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Policy on Sexual Offenses

Colleges and universities play important educational and administrative roles in addressing the nationwide problem of sexual offenses. It is the policy of Angelo State University to present educational programming on a variety of topics during each academic session, and sexual assault prevention programs are an integral part of that venue. Knowledgeable faculty, featured speakers, resource persons from outside the university, and the University Police have joined the Student Life staff in promoting awareness and education of students about safety and security matters relating to rape, date/acquaintance rape, and other forcible and non-forcible sex offenses. These programs are offered in small groups and in mass meetings.

Students who are victims of a sexual offense should use the following guidelines to report the offense:

  1. Report the crime immediately to University Police, City Police, or Office of Student Life.
  2. Do not shower, douche or change clothing.
  3. Have a medical examination and internal gynecological examination as soon as possible. A delay in time may destroy evidence.

    a. Semen smears must be taken by a clinician.
    b. Inform clinician of exact acts committed and have the clinician note any medical evidence of those acts.
    c. The clinician should note any internal or external bruises or injuries (bleeding, lacerations, etc.).

  4. Do not disturb the scene of the assault.
  5. Inform the police of all details of the attack, however intimate. University Police officers are assisted on campus by San Angelo Police officers when requested and may require information regarding the attacker. Remember what the person said and how it was said. It may lead to the arrest of the assailant.
  6. The physical examination needs to be done within the first 72 hours following the assault.
  7. If you change clothes, place the articles that were worn at the time of the assault in a paper bag (not a plastic bag).

The Student Life staff will assist victims in contacting family or friends as requested, obtaining health care as appropriate, explaining the options one has of notifying law enforcement agencies, filing criminal charges, and making academic and living arrangement changes that are reasonably available. Students may also take advantage of off-campus services offered by the Rape Crisis Center, Assault Victims Services and the University Health Clinic. All groups are staffed with well trained personnel who not only provide counseling, but also assist victims in reporting the offense, obtaining medical care, and obtaining follow-up emotional support and counseling. Phone numbers:

Student Life Office: 325-942-2191

University Clinic: 325-942-2171

Assault Victim Services: 325-944-8728

Rape Crisis Hotline: 325-658-8888

University disciplinary procedures provide the accuser and the accused the right to appear and present evidence in person and be assisted in a hearing by a designated representative or counsel of choice. The accused student must attend the hearing if that student desires to present evidence. Both the accused and the accuser have the right to be informed of the final disposition of any disciplinary action as it relates to the guilt or innocence of the offense and the sanction imposed. Students found guilty of rape or other sex offenses in administrative disciplinary proceedings are subject to a range of sanctions including suspension and expulsion from the university.