What is Title IX?

Title IX at UMass Amherst protects against unlawful discrimination based on sex, sex-based harassment, and retaliation by students, employees, or third parties who are participating or attempting to participate in the University’s education program or activity. 

Title IX Reporting: Reports can be made to the Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Coordinators, or EOA through private (not confidential) channels, including anonymously using the online form. Even without formal reporting, confidential resources like counseling, advocacy, and medical care are available. 

The University's Title IX Policy and Grievance Procedures apply to formal complaints of sexual harassment defined by the United States Department of Education’s Title IX regulation.

Kerri Thompson Tillett, Associate Vice Chancellor Equal Opportunity and Access, is the Title IX Coordinator for the Amherst Campus. The Title IX Coordinator serves as the Chair of the UMass Amherst Title IX Coordination Team which oversees and consults on Title IX related reports, complaints, Title IX assessments, programming and training on Title IX related matters to the campus.

Kerri Thompson Tillett, J.D.
Title IX Coordinator
Associate Vice Chancellor Equal Opportunity and Access
225 Bartlett Hall, 130 Hicks Way
(413) 545-3464
EMail: @email
Title IX Home Page
Report A Concern online to the Title IX Coordinator.

Any person may report sex discrimination, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and other sexual misconduct including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, email, or online to the Title IX Coordinator & Associate Vice Chancellor Tillett. 

Kerri Thompson Tillett, J.D.
Title IX Coordinator
Associate Vice Chancellor Equal Opportunity and Access
225 Bartlett Hall, 130 Hicks Way
(413) 545-3464
Email: @email
Report A Concern (online)

Additional reporting and confidential support options.

Individuals seeking to anonymously report allegations of Prohibited Conduct may file a report using the online Report A Concern form. More reporting options can be found on the EOA website. The University’s ability to respond to anonymous reports may be limited. The University will, however, take whatever steps it deems appropriate and in the best interest of the University community consistent with the information available.

Title IX Coordinator will follow up with you to discuss options for support and accountability. What to expect when an incident is reported?

Reporting conduct that may constitute Prohibited Conduct to the AVC/EOA does not necessarily initiate subsequent proceedings nor is participation in the resolution process as a Complainant in the Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Resolution Procedures required of any individual.

"Responsible Employees" are required by law and University Policy to report known or possible incidents of unlawful discrimination based on sex, sex-based harassment, and retaliation, involving students, employees, or third parties who are participating or attempting to participate in the University’s education program or activity to the AVC/Title IX Coordinator/EOA. Unlawful discrimination based on sex and sex-based harassment include conduct based on sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s) and parenting. Sex-based harassment includes sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking. 

Responsible Employees (a) who, because of their position, must report known or possible incidents of sexual violence or any other sexual misconduct by students or employees, including the known details of the incident and the name(s) of alleged victim(s) and respondent(s), to the Title IX Coordinator(s) or other appropriate school designee; or (b) who has the authority to take action to redress sexual harassment/misconduct. Campus police officers are Responsible Employees; but, see exception for public safety personnel.

At UMass Amherst, it has been determined that “responsible employees” include:

• Faculty with faculty with administrative or supervisory responsibilities (deans and associate deans, heads and chairs, graduate and undergraduate program directors, faculty athletic representatives and directors of centers and institutes);

• all staff that are academic advisors;

• all coaches and trainers;

• all advisors to Registered Student Organizations, intramural sports and other student groups;

• all supervising travel external to the University and any contractors doing the same;

• all personnel in Student Affairs, including Residential Life employees, with the exception of confidential employees.

• staff in managerial and supervisory roles.

A Guide for Responsible Employees: Responding to Disclosure is a guide to assist persons who have been designated as TIX 'Responsible Employees'  on how to respond to students in distress and report student disclosures.

Training materials used by staff.

Visit our Title IX Resources page for additional links to Title IX training materials, guides and resources.