Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

UWF's Title IX Policy covers sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and gender-based discrimination.  

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 was the first comprehensive federal law to prohibit sex discrimination against students and employees of educational institutions. It is one of several federal and state antidiscrimination laws that define and ensure equality in education.  The regulations implementing Title IX, published in 1975, prohibit discrimination, exclusion, denial, limitation, or separation based on gender.  

Title IX states: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

All UWF students, faculty, and staff are protected under Title IX.

Students or employees who feel that they have been victims of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, or gender-based discrimination, or have witnessed such, should file a report as soon as possible. There are multiple ways to file a report:

1. Submit the Title IX Incident report form
2. Submit the Silent Witness Crime Form that will be processed by the UWF Police Department

The University respects the private nature of reports. If a student or employee discloses a Title IX allegation to a Mandatory Reporter they should expect that, beyond the required notification to the Title IX Coordinator, the report will remain private.

The University also must statistically report the occurrence on campus of major violent crimes, including certain sex offenses, in a Combined Annual Security and Fire Safety Report of campus crime statistics. This statistical report does not include personally identifiable information.

If the University believes there is an ongoing threat, the University Police Department may issue a “Timely Notice” through the Argo Alert system. The information typically includes what type of violation, gender and UWF role (ie: student, faculty, or staff) of those involved, date, time, and location. While no names are disclosed, there is a chance the parties involved may know the situation has been reported. 

If the Complainant does not wish to pursue any remedy under the Title IX Policy and/or requests that his or her complaint remain confidential, the University will consider the Complainant's request. However, the University is required to investigate and take reasonable action in response to information received as part of the investigation. The Title IX Coordinator will weigh the Complainant's request against the following factors:

• Whether there have been other complaints of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, or gender-based discrimination against the same Respondent.
• Whether or not the accusations are of a nature that the continued presence of the Respondent on campus poses a threat to the safety of other community members.

The Title IX Coordinator will inform the Complainant if the University makes the determination to move forward with charges under this Title IX policy without the Complainant's participation.

There are only two areas where students and employees can find confidential assistance: 

• For students, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are the only employees on campus able to provide confidential support. 
• For employees, the Employee Assistance Program through Human Resources can provide confidential counselors in the community to provide assistance. 

Other community resources can be utilized confidentially and often for free. Check out our page for a full list of free and confidential resources. 

There is no time limit or statute of limitations to make a report of Title IX allegations. Nevertheless, students and employees are encouraged to report alleged Title IX violations immediately in order to maximize the University's ability to obtain evidence and conduct a thorough, impartial, and reliable investigation. Failulre to promptly report alleged Title IX violation may result in the loss of evidence and witness testimony and may impair the University's ability to enforce the Title IX Policy.

Yes, if you want formal disciplinary action to be taken against the alleged Respondent.  

If the student or employee does not wish for formal disciplinary action to be taken, but still wants to make a report and seek assistance, a complaint may be filed without naming the alleged Respondent. However, Complainants should be aware than not identifying the Respondent may limit the University's ability to respond in a comprehensive manner. 

Yes, if you file a formal complaint.  

Title IX allegations are serious and the Respondent has the right to know the allegation(s).

Complainants are not required to file a formal complaint in order to receive assistance. During an intake meeting, Title IX staff will review all options for accommodations and resolution. Our main priority is to verify your safety and provide immediate relief options to ensure your continued participation in University programs and activities. If at the time of the intake meeting, you’re not sure what kind of help you might need, you can always consider your options and communicate your request to Title IX staff at a later date. 

Immediate care and safety concerns should be addressed by local law enforcement or emergency services.