During the academic year, the Counseling
Center, The Network and Men Against Violence, paraprofessional student groups trained by
the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center, the Student Health Center, the Dean of Students
Office, Residence Life and the University Police Department conduct educational programs
to promote awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other sex offenses. The Crime
Prevention Unit of the University Police Department provides a comprehensive personal
safety programs about sexual assault, which addresses prevention, reporting, preservation
of evidence, and special services to assist and protect the victim(s).
Reporting Procedures
A victim of sexual assault or other sex offense should immediately call 911. The police
dispatcher will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and immediately dispatch an
officer. The victim should retain all clothing, await the arrival of the police, and not
disturb the crime scene. The officer will take the initial report, collect items of
evidence and make arrangements for an advocate to accompany the victim to the hospital for
medical examination and treatment. The advocate also provides support and assistance
throughout the investigation. In addition, a victim may elect to use a pseudonym to
prevent the victim's real name from appearing on police documents. Anonymity can be
maintained throughout the investigative process. The victim may also request a change of
academic and living assignments, if other classes and accommodations are reasonably
available.
Student Justice System
The Coordinator of Student Justice is informed of all alleged violations of the Texas State University Code
of Student Conduct and conducts an informal investigation. In sexual assault cases,
University policy permits the victim and the accused to have others present at the
proceedings. After a fair and impartial assessment, the Coordinator determines if a
published university policy was violated and, if so, the appropriate disciplinary penalty.
If the accused chooses not to accept the decision, the Coordinator initiates a formal
hearing procedure. The official student handbook explains in detail
the hearing procedure. A student may appeal the decision of the formal hearing to the Vice
President for Student Affairs. In sexual assault cases, the Coordinator of Student Justice
reports the results of the disciplinary proceedings to the victim as well as the accused.
Disciplinary penalties include one or a combination of the
following sanctions: a verbal or written warning, restricted privileges, special projects,
restitution, withholding of the official transcript or degree, loss of or ineligibility
for a student grant or loan, suspension, and expulsion from the University. In addition to
disciplinary sanctions imposed by the University, students and employees may face
prosecution under state and federal laws.
For more information on Texas State University's Student Justice System and
the Code of Student Conduct, see the official Web site at: http://www.vpsa.txstate.edu/dean_of_students/justice/justice.htm
or read the Texas State University-San Marcos official student handbook.
