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Cultivating Learning and Safe Environments

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UT Medical Branch Galveston

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The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston’s (UTMB) Response, Prevention Efforts, and Resources to Address Sexual Harassment, Stalking, Dating/Domestic Abuse and Violence, and Unwanted Sexual Contact.


 

Supportive Services

Confidential Resources and Reporting —

Health and Counseling Services

 Student Health and Counseling offers a broad array of services to promote the mental and physical health of all enrolled students at UTMB. Mental health services include: confidential counseling, crisis intervention, and outreach presentations. Heath services include: primary care, minor emergency care, well health exams, radiology, management of chronic stable disease, prescriptions refills, allergy/ immunizations, STI testing, and laboratory services.

For non-emergency appointments between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. contact (409) 747- 9508. Students have
access to mental health professionals 24-hours a day through the UTMB Student Helpline at (409) 747-HELP(4357). Students experiencing an emergency should contact the Campus Police 911. For after-hours medical care contact (409) 772-2222 or (800) 917-8906. For medical emergencies contact 911. For information visit https://www.utmb.edu/studenthealth.

UT Employee Assistance Program (UTEAP)

All UTMB current or retired employees, faculty, staff members, and their families can access confidential counseling through the UT Employee Assistance Program. To schedule an EAP appointment contact 1 (844) 876-5896. (409) 772-2485 or 1 (888) 870-8553. For 24-hour crisis assistance contact (844) 872-5986. Visit https://hr.utmb.edu/eap/ for information.

Medical Forensic Sexual Assault Exam with Evidence Collection

Victims of sexual assault may wish to receive a confidential and free Medical Forensic Sexual Assault Exam within 96 hours of the assault through the UTMB Emergency Department. Contact (409) 772-1479.

Off-Campus Resources —

Center for Changing Our Campus

The Center is an online resource to address sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, and stalking for colleges and universities, and is supported by the DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women. Visit http://www.changingourcampus.org/ for information.

Resource & Crisis Center of Galveston County

The Resource and Crisis Center provides survivors of sexual assault, family violence, and child abuse comprehensive advocacy services including counseling, crisis intervention, medical accompaniment, law enforcement/judicial accompaniment, case management, and community education/ prevention. For the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline contact (409)765-SAFE (7233) or toll-free (888) 919-SAFE (7233.) Visit http://www.rccgc.org/ for information.

The Houston Area Women’s Center

The Houston Area Women’s Center provides services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault including counseling, shelter, and referral to community resources. In addition, the center offers violence prevention and community education. For the center contact (713) 528-6798. For 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline contact (713) 528-2121, or toll free (800) 256-0551. For the 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline contact (713) 528-7273 or toll free (800) 256-0661.

United Way of Greater Houston Community Resources

 Within the Houston and Galveston region, there are several resource and crisis centers. United Way of Greater Houston provides a list of community resources that address sexual assault. The Title IX Office provides a PDF printable version of the United Way of Greater Houston’s list to survivors. Visit http://referral.unitedwayhouston.org for more information.

The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA)

 TAASA provides education, prevention and advocacy to victims of sexual assault. For information contact (512) 474-7190 or visit http://taasa.org/


 

Coordinated Response

Title IX Office

 The Title IX Office is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from gender discrimination, including sexual harassment, stalking, dating/ domestic violence, and sexual assault. Visit https://www.utmb.edu/studentservices/titleix.asp for information.

Title IX Director

 The Title IX Director is tasked with oversight and responsibility of all Title IX matters. For information email Kathy Rodriguez Title.IX@utmb.edu or call (409) 772-2112.

