Skip to Main Content
A-Z Index
Office of Title IX and Civil Rights
oneColumn

Title IX - Sexual Misconduct

Title IX is a Federal Civil Rights Law That Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sex at All Institutions That Received Federal Financial Assistance. This Includes Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence, Rape, Sexual Assault, Sex Discrimination, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner Violence and Stalking. Title IX Also Provides Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnancy or Pregnancy-related Conditions.

  • What is Title IX?

    Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance.

    The University is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination based on sex. The University provides many resources to students, faculty, and staff to address concerns relating to discrimination based on sex, which includes sexual misconduct.

  • Who is the Title IX Coordinator, and what are their responsibilities?

    In accordance with the requirements of Title IX, the University has designated Tricia Buchholz, Director of the Office of Title IX & Civil Rights, as the University’s Title IX Coordinator.

    As the Title IX Coordinator, the responsibilities include:

    • Tracking and monitoring incidents, including sex discrimination and sexual misconduct, and ensuring that the University responds promptly and effectively to each complaint;
    • Resolving complaints and addressing issues of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct;
    • Where appropriate, conducting investigations of particular situations; and
    • Compliance-related responsibilities and reporting.
  • When should I contact the Title IX & Civil Rights office?

    Any student, faculty or staff member, or applicant for admission or employment who has concerns about sex discrimination or sexual misconduct is encouraged to seek the assistance of the Title IX & Civil Rights Office. Contact the office if you: 

    1. Wish to understand your options if you think you may have encountered sex discrimination or sexual misconduct;
    2. Learn of a situation that you feel may warrant a university investigation;
    3. Ask for guidance on how to handle a situation in which you are indirectly affected;
    4. Seek guidance on possible informal remedies or administrative measures to de-escalate or alleviate a difficult situation;
    5. Have questions about the University’s policies and procedures.
  • Are my conversations with the OTCR office confidential?

    The University must keep confidential the identity of any individual who has made a report or complaint of sex discrimination, including any individual who has made a report or filed a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment; any Reporting Party; any individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of sex discrimination; any Responding Party; and any witness except as permitted by FERPA, as required by law, or to carry out the conduct of any investigation or hearing under these Procedures or any judicial proceedings or court order, as required by law.

  • What happens if UNF does not comply with Title IX?

    The penalty for an institution’s failure to comply with Title IX can include, in the most extreme circumstances, the termination of all or part of an institution’s federal funding. This includes grants, subsidies, and other program funds from the federal government. In addition to the loss of federal funds, universities may be sued by those seeking redress for violations of Title IX. It is essential that institutions receiving federal funding to operate in a nondiscriminatory manner. To ensure the University’s compliance with the law, adherence to Title IX regulations is everyone’s responsibility.