Understand Your Choices
While we encourage you to report incidents to Title IX staff, you also have many other options for reporting. The information below will help you understand some key distinctions between different types of people and offices you may choose to speak to about a concern.
Confidential vs. Non-confidential Offices
If you speak to an employee of a confidential office, no information will be shared with the Title IX coordinator without your written consent. If you speak with an employee of a non-confidential office, they will respectfully keep anything you discuss private, but are obligated to share the report with the Title IX coordinator.
After the Title IX coordinator receives a report from a non-confidential office, an intake coordinator will reach out to meet with you. The intake coordinator will connect you with different supportive resources on campus as needed, and discuss your desired next steps. It is your decision whether or not to proceed with a formal report.
Responsible Employees
What is a “responsible employee”?
Title IX and university policy require “responsible employees” (also referred to as "mandatory reporters" or "officials with authority") to promptly report to Title IX staff any potential incident of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, or other assault or harassment involving a UMass Amherst student and/or employee.
Who are “responsible employees” at UMass Amherst?
Responsible employees include senior administrators, faculty with administrative or supervisory responsibilities, academic advisors, coaches and trainers, advisors to RSOs, employees in Student Affairs and Campus Life (unless they are designated as “confidential,” such as licensed clinicians, clergy, or certified rape crisis or domestic violence counselors), and staff in managerial or supervisory roles. All RAs are responsible employees.
