Employee's Duty to Report

Under the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Title IX Policy, all university employees—unless specifically exempted—are designated as Responsible Employees (also known as Mandatory Reporters).

This means that all faculty and staff, with the exception of confidential resources such as licensed counselors or medical professionals, are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the UAFS Title IX Coordinator within 24 hours of receiving the disclosure.

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How to Support a Student as a Mandatory Reporter

If a student shares information about an incident involving sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, dating or domestic violence, please take the following supportive steps:

• Listen attentively and respond with care. Create a safe and respectful space where the student feels heard.
  
  
• Prioritize the person’s health and safety.
  • If medical attention is needed, assist them in reaching the nearest emergency room.
  • If the person is in immediate danger or at risk of harming themselves or others, contact University Police (UPD) or call 911 immediately.
    
    
• Explain your role and limits to confidentiality.
  • Let the individual know that, as a Mandatory Reporter, you are required to share the information with the Title IX Coordinator.
    
    
• Provide reassurance.
  • Let them know that reporting does not obligate them to pursue a formal complaint and that supportive measures are available to them either way.
    
    
• Report the incident to the Title IX Office as soon as possible—by phone, email, or in person.

Note: As a Mandatory Reporter, you are not responsible for investigating the situation or asking detailed questions. Your role is simply to report what has been shared with you. For more information on reporting procedures, please visit our How to Report page.