The University edited its sexual assault education modules to comply with a Texas law that went into effect Sept. 1, which requires higher education institutions to share more detailed Title IX resources during student orientations.
The video modules now include more details about University resources, a list of local organizations that provide support for sexual assault victims, and information about crime victim compensation, according to a statement from a University spokesperson. Texas Senate Bill 800, signed into law in June, revises existing requirements under the Texas Education Code for higher education institutions about providing orientations on policies relating to sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking, according to the bill analysis.
However, these orientations did not always provide information about institutions’ Title IX services, according to the bill analysis. The bill amended the current law to require all institutions to include the names and contact information of Title IX coordinators and office locations beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, which could be done online through a video.
“I hope to see Senate Bill 800 improve awareness and access to Title IX resources for Texas college students,” Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-District 21, the author of the bill, said in an email statement. “They should know their rights and how to exercise them.”
A University spokesperson confirmed all first-year or transfer students are already required to view an orientation video during their first semester called the Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates module. The University edited the video about its Title IX resources to comply with SB 800, according to the spokesperson.
The video now provides more information about the support services offered by the University’s Title IX Office, such as extensions on assignment deadlines, excused class absences and the ability to make up missed assignments for students who filed a formal complaint.
The edited video also includes a list of local and statewide organizations that can provide help to victims of sexual assault. The video lists contact information for organizations such as Asian Family Support Services of Austin, Cybercrime Support Network, Loveisrespect.org and the National Center for Victims of Crime.
To comply with the new law, the University was also required to include information about the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program, a service provided by the Texas Attorney General’s office that helps victims and their families cover costs such as medical bills, counseling and lost wages during the recovery process.
“By increasing transparency and education, my SB 800 will help enhance (students’) health, safety, opportunities and understanding,” Zaffirini said in the statement.
