UC Irvine Title IX Lawyer: University of California, Irvine Defense

This page is for UC Irvine students, and their parents, who have been contacted by the campus Title IX office about an accusation of sexual violence or sexual harassment. People who search for a UC Irvine Title IX lawyer are often trying to learn which campus office does what, so this page covers the campus offices, documents, dates and support services. The systemwide process is explained in full on the UC Title IX lawyer page, and this page only summarizes it. The campus facts here come from official UC Irvine websites captured on October 4, 2026.

UC Irvine Offices That Handle Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Cases

The Title IX office: OEOD

UC Irvine’s Title IX office is the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (OEOD), part of the Division of Equal Opportunity & Compliance. It is in the Multipurpose Science and Technology Building. OEOD says it is responsible for the University’s compliance with federal and state laws and University policies on discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment and sexual violence. It offers consultation on rights and options, informal assistance and formal investigations. It also offers supportive measures whether or not a formal complaint is filed. The Title IX Officer sits in OEOD and assesses whether alleged conduct is DOE-Covered Conduct, using Appendix IV of the 2026 UC SVSH Policy.

The student conduct office: OAISC

The Office of Academic Integrity & Student Conduct (OAISC) is the campus student conduct office. OEOD’s DOE Compliance page says conduct officers in OAISC handle student adjudication in SVSH cases. A separate OEOD resources page says OAISC manages the adjudication of sexual harassment and sex offense student respondent cases, and the formal hearing and appeals process for sex offense cases.

How the campus code fits with the UC framework

The campus code is PACAOS 100.00 (the Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline), which UC Irvine posts with its campus implementation notes. Section 102.00 lists the grounds for discipline. Section 102.26 makes a violation of the UC SVSH Policy a ground for discipline, and the Code’s entries for sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking and invasions of sexual privacy refer to that policy. Section 103.12 says that when a formal investigation is appropriate in an SVSH matter, the campus uses PACAOS Appendix E (conduct not covered by the DOE regulations) or Appendix F (DOE-covered conduct). Appendix H, the campus framework for general student conduct cases, excludes SVSH cases.

OEOD handles investigations, and OEOD’s DOE Compliance page says conduct officers in OAISC handle student adjudication in SVSH cases. Under the UC frameworks, a hearing (when there is one) is run by a single hearing officer and Student Conduct decides sanctions. The same OEOD page names the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs as the Appeal Officer. The UC frameworks, summarized below, say where an appeal is first sent. The campus sources do not explain how those two statements fit together, so follow the instructions in the notice of your decision.

How a Matter Starts at UC Irvine

The campus sources say a report of sexual harassment or sexual violence can go to OEOD, to the UC Irvine Police Department, or to both. OEOD accepts reports online, by mail or by drop-in at its campus office. It also takes anonymous reports through a hotline, and says it may still be able to help informally in that case. People who are unsure where to report are pointed to the Ombuds Office or a confidential CARE Advocate.

The sources do not give a step-by-step account of what happens after a report. They state that OEOD can offer consultation, informal assistance and formal administrative investigations, and that the campus police may coordinate a sex offense investigation with an OEOD investigation. The campus resource pages also say: “Meeting with OEOD to learn more about resources does not mean a formal investigation will be initiated.”

OEOD says the University applies the DOE grievance process only to DOE-Covered Conduct and follows its existing process for all other reports. The Title IX Officer makes that assessment under Appendix IV of the 2026 UC Interim SVSH Policy. OEOD provides a complaint form to parties who want to file a formal complaint of DOE-Covered Conduct. It also says a complainant can appeal a dismissal of a DOE-covered complaint to the Systemwide Title IX Director, and that there is no secondary review for a dismissal of non-DOE-covered conduct.

UC Irvine Documents and Their Dates

OEOD’s DOE Compliance page and its Policies & Guidelines page list these documents for sex-based cases:

• 2026 UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (effective January 1, 2026)
• 2026 UC PACAOS Appendix E, student adjudication framework (effective January 1, 2026)
• 2026 UC PACAOS Appendix F, student adjudication framework (effective January 1, 2026)
• UC PACAOS Appendix E and F Guidance (issued December 20, 2021)
• UCI Guidelines on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (no date shown)

OEOD says older UC SVSH policies apply according to the date of the conduct. The 2016 policy covers conduct between 2016 and July 30, 2019. The 2019 policy covers conduct from July 31, 2019 to August 13, 2020. The interim 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2026 policies cover conduct on or after August 14, 2020. Archived policies are linked from OEOD’s pages.

