If you are looking for a University of Texas at Dallas Title IX lawyer after receiving a sexual misconduct complaint, start with the university’s written notice. The applicable process depends on the allegations, the policy route, and the version identified for your case. This page explains the university’s published framework for student respondents. It does not replace your own notice or individualized legal advice.
Which Policy Version and Route Applies
UT Dallas’s sexual misconduct process is governed by UTDBP3102, the Sexual Misconduct Policy, also available as an official printable PDF. The current version reflects an August 20, 2026 revision.
The policy sets out two different paths for a student respondent, and which one applies depends on the nature of the allegations, not on your preference:
- Under §6.1(A), the Formal Grievance Process applies when the respondent was a student, including a student employee, at the time of alleged conduct and the allegations include Sexual Harassment as defined by the policy.
- Under §6.2(A), a separate Alternative Formal Grievance Process applies when the respondent was a student at that time and the allegations do not include Sexual Harassment but do involve other Prohibited Conduct under the policy.
These two routes have different procedures, including different hearing and disposition options. The version that applies depends on your notice and on when the alleged conduct happened, so do not assume which route applies to you or that the August 2026 revision governs an older allegation. UTDBP3102 §5.4 says the written notice will describe the grievance process, allegations, and potential policy violations. If the notice does not make the route or version clear, ask the Title IX office to confirm them in writing.
The Student Code of Conduct, UTDSP5003, states in §E that a more specific policy such as UTDBP3102 governs its own investigations. Its older seven-day appeal text nevertheless mentions sexual misconduct cases. Do not substitute that text for UTDBP3102’s separate appeal rules when this policy governs. Ask the Title IX office to confirm the written route and due date. The Code contains an apparent UTDSP3102 cross-reference typo in one section; the university’s current Sexual Misconduct Policy is labeled UTDBP3102.
Report vs. Formal Complaint
A report to the university and a formal complaint are not the same thing. A report can prompt outreach, supportive measures, and an initial assessment. A formal complaint is what triggers the Formal Grievance Process or Alternative Formal Grievance Process described above. The written notice you receive should tell you which stage your case is in. If it does not say clearly, ask the Title IX Coordinator’s office to clarify before you respond.
Early Steps After You Receive Notice
If you have received notice that a complaint has been filed against you, do not ignore it and do not let response deadlines pass without acting. Some practical early steps:
- Read the entire notice, including any attached policy excerpts, and note every date and deadline stated in it.
- Check which process and potential policy violations the notice names. Ask the office to identify §6.1 or §6.2 if that is unclear.
- Confirm in writing with the Title IX office which deadlines apply to your specific case, since the policy’s use of the word "days" is not defined as calendar or business days.
- Consider whether to arrange an advisor early. Under the policy, an advisor may assist you, but the party must submit certain filings, including the written response to evidence.
Under §5.9, the respondent is presumed not responsible until a determination is made, and the university uses the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard for Formal Grievance Processes.
Investigation and Evidence Review
Under §6.1(B), as a respondent you may:
- Answer the allegations,
- Identify witnesses,
- Suggest questions for the investigator to ask,
- Submit evidence, and
- Inspect the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Both parties are given 10 days to inspect, review, and respond in writing to the evidence before the investigation report is finalized. An advisor may help you prepare this response, but you must submit it yourself.
Once the investigation report is complete, §6.1(B) requires that it be provided to the parties at least 10 days before any scheduled hearing.
Advisor and Hearing Process
Section 6.1(C) requires at least 10 days’ written notice of a scheduled hearing. On the §6.1 route, a live hearing follows unless the matter is resolved through dismissal or informal resolution.
At the hearing, parties may not personally question each other. Instead, advisors and the university’s representative may ask relevant questions, subject to the hearing officer’s rulings on what is permitted.
The §6.2 Alternative Formal Grievance Process has its own administrative disposition and hearing options. At a §6.2(D) hearing, advisors do not ask questions as they may under §6.1(C). Check your notice to see which route governs your case.
Supportive Measures
The policy framework contemplates supportive measures for parties involved in a complaint, separate from any disciplinary outcome. If you believe you need academic accommodations, no-contact provisions, or other supportive measures while your case is pending, raise this directly with the Title IX Coordinator’s office.
Appeals
There are multiple, distinct appeal windows under UTDBP3102. Do not conflate them:
- §6.1(E): A written appeal of the hearing officer’s responsibility determination may be filed within 10 days of notification of that determination, on the grounds specified in the policy.
- §6.4(D): If a dismissal includes Sexual Harassment allegations, an applicable party may appeal that dismissal within 10 days of notification of the dismissal.
- §6.4(C): Outside of that Sexual Harassment dismissal scenario, the policy states there is no dismissal appeal.
Each window has its own triggering notification: the hearing determination in one case and the dismissal notice in another. Because the policy does not define whether these are calendar or business days, confirm the actual due date in writing with the Title IX office rather than calculating it from this page.
Section 6.6 also sets institutional timeframes: a 90-day investigation period and a 150-day full process period, both measured from the date the complaint is filed, subject to good-cause extensions and any pause for informal resolution. These are targets for the university’s own process, not a deadline for anything you personally must file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the August 2026 version of the policy apply to my case?
Not necessarily. The current page shows an August 2026 revision, but it does not establish the governing version for every older allegation. Confirm the applicable version from your written notice and the Title IX office.
Are the "10 day" deadlines calendar days or business days?
The published policy does not specify. Confirm the exact due date in writing with the Title IX office for your specific deadline.
Can my advisor speak for me at the hearing?
The policy allows advisors to ask relevant questions at the hearing, subject to the hearing officer’s rulings. Certain other filings, such as the written response to evidence, must come from you directly.
What if my notice does not say whether §6.1 or §6.2 applies?
Ask the Title IX Coordinator’s office to confirm this in writing before you respond, since the two routes involve different procedures.
Can I appeal any dismissal of the complaint?
Only in the circumstance described in §6.4(D), where the dismissed allegations include Sexual Harassment. Section 6.4(C) states there is no dismissal appeal otherwise.
Who do I contact with questions about my specific deadlines?
The Title IX Coordinator’s office can be reached at TitleIXCoordinator@utdallas.edu or 972-883-2306. Current staff contacts are listed on the university’s Institutional Compliance contacts page.
Disclaimer
This page is general educational information only. It is not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with or endorsed by The University of Texas at Dallas. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. The applicable policy version, route, and due dates depend on your written notice and the university’s confirmation. Confirm case-specific dates directly with the UT Dallas Title IX office in writing.
