Title IX Resources, Policy Updated to Align With New Federal Guidelines

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas has updated its Title IX website and campus policy as new federal rules take effect Friday.

The Department of Education's Title IX Final Rule includes several changes that will impact how universities respond to allegations of sexual assault, including revising the definition of sexual harassment and changing the procedures for cross-examination.

"The new rule requires a live hearing where each party, through their advisor, will be afforded the opportunity to present evidence and ask relevant questions of the other party and witnesses," said Liz Means, Title IX coordinator at the U of A. "A neutral hearing officer will conduct the hearing and render a decision concerning any violation of the Title IX policy."

The updated Title IX site includes information and resources divided into six primary areas of content:

• Students: What to Expect
• Employees: What to Expect
• Employee's Duty to Report
• Definitions
• Policies and Reports
• Training

The university's Title IX Policy (FPP 418.1) for Complaints of Sexual Assault and Other Forms of Sexual Harrassment includes a summary of the university's process including the new guidance.

Means oversees the university's compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The Title IX coordinator works with university administration, departments, students, faculty, staff, campus police and other support services to ensure that university policies and programs foster a campus community free of illegal gender discrimination and sexual violence.

The University of Arkansas is dedicated to providing a safe, secure and inclusive learning environment for our campus community. Please visit report.uark.edu to report student concerns, student conduct violations, sexual misconduct or other potential threats to campus safety.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3% of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.