Filing a Formal Complaint or Making a Police Report
What to expect when you file a formal complaint.
What Happens When You File a Complaint
Filing a formal complaint is the first step to getting the help you need.
You can file a complaint with either the University of Mississippi or local police departments.
- Below you'll find a few of the things to expect when filing with either group.
Options | Will my information be confidential? | Can I request a forensic medical exam? | Will there be an investigation? | Will there be disciplinary action for the accused? |
| Filing a formal complaint with the University | Your privacy will be protected to the greatest legal extent possible. Some personnel involved in your case will have access to your information, and your name may be shared with the accused if there is an investigation. | Yes. It is up to you. In some cases, physical evidence may assist an investigation. | There are two situations in which the University may initiate its grievance procedures: (i) where a formal complaint has been filed by a complainant, or (ii) where the Title IX Coordinator has determined that an investigation is objectively warranted. Generally, the complainant can decide whether he or she would like the University to conduct an investigation. | The respondent to a Title IX or Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct case may receive disciplinary sanctions if he or she is found responsible at the conclusion of the grievance process. |
| Police report | Your name will not be disclosed if you request that it remains confidential. However, be aware that if the case advances to a court trial, your name would be included in court records, which are public documents. | Yes. It is up to you. In some cases, physical evidence may assist an investigation. | Yes | Possibly, depending on the facts of your situation. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Filing a Complaint
Depending on their relationship to the University, they may be obligated to report to the Interim Title IX Coordinator, Marissa Watson. The Title IX Coordinator will reach out to you to offer you supportive measures and accommodations and talk to you about potentially starting an investigation.
You have the right not to speak with the Title IX Coordinator, although there may be circumstances in which the EORC Investigators will investigate allegations without your participation.
If you decide not to file a formal complaint, all campus resources remain available to support you, and supportive measures are available to parties with or without the filing of a formal complaint. P
lease contact the Title IX Coordinator for assistance with supportive measures. Or, alternatively, for complainants, as well as individuals who are alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment, please contact the Office of Confidential Advocacy, Support, and Education (CASE).
For individuals who have been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment, please contact UMatter: Student Support & Advocacy.
A report is a communication to the Title IX Coordinator notifying her of an allegation of sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, or sexual misconduct.
A formal complaint is a signed document from a complainant to the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, or sexual misconduct against a respondent and requesting that the University investigate the allegation.
- Community members who believe they have, or believe someone they know has, experienced a potential policy violation may submit a report in writing, in person, by mail, by telephone, by electronic mail, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the report.
- Individuals who believe they have experienced a Title IX or Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy violation may file a formal complaint with the EORC Office requesting an investigation into an alleged policy violation
- Individuals can file a formal complaint without meeting with the Director of Regulatory Compliance/Title IX Coordinator in person, so long as the complaint: (i) contains the complainant’s physical or digital signature or otherwise indicates that the complainant is the person filing the formal complaint, (ii) alleges sexual harassment against the respondent, and (iii) requests that the University investigate the allegations.
What Are My Reporting Options?
Marissa Watson, the Interim Title IX Coordinator, is the appropriate University official to contact to make a report or formal complaint of sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, relationship violence, or other sexual misconduct.
- Marissa Watson
Interim Title IX Coordinator
Office of Equal Opportunity & Regulatory Compliance
University of Mississippi
P.O. Box 1848
120 Lester Hall
University, MS 38677-1848
P: (662) 915-7045
mwatson9@olemiss.edu
Under the Jeanne Clery Act, the University has to report annual statistics including the number of sexual assaults that happen on campus.
There are two ways to submit an anonymous Clery report:
- If you would like to report an incident, you can submit a Campus Security Authority Incident Report.
- If you'd like it to be included in the annual report, you can report the incident to The Office of Confidential Advocacy, Support and Education (CASE), the Title IX Coordinator, or the University Police Department.