UT Austin Title IX Lawyer

This page is for UT Austin students, and their parents, who have been contacted by the university about an allegation of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking or other sexual misconduct. If you searched for a UT Austin Title IX lawyer, this page sets out what UT Austin’s own documents say about its offices, process, deadlines and support. Texas state law is on our Texas Title IX defense attorney page.

UT Austin Offices That Handle Title IX Cases

The Title IX Office

The official name is The University of Texas at Austin Title IX Office, in the Student Services Building. HOP 3-3031 calls it the resource for all information about the resources, supports, reports and processes in the policy. The Title IX Coordinator receives reports and can also file and sign a Formal Complaint. If the Coordinator files it, the Complainant stays the Complainant. After a Formal Complaint is signed, the Title IX Office sends the parties a written Notice of the Formal Complaint.

The policy commits UT Austin to a fair, equitable and impartial process for all parties. The Title IX Office is not described as confidential. Its Support and Resources case management is described as non-confidential. All University employees must report prohibited conduct to the Title IX Coordinator, except those designated as Confidential Employees.

The Department of Investigation and Adjudication

This department is part of University Risk and Compliance Services. It supplies the University representative at hearings, who is a department investigator with no prior involvement in the case and is described as a neutral figure. For student respondents, it decides sanctions after consulting the Title IX Coordinator.

Student Conduct & Academic Integrity

The Title IX Office’s Support and Resources page says this office administers the student conduct process for policy violations. HOP 3-3031 says stalking reports that are not sexual or sex-based go to the General Information Catalogue, Chapter 11, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.

Which UT Austin Document Applies to You

• HOP 3-3031, Prohibition of Sexual Assault, Interpersonal Violence, Stalking, Sexual Harassment, and Sex Discrimination. The policy page shows Effective July 1, 2015, a last review date of August 23, 2026, and editorial changes on August 13, 2026. The Title IX Office policies page says the revised policy took effect August 14, 2020.
• Grievance Process Track A, Track B and Track C, each dated 03.25 (March 2025). Check that any Track document you are given has this date.
• Department of Investigation and Adjudication, Hearing Procedures for Title IX Hearings under HOP 3-3031, dated 2025.12.10.

HOP 3-3031 says the conduct and location of the events decide the track. Track A applies only when all of these are true:

• The respondent was a student (including a student employee), employee or other University affiliate at the time of the conduct.
• The alleged conduct includes sexual assault, interpersonal violence, stalking or sexual harassment. The Track A document names sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and/or sexual harassment.
• The conduct occurred against a person in the United States.
• The complainant was participating or trying to participate in a University education program or activity. HOP 3-3031 says this is met by conduct on University property, during a University activity, in a building owned or controlled by an officially recognized student organization, or where UT Austin exercised substantial control over the respondent and the context.

Track B covers the same kinds of conduct when it happened off campus and substantially affects a person’s education or employment or poses a risk of harm to the University community. HOP 3-3031 requires a respondent who is a student (including a student employee) or employee. The Track B document adds “other university affiliate.” Track C covers the other listed conduct: sex discrimination, sexual exploitation, unprofessional or inappropriate conduct, retaliation, false information, interference with grievance processes, failure to report by a non-confidential employee, failure to adhere to interim measures and pregnancy or parenting discrimination. HOP 3-3031 also lists failure to comply with an Alternative Dispute Resolution agreement under Track C. The Track C document’s list does not.

Your own written notice should tell you which procedure is being used. HOP 3-3031 says the Track C notice states the assigned Grievance Process track. The Track A and B notices include the Grievance Process steps in HOP 3-3031. HOP 3-3031 also lets the Title IX Coordinator join related allegations from the same facts to the track.

