If you are searching for a University of Tennessee Knoxville Title IX lawyer after receiving a notice, a request to meet, or a complaint letter, start by checking which campus procedure applies. This page explains the published process for student respondents and what to check first.
This is general educational information only. It is not legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Which Policy Version Applies to You
UT Knoxville’s governing document is the August 7, 2026 Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence, and Stalking, available through the Title IX policy hub. Appendix C of that policy describes the investigation and hearing route that applies to student respondents.
Under policy section 1.2.3, the August 7, 2026 policy applies to conduct reported to have occurred on or after that date. If the alleged conduct happened before that date, the definitions come from the policy in effect at the time of the alleged conduct. The current policy still governs other parts of the university’s response, including the grievance procedure. The 2026 definitions therefore do not automatically govern older incidents.
Because this distinction matters, read your notice closely. Check the alleged dates of conduct and whether the university identifies a Title IX or Non-Title IX route. Ask in writing which policy definitions, procedure version, and filing deadlines apply if the notice leaves them unclear.
Appendix C also references the Student Code of Conduct for hearing and appeal steps. Ask the university for the Code version it is using in your case.
Report vs. Formal Complaint: Not the Same Thing
An initial report, a supportive measure, a formal complaint, an investigation, and a finding are separate events. Receiving supportive measures, for example, does not mean a formal complaint has been filed, and a formal complaint does not guarantee the matter reaches a hearing.
Appendix C separates a Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint from a Non-Title IX Prohibited Conduct Complaint. A formal complaint is filed by the complainant, or signed by the Title IX Coordinator, and requests an investigation. The Title IX route has specific jurisdictional conditions. If conduct falls outside those conditions, it can still be reviewed under the Non-Title IX route and the Student Code. A Title IX dismissal does not necessarily end the university’s review of the underlying conduct.
Early Steps After You Receive a Notice
If you have received any notice or outreach connected to a Title IX matter:
- Identify which route and policy version the notice describes.
- Preserve all messages, documents, and other evidence related to the allegations. Do not delete anything.
- Calendar every date and deadline stated in the notice itself, rather than relying on general timelines.
- Consider speaking with an advisor, including an attorney, early. You are not required to have one, but you may have one at every stage.
Do not ignore an official notice while you figure out next steps. Check its deadlines against the applicable policy and ask the university to clarify any conflict in writing.
Investigation and Evidence
Appendix C places the burden of gathering evidence on the university, not on either party alone. Both parties are given the opportunity to identify witnesses and evidence during the investigation.
Before the university finalizes its written investigative report, it must provide each party with directly related evidence and allow 10 business days for a written response to that evidence.
The investigation is generally completed within 65 business days. This is described in the policy as a university goal, not a guaranteed outcome, and not a deadline that a student is responsible for meeting.
After the investigative report is sent to each party and their advisor, each party has a separate 10-business-day period to submit a written response to the report. No hearing may take place until this response period has lapsed, even if a response arrives earlier. This window is distinct from the earlier 10-business-day response period tied to directly related evidence.
Advisor and Hearing
At every stage, a party may have an advisor, who may be an attorney, though an attorney is not required. A separate support person may also attend, but that person cannot speak on the party’s behalf.
At a Title IX hearing, the advisor asks relevant questions of the other party and witnesses. The party does not ask those questions personally. Appendix D-1 has different rules for faculty and staff respondents.
The university uses a preponderance of the evidence standard to decide responsibility.
A Title IX hearing is generally concluded within 40 business days after the investigation ends. The university must send hearing notice at least 10 business days before the hearing takes place. A Non-Title IX formal hearing follows a different track, with a general 30-business-day post-investigation decision target. Neither figure is a guaranteed date.
Procedural targets, including the ones above, may be extended for good cause. If that happens, the university is required to give the parties written notice explaining the reason and the expected adjustment.
Supportive Measures and Emergency Removal
Supportive measures can include a no-contact directive or adjustments to class schedules, housing, or similar arrangements. Requesting a supportive measure does not guarantee it will be granted, and a supportive measure is not a finding of responsibility.
An emergency removal is different: it requires a determination that the respondent poses an immediate threat to physical health or safety arising from the allegations. A respondent may challenge an emergency removal immediately, and specifically within three business days after the removal.
Appeals
Either party may appeal a Title IX Hearing Officer’s decision by filing a notice of appeal within five business days of transmittal of the decision.
This is separate from the five-business-day period during which both parties may submit a written statement after the nonappealing party receives notice of the appeal. One deadline is for filing the appeal; the other is for appeal statements.
Non-Title IX appeals (SLHO/SCB) follow a different Code section, even though they also reference a five-business-day notice period. Check both the policy and the case notice before assuming which filing instructions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 policy apply to my case if the alleged conduct happened last year?
Not necessarily for definitions. Definitions come from the policy in effect when the conduct allegedly occurred; the current 2026 policy still governs the grievance process itself.
Am I required to have an attorney as my advisor?
No. An advisor is allowed at every stage, and may be an attorney, but one is not mandatory.
Will I be the one questioning the other party at a hearing?
No. Under Appendix C, your advisor asks questions of the other party and witnesses, not you personally.
Does a Title IX complaint against me automatically mean I’ll have a hearing?
No. A report, a formal complaint, an investigation, and a hearing are separate stages, and not every complaint proceeds to a hearing.
What if I disagree with a supportive measure or emergency removal?
An emergency removal may be challenged within three business days after removal. Other supportive measures should be raised in writing with the office issuing them.
What should I do first if I just received a notice?
Identify the policy version and route named in the notice, preserve evidence, calendar the specific dates listed, and consider early advisor input.
More guides for Tennessee schools: Tennessee Title IX lawyer.
Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information about UT Knoxville’s published Title IX process. It is not legal advice, does not guarantee any outcome, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. For guidance about your specific situation, consult the official policy documents linked below or contact us.
