Chancellor update on Title IX

Dear UAA Community,

As another school year begins, I want to reaffirm my commitment to ensuring UAA is an equitable, inclusive environment where every member of our community feels safe and supported. Please review the following information and updates related to equity and Title IX compliance.

Annual Title IX Training
As part of ongoing efforts to advance equity and respect at UAA, all students, staff and faculty are once again required to complete the annual Title IX training. The training opens Sept. 1 and must be completed by Sept. 30. In an effort to ensure our campus remains a safe space free of harassment and discrimination, we are hoping for 100% compliance from the UAA community.

Students can access the training through Blackboard, while employees will find it in myUA. Please keep an eye out for further communications and reminders over the next month or so.

Responsible Employee Designation
Among other topics, Title IX training modules help faculty and staff understand their duties as responsible employees. This means that under Title IX, UAA employees have a duty to report any sexual assault and sexual harassment to the UAA Office of Equity and Compliance.

Changes to Title IX Guidelines
This year, new federal guidelines necessitated significant changes to the Board of Regents’ policy and university regulations. The definition and scope of sexual harassment under Title IX has changed significantly, as have the processes for formal investigations, grievances and appeals.

In a collaborative effort, the Title IX offices across the university system amended the employee training course to cover these changes and comply with new guidelines. The updated training helps explain changes to university policy and regulations, formal and informal processes, definitions and responsibilities.

UAA Office of Equity and Compliance
The UAA Office of Equity and Compliance (OEC) is a resource to all faculty, staff and students for questions and information about reporting, rights and resources. Reports of sexual harassment can be directed to Sara Childress, UAA’s director of equity and compliance and Title IX coordinator, at sgchildress@alaska.edu or 907-786-0818. OEC also handles sex and gender discrimination reporting under Title VII.

Together, we can ensure UAA is a safe, secure, respectful environment for all who work and study here. Thank you for your consideration and empathy.

Sincerely,
Cathy Sandeen
UAA Chancellor

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NOTE: This communication was emailed to the UAA community Aug. 25, 2020. The content was updated to clarify information Sept. 1, 2020.

August Archive