The University of Texas and the College of Natural Sciences want all of our students to benefit from supportive, inclusive, and safe classroom experiences. These goals apply to you both as students in our graduate courses, and as Teaching Assistants or Assistant Instructors in our undergraduate courses and labs.
- Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC)
- Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL)
- Title IX
- Campus Safety and Security
- Gender and Sexuality Center
- Office of Inclusion and Equity
Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC)
Counseling is a process that can help you identify more effective strategies to cope with difficult situations, enhance your well-being, and better achieve your academic and life goals. To investigate whether talking to a trained counselor might benefit you, you can, depending on the situation, either call the CMHC Crisis Line at 512.471.2255 or else use a free anonymous online assessment.
Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL)
You should consider this resource if the stress levels or the behaviors of a roommate, classmate, or coworker concern you – or if a student in your course is behaving uncharacteristically – for example, by no longer attending class, turning in assignments, or responding to emails. BCAL staff members are trained to assess these and similar situations. You may report your concerns by calling 512.232.5050 (twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week) or by submitting an online form.
Depending on the situation, individuals may be referred to resources including but not limited to the Office of the Dean of Students/Student Emergency Services, Counseling and Mental Health Center, and the Employee Assistance Program. Confidentiality will be maintained as much as possible; however, the University may be required to release some information to appropriate parties.
Cases that present an immediate threat to self, others, or property are urgent situations that should be reported directly to the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) by calling 911.
Title IX
Dan Knopf is the Title IX liason for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the college, and can be contacted directly with questions or concerns: danknopf@austin.utexas.edu
Title IX is concerned with incidents of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, interpersonal (dating/domestic/family) violence, or stalking that involve UT-Austin students, faculty, or staff. The University is committed to maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory environment.
Graduate students appointed in academic positions as Teaching Assistants, Assistant Instructors, or Graduate Research Assistants are deemed "responsible employees" under UT policies. Every responsible employee is required to promptly report Title-IX incidents that they experience or hear about if these incidents involve UT-Austin students, faculty, or staff. As responsible employees, graduate students may not offer or maintain confidentiality after learning of such incidents. Responsible employees have the duty to report these privately to the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, using the contact information found here. An extensive list of resources for students and employees (some but not all of which can offer confidential help) may be found here.
You should familiarize yourself with the following policies:
Campus Safety and Security
If campus emergencies arise, Teaching Assistants and Assistant Instructors should be prepared to take appropriate actions to promote the safety of students in their classes and laboratories. To improve communication during emergencies, sign up for text alerts here. You may wish to review emergency terms, get safety advice, and view safety videos on the UTPD website.
Gender and Sexuality Center
The mission of the Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) is to provide opportunities for all members of the UT Austin community to explore, organize, and promote learning around issues of gender and sexuality. The center also facilitates a greater responsiveness to the needs of women and the LGBTQIA+ communities through education, outreach, and advocacy.
UT Austin has numerous gender inclusive restrooms distributed around the campus, a map of which can be found here.
Office of Inclusion and Equity
Consultations, workshops and resources are available to the UT Austin community to support all Longhorns’ sense of belonging. The OIE website has resources linking you to UT's resources for reporting matters in need of investigation and ensuring attention to cultural belonging and support.
