Title IX and VAWA at APSU
Austin Peay State University is committed to maintaining a campus free from sexual misconduct, harassment, and violence. This section explains APSU's responsibilities under Title IX and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and serves as a guide for students, employees, and campus community members who want to understand the university's policies, their rights, and the resources available to them.
APSU's full policies and procedures for addressing sexual offenses are outlined in Policy 6:001. This guide is a companion resource — written to make that policy more accessible and to connect you with support quickly.
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Emergency: Call 911
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Campus Police: 931-221-7786 — 24 hours/7 days a week
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Title IX Coordinator: 931-221-7690 — M–F, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
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Sexual Assault Center 24-Hour Crisis & Support Line: 1-866-811-7473
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National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 — 24 hours/7 days a week
For more information on immediate steps to take, evidence preservation, and all available contacts:
What Is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal funding. It protects students and employees from sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
When these behaviors occur and a formal complaint is made, APSU is obligated to address and remedy the situation to ensure no one is denied effective access to the university's educational programs or activities.
When Does Title IX Apply?
Title IX applies when all three of the following conditions are met:
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The Complainant is participating in — or attempting to participate in — APSU's educational program or activities
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The Respondent is a student or employee of APSU
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The behavior occurred within APSU's control in the United States
If it is unclear whether Title IX applies to your situation, contact the Title IX Coordinator for guidance. If Title IX does not apply, the conduct may still be addressable under other APSU policies. For complaints involving students or employees, contact Dr. LaNeeça Williams at williamslr@apsu.edu.
What Is VAWA?
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was originally enacted in 1994 to address violent crimes and violence against women. In 2013, its reauthorization amended the Clery Act, placing additional requirements on colleges and universities — including APSU — related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
VAWA and Title IX share many objectives. Both ensure that Complainants and Respondents have a full understanding of their rights, the institution's responsibilities, and the process for resolving reported sex offenses.
Prevention and Awareness Programs
Bystander Intervention
APSU offers bystander intervention programming to all new students in an effort to ensure that each member of the campus community is invested in creating a safe campus environment. Program participants are instructed on safe options for preventing harm and intervening when a risk of sexual misconduct exists.
VAWA Training
Incoming students and new employees are provided with education and training on awareness and risk reduction of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and consent in compliance with the Violence Against Women Act.
Ongoing Campaigns
Ongoing awareness and prevention campaigns are provided throughout the school year to students, faculty and staff.
About This Section
This section of the APSU website covers:
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Get Help Now — Immediate steps to take, emergency contacts, and medical guidance
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Confidentiality and Reporting — Your reporting options, confidential resources, and what mandated reporting means
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Policy Terminology and Sex Offense Definitions — Key terminology and definitions of prohibited conduct
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APSU's Sexual Harassment Procedures — A step-by-step overview of how APSU handles complaints
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Rights of Complainants and Respondents — The rights of both parties throughout the process
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Sanctions and Remedies — Possible outcomes when a policy violation is found
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Frequently Asked Questions — Common questions from Complainants and Respondents