The UT Austin Process, Step by Step

• Report or Formal Complaint. Anyone may report. A report does not necessarily start a Grievance Process. A Formal Complaint can only be filed by the Complainant or the Title IX Coordinator, and the Title IX Office’s intake chart says the respondent is notified at that stage.
• Dismissal. UT Austin may dismiss a Formal Complaint at its discretion if the Complainant asks in writing, if an employee respondent has left, if circumstances prevent gathering enough evidence, or if the conduct is not prohibited by the policy. It must give both parties written notice with the reasons. The intake chart says conduct outside HOP 3-3031 is dismissed and may be referred to another department.
• Notice to the respondent. The Notice of the Formal Complaint includes the Grievance Process steps, the allegations with dates, times and locations known to UT Austin, the potential policy violations, a statement that the Respondent is presumed not responsible, and the range of possible sanctions and remedies. It also covers advisors, evidence review, and the rule against false statements. UT Austin’s Respondents page says receiving the notice “does not mean a Respondent has been found in violation of a policy.”
• Informal resolution. The policy calls this Alternative Dispute Resolution. See the FAQ below.
• Investigation (Tracks A and B). The Respondent is allowed a reasonable time to respond in writing and/or in an interview. Parties get written notice of meetings, may submit evidence, witness names and questions, and may bring an advisor. HOP 3-3031 and the Track A and B documents say the investigation is to be concluded within 90 business days of the Notice of the Formal Complaint.
• Evidence review (Tracks A and B). Parties receive the Preliminary Investigation Report and access to all evidence obtained, whether relevant or not. They have 10 business days to inspect, review and respond in writing. The Completed Investigation Report goes to both parties at least 10 business days before the hearing.
• Investigation and review (Track C). The investigator writes a Preliminary Investigation Report with a finding or no finding of violation. Parties get 10 business days to review it and respond. If the finding changes, an amended report gives them 5 business days. The Track C document gives no overall time limit.
• Hearing (Tracks A and B). HOP 3-3031 requires at least 10 business days of written notice. The Track A and B documents say at least 10 days and do not define the unit. A party can challenge the hearing officer in writing within 5 business days after notice of the officer’s identity. The Chief Compliance Officer or designee decides the challenge. The Hearing Procedures set opening statements at about 10 minutes (no more than 15) and closing statements at no more than five minutes. They also say the hearing is recorded and the recording is shared with the parties and advisors. At a party’s request, the parties can be in separate rooms. UT Austin cannot compel a student witness to take part.
• Track C decision. There is no hearing step by default. The finding goes to the appropriate decision maker. If the sanction for a student is suspension or expulsion, the Respondent can request a hearing under the Track A hearing procedures.
• Standard of proof. All tracks use preponderance of the evidence, which HOP 3-3031 says is met if the action is deemed “more likely to have occurred than not.” The Respondent is presumed not responsible until the determination at the end of the process.
• Determination and sanctions. In Tracks A and B, the hearing officer writes the determination. If the Respondent is found responsible, a student’s case goes to the Department of Investigation and Adjudication for the sanctions decision, after it consults the Title IX Coordinator. Decision makers give the hearing officer the discipline decision within 10 business days of referral. The hearing officer sends the completed letter to the parties within 21 business days from when the hearing concludes. Student sanctions listed in HOP 3-3031 include a written warning, disciplinary probation, withholding of official transcript and/or degree, bar against readmission or enrollment, restitution, suspension of rights and privileges, deferred suspension, suspension, and expulsion.
• Appeals (Tracks A and B). Either party may appeal in writing a responsibility determination or a dismissal. HOP 3-3031 sets the deadline at 10 business days of notification. The Track A and B documents say 10 business days of the Written Determination Letter. The grounds are a procedural irregularity that affected the outcome, new evidence not reasonably available earlier, a challenge to the hearing officer’s application of the standard of proof, or conflict of interest or bias by the Title IX Coordinator, investigators or hearing officer. The appellate officer cannot be any of those people. The other party (or the University) has 7 business days to submit a statement in support of the outcome. The decision comes within 21 business days from the date of the appeal. It can affirm, remand to the live hearing stage, or reverse.
• Appeals (Track C). Student respondents appeal by following the appeal section of HOP 3-3031. The Track C document cites that section with a different number than the policy text, so read the policy text itself.
• Overall time. HOP 3-3031 says Track A, including any appeal, will generally be completed in no more than 165 business days from the Notice of the Formal Complaint. UT Austin may extend this for good cause with written notice to the parties.

Advisors at UT Austin

Each party may have an Advisor of their choice. HOP 3-3031 and the Track documents say the advisor “who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney.” The Title IX Advisors page says an advisor can be a friend, family member, attorney or anyone you choose. You may change advisors during the process. An advisor is required only for the live hearing in Track A or B.

Outside the hearing, advisors may attend interviews, meetings and proceedings but may not actively participate. Evidence and reports go to an advisor only if you sign an information release. At the hearing, parties cannot question anyone personally. Advisors ask the questions, including cross-examination and follow-up. They may object on relevance, a complainant’s prior sexual history, or a question already asked and answered. The Hearing Procedures say advisors may not otherwise actively advocate. If you have no advisor, HOP 3-3031 says UT Austin must provide one for the hearing.

UT Austin offers a pool of trained faculty and staff (Title IX University Advisors) and a Pro Bono Program with the UT Law School. In that program, advisors work in pairs under a licensed attorney, and only one may serve at the hearing. You are not required to use a university advisor. Requests go through your Support and Resources Case Manager.

Interim Measures, Transcripts and Records at UT Austin

Supportive measures are free, non-disciplinary and non-punitive. They are offered to the parties with or without a Formal Complaint, and examples include class changes, deadline extensions and mutual no-contact restrictions. After a Formal Complaint is filed, University officials decide whether interim measures are needed. These can include separating academic or work situations, prohibiting contact, suspending the Respondent’s right to be on campus, or otherwise altering University status. They can stay in place through any review, investigation or appeal. Contacting the other party after a No Contact Directive, or entering campus after being barred, is itself prohibited conduct.