UTMB Police Department

The UTMB Police Department, through professional policing and working in partnership with the community, is dedicated to providing a safe and secure campus where the pursuit of higher education, research, and health care can be achieved. For emergencies contact 911 or (409) 772-1111. For non-emergencies contact (409) 772-2691 or dial 2-1511 from any on-campus location. For information visit: https://www.utmb.edu/police

Report crimes, including sexual violence immediately to UTMB Campus Police:

  • Internally – 911
  • Externally – 409-772-1111


Sexual violence may also be reported to the Title IX Office:


 

Policy

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Visit https://www.utmb.edu/policies_and_procedures/IHOP/Employee/Regulatory_Compliance/IHOP%20-%2003.02.04%20-%20Sexual%20Harassment%20and%20Sexual%20Misconduct%20.pdf for the policy and information.

UTMB Handbook of Operating Procedures

 This handbook covers institutional compliance program procedures in regard to EEO or Sexual Harassment. Visit https://www.utmb.edu/policies_and_procedures/ for information.


 

Professional Training

Compliance for Students —

Annual Online Prevention and Awareness Program

This annual online Title IX training module is provided to all new students and transfer students, and includes information on sexual misconduct and sexual assault prevention. Students must complete the training before they can register for classes.

Compliance for University Employees —

Annual Online Employee Compliance Training

This annual online Equal Employment Opportunity and Sexual Harassment module is mandatory for all faculty/staff and new employees, and provides information on discrimination, sexual harassment
and sexual misconduct, and Title IX.

Training for Students —

Bystander Intervention Training

All new UTMB students and employees are introduced to the Bystander Intervention program at new student and new employee orientation. Sponsored by the Title IX Office. Additional programs are held throughout the year that reinforce the principles of bystander intervention.

Title IX Training (New Student Orientation)

Title IX training on rights and responsibilities is provided at all new student orientations annually. Sponsored by the Title IX Office.

Training for Students and University Employees —

Title IX Training (Investigators & Coordinators)

Title IX Training on reporting, rights, and responsibilities is provided to Title IX Coordinators and Deputy Coordinators throughout the year.

Title IX Training (Hearing Officers)

Training on the hearing and adjudication process in compliance with Title IX and OCR guidance is provided to faculty/staff hearing officers annually.  Sponsored by the Title IX Office.

Title IX Training (Employees)

Title IX training on reporting, rights, and responsibilities is provided annually to all university employees.

Title IX Reporting Training (Student Employees)

Title IX training on reporting, rights and responsibilities is provided to university student employees annually.

Sexual Assault Prevention Training (Law Enforcement)

Law Enforcement Officers are provided information on Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs), including funding for free SAFE exams. Visit https://www.utmb.edu/police/SexualAssaultPrevention.asp for information.

Safety Watch

This UTMB Police Department program provides uniformed public safety officers to safely escort students, faculty, and staff walking on campus, from dusk to dawn, to on-campus locations. For information contact (409) 772-2691.

The Red Zone Campaign: Safety is a Shared Responsibility

The Red Zone Campaign is a prevention and awareness campaign for incoming students. Based on national statistics, the “Red Zone” is the period between Labor Day and Thanksgiving when incoming students at college campuses across the country are at a higher risk of being victims of crimes, including sexual violence. UTMB is committed to providing a safe learning environment and campus for its students. In order to continue to ensure that campus is safe, UTMB’s Title IX Office has created the Red Zone Campaign to encourage students to be alert and report suspicious or dangerous activities. If you see something, say something! Posters of the campaign will be placed at various locations across campus to remind students and UTMB community members to report concerns.

Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Course

The focus of the RAD course of instruction is on the development of easily mastered personal safety skills, which can be safely practiced within a comfortable learning environment, and the coupling of those physical skills with a threat assessment process, which will increase physical safety awareness. The overall goal is to reduce victimization through informed decision-making and sensible action. The
classes are free of charge to all females age 12 or older (ages 12-17 require parent /guardian consent). For information visit https://www.utmb.edu/police/RAD.asp

 


 

Awareness, Prevention, and Educational Efforts

UTMB Diversity Council

The Diversity Council at UTMB promotes an inclusive environment that actively values diversity among students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. Visit https://www.utmb.edu/diversity/ for information.

