Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Texas at Tyler

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence includes sexual assault, sexual battery and sexual coercion. All such acts are forms of sexual harassment and covered under Title IX.

How do I know if I have been sexually assaulted?

The Texas Penal Code - Section 22.011 defines sexual assault in several ways. Generally, sexual assault is any unwanted, non-consensual sexual contact against any individual by another. Sexual assault can occur either forcibly (against a person's will) or when a person cannot give consent (under the age of consent, intoxicated, developmentally disabled, mentally/physically unable to consent, etc.).

How do I know if I have been sexually harassed?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal/physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment, student status or participation in university activities.
• Such conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive that it substantially interferes with an individual's education, employment or participation in university activities.
• Such conduct is intentionally directed toward a specific individual and unreasonably interferes with that individual's education, employment or participation in university activities.

Sexual harassment includes any criminal offense of a sexual nature under the Texas Penal Code. Examples of sexual harassment include displays of sexually suggestive materials or content; sexual jokes or innuendos; sexual touching; unwelcome flirting or advances; pressuring someone for sex; repeated requests for dates; persistent email or social network communications; requiring sexual favors in exchange for a grade, a favor or some other benefit; sexual contact; or sexual assault.

Are women the only victims of sexual harassment or sexual violence?

No, both females and males can be victims of sexual harassment and or sexual violence.

If I think I have been victimized and I don't feel safe. What can I do?

Find a safe place away from the assailant, and call the police. The Title IX coordinator can coordinate other assistance such as an order of no contact, appointment of an escort, relocation of the individuals involved, and reassignment of schedules if the victim and the accused have similar schedules.

If an accident of sexual violence occurred off campus, can the university investigate?

Yes, if the incident has sufficient ties to The University of Texas in Tyler, if it occurs at UT Tyler events or if it involves UT Tyler students, faculty or staff.

If an incident occurred at a party and I was drinking, will I get in trouble?

UT Tyler's priority is to prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence. While the specifics of the situation will be considered, UT Tyler's primary focus will be to address the sexual harassment or violence. The use of alcohol or drugs will not excuse sexual violence or harassment.

What is UT Tyler's policy regarding sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is unlawful and is prohibited by university policy. For more information please see nondiscrimination and sexual harassment policies in The University of Texas at Tyler Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) Section 2.4.3.

Someone filed a complaint against me. What should I do?

Do not contact the alleged victim through any means -- in person, by phone, by email, by social media or electronic communication or through someone else. Familiarize yourself with the UT Tyler policy/process for investigating complaints of sexual harassment (HOP section 2.4.2), so that you know what to expect.

Reporting

To whom should I report that I have been sexually harassed/assaulted?

Sexual harassment and acts of sexual violence should be reported to the Title IX coordinator and/or to the university police.

Will my complaints remain confidential?

Your privacy is a priority to The University of Texas at Tyler. However, limited information sometimes must be disclosed in order to fully investigate a complaint. If you are concerned about confidentiality, discuss this issue with the Title IX coordinator.

What if I want to remain anonymous?

Your confidentiality will be protected to the maximum extent possible, but anonymity may hinder an investigation into your complaint.

My friend told me he or she was assaulted. What can I do to help?

Be supportive. Listen to what your friend has to say, then encourage him or her to report the incident to the police or the Title IX coordinator. Also, consider reporting the incident yourself. You may also suggest that they contact the Student Counseling Center.

Title IX Coordinator

What is a Title IX Coordinator?

The Title IX coordinator is the university official responsible for ensuring UT Tyler complies with Title IX, including responding to and investigating all complaints of gender discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) at UT Tyler.

Who are the UT Tyler Title IX coordinators?

Title IX Coordinators

For more information or to make a complaint regarding sexual harassment, please contact:

Blake Bumbard, OAC 160
Title IX Coordinator
Office of Title IX
Phone: 903.565.5760
Email: bbumbard@uttyler.edu

Elizabeth Caulkins, OAC 161
Title IX Investigator
Office of Title IX
Phone: 903.566.6189
Email: ecaulkins@uttyler.edu

David Hill, UC 3320
Title IX Investigator
Student Conduct
Phone: 903.566.7028 
Email: dhill@uttyler.edu

Gracy Buentello, STE 107
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Human Resources
Phone:  903.566.7480
Email:  gbuentello@uttyler.edu

James Bonnette, PHE 228
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Athletics
Phone:  903.565.5699
Email:  jbonnette@uttyler.edu

 

Isn't Title IX about athletics?

No, not entirely. Title IX addresses discrimination based on sex/gender. Title IX considers sexual harassment as a form of sex/gender discrimination and it requires that all incidents of sexual harassment be viewed as discrimination and be investigated.