A respondent may be removed from the education program, activity or work environment on an emergency basis after an individualized safety and risk analysis finds the respondent “poses an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of an individual or campus community.” The respondent gets written notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision immediately after the removal.

If a student respondent withdraws or graduates while charges of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking are pending, HOP 3-3031 says the University “will not end the disciplinary process or issue a transcript to the student until the University makes a final determination of responsibility.” It says these matters will be expedited as necessary. Former students remain subject to the process for conduct while enrolled.

The Title IX Office archives the file in all cases. For Track A, University Risk and Compliance Services retains the documentation for seven years. HOP 3-3031 says student records of the process are disciplinary records under FERPA. The UT Austin documents do not say how long any transcript notation lasts.

Support for Respondents at UT Austin

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The Respondents page lists support such as course load reductions or full withdrawals, discreet absence notifications, safety planning, emergency funds and housing changes.

Non-confidential

• Title IX Support and Resources case managers work with all parties, explain the process, make referrals and connect parties with advisors. Their case management is non-confidential.
• Student Outreach and Support (SOS) helps students in difficult and emergency situations with academic flexibility, emergency funds, short-term shelter and referrals.
• Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL) is a 24/7 line for concerns about behavior, and callers can stay anonymous.

Confidential

The Respondents page says confidential resources are confidential by federal and state law. They share no identifiable information with the Title IX Office, police or parents without your permission, except where there is concern of imminent harm. HOP 3-3031 says students may speak to Confidential Campus Resources without triggering a mandatory report. The Title IX Office website keeps the list. The Counseling and Mental Health Center offers counseling and a 24/7 crisis line for students, but the Title IX Office pages do not label it confidential. The listed confidential community resources include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (crisis intervention and referrals) and The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ young people).

Complainant-oriented resources

Other listings are written for survivors, victims or people in abusive relationships, such as SAFE Alliance, Legal Aid for Survivors of Sexual Assault, Texas Crime Victim Resources, and the national sexual assault and domestic violence hotlines.

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

Texas Law in Brief

Texas law generally requires employees of Texas colleges, acting within their jobs, to promptly report suspected sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking involving a student or employee to the Title IX coordinator, with exceptions such as confidential employees. If a student withdraws or graduates while such a charge is pending, the school cannot end the disciplinary process or issue a transcript until it makes a final determination of responsibility. It must also share information about such a determination if another college asks. If a student is ineligible to reenroll for a reason other than academic or financial, the school must note that on the transcript, and it may remove the note on request if the student becomes eligible or there is good cause. The full state-law section is on our Texas Title IX page.

Official UT Austin Title IX Resources

• UT Austin Title IX Office
• UT Austin: Prohibited Conduct Grievance Processes (Tracks A, B, C)
• UT Austin Title IX Office: Respondents
• UT Austin Title IX Office: Title IX Advisors
• UT Austin: University Policies Related to Title IX (HOP 3-3031)

Last verified: October 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About UT Austin Title IX Cases

Which office will contact me?

After a Formal Complaint is signed by the Complainant or the Title IX Coordinator, the Title IX Office sends you a written Notice of the Formal Complaint. In Track C, an Investigator handles the investigation, and for a student the Department of Investigation and Adjudication decides any sanction. Your notice should name the procedure being used.

Is the Title IX Office confidential?

The documents do not describe it as confidential, and they describe Support and Resources case management as non-confidential. Most University employees must report prohibited conduct to the Title IX Coordinator. Confidential Campus Resources are separate, and the Title IX Office website lists them.

Can a lawyer be my advisor?

Yes. The Track documents say your advisor may be an attorney but is not required to be one. An advisor is required only for the live hearing in Track A or B, and UT Austin must provide one if you have none. The Pro Bono Program and Title IX University Advisors are available on request, but you do not have to use them.

How long do I have to appeal?

In Tracks A and B, HOP 3-3031 gives 10 business days from notification of the determination or dismissal. The Track A and B documents say 10 business days from the Written Determination Letter. In Track C, students appeal by following the appeal section of HOP 3-3031.

What happens if I withdraw?

For charges of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking, HOP 3-3031 says UT Austin will not end the process or issue a transcript until it makes a final determination of responsibility. Former students stay subject to the process for conduct while enrolled.

Will this go on my transcript?

UT Austin’s Title IX documents do not describe a transcript notation. They do list withholding of official transcript and/or degree as a possible sanction, and they say student records of the process are disciplinary records. Texas law on transcript notations is summarized above.

Can the case be resolved informally?

Sometimes. Alternative Dispute Resolution is not available for Formal Complaints of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking or sexual harassment. It is also unavailable against an employee where the Complainant is a student. Where it is available, both parties must agree in writing and the Title IX Coordinator must approve. An informational meeting must be completed within 7 business days of receiving the Notice of the Formal Complaint.