5.9 Notifications

5.9.1  Parent Notification
The University reserves the right to notify the parents/guardians of dependent students, as defined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, regarding any conduct situation, particularly alcohol and other drug violations. The University may also notify parents/guardians of alcohol and/or other drug violations of non- dependent students who are under the age of twenty-one (21). Parental notification may be utilized discretionarily by Student Conduct Administrators when permitted by Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or consent of the student.

5.9.2 Notification of Outcomes
The outcome of a Conduct Discussion or PCB, formal Conduct Panel, or Title IX Conduct Panel hearing is part of the education record of the Respondent and is protected from release under FERPA, except under certain conditions. As allowed by FERPA, when an allegation is made against a student of a policy violation that would constitute a “crime of violence” or non-forcible sex offense, the University will inform the reported harmed party/Reporting Party/Complainant in writing of the final results of an informal Conduct Discussion or PCB, formal Conduct Panel, or Title IX Conduct Panel hearing, regardless of whether the University concludes that a violation was committed. In informal Conduct Discussions and PCB or formal Conduct Panel hearings, such a release of information may only include the Respondent’s name, the violation committed, and the outcomes assigned, if applicable. In all Title IX conduct cases, the assigned Student Conduct Administrator will simultaneously notify both the Complainant and Respondent of the panel hearing outcome, including a copy of the deliberation report, as outlined in section 5.7.21.

In cases where the University determines through the conduct process that a student violated a policy that would constitute a “crime of violence” or non-forcible sex offense, the University may also release the information provided above publicly and/or to any third party. FERPA defines “crimes of violence” to include: 1) arson, 2) assault offenses (includes stalking), 3) burglary, 4) criminal homicide (manslaughter by negligence), 5) criminal homicide (murder and non-negligent manslaughter), 6) destruction/damage/vandalism of property, 7) kidnapping/abduction, 8) robbery, 9) and forcible sex offenses. FERPA defines non-forcible sex offenses as statutory rape and incest. Further, the University shall release information to any other college or university who requests information related to a conduct determination of sexual harassment, as defined in Policy 1.008, against a student enrolled in the University, as required by Texas law.

When these disclosures are made, the University will not disclose the name of any other student, including a Reporting Party, reported harmed party, or witness, without the prior written consent of the other student.