University of Houston Title IX Lawyer

This page is for University of Houston students, and their parents, who have been named as the respondent in a report of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking or other sexual misconduct. It explains how the University handles these cases under its own written policy, so that you, a family member or a University of Houston Title IX lawyer can read the same rules the University will apply. Your own notice and the current policy control. State law is covered on our Texas Title IX defense attorney page.

University of Houston Offices That Handle Sexual Misconduct Cases

Equal Opportunity Services (EOS)

The University’s Title IX office is Equal Opportunity Services (EOS). Its website says EOS has been designated to oversee the implementation of the UHS Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Policy. The policy lists the University of Houston Title IX Coordinator under the title Assistant VC/VP for Equal Opportunity Services. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for conducting the administrative investigation of reports and is available to explain University policies and procedures. The policy says its purpose is a “prompt, fair, and impartial” investigation and resolution process.

EOS is not a confidential office. The policy sets aside a separate group, Confidential Resource Employees, such as counseling or health center staff acting in that role. It says Responsible Employees, meaning all administrators, faculty and staff other than Confidential Resource Employees, must report to the Title IX Coordinator. The EOS resources page lists EOS under reporting resources, apart from its confidential resources. The policy says the University keeps the identities of the parties confidential, except as necessary to conduct an investigation or hearing. Do not assume that what you tell EOS stays private.

Dean of Students Office

The policy ties the Dean of Students Office (or its equivalent) to the Title IX office in two places. Under the UH System procedures, if a student is found to have violated the policy, the Dean of Students Office or its equivalent determines and imposes the sanction after consulting the Title IX Coordinator. Under both procedures, an appeal of a sanction against a student goes through the appeal process in the Student Code of Conduct or its equivalent. The EOS resources page also lists the Dean of Students Office for conduct concerns. The Student Code of Conduct is a separate document, so read its appeal section as well.

Which University of Houston Document Applies to Your Case

The governing document is SAM 01.D.08 Sexual Misconduct Policy (University of Houston System). The EOS policies page shows the date August 26, 2026. The policy text lists it as issued 11/29/2012 and last reviewed or revised 08/26/2026. It contains two separate grievance processes:

• Appendix B, Title IX Grievance Procedures.
• Appendix C, UH System Sexual Misconduct Grievance Procedures.

The Title IX Coordinator decides which one applies. The policy says this classification can be made before, during or after the completion of the investigative report, and Section 14.1 says the Coordinator makes the decision at the end of the investigation. Title IX Sexual Misconduct must meet the policy’s Title IX definition and its jurisdiction requirements in Section 4.4. Those requirements are that the University had Actual Knowledge, that the conduct occurred in an Education Program or Activity (including buildings of officially recognized student organizations), that it occurred against a person in the United States, and that the Complainant was participating or trying to participate in a University program when the Formal Complaint was filed. The policy says the second process exists to address Sexual Misconduct that occurs outside Title IX jurisdiction. A Title IX dismissal does not prevent action under another part of the policy or a code of conduct.

Your written notice is the document to read first. The policy says the notice includes the University’s Title IX Grievance Procedure, if applicable. Because the classification can change, ask EOS in writing which procedure currently applies.

The University of Houston Process Step by Step

Report and first contact

Any person may report Sexual Misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator. A report does not automatically begin the formal grievance procedures. Once the Coordinator receives a report, the policy says the Coordinator will promptly contact the Complainant and the Respondent in writing to discuss Supportive Measures. The University may also conduct a preliminary investigation as appropriate. The policy does not limit the time for filing a report or Formal Complaint.

Formal Complaint and dismissal

A Formal Complaint is filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator. If the Complainant later wants to withdraw it, the investigation may still proceed. Under the Title IX procedure, a Formal Complaint may be dismissed for listed reasons (permissive dismissals) and must be dismissed if the conduct would not be Title IX Sexual Misconduct (mandatory dismissals). The parties are notified of a dismissal at the same time, with the reasons, and may appeal it. Under the UH System procedure, the University notifies the Complainant within five (5) business days if it decides not to proceed.

Written notice and your response

After receiving a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator provides written notice to the parties within five (5) business days (Section 14.3.1). The notice includes the allegations, the available details, and a statement that the Respondent is “presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct” until a determination at the end of the process. It also covers the right to a Personal Advisor, the right to inspect and review evidence, and any policy that prohibits knowingly false statements.

Your response is due to the Title IX office within five (5) business days from the date the office sent it (Section 14.4.1). The office may grant an extension for good cause. A response may be written or given in an interview with the investigators. You are not required to respond, but the process continues if you do not. Failure to acknowledge receipt of the Formal Complaint may be treated as a policy violation.

