Complaint Resolution

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and individuals seeking employment or access to its programs, facilities, or services, and will not discriminate against these persons because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

YOU Can Take Action

If you encounter behavior that is discriminatory and/or harassing, take action.  Do not accept as the “way things are.” Ignoring discrimination and/or harassment will not make it go away.

• Speak Up At The Time. Say “NO” clearly and firmly. Tell the person that his/her advances or behaviors are unwelcome/inappropriate and you want it stopped. Do not delay. If a person’s behavior makes you uncomfortable, say so – set boundaries early. If you do not feel comfortable confronting the harasser yourself, get help.
• Keep Records. Note the times, dates, places, witnesses and the nature of the discriminatory or harassing behavior – what was said, the tone and how you responded.
• Seek Advice. To determine whether your situation is discrimination or harassment, seek help – the earlier, the better. The campus office designated to assist with complaints is the Equal Opportunity Office for Faculty and Staff and the Dean of Students Office for Students.

 Summary of Investigation Process

In no case will a complainant be required to directly confront the person accused of misconduct.  The Equal Opportunity Office has the informal and formal resolution processes available to any member of the University community who believes he or she has been subject to discrimination or harassment.  

• Informal Resolution Process: May include strategies for the individual to inform the offending party that his or her behavior is inappropriate and should stop; conversation with the accused to make them aware of their behavior and remind them of expected behaviors and adherence to UTEP policy.
• Formal Complaint: Each situation begins with a written statement by the complainant. The accused will have an opportunity to respond. An investigation will follow and the findings will be part of a written report that may include recommendations. The complainant and the accused may respond to the findings and recommendations. The written report and responses will be provided to the respective vice president for their review and final determination.

The University strictly prohibits and condemns such conduct and will take prompt disciplinary action against any individuals, or organizations within its control who are found to have engaged in discrimination or harassment.  

You may file an anonymous complaint by telephone, in writing or electronically at http://www.reportlineweb.com/utep, or with the Title IX Coordinators.  Your decision to remain anonymous, however, may greatly limit the University’s ability to stop the alleged conduct, collect evidence, or take action against parties accused of violating the Policy.