Update on OCR Title IX Review

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

On Tuesday, January 24, representatives from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) will be on campus to assess Syracuse University’s processes for handling of complaints of sexual violence or harassment. This is standard protocol: these OCR visits take place at campuses around the nation, as part of a Title IX review. OCR is looking into about 300 Title IX complaints at universities and colleges nationwide, including one case at the University.

While on campus, OCR will host two community meetings, both of which are open to students, faculty and staff. The OCR visit is an opportunity for the campus to learn more about the processes and policies in place to address these vital issues. During its meetings, OCR will discuss its mission and processes and offer attendees the opportunity to ask questions and share information.

We are encouraging students, faculty and staff to participate as part of our commitment to a transparent process and supportive environment for survivors of sexual violence. The meetings will be held in Room 228B in the Schine Student Center on the following days:

• Tuesday, January 24, 2:30-4 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 25, 9:30-11 a.m.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be available at both meetings. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact the Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services (EOIRS) office at 315.443.4018.

OCR staff will also be available for individual appointments to discuss sexual harassment and sexual assault issues on January 24 from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., and on January 25 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in Room 233 in the Schine Student Center. For more information about OCR’s visit, click here.

The OCR visit follows a significant effort by the University to prevent sexual and relationship violence. In addition to being the first private university to sign onto the Campus Accountability and Safety Act, Syracuse University was an early endorser of the Enough is Enough legislation; is an active participant in the White House’s “It’s On Us” campaign; continues to advance how it addresses sexual and relationship violence via the work of the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence; and just last summer, entered into a formal agreement, known as a Memorandum of Understanding, with Vera House, affirming the University’s commitment to providing privileged and confidential services to those impacted by sexual and relationship violence.

The University will continue to keep the campus community informed of important developments related to Title IX compliance.

Sincerely,

M. Dolan Evanovich
Senior Vice President, Enrollment and the Student Experience

Sheila Johnson-Willis
Interim Associate Vice President and Chief Equal Opportunity Officer