may help you prepare statements, questions and answers. A witness, a person with a conflict of interest or a person with a participatory role may not be allowed to serve. Section D describes a University-provided advisor only for Title IX Sexual Misconduct Hearings.

Interim Measures and Records at Texas Tech

Supportive Measures and Emergency Removal

Supportive Measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive services available to both parties, and the Title IX office says they do not imply responsibility. They can include housing, academic, parking and employment schedule changes and No Contact Orders. A No Contact Order is issued through your official Texas Tech email and lasts one year from issuance or until either party graduates, whichever comes first. Contact is barred in person, by phone, by text, electronically and through a third party (other than an attorney). Violations can lead to discipline or Emergency Removal. Both parties may drop a shared course without academic penalty.

After an individualized safety and risk analysis, the University may remove a Respondent who poses an immediate threat to physical health or safety before the Grievance Process ends. You get notice and a chance to challenge the decision in writing to the Title IX Coordinator immediately after removal. Section D says “Emergency Removal is not a sanction.” It can deny access to housing, campus and classes, and alternative coursework may be pursued. The Grievance Process must be initiated within three (3) University working days of the removal.

Section D prohibits retaliation and interference with a Grievance Process, including trying to influence or prevent anyone from giving information.

Transcripts, holds, withdrawal and records

• Probation appears on the academic record, including the transcript, for its duration.
• Suspension is noted on the transcript with the phrase “Disciplinary Suspension” and its dates, and a hold prevents registration during it.
• Expulsion is noted with the phrase “Expulsion” and its effective date, and a hold prevents future registration.
• Section D says suspension and expulsion notations usually remain permanently. You may petition to remove one if you are eligible to reenroll or the Title IX Coordinator or designee finds good cause.
• If you are a former student with a hold, you must request readmission from the Title IX Coordinator or designee at least three (3) weeks before the Admissions application deadline.
• If you withdraw or graduate while a Formal Complaint alleging sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking is pending, Section D says the University may not end the process or issue a transcript until it makes a final determination of responsibility. It must expedite the process and, on request, give another institution information about a determination.
• Records stay on file in SCRSM for a minimum of seven (7) years from the date of report, and records of cases ending in suspension or expulsion stay indefinitely.

Support for Respondents at Texas Tech

Confidential resources

Section D lists these as confidential places to make a report or get care, and information is shared only with your consent:

• Student Counseling Center: individual, couples and group therapy.
• Student Health Services: on-campus medical care for Texas Tech students.
• Family Therapy Clinic: individual, couples and family therapy.
• Psychology Clinic: individual, couples, family and group therapy.

Non-confidential resources

• SCRSM Case Manager: coordinates Supportive Measures and holds intake meetings with respondents.
• CARE Coordinators: graduate students who serve as a primary point of contact, explain the process, and attend meetings as a support person. They are trained to work with both complainants and respondents, but each works with only one party in a case, and they are not confidential, do not give legal guidance and are not advisors.
• Office of the Dean of Students: helps with non-academic matters affecting student life and success.
• Student Disability Services: accommodations and services.
• Risk Intervention and Safety Education (RISE): prevention education, wellness coaching and Raider Restart substance use coaching.

OP 40.03 also lists Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas and Legal Aid Society of Lubbock among its additional resources. It does not say whether they take respondent cases.

Complainant-only resources

The Title IX office lists Voice of Hope Lubbock Rape Crisis Center (support for survivors of sexual assault and sex trafficking), Women’s Protective Services (a shelter for survivors of family violence) and sexual assault forensic exams at University Medical Center and Covenant emergency rooms as services for survivors. The office lists these as services for survivors.

Texas Law in Brief

Texas Education Code 51.252 generally requires employees of Texas colleges and universities to promptly report to the Title IX coordinator incidents they reasonably believe are sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking involving a student or employee, with exceptions such as confidential employees. Section 51.9364 requires a transcript notation when a student is ineligible to reenroll for a reason other than academic or financial, and the notation may be removed on request if the student becomes eligible or the institution finds good cause. Section 51.287 bars an institution from ending the disciplinary process or issuing a transcript when a student withdraws or graduates with such a charge pending, until it makes a final determination of responsibility. It also requires the institution to share information about such a determination on another institution’s request. Read the full state-law section on our Texas Title IX page.

Related pages: our Texas Title IX defense attorney page and our Title IX investigation guide.

Official Texas Tech Title IX Resources

• Texas Tech Title IX
• Texas Tech Section D: Civil Rights Misconduct Procedures for Students 2026 to 2027
• Texas Tech Title IX: Policies and Procedures
• Texas Tech OP 40.03 Sexual Misconduct
• Texas Tech Title IX: Get Help

Last verified: October 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Tech Title IX Cases

Which office will contact me, and is it confidential?

Section D says SCRSM investigates sexual misconduct complaints involving students, and it sends the Notice of Formal Complaint to your University email. The Case Manager also holds intake meetings with respondents. SCRSM treats information as private but is not a confidential office, and anything you say may be used in the Grievance Process.

Can a lawyer be my advisor?

Yes. Section D says your advisor of choice may be, but does not have to be, an attorney, and an attorney from the Office of General Counsel may attend if yours is an attorney. In a Title IX Sexual Misconduct Hearing, the advisor’s only roles are to advise you and conduct cross-examination for you. In other hearings, the advisor only advises.

How long do I have to appeal?

Section D, section 12, sets three (3) University working days from delivery of the written decision to file a written petition with the Title IX Coordinator or designee. The appeal must rest on one of the listed grounds, and your advisor cannot file it for you. The Title IX office’s process page describes this period as 3 business days, so confirm the unit in your decision letter.

What happens if I withdraw while the case is pending?

If a Formal Complaint alleging sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking is pending, Section D says the University may not end the disciplinary process or issue a transcript until it makes a final determination of responsibility. It must expedite the process as needed. Section D also says SCRSM may dismiss a complaint if the Respondent is no longer enrolled or employed, so ask SCRSM how it applies to you.

Will this go on my transcript?

Section D says Disciplinary Probation is shown on the transcript during the probation period, and Disciplinary Suspension and Disciplinary Expulsion are noted on it. Suspension and expulsion notations usually stay permanently, but you may petition to remove one if you are eligible to reenroll or the Title IX Coordinator or designee finds good cause. Section D does not describe a transcript notation for a Disciplinary Reprimand.

Can the case be resolved informally?

Possibly. After written notice of a Formal Complaint, the University may offer Informal Resolution, but both parties must consent in writing and the Title IX Coordinator or designee must concur. Either party can withdraw before final resolution, and a completed Informal Resolution is binding and final with no appeal.