Cal Title IX Lawyer: UC Berkeley Disciplinary Defense

If the UC Berkeley campus Title IX office has contacted you, this page is for you. It is written for UC Berkeley students accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment (respondents), and for their parents. If you are looking for a UC Berkeley Title IX lawyer, the first thing to understand is which campus offices and rules apply to you. The systemwide process is explained on our UC Title IX lawyer page, so this page covers what is specific to UC Berkeley. It relies on UC Berkeley websites and the Berkeley Campus Code of Student Conduct as captured on October 3, 2026.

The UC Berkeley Offices That Handle SVSH Cases

Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD)

OPHD is the campus Title IX office. Its pages list its address in California Hall. OPHD responds to sexual violence and sexual harassment (SVSH) complaints and other discrimination complaints from students, faculty, staff and visitors. Its FAQ calls it “a neutral body.” The campus pages do not list OPHD as a confidential resource. OPHD investigates but does not adjudicate, meaning it does not suggest or impose discipline. For students, it forwards its findings to the Center for Student Conduct.

Center for Student Conduct (CSC)

CSC, in Sproul Hall, administers the Berkeley Campus Code of Student Conduct. The CSC FAQ says OPHD investigates SVSH allegations and refers student respondents to CSC for potential discipline.

How the Code and the UC SVSH framework fit together

The current Code is marked Revised July 1, 2026. Section III.A says charges alleging a violation of the SVSH Policy or the Anti-Discrimination Policy “will be filed in accordance with those policies.” Section IV.B.1 says complaints alleging those violations are addressed as the policies prescribe. Section IV.B.2 says SVSH investigation and adjudication follow the UC SVSH Policy, the UC Student Adjudication Framework for SVSH, and UC Berkeley’s Local Procedures for that framework.

In practice, OPHD makes the initial assessment of an SVSH report. CSC makes its own preliminary assessment of reports under the Code (Section IV.C). The Code defines sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking and invasions of sexual privacy by pointing to the SVSH Policy (Sections 102.08, 102.09, 102.10 and 102.25). Section 102.27 lists SVSH Policy violations as a ground for discipline.

If OPHD finds the conduct is not covered by the policy, its FAQ says that when the behavior could fall under a different policy, OPHD refers the matter to another office. That answer does not name the office. The Code’s own administrative resolution, hearing and appeal rules (Sections IV.D.3 to IV.D.5) are written for non-SVSH Code cases. They are not the SVSH rules.

How a UC Berkeley Title IX Matter Starts

OPHD says anyone can report at any time by webform, email or voicemail. The Code’s 60-day window for filing complaints with CSC is stated for Code complaints, and the Code says SVSH complaints are addressed as the SVSH policies prescribe.

If the complainant requests a resolution, OPHD decides whether the allegations, if true, would violate the SVSH Policy or the Anti-Discrimination Policy, whether there is enough information to proceed, and whether there is a connection to the University (the pages call this a nexus). Closure after initial assessment is possible when any of these is missing.

After a report, OPHD contacts the complainant, by email unless the report says a phone call is best, and invites them to an intake meeting. The OPHD pages list these responses: case closure after the initial assessment, supportive measures, alternative resolution, targeted educational conversations and investigation. A targeted educational conversation is a meeting between OPHD staff and the person identified as engaging in the alleged behavior, or a prevention education training for a group. An alternative resolution is voluntary, needs both parties to agree, and does not lead to discipline. If it fails, an investigation may follow. OPHD says an investigation is the only OPHD option that can lead to discipline.

If an investigation starts, OPHD sends a written notice to each party separately. The OPHD FAQ calls it the Notice of Investigation, and it is the written notice of charges. The typical 60 to 90 business day investigation timeline starts at that notice, not at the report, and the Title IX Officer may extend it for good cause. The OPHD investigation page lists separate interviews, an evidence review, and a Summary of Finding and Preliminary Determination sent to both parties. For students, that is forwarded to CSC for disciplinary action.