Informal resolution

Informal resolution is optional. The Title IX Coordinator decides whether to offer it, and both parties must voluntarily agree and give written consent. Examples in the policy include alcohol education classes, regular meetings with a University official, a continued mutual no contact directive, restriction from student organizations, training and counseling. Either party may withdraw and resume the grievance process at any time before agreeing to a resolution. A final resolution is documented and kept for seven (7) years. No recording is made, and statements made during informal resolution may not be used for or against either party. Failure to comply with an agreement may lead to disciplinary action.

Investigation and evidence review

Investigators gather evidence and interview the Complainant, the Respondent and witnesses. Both sides have an equal opportunity to present witnesses and inculpatory and exculpatory evidence, and to inspect and review evidence directly related to the allegations. Before the report is complete, each party and their Advisor receives a draft report and all the evidence. The parties have ten (10) business days to review them and give a written response. The final report goes to the parties and their Personal Advisors at least ten (10) business days before the hearing (Section 14.7).

If the Title IX Grievance Procedures apply (Appendix B)

• Hearing: Absent extenuating circumstances, the hearing is scheduled within fifteen (15) business days from the conclusion of the investigation. A party may object in writing to the Hearing Officer for cause within five (5) business days of being told who it is. All hearing materials, including the names of witnesses and advisors, are due five (5) business days before the hearing, and late items are not permitted.
• Who decides: A Hearing Officer, an individual not affiliated with the University, decides responsibility and issues a Written Determination with the findings and any sanctions.
• Standard: The standard is preponderance of the evidence, meaning “more likely than not” that the Respondent violated the policy. The burden of proof is on the University.
• Appeal: Either party may appeal a dismissal or Written Determination to the appropriate administrator by submitting a written appeal to the Title IX Coordinator within five (5) business days of receiving it. The other party has five (5) business days to respond. The grounds are procedural irregularity that affected the outcome, a decision against the weight of the evidence, new evidence, conflict of interest or bias, an erroneous relevance determination, and sanctions that are not commensurate with the violation. The administrator decides within fifteen (15) business days from the date any response is filed, with extensions allowed for good cause.

If the UH System Sexual Misconduct Grievance Procedures apply (Appendix C)

• Finding: The Title IX investigator makes the finding in the investigative report, using the same preponderance standard. The parties are notified in writing at the same time of the finding and their appeal rights.
• Hearing request: Either party may request a hearing in writing within five (5) business days of receiving the finding. The grounds are an error or procedural defect during the investigation that could have significantly impacted the finding. The policy says a hearing is not a new investigation.
• Who decides: A Hearing Panel of four faculty and/or staff members hears the matter (three vote, one is a non-voting alternate). If the request concerns Sexual Assault, the moving party may waive the panel within five (5) business days and have a Non-affiliated Hearing Officer instead. The panel or officer recommends that the appropriate administrator accept, remand or reject the finding, and sends the decision form to the Title IX Coordinator within three (3) business days of the hearing.
• Hearing schedule: Absent extenuating circumstances, the hearing is scheduled within fifteen (15) business days from the filing of the request.
• Appeal: Any party or the Title IX office may appeal the panel or officer decision in writing to the appropriate administrator within five (5) business days. The administrator decides within fifteen (15) business days from the date the appeal is filed, with extensions allowed for good cause.

Sanctions

Both procedures list the same possible sanctions. They include probation, bans from campus locations or activities, educational programs, withholding of transcripts, grades, diploma or degree, suspension, revocation of admission and expulsion. Under the UH System procedure, sanctions are implemented once any appeal of the finding has been exhausted, although the University may impose an interim sanction after a finding of violation while the complaint is still being decided.

Advisors at University of Houston

Each named party may have one Personal Advisor at any meeting related to the investigation. The advisor may be an attorney, at the party’s own expense. A student must sign a FERPA Release for the advisor to be present. The policy says Personal Advisors “may not speak on behalf of the individual they are advising” and cannot be a witness at a hearing. A Personal Advisor may ask to briefly pause a meeting or hearing for private consultation.

Title IX Grievance Procedures: Each party may have a Hearing Advisor of their choice at the hearing, who may also be an attorney at the party’s expense. The policy states: “If an individual is unable to obtain a Hearing Advisor, the University will provide one to any named party at no charge.” The Hearing Advisor presents evidence, questions witnesses and conducts cross-examination. Parties cannot cross-examine personally. Each party gives their own opening and closing statement, limited to fifteen (15) minutes each. Advisors must follow the rules of decorum, and the Hearing Officer may dismiss an advisor for badgering or harassing a witness or party.

UH System procedures: Only a Personal Advisor is described. At the hearing the advisor may sit with the party, communicate quietly with them, and answer a direct question from the panel or officer. The advisor may not speak for the party, make an opening or closing argument, or question witnesses. A party who wants questions asked submits them in writing to the Panel Chairperson or officer, who may revise or decline them.

