Respondent Services
Providing support and resources for students responding to Title IX or sexual misconduct allegations.
Supporting Students Through the Title IX Process
UMatter provides resources and accommodations to help respondents stay on track academically and manage additional stress as they respond to Title IX allegations.
A respondent is someone accused of violating either Title IX or the Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct policy. Allegations of misconduct may include the following:
- Sexual assault
- Interpersonal violence
- Stalking
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual exploitation
- Inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature
Students who have been accused can visit UMSAFE for answers to common questions related to the process and their rights as a respondent.
UMatter has a case manager dedicated to providing support, resources, and accommodations for respondents. The case manager can help respondents…
- Understand their rights as a respondent
- Learn what to expect during each phase of the Title IX process
- Manage stress and emotions during and after an investigation
- Request academic support by emailing instructors to request reasonable accommodations
- Request withdrawals or changes to their class schedule
- Think through safety planning, including temporary housing accommodations
- Request a No-Contact order with another student
- Understand sanctions and plan for next steps at the conclusion of the Title IX process
- Connect to campus or community resources for counseling, academic support, basic needs, etc.
- Navigate other challenges that arise because of the allegations
Respondents do not have to share details of the Title IX allegations with UMatter in order to receive accommodations or other services. The Title IX office alerts the Case Manager for Respondent Services when a respondent receives a notice of allegations, but the case manager does not receive any information that’s included within the notice.
If the respondent chooses to talk with the case manager about the allegations and/or other matters, the case manager will not share any identifiable information with the police, family/parents, or anyone else without the respondent’s permission unless there is an immediate safety concern for the respondent, another individual, or the campus community.
Some students may be worried that they have violated Title IX or the Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconductpolicy before they’ve received a notice of allegations from the Title IX office. These students are invited to talk with UMatter about their concerns, options, and next steps. While maintaining confidentiality, staff with UMatter: Student Support & Advocacy must report the nature, date, and general location of an incident to the Title IX Coordinator, along with a list of any supportive measures that were provided. This limited report – which includes no information that would directly or indirectly identify the student – helps keep the Title IX Coordinator informed of the general extent and nature of the alleged sexual violence on and off campus so the Coordinator can track patterns, evaluate the scope of the problem, if any, and formulate appropriate campus-wide responses, if necessary. This limited report also helps ensure that the University is in compliance with Title IX.
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Here to Help
Case manager Mandi Bloodworth specializes in respondent services and is here to walk you through any questions or concerns you may have.
Mandi Bloodworth
Case Manager II Respondent Services
Supporting the Accused
If someone you care about confides in you that they have been accused of sexual misconduct, it may be difficult to know what to do next.
You may be struggling with mixed emotions, but know that providing support in no way condones the alleged behavior. It simply serves as an act of compassion and care for the person.
Here are some ways you can help:
- Show compassion by providing an open atmosphere for the person to share their feelings and perspective on the situation as they work through this difficult experience.
- Be honest.Let the person know how much and what kind of support you are willing give.
- Provide resources.Help the person explore support options on campus. Encourage them to connect with UMatter for more information and resources to help them navigate this situation.
- Remain neutral. Avoid taking sides or placing blame. Your focus is on support.
- Respect privacy.Be thoughtful about prying for information and be sure not to share the person’s experience with others.
- Educate yourself.Sexual misconduct and other forms of violence can be incredibly complex. Increasing your own understanding may help you process your feelings about the incident and assist the person with the process ahead.
- Get support for yourself.Supporting anyone through a difficult situation can be emotionally draining. Be mindful of your own well-being and don’t hesitate to seek help and support for yourself when you need it.
If the person is showing any of the following indicators of distress, it may be a good idea to contact a professional for help:
- Increased or unhealthy use of alcohol or other drugs
- Thoughts of suicide and/or self-harm
- Unaddressed mental health concerns
- Challenges with academic schedules or obligations
- Social stigma or rejection
- Isolation
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Eating too much or too little
- Intense preoccupation with the case or others involved
- Making threats to harm to self or others, even jokingly
If you are concerned about a respondent and would like a case manager from UMatter to reach out to them, please complete a CARE Referral for non-crisis support and follow up.
Call 911 or the University Police Department at 662-915-4911 or go to the nearest emergency room if…
- You or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide
- You or someone you know is in immediate danger
- A person is making threats towards another person
The University Counseling Center is open for walk-in services during the University’s operating hours, Monday – Friday from 8 am-5 pm. Click here for 24/7 crisis support resources.
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