UC Berkeley Documents and Their Dates

The OPHD students policy page lists these documents, with the dates it shows:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy (1/01/2026)
• Student SVSH Adjudication Framework, PACAOS Appendix E (1/01/2026)
• Student SVSH Investigation and Adjudication Framework for DOE-Covered Conduct, PACAOS Appendix F (1/01/2026)
• Anti-Discrimination Policy and the Appendix G framework (1/01/2026)
• PACAOS 100.00 Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline (8/14/20)
• Code of Student Conduct: Revised January 2026 (the Center for Student Conduct labels this version interim), with older versions Revised August 2025 and Revised July 2023

The CSC Code page links the current Code and previous versions (January 2026 interim, August 2025, July 2023 and March 2021). The current Code says the revised PACAOS 100.00 applies to incidents on or after July 1, 2026. It says the revised Appendix H applies to matters where the written notice starting the conduct process is issued on or after July 1, 2026, “regardless of when the underlying incident occurred.”

Older material is still posted. This includes an older Appendix E and F reference guide, older SVSH hearing pages and an older CSC appeals page. Check any deadline they give against the version your notice names. Which version applies to you depends on the dates and framework named in your own notice, so read that notice first.

UC Berkeley Campus Procedures in the Code of Student Conduct

Interim suspension (Code, Section IV.D.6)

CSC can issue a Notice of Interim Suspension excluding a student from classes, specified activities, areas of campus or the whole campus. The Code requires reasonable cause to believe the student’s participation or presence will lead to physical abuse, threats of violence, conduct threatening anyone’s health or safety, or other disruptive activity. The student is restricted only to the minimum extent necessary and gets prompt notice of the reason and duration. The Chancellor or a designee reviews it within 24 hours of issuance. The student can have a prompt hearing before the Independent Hearing Officer, who may cancel, modify or uphold it. These hearings are not recorded. Generally the suspension lasts for the investigation and adjudication. In SVSH cases, the Code says OPHD issues a Notice of Investigation under the UC framework and Berkeley’s Local Procedures.

Holds, transcripts and suspension rules

Under Section VII.A.1, a hold may be placed on transcripts or diplomas as a sanction or until sanction terms are met. Section VII.A.2 allows a degree to be deferred while proceedings are pending. Under Section VII.B.3, a suspension is posted on the transcript for its duration and a dismissal is posted permanently. Under Section VI, a suspended student may not transfer or register at another UC campus during the suspension. Readmission after dismissal requires the approval of the Chancellor of the campus applied to.

Hearing staff, no-contact directives and police matters

Berkeley’s SVSH hearing page describes a Hearing Coordinator, who schedules, exchanges materials and answers procedural questions, and a separate Hearing Officer, who decides. The Hearing Officer does not communicate directly with the parties before the hearing.

A no-contact directive bars direct or indirect contact. OPHD gives examples of indirect contact: asking others to relay messages, talking about the other party and their complaint with friends or partners, and sending new social media follow requests. OPHD says a directive is not punitive, but violations can lead to discipline. If the same conduct is under police investigation, OPHD says it will coordinate with police. Its fact-finding may be delayed temporarily, and the University may put interim measures in place.

Support for Respondents at UC Berkeley

Student Respondent Services is in the Center for Support and Intervention (CSI), which is separate from OPHD and CSC. An assigned Case Manager can help you understand your rights, explain the investigation and hearing processes, connect you to resources, and help arrange an interpreter. Case Managers cannot advocate for you, give legal advice, or take part in the investigation. Berkeley’s respondent page says this service “is not a confidential resource.”

Campus pages list these as confidential respondent resources:

• Social Services at University Health Services: counseling by social workers, including for students who are respondents. There is no fee.
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): confidential counseling. The page warns that records may be subpoenaed in a court case.
• Ombuds Office for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees: listens, discusses options and helps you decide next steps.
• Student Legal Services: advises currently registered students on legal questions, rights and obligations.

