Melanie Cuevas-Rodriguez
Syracuse University’s Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services has hired Melanie Cuevas-Rodriguez to serve as an Equal Opportunity and Title IX investigator. The hire fills one of two new investigator positions created as part of the University’s expansion of that office to add capacity for handling complaints relating to sexual violence and sexual harassment.
In her new role, Cuevas-Rodriguez will handle a number of responsibilities that support University efforts to promote a safe, diverse and inclusive work and educational environment. In addition to investigating Title IX complaints, she will investigate and coordinate responses to complaints of discrimination and harassment and ensure compliance with Equal Opportunity policies and federal, state and local regulations.
“Melanie brings important skills and expertise to our work of ensuring that all members of the campus community are treated with fairness, equity and respect,” says Sheila Johnson, associate vice president and chief Equal Opportunity and Title IX officer for the University. “She has a clear passion for this work, and I know she will be a valuable addition to our staff.”
Cuevas-Rodriguez first joined the University’s Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services in March 2017, serving as an Equal Opportunity and inclusion analyst as a temporary professional staff member. She has been with Syracuse University since 2005, serving first as the assistant director of career services and then as the associate director of both student life and career services at the College of Law. In that role, she counseled students and developed and implemented programs on diversity and inclusion.
Prior to joining the University, Cuevas-Rodriguez worked at the Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society in Syracuse, representing clients in various civil and quasi-criminal matters. She earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Binghamton and juris doctor and master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University.
“I am excited for this opportunity to join such a talented team,” says Cuevas-Rodriguez. “Maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful campus environment is essential to achieving our institutional goals and to ensuring the well-being of all students, faculty and staff. I am honored to be a part of this important work.”
The office also continues to make progress on the search for another Title IX investigator and for a new director of Equal Opportunity.