The UC Irvine Code of Student Conduct page is marked “CONTENT REVISED FOR 2026-2027”. It posts two versions of PACAOS 100.00. One is for cases initiated before January 1, 2026, and the other is for cases initiated after January 1, 2026. A flowchart on the page summarizes the student conduct procedures for cases initiated before January 1, 2026. It describes general student conduct procedures, and the sources do not say how it applies to SVSH cases.

Older versions are still posted or linked, and some pages carry dated text. For example, the Title IX Officer page has a COVID-era note, and OEOD’s DOE Compliance page opens with a note from 2020. The Respondent Services page still links the 2019 SVSH Policy (effective 7/31/19), while OEOD’s DOE Compliance page lists the current documents. Which version applies depends on the dates stated above, so read the dates in your own notice and the version it names.

UC Irvine Rules on Interim Action, Holds and Transcripts

Interim action. Section 107.00 of the version for cases initiated after January 1, 2026 says that when an interim action such as an interim suspension is imposed, the Dean of Students (or designee) immediately informs the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs (or designee). That official reviews the action within twenty-four hours, not including weekends or holidays. If the action is not affirmed by then, the Code says it is void. If it is affirmed, the student may ask in writing for a meeting to challenge it. The request is due within ten business days of the date on the Notification of Interim Suspension, and the meeting is convened within seven business days of the request. The Code adds that the University can still start disciplinary proceedings about the underlying conduct.

Holds. PACAOS 100.00 (Section 104.81) lets campuses adopt regulations for holds on requests for transcripts, diplomas and other records until allegations and sanctions are resolved. Appendix H says no degree is awarded while an allegation is pending. The OAISC FAQ describes a Graduation Hold and says a student can send a written request to OAISC to remove it. Appendix H and the FAQ are written for general student conduct cases, and the sources do not say how they apply to an SVSH case.

Transcripts. Section 106.00 requires a transcript notation of suspension or dismissal for the duration of the suspension or dismissal. The OAISC FAQ says only a suspension (during the suspension) and a dismissal appear on transcripts.

Support for Respondents at UC Irvine

Respondent Services. OEOD calls this role the Respondent Services Coordinator. Wellness, Health & Counseling Services calls it the Respondent Services Campus Social Worker. It helps students, staff and faculty who are accused understand their rights and the investigation and hearing process. It can go with a respondent to meetings with the investigator and to formal hearings, arrange interpreters, and refer respondents to counseling, legal services (including help complying with protection orders), alternative housing and academic changes. The Office of Campus Social Work works by appointment only. OEOD says: “Private support resources for Respondents are available through the Respondent Services Coordinator.” OEOD also lists the Respondent Services Coordinator among its non-confidential resources. The service states: “UCI Respondent Services does not offer or provide legal consultation, advice or services.”

Counseling Center. It offers free, confidential short-term and crisis counseling by licensed providers to all students.

Office of the Ombuds. It is a confidential, impartial and independent resource for students, faculty and staff. It is not an office of notice or record for the University. It does not conduct formal investigations, and it refers visitors to the appropriate office when it deems that proper.

OAISC Peer Advisor. A Peer Advisor helps students who receive an OAISC notification letter. The Peer Advisor can explain the letter, the meeting process, the standard of evidence and the appeal process. The Peer Advisor is not a spokesperson, advocate or defense counsel. The sources describe this service for student conduct and academic integrity matters and do not mention SVSH cases.

Complainant resource. OEOD states: “Confidential support resources for Complainants are available through the CARE Office.” CARE is identified there as a complainant resource.

