Baylor making progress in Title IX implementations

Since the conclusion of the external investigation by Pepper Hamilton, Baylor leadership has implemented drastic changes on multiple levels throughout the majority of the University's departments.

By SicEm365 Staff

October 5, 2016

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The plan for Baylor University to implement proper Title IX procedures while implementing recommendations given by Pepper Hamilton from an external investigation that ended earlier this year are moving at a continuous and rapid pace, SicEm365 has learned.

As made evident from the investigation findings, the University was not up to speed in multiple areas. Baylor is moving briskly to be on par with all requirements.

From the conclusion of the external investigation until now, Baylor has made many key steps in creating the one of the largest Title IX staffs in the Big 12 conference. Along with the expansion of staff, Baylor's Counseling Center has begun filling the full-time positions created in February 2016. Baylor also trained over 600 employees as Campus Security Authorities which reinforced reporting obligations in compliance with the Clery Act.

“The Task Forces have been steadily making progress on the recommendations we have adopted as mandates. Their work is moving forward on all fronts,” said Baylor University President David Garland. “We’ve seen additional enhancements in services such as counseling and Title IX and have begun forming expectations for a Chief Compliance Officer, testing software that will help key departments identify trends in student behavior, developing plans for a culture and climate survey (something else not completed…), and training employees designated as campus security authorities on Clery compliance obligations.”

In addition, Baylor has made significant steps forward in other areas since February of 2016 including:

Enhanced Counseling Center by doubling size of staff and eliminating session limits and co-pays by students hoping to receive counseling.
Trained nearly 600 employees as Campus Security Authorities which reinforced reporting obligations in compliance with the Clery Act.
Revamped Title IX Infrastructure including revisions to policies and protocols to help clarify amnesty for violations of sexual conduct policies while implementing national practices.
Updated mandatory training programs for students and employees for the 2016-2017 academic year.
Provided software for easily reporting and managing complaints and grievance to allow for better understanding, care and tracking of patterns and trends.
Created new policies and protocols for student athletes including all conduct, reports, drug testing, and prospective student-athlete screening.
Correlated with the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children in Waco to create a stronger relationship and provide resources and support to victims.
Trained Baylor University Police Department personnel covering many topics including Title IX obligations.
Immediate and strong measures to help address needs of students who initiate a Title IX investigation.
These steps have made their Title IX staffs one of the largest in the Big 12 conference.

In all, Baylor expects to invest up to $6 million to help implement additional expansion and staffing in all related areas.

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