UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is continuing its national search for a Title IX coordinator, who will oversee implementation of a newly created Title IX office and the recommendations made by Penn State’s Task Force on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.
The creation of a new stand-alone Title IX coordinator position, along with the needed support staff, was one of the key recommendations of the task force. Title IX is the federal law that says universities cannot discriminate based on sex. The coordinator will oversee implementation of many of the task force’s 18 recommendations, which range from ensuring all University locations have the needed services to address sexual assault and harassment to requiring employees to complete training annually to understand the issues related to sexual misconduct.
Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims said while work has already begun to implement many of the task force recommendations, the coordinator and Title IX office will help ensure the University is at the forefront of these efforts.
Along with being well versed in the rules related to Title IX and ensuring the University is complying with related federal and state regulations, the coordinator will spearhead the Penn State's effort to be a national leader in combating sexual assault and harassment. That includes raising awareness of the issue and carrying out task force recommendations such as conducting a climate survey of students, implementing bystander intervention training and replacing the current sexual assault hotline with a more effective system. The coordinator will oversee a full office, including a trained investigator, education coordinator and support staff.
The coordinator also will work in partnership with a variety of University and regional offices, such as the Center for Women Students, Counseling and Psychological Services, University Health Services, the Office of Student Conduct and University Police.
The creation of the new position follows President Eric Barron’s acceptance of all 18 task force recommendations in February, and his pledge that the University will provide the resources needed to implement them as it works to curb sexual violence and harassment.
The search committee, which will review applications and nominations, is being formed. More information about the position is available online.