Understand Your Rights

If you or someone you know have experienced sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, domestic or dating violence, or stalking, please know that there are resources available to you. You have rights and options for reporting and support.

  • If you are reporting having experienced incidents that may constitute sexual misconduct, please know that UIS cares and you have rights and options.
  • For guidance on what to do if you are the victim of sexual misconduct, including where to seek medical attention, the importance of preserving evidence, reporting options, and confidential counseling, visit the UIS Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Including Harassment and Sex-Based Misconduct. You also have the following rights and options.
  • You have the right to file a report with Law Enforcement. You can call the UIS Police Department (non-emergency) at (217) 206-6690. You may also request our assistance in reporting an incident to your local law enforcement. If this is an emergency and you are on campus, please call their emergency number at (217) 206-7777. If you are not on campus and this is an emergency, please call 911.
  • You have the right to file a report and/or submit a formal complaint with the UIS Title IX Coordinator. The UIS Interim Title IX Coordinator is Alejandro Gomez, Jr. He can be contacted via email at titleix@uis.edu or aeo@uis.edu or by phone at 217-300-0237 or 217-206-6222.
  • You have the right to choose not to make a report or submit a formal complaint.
  • You have the right to privacy. You may request that your identity be kept confidential and/or that UIS not investigate your concerns. The Title IX Coordinator evaluates each request, taking into account your desires, UIS’s responsibility to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students and employees, and other relevant factors. Requesting privacy or deciding not to file a complaint or report may limit the university’s ability to respond fully to an incident or initiate responsive action. The UIS Sexual Misconduct Policy includes protections against retaliation.
  • Whether or not you choose to file a report with the police or submit a formal complaint to UIS, you have the right to our assistance accessing and navigating campus and local health and mental health services and counseling and advocacy services. You can get confidential counseling to help cope with an incident or to explore options, find needed resources, and get advice about – or before – reporting an incident. Resources are listed below.
  • You have the right to feel safe on campus. If you wish to make your identity known, the UIS Title IX Officer can coordinate supportive measures to immediately assist your well-being, including requesting police patrols or escorts or other assistance with your transportation situation; monitoring the presence of persons of reported concern; working with Residence Life and Housing to request a change in your living arrangements if remaining in your current Residence Life assignment makes you uncomfortable or feels unsafe; obtaining and enforcing a UIS-issued no contact order; and providing guidance regarding obtaining an order of protection or no contact order in a State court.
  • If you feel that your ability to perform well academically has been impacted by your experience, the Title IX Coordinator can work with the Dean of Students to assist you with any academic adjustments you might request, including advocating on your behalf with your professors if you are experiencing difficulty completing assignments or attending class due to safety concerns or impactful feelings. If you are an international student and withdrawing from classes based on your Title IX-related concerns impacts your visa clearance profile, the Title IX Coordinator will work with International Student Services to support your active enrollment status.

 

Reporting Resources

You have the right to file a complaint with Law Enforcement. Reporting resources are NOT confidential.

UIS Campus Police
Emergency: (217) 206-7777

Springfield Police Department
Emergency: 911

Peoria Police Department
Emergency: 911

Healthcare Resources

UIS Counseling Center
Confidential Advisor Phone Number: (217) 206-7122

UIS Health Services
Phone number: (217) 206-6676

Memorial Medical Center
Emergency Room: (217) 788-3030

St. John’s Hospital
Emergency Room: (217) 544-6464

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center (Peoria)
Main Number: (309) 655-2000

Confidential Counseling

You have the right to choose not to file a complaint or report. You have the right to privacy.

Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault
Confidential: (217) 744-2560
General Phone Number- (217) 744-2560

Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA)
Confidential: (217) 753-4117

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Confidential 24/7 hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)

Documents

UIS maintains a comprehensive Sexual Misconduct Policy and complaint resolution procedures in compliance with applicable law, designed to prioritize safety and well-being while promptly, fairly, impartially, and thoroughly investigating complaints. For more information about UIS’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and the reporting process, please visit the links below:

 UIS Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Including Harassment and Sex-Based Misconduct

Allegations of violations of this Policy are addressed using the applicable procedures below: