UMSAFE: Support, Awareness, Facts, and Empowerment
The University is committed to prevent sex-based discrimination, harassment, and any other unwelcome sexual conduct and interpersonal violence.
The University's Commitment to a Safe Campus
The University of Mississippi is committed to fostering an environment that prevents sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and other unwelcome sexual conduct and interpersonal violence.
- As part of this commitment, the University adheres to effective, equitable, and fair procedures to investigate and adjudicate formal complaints containing allegations of this nature.
The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities that it operates, and is required under Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 not to discriminate in such a manner.
The University does not tolerate or excuse sexual harassment or interpersonal violence.
This website provides resources and information for:
- Individuals who are alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment (complainants),
- Individuals who have been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment (respondents),
- Faculty and staff, parents and friends, AND
- Other members of the University community
How to Get Help and Contact Support Services
If you have questions or need to talk with someone at the University, please contact the University’s Interim Title IX Coordinator, Marissa Watson.
Alternatively, complainants may contact Office of Confidential Advocacy, Support, and Education (CASE), and respondents may contact UMatter: Student Support & Advocacy for confidential assistance.
- The University also offers medical services, including Sexual Assault Nurse Examinations (SANE exams), at the Student Health Center during regular business hours.
The contact information for the Interim Title IX Coordinator is provided below, and the contact information for other on-campus resources is located at the bottom of this page.
Getting the Help You Need
The University of Mississippi offers comprehensive support for individuals impacted by sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence, and related issues. Find additional resources below.
Traumatic events happen every day in all communities and the University of Mississippi (UM) community is not exempt. Sexual violence can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation. Impact can vary and UM strives to mitigate the impact of traumatic experiences by decreasing barriers and empowering victim-survivors in making informed decisions by providing free and confidential trauma informed services.
- The Office of Confidential Advocacy, Support, and Education (CASE) is a confidential, on-campus resource that promotes awareness of the realities of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, and other forms of sexual misconduct.
- CASE also serves as confidential advocacy to assist complainants of sexual misconduct and other interpersonal violence, and as a liaison between the University and local resource groups.
- CASE is not a part of the police department or the Title IX Office.
The University educates all its members on awareness and intervention related to sexual misconduct and interpersonal violence. Education includes University policy, state criminal laws, Title IX and federal laws, the impact of trauma, how to recognize and respond to incidents, and the importance of the complainant deciding what is best for them.
The UMatter: Student Support and Advocacy Office at the University of Mississippi is an on-campus resource that serves as the official office for finding resources and information on how students can care for themselves and their peers when in distress.
- The UMatter: Student Support and Advocacy Office also provides confidential advocacy to assist respondents and those alleged to have committed sexual misconduct, and as a liaison between the University of Mississippi and local resource groups.
The UMatter: Student Support and Advocacy Office operates under the presumption that the respondent is not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the Title IX grievance process.
Most University employees, including faculty and staff, are required to report sexual misconduct and interpersonal violence to the Interim Title IX Coordinator.
- If you are unsure whether someone can maintain confidentiality, ask before giving details about your situation.
- If you would like to make a report of sexual misconduct, contact the Title IX Coordinator at (662) 915-7045 or TitleIX@olemiss.edu. All complaints of sexual misconduct are handled sensitively and with the appropriate level of discretion.
In addition to potentially being a violation of the University’s Title IX Policy or its Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy, sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and interpersonal violence may also be unlawful under applicable state or federal law, or other University policy.
Interim Title IX Coordinator
The EORC/Title IX Office is responsible for addressing and responding to allegations of sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, and other sexual misconduct. Accordingly, the EORC Office conducts investigations into formal complaints alleging a violation of the University’s Title IX or Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policies, and provides supportive measures and accommodations to parties, with or without the filing of a formal complaint. Those looking to file a report or formal complaint of sex-discrimination, sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, or sexual misconduct should contact the Interim Title IX Coordinator using the contact information below.
Marissa Watson
Interim Title IX Coordinator
Director and Confidential Advocate in the Office of Confidential Advocacy, Support, and Education (CASE)
If you have questions about the Office of Confidential Advocacy, Support, and Education (CASE), or if you'd like to talk with a confidential Advocate, please call Shelli Poole at (662) 915-1059 or email sapoole@olemiss.edu for an appointment. To learn more about the Office of Confidential Advocacy, Support, and Education (CASE) please go to the CASE website.
Shelli Poole
Director VIP Survivor Support
Case Manager (Respondent Services) in the UMatter: Student Support and Advocacy
If you have questions about UMatter, or if you’d like to talk with a confidential Advocate, please call Mandi Bloodworth at (662) 915-7248, or email umsafe@olemiss.edu or mandib@olemiss.edu. To learn more about the UMatter: Student Support and Advocacy Office please visit the UMatter website
Mandi Bloodworth
Case Manager II Respondent Services
Equal Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance
The University of Mississippi’s Office of Equal Opportunity & Regulatory Compliance (EORC) is responsible for compliance with federal laws and regulations pertaining to the fair treatment of faculty, staff, and students, which includes the application of Title IX and Title VII, and upholds equal employment opportunity to ensure equal access to the University.
Office of Confidential Advocacy, Support and Education
We provide confidential advocacy to assist victim-survivors of interpersonal violence and serve as a liaison between the University and local resource groups. Our certified campus advocates provide confidential, non-judgmental support and options to empower students to create an individualized plan for healing. Staff and peer educators also promote awareness through programming and provide education for students, faculty and staff concerning these topics.
UMatter: Support for Every Student
UMatter serves the University of Mississippi community by coordinating support efforts both on and off campus to assist students facing challenges in order to promote personal and academic success.
University Counseling Center
At the University Counseling Center (UCC), you will find a team of dedicated professionals who strive to offer the best care possible in an atmosphere of acceptance and respect.
University Health Services
Created to serve students, faculty, and staff at the University of Mississippi, University Health Services is dedicated to meeting the health care needs of our community.
Psychological Services Center
Psychological services provides affordable and accessible services to the Mississippi community. We also engage in research that improves treatment across the nation, and provide in-depth training to our skilled staff of clinical graduate students.
Clinic for Outreach and Personal Enrichment
The Clinic for Outreach and Personal Enrichment (COPE) serves as the training clinic for the counselor education program at the University of Mississippi. Under the supervision of state licensed counselors, the interns in the clinic provide free mental health care both in person and via telehealth across the state of Mississippi. COPE aligns with the University of Mississippi’s mission to “transform lives, communities, and the world” through our services and the opportunities afforded to others through our outreach efforts.
Training Materials
Title IX Training Materials
Explore training resources designed to educate the University of Mississippi community on Title IX policies, rights, and responsibilities.