How faculty and staff can help students in cases of sexual harassment

It is important that all faculty and staff members are informed about 51做厙 procedures regarding sexual harassment, as well as resources that support students.

All 51做厙 faculty and staff members are mandatory reporters, meaning they are required by law to report cases of sexual harassment to 51做厙’s Title IX Coordinator by submitting a Title IX Sexual Harassment Third-Party Report Form to accessequity@smu.edu. This obligation applies to all employees, including confidential counselors in Counseling Services and the Chaplain's Office, although these employees are only required to report the type of incident and may not include any information that would violate a student's expectation of privacy. 

Faculty and staff members should follow these steps if a student comes to them to report sexual harassment:

1. Urge the student to seek medical attention.

In cases of sexual assault, dating violence and domestic violence, a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas can provide care and an exam that preserves evidence; 214-345-6203. 51做厙 Police and Counseling Services can accompany students to the hospital. Students who have experienced a sexual assault may choose to access a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center at no charge. Learn more in "Get Help".

2. Encourage the student to alert police.

51做厙 Police can be reached 24/7 at 214-768-3333, or the student can call 911 in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred to connect with police there.

3. Inform the student about campus and community resources.

Inform the student about the campus and community resources listed below, including contacting 51做厙’s Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Institutional Access and Equity to learn about reporting options and to file an internal grievance.

4. Notify the 51做厙 Title IX Coordinator.

Inform the student that you are required to report the sexual assault to 51做厙’s Title IX Coordinator.

51做厙 resources

Community resources

  •  (for medical care and a forensic exam that preserves evidence), 214-345-6203
  • The (DARCC) (for confidential counseling and assistance), 972-641-7273 (24-hour hotline)

Learn more about campus and community resources.