What is confidentiality? Who is a confidential resource?

Depending on their roles at the University of Mississippi, staff and faculty have various reporting responsibilities and abilities to maintain confidentiality. To make informed choices, students should be aware of confidentiality and University reporting requirements when speaking with faculty and staff who provide campus resources.

Confidential Resources

Confidential resources exist to provide a safe space for students to share what has happened, discuss their options, learn about available resources and accommodations, and discuss any concerns before deciding what steps to take next. According to University policy, students who speak with individuals who provide confidential resources are advised that their discussions are not considered reports of sexual misconduct and that without additional action by the student, the discussions will not result in any action by the University to investigate or proceed through the Title IX or Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct grievance process.

Unless there is imminent risk of serious harm, people who provide confidential resources cannot share information without the student’s express consent. Additionally, this information is not considered an official report to the University.

Confidential, non-reporting campus resources:

  • Student Health Center physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, technicians and staff
  • University Counseling Center psychologists, counselors, social workers, graduate assistants and staff
  • Psychological Services psychologists, graduate students/assistants and staff
  • UMatter: Student Support and Advocacy Office staff and graduate students/assistants
  • VIP: Survivor Support staff and graduate students/assistants
  • The University Ombudsperson

Confidential, non-reporting off-campus resources:

  • Any psychologist, counselor, social worker or affiliated staff employed off campus
  • Baptist Memorial Hospital physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and staff or any other physicians
  • Family Crisis Services of Northwest Mississippi staff

Confidentiality in Reporting Crimes

When reporting crimes to law enforcement, a student who is a complainant (an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment) has rights, including protection of victim and witness information in police, arrest and investigative reports.

University Employees

The University requires its employees to report instances of sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or interpersonal violence that they learn about to the Assistant Director of Equal Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance (EORC)/Title IX Coordinator. These reporting methods serve to keep the University community safe and our institution compliant under Title IX, University policy, and state and federal law. Under Title IX, the University has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for members of the University community that does not interfere with their ability to pursue an education or participate in a University activity.