New Federal Standard Requires WKU Faculty and Staff to Undertake Title IX Training
It comes as a significant announcement for the faculty and staff of Western Kentucky University (WKU) that all members will have to undergo Title IX policy training annually, as per the newest federal mandates. This decision came to light during the faculty senate meeting conducted on May 17, 2024.
A Major Policy Shift
The U.S. Department of Education, on April 19, released the changes to Title IX policy, which will be effective starting August 1. WKU’s Title IX Coordinator and head of the Office of Institutional Equity, Ena Demir confirmed to the faculty senate that these training sessions will now be mandatory for all WKU employees.
“All WKU employees must now complete Title IX training upon hire and annually thereafter. The new regulations do not carve out any exceptions or exemptions to this mandate.” Demir stressed.
Comprehensive Training Program
The compulsory training will encompass both full-time and part-time staff at the university. Acting in response to this federal mandate, Demir’s office is presently reviewing the new regulations and is ensuring WKU’s official policies and procedures match with the updated mandates.
“We’re working with an online vendor Catharsis to put out new training that everybody will be able to take starting, probably not Aug. 1, but early August.” Demir stated.
Students Exempted from Training
When questioned about whether students would be granted the training, Demir stated it wasn’t mandatory for students at this time. However, there is a drive to progressively include more students each year.
“One of the new groups we are trying to mandate training for, which is in the works and probably will happen this summer, is for incoming freshmen who live in residence halls.” Demir added.
Shift for Better Safety
This move signifies a vital step towards strengthening a safe and compliant work environment in WKU. The mandatory training not only aims at upholding federal regulations but also serves to make a demonstrably positive difference in fostering respect and equality on campus.
In addition to the mandated staff training, the new regulations, according to the Department of Education’s final rule overview, include instituting a process for assessing an involved party’s credibility when it’s relevant and in dispute, providing all involved parties with equal opportunities to present and dispute evidence, and maintaining proper case correspondence.
Summary
Western Kentucky University faculty and staff members will be required to complete annual Title IX training, following new federal regulations becoming effective from August 1. The training will be organized in conjunction with online vendor Catharsis and joins a suite of new procedures as part of the updated Title IX policy.
