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

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

All SMU faculty and staff members are mandatory reporters, meaning they are required by law to report cases of sexual harassment to SMU’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. SMU 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.

SMU 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 SMU’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 SMU Title IX Coordinator.

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

SMU resources

  • SMU Police (for emergency help or criminal reporting), 214-768-3333 (available 24/7)
  • The Office of Student Advocacy and Support (for support and information about options), 214-768-4512
  • SMU Counseling Services (for confidential counseling), 214-768-2277 (an emergency contact is provided at all hours)
  • SMU Title IX Coordinator (for internal grievance information and reporting), 214-768-3601

Community resources

Learn more about campus and community resources.