Sexual Assault Prevention

UTMB will not tolerate sexual assault in any form, including acquaintance rape. Sexual assault refers to rape as well as other forms of forcible or non-forcible activity. Sexual assault occurs when
one person threatens, or uses violence or coercion to cause another person to participate in any type of forced sexual activity. Sexual assault is a crime. UTMB Police Department sponsors links to information and resources on sexual assault and domestic violence. Visit https://www.utmb.edu/police/ for information.

National LGBT Health Education Center

This online resource provides educational programs, webinars/videos, and consultation to health care organizations with the goal of optimizing quality, cost-effective health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Visit http://www.lgbthealtheducation.org/lgbt-education/learning-modules/ for information.

Do the Right Thing ACT Website

This website provides an overview of bystander intervention and UTMB’s bystander initiative ACT which stands for “Assist. Call for help. Tell someone.” Visit https://www.utmb.edu/act for information.

Bystander Intervention Program –Do the Right Thing

This UTMB bystander intervention program for students and the campus community aims to promote the importance of safe bystander intervention in the prevention of risky and volatile behaviors including sexual assault and relationship violence. Sponsored by the Title IX Office and the Student Services Department. Visit https://www.utmb.edu/act/ for information.

Do the Right Thing (Toolkit)

This bystander intervention toolkit is available 24/7 online and provides an overview of UTMB’s bystander intervention program and resources aimed at preventing sexual violence. Visit https://www.utmb.edu/act/toolkit for information.

Awareness Campaigns

The Title IX Office conducts campaigns throughout the year to coincide with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Domestic/Dating Violence Awareness Month, and Stalking Awareness Month. Unique
programing and presentations are coordinated through the Title IX Office for each specific topic.  Typical events include wearing teal during sexual assault awareness month, the pledge against sexual violence, and documentary screenings with expert panel discussions. Visit https://www.utmb.edu/iutmb for information.

Title IX Office Mission

The mission of UTMB’s Title IX Office is to promote and advance sex/gender equity in all UTMB programs and activities; prevent discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, or gender identity; prohibit sexual harassment and sexual violence; enforce the non-retaliation policy; appropriately process complaints of sex/gender based discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence; and remedy any effects of discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence prohibited under Title IX.

Vision

We will work together with the UTMB community  to share the responsibility of promoting sex/gender equity in all of our endeavors, thereby creating and ensuring an environment free of sex/gender based discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence.


 

Strategic Plan

Objectives

  1. Title IX Awareness and Education: Increase student awareness of the Title IX office and the services it offers to 80% or higher.
  2. Faculty and Staff Education: Educate faculty and staff on Title IX and duties of “Responsible Employees” under the institutional Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct policy.
  3. Prevention Programs: Encourage bystander intervention and responsibility through bystander intervention education, campaigns, and presentations.
  4. Complaint and Resolution Process: Process and review 100% of Title IX complaints submitted to the Title IX of ice, following UTMB’s Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct policy.

Measures

  1. Awareness and education is measured annually through the Student Satisfaction Survey.
  2. Faculty and staff education is measured through a presentation quota established for each fiscal year.
  3. Prevention programs are measured by campaign and presentation quotas established for each fiscal year.
  4. Complaint and resolution process is measured through annual statistical reports and data tracking conducted by the Title IX Coordinator.

Current Action Plans1

  1. Awareness: Enhance education programs at all new student orientations and with online training programs.
  2. Prevention Programs: Partner with the Office of Student Life, Human Resources, and Employee Relations to leverage resources to promote the Bystander Intervention Program (“Do the right thing! A.C.T. Assist. Call for help. Tell someone.”) and incorporate presentations within existing programs and events. Develop relationships with student organizations, and create programs and presentations specific for student events and groups.

1 Action plans are created at the end of the fiscal year in response to measures obtained.