Counseling and ombuds staff are confidential except in certain cases involving imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, or abuse or neglect of elders, dependent adults or children. The CSI page also lists the Student Advocate Office, run by student government volunteers who support students facing alleged violations. Neither the CSI page nor the SVSH site describes it as confidential.

The PATH to Care Center is for survivors, not respondents. The alcohol and drug protection on OPHD’s reporting page applies to student complainants and witnesses.

The UC process in brief

Once an investigation is opened, the Title IX Officer, after consulting Student Conduct, issues a written notice of charges to both parties, and the investigation usually wraps up within 60 to 90 business days of that notice. Each side then reviews the evidence before the report is finalized (Appendix E: relevant evidence, in a window that absent good cause will not exceed 5 business days; Appendix F: directly related evidence, for at least 10 business days absent good cause). The investigator’s findings come with a preliminary determination, followed by 20 business days in which, under Appendix E, either party may contest it (and a respondent facing proposed suspension or dismissal is presumed to contest unless they accept in writing and waive a hearing), while under Appendix F a hearing is held unless both parties accept it in writing. A single hearing officer hears contested cases, and Student Conduct sets any sanction, up to dismissal from the University of California. Appeals after a hearing go to the hearing coordinator within 10 business days of the notice of the determination and any sanctions; without a hearing, a party may appeal to Student Conduct within 10 business days of its notice that the preliminary determination is final, but only on the ground that the sanction is disproportionate. Our UC Title IX lawyer page walks through each step.

Related reading: California Title IX defense attorney and Title IX investigation guide.

Official UC Berkeley Title IX Resources

• Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD)
• UC Berkeley SVSH: Resources for Respondents
• Center for Support and Intervention: Respondent Services
• OPHD: Policies and Procedures for Students
• Center for Student Conduct: Code of Student Conduct
• UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH)

Last verified: October 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About UC Berkeley Title IX Cases

Who at UC Berkeley will contact me?

Berkeley’s respondent page says you may hear from OPHD if it has information that you may have violated the SVSH or Anti-Discrimination Policy. You may hear from CSC about conduct under the Code. The Code treats written notice sent to the email address on file with the Registrar as delivered, so keep that address current and check it.

Is the Title IX office confidential?

OPHD describes itself as a neutral body, and the campus pages do not list it as a confidential resource. Respondent Services staff are Responsible Employees, not confidential. Berkeley’s respondent page encourages you to ask about confidentiality when you first contact any resource.

Where can I get support as a respondent?

Respondent Services in CSI offers information and referrals but not legal advice or advocacy. The confidential resources listed for respondents are Social Services, CAPS, the Ombuds Office for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees, and Student Legal Services. Confidentiality has limits, described in the support section above.

Can a lawyer be my advisor?

Yes. OPHD says you may choose anyone, including an attorney, except another party in the complaint, or ask the University to provide an advisor. OPHD also says an advisor is “NOT an advocate or legal representative for the party.” Whether the advisor may speak at a hearing depends on whether Appendix E or F governs. The UC Title IX lawyer page covers that.

What happens if I am placed on interim suspension?

Under the Code, CSC issues a Notice of Interim Suspension with the reason and duration. The Chancellor or a designee reviews it within 24 hours. You can request a prompt hearing before the Independent Hearing Officer, who may cancel, modify or uphold it. Violating its requirements is itself a Code violation.

Will this go on my transcript?

The Code says a suspension imposed for a Code violation is posted on the transcript for its duration, and a dismissal is posted permanently. A hold on transcripts or diplomas may also be placed as a sanction or until sanction terms are met. Whether any of this applies depends on the findings and sanctions in your case.

How long do I have to appeal?

Under the UC process, an appeal after a hearing is due within 10 business days following the notice of the hearing officer’s determination and any sanctions. If there was no hearing, it is due within 10 business days following Student Conduct’s notice that the preliminary determination is final and the proposed sanction will be imposed, and the only ground is a disproportionate sanction. Do not use older campus appeal pages for deadlines. Check your notice.