1. (1) Applicability

   1. (a) Allegations of sexual discrimination or harassment that do not meet the definition of sexual harassment in these rules or otherwise do not meet the criteria for filing a formal complaint will be handled in accordance with Tenn. Rules & Regs. Ch.1240-08-09-.01.
   2. (b) Upon receiving and assessing a report of sexual harassment and/or other sexual discrimination or harassment, the Title IX Coordinator will decide whether the criteria for proceeding under these rules, procedures, and processes are met and whether additional rules, procedures and processes may apply.
   3. (c) These rules apply not only to conduct by students, faculty, and staff, but also to conduct by third parties, such as vendors with whom the institution contracts to provide services, and campus visitors.

2. (2) Reporting to Title IX Coordinator

   1. (a) Any person may report sexual harassment to the Title IX Coordinator at any time, including but not limited to, during non-business hours, by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or office mail address listed for the Title IX Coordinator.
   2. (b) Although reports and complaints of sexual harassment may be made at any time, reports should be made as soon as possible so that the institution is best able to address the allegation.
   3. (c) TRCS shall publish its Title IX Coordinator’s name and contact information (mailing address, phone number, email address, etc.) in institutional materials and on its website.

3. (3) Supportive and Interim Measures

   1. (a) After receiving a report of potential sexual harassment, whether or not the report is a formal complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the complainant to discuss the availability of interim/supportive measures, inform the complainant of their availability, and consider the complainant’s wishes with respect to potential interim/supportive measures. The Title IX Coordinator will also explain the process for filing a formal complaint.
   2. (b) The Title IX Coordinator may implement interim, supportive, or protective measures while assessing, investigating, and resolving the report. These interim/supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive, individualized services and are offered without fee or charge to the complainant and/or respondent before or after the filing of a formal complaint or where no formal complaint has been filed.
   3. (c) Interim/supportive measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the institution’s programs or activities without unreasonably burdening the other party and may include measures designed to protect the safety of all parties or the institution’s educational environment or deter sexual harassment.
   4. (d) These measures may include, but are not limited to: living space location reassignments; mutual no-contact directives; access to counseling services and assistance in setting up an initial appointment; changing schedules, assignments, or job/study locations to lessen or minimize contact; extensions of deadlines and course-related adjustments; limiting or barring an individual’s or organization’s access to certain institutional facilities or activities; providing academic support services, such as tutoring; administrative leave; leaves of absence; institution-imposed leave or physical separation from individuals or locations.
   5. (e) TRCS will maintain the confidentiality of such interim/supportive measures, to the extent that it can do so without impairing its ability to effectuate the interim/supportive measures or to investigate and adjudicate the complaint.

4. (4) Formal Complaint

   1. (a) Any person alleging to be a victim of sexual harassment that took place within an education program or activity of TRCS in the United States may file a formal complaint.
   2. (b) A complainant who wants TRCS to conduct an investigation and take action in accordance with these rules must file a formal complaint alleging sexual harassment. The Title IX Coordinator may also file a formal complaint.
   3. (c) A complainant must submit a written formal complaint in person, by mail, or via electronic mail to the Title IX Coordinator. The document must contain the complainant’s physical signature or a digital signature. A formal complaint cannot be submitted anonymously. Only the Title IX Coordinator can submit a formal complaint on behalf of another person.
   4. (d) Although TRCS will consider the wishes of complainants, including that no investigation be conducted, TRCS will also consider their obligations under TRCS rules and applicable law. Thus, when the Title IX Coordinator receives a report of sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator may decide to investigate the matter, even if the complainant does not want the report investigated. If the Title IX Coordinator decides to file a formal complaint, the Title IX Coordinator is not a party to any investigation, determination or hearing process.
   5. (e) Complainants should provide as much of the following information as possible: what happened, where, and when; names of all people involved, including witnesses (if any); supporting documentation (if any); and contact information. TRCS encourages reporting of sexual harassment even if some or all information is unavailable or cannot be provided. The Title IX Coordinator will explain their role, the options for reporting an incident, potential available interim/supportive measures, and the available resources for assistance.

5. (5) No Retaliation

   1. (a) Retaliating against a person who makes a report or files a complaint, participates or assists in an investigation, encourages another to file a complaint, or opposes sexual harassment (or any other form of unlawful discrimination or harassment) is prohibited. Neither students nor anyone acting on a student’s behalf is permitted to interfere with an investigation. Retaliation or interference will result in disciplinary sanctions consistent with these rules and other rules.
   2. (b) Retaliation is a violation of these rules regardless of whether the underlying allegation is ultimately found to have merit.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-101, et seq., 4-5-202, et seq., 49-11-604, and 49-11-801, et seq.; 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688; and 34 C.F.R. Part 106. Administrative History: New rules filed February 5, 2026; effective May 6, 2026.