Two Thiel College faculty members attend intensive Title IX training session

Posted June 25, 2018 Print

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College Assistant Professor of Psychology Laura Pickens, Ph.D. ’06, and Assistant Professor of Psychology Shannon Deets, Ph.D., attended the Title IX Coordinator & Investigator Training Program in Harrisburg on June 12-15.

Funded by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s “It’s On Us PA” grant that Thiel College, a leading liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania, received earlier this year, both faculty members attended a three-and-half-day intensive training class to improve relevant knowledge and skills needed to oversee Title IX compliance and sexual misconduct investigations. The “It’s On Us” initiative seeks to improve education and increase support for faculty, staff and students by raising awareness and reporting of incidents of sexual assault.

“Additional training and contact with experts and peers who can share their skills, resources and experiences are an integral part of protecting our students and our employees,” Vice President of Student Life, Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator Mike McKinney ’02 said. “As a campus community, we are focused on taking every step and precaution we can to create a safe and inclusive environment.”

Specifically, participants learned how to manage and investigate a complaint of sexual misconduct—from sexual harassment to sexual assault—in higher education from start to finish with special emphasis on complying with the Clery Act with guidance from the U.S. Department Education’s Office of Civil Rights. The class included discussions and participation in case studies and practical exercises. The training program featured expert faculty, who serve as practitioners and lawyers serving on college campuses across the country in the areas of Title IX compliance, campus law enforcement, student conduct and human resources.

In March, Thiel College was among nearly 40 Pennsylvania postsecondary institutions awarded a portion of $1 million in grants to enhance and improve campus policies and programs in place to prevent sexual violence and harassment.