Officials with Authority (Title IX)

• You are not a counselor or investigator.
• You are not expected to determine whether a policy violation occurred.
• Your role is to serve as a bridge — connecting students and employees to appropriate support and reporting resources.
• You must inform the individual that you are required to share the information with the Title IX Coordinator.
• You must respect privacy and only share information with the appropriate officials. 

A – Assess Safety 

If there is imminent danger, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

If there is no immediate threat, ask the individual whether they would like assistance contacting Campus Safety or law enforcement. 

C – Consider Medical Attention 

It is always the individual’s decision whether to seek medical care. You may remind them of their options: 

• Visit the Student Health Center (during business hours) 
• Arrange transportation to a local hospital with a trusted friend or family member
• Contact Campus Safety for transport
• Speak confidentially with a psychologist at the Student Health Center 

T – Talk About Options 

Provide information about both non-confidential and confidential resources. 

When a student or employee shares information with you: 

• Acknowledge their courage. It can be difficult to disclose such experiences.
• Inform them of your reporting obligation using clear and compassionate language.

Suggested language: 

“I want you to know that I am considered an Official With Authority, which means I must inform the Title IX Coordinator that an incident has occurred. The reason for this is to ensure you receive all available support and resources. You are not required to make a formal complaint. If you would prefer to speak confidentially, I can connect you with a psychologist at the Student Health Center.” 

• Respect privacy. Share information only with the Title IX Coordinator.
• Listen without judgment. Avoid investigating or asking unnecessary detailed questions.
• Inform the individual that reports of sexual misconduct are not placed in permanent academic records.

Responding to disclosures in a comprehensive, supportive, and legally compliant manner is both an ethical obligation and a legal responsibility under Title IX and California law.