Interim Measures and Records at University of Houston

Supportive Measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive services offered to both parties without charge. Examples include counseling, deadline extensions, schedule changes, mutual restrictions on contact, changes in work or housing, and leaves of absence. Failing to follow a Supportive Measure may be treated as a separate violation.

Emergency removal: After a report, the Title IX Coordinator conducts an individualized safety and risk analysis for an immediate threat to anyone’s physical health or safety. The Coordinator may recommend removal to the appropriate office, which must give the Respondent notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision immediately after removal. Under the UH System procedure, once a finding of violation has been made, the University may impose an interim sanction while the Formal Complaint is still being decided.

Transcripts and records: If a sanction makes a student ineligible to reenroll, the University puts a transcript notation saying so “for a reason other than an academic or financial reason.” On the student’s request, the University may remove it if the student is eligible to reenroll or the University finds good cause. Withholding of transcripts, grades, diploma or degree is itself a listed sanction. The policy says proceedings continue even if a party is no longer a student, and that the University will give information about a determination to another postsecondary institution on request. Informal resolution records are kept for seven (7) years.

Support for Respondents at University of Houston

The EOS resources page lists these as confidential:

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): counseling and mental health care.
• Student Health Center: physical health care.
• A.D. Bruce Religion Center: pastoral support.
• Sexual Misconduct Support Services (SMSS): described as confidential student advocacy services. Ask whether it serves respondents.

These are not described as confidential. EOS and the University of Houston Police Department are listed as reporting resources. The Dean of Students Office is listed for conduct concerns and for student mental health and parenting support. Other listed offices include the Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, and International Student and Scholar Services. The page also lists the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral and Information Service under legal resources.

Some provisions are written for Complainants. Section 8.4 requires written notification of counseling, victim advocacy, legal assistance and similar services to Complainants. The remedies described in the policy are likewise directed to Complainants.

Texas Law in Brief

Under Texas Education Code 51.252, employees of Texas colleges and universities generally must promptly report incidents they reasonably believe are sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking involving a student or employee to the Title IX coordinator, with some exceptions such as confidential employees. Under Texas Education Code 51.9364, a school must note on the transcript when a student is ineligible to reenroll for a reason other than academic or financial, and may remove the note on request if the student becomes eligible or there is good cause. Under Texas Education Code 51.287, if a student withdraws or graduates while such a charge is pending, the school may not end the disciplinary process or issue a transcript until it makes a final determination of responsibility, and it must give information about a violation determination to another school that asks. The full state-law section is on our Texas Title IX page.

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

Official University of Houston Title IX Resources

• UH Equal Opportunity Services: Sexual Misconduct/Title IX
• UH SAM 01.D.08 Sexual Misconduct Policy
• UH Title IX Resources
• UH Equal Opportunity Services: Make a Report

Last verified: October 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Houston Title IX Cases

Which office will contact me?

Equal Opportunity Services (EOS), the University’s Title IX office, is the office that handles these cases. The policy says the Title IX Coordinator will promptly contact both the Complainant and the Respondent in writing about Supportive Measures. After a Formal Complaint, written notice to the parties is due within five (5) business days.

Is EOS confidential?

No. EOS is listed as a reporting resource, not a confidential one. The policy lets the University share information as necessary to conduct an investigation or hearing. The confidential resources it identifies are counseling and health staff and pastoral or confidential advisors acting in those roles.

Can a lawyer be my advisor?

Yes, at your own expense. The policy says a Personal Advisor may be an attorney, and in the Title IX Grievance Procedures a Hearing Advisor may be an attorney as well. In the UH System procedures, a Personal Advisor cannot speak for you, make arguments or question witnesses at the hearing. In a Title IX hearing the University provides a Hearing Advisor at no charge if you cannot obtain one.

How long do I have to appeal?

It depends on the procedure. Under the Title IX Grievance Procedures, a written appeal of a dismissal or Written Determination is due to the Title IX Coordinator within five (5) business days of receiving it. Under the UH System procedures, a hearing request after a finding is due within five (5) business days of receiving the finding, and an appeal of the panel or officer decision is due within five (5) business days of that decision.

What happens if I withdraw from the University?

The policy says proceedings continue even if a party is no longer a student, per state law. Texas Education Code 51.287 adds that the school may not end the process or issue a transcript until it makes a final determination. The policy does not describe other effects of withdrawing, so ask EOS in writing before you decide.

Will this go on my transcript?

The policy describes a transcript notation only when a sanction makes a student ineligible to reenroll. Withholding of transcripts is also a possible sanction. The student may ask to have the notation removed if eligible to reenroll or if the University finds good cause.

Can the case be resolved informally?

Possibly. The Title IX Coordinator decides whether to offer informal resolution, and both parties must agree in writing. You may withdraw and return to the grievance process at any time before agreeing to a resolution. Once you accept, the written notice you receive explains when you can no longer resume the grievance process, so read it before signing.