Advisors. Under the UC Appendix E or F rules for SVSH cases, an advisor can be any person who is not a party, including an attorney, or a person the University provides. A support person is also allowed. Under Appendix E the advisor may not speak for the party. Under Appendix F the advisor speaks only to ask the party’s questions at the hearing. OEOD adds that parties in an OEOD investigation may have an advisor and a support person at interviews and meetings, and that in DOE grievance processes OEOD can assign a University staff advisor if a party needs one. Different advisor rules apply to general student conduct cases. Appendix H says the advisor may be any person, including an attorney, and may not speak on the student’s behalf. The OAISC Support Person/Advisor Guidelines add that an attorney advisor is at the student’s own expense and that an advisor cannot cross-examine witnesses.

The UC Process in Brief

If an investigation goes forward after the initial assessment, the Title IX Officer, after consulting Student Conduct, sends both parties a written notice of charges. The investigation is typically completed within 60 to 90 business days of that notice, unless there is good cause for an extension, and the standard of proof is preponderance of the evidence. The parties review evidence before the report is final, and the report then includes findings and a preliminary determination. Both parties then have 20 business days: under Appendix E either party may contest the determination, and under Appendix F there is a hearing unless both parties accept in writing. A single hearing officer runs any hearing, and Student Conduct decides sanctions, which can include suspension or dismissal from the University of California. After a hearing, an appeal is due within 10 business days of the notice of the determination. Without a hearing, an appeal is due within 10 business days of the notice that the determination is final, and the only ground is a disproportionate sanction. The full explanation is on our UC Title IX lawyer page.

Related pages: California Title IX defense attorney, Title IX investigation guide and Title IX advisor guide.

Official UC Irvine Title IX Resources

• UCI Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (Title IX office)
• UCI OEOD: Title IX DOE Compliance at UCI (current SVSH documents)
• UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH)
• UCI Code of Student Conduct
• UCI Office of Academic Integrity & Student Conduct
• UCI Respondent Services

Last verified: October 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About UC Irvine Title IX Cases

Who at UC Irvine will contact me?

Under the UC process, if an investigation goes forward, the Title IX Officer sends the notice of charges after consulting Student Conduct. OEOD handles the investigation. OEOD’s page says OAISC conduct officers handle student adjudication in SVSH cases; under the UC frameworks a hearing officer runs any hearing and Student Conduct decides sanctions. Check which office sent your letter, because OAISC also sends general student conduct notices that use different terms and procedures.

Is the Title IX office confidential?

The campus sources do not describe OEOD as confidential. They name CARE, the Counseling Center and the Office of the Ombuds as confidential resources, and OEOD’s resources page says CARE will not report to OEOD or Title IX. OEOD also says that meeting with it to learn about resources does not mean a formal investigation will start.

Where can I get support as a respondent?

Respondent Services, through the Respondent Services Coordinator or Campus Social Worker, helps respondents understand their rights and the process. It is private, not confidential, and it gives no legal advice. The Counseling Center and the Office of the Ombuds are confidential. Both are described in the support section above.

Can a lawyer be my advisor?

In an SVSH case under Appendix E or F, the advisor can be any person who is not a party, including an attorney. Under Appendix E the advisor may not speak for you. Under Appendix F the advisor asks your questions at the hearing, and the University provides someone at no cost if you have no advisor for that. OAISC’s guidelines say an attorney advisor is at the student’s own expense, but those guidelines are for general conduct cases.

What happens if I am placed on interim suspension?

Section 107.00 of the post-January 1, 2026 Code says the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs (or designee) reviews it within twenty-four hours, not counting weekends or holidays. If it is not affirmed, the Code says it is void. If it is affirmed, you may ask in writing for a meeting to challenge it within ten business days of the date on the Notification of Interim Suspension, and the meeting is convened within seven business days of the request.

Will this go on my transcript?

Section 106.00 requires a notation for suspension or dismissal for its duration. The OAISC FAQ says only a suspension (during the suspension) and a dismissal appear on transcripts. Separately, the Code says no degree is awarded while an allegation is pending, and the FAQ describes a Graduation Hold that you can ask OAISC in writing to remove.

How long do I have to appeal?

After a hearing, an appeal goes to the hearing coordinator within 10 business days following the notice of the hearing officer’s determination and any sanctions. If there was no hearing, an appeal goes to Student Conduct within 10 business days following its notice that the preliminary determination is final. In that case the only ground is a disproportionate sanction. Confirm the deadline and recipient in your own notice.