October 5, 2023 - Update on Implementation of Cozen O’Connor Title IX Recommendations 

Dear Campus Community,   

While we have much work ahead of us, I’d like to share an update on our early progress addressing the recommendations in the Cozen O’Connor systemwide and Chico State Reports (PDF) to improve our Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation (DHR) programs.  

First, our Implementation Team has been meeting regularly to strategize how to efficiently tackle this significant project, prioritize their work, and begin to address necessary changes.   

We’ve also added several new members to the team for better representation across the University, including additional students, and further outreach is underway to add others who may be interested to ensure many campus voices and perspectives are a part of this critical work.  

The Team has divided into five subcommittees to focus more expertly in each area.   

• Infrastructure and Resources: Sheryl Woodward (lead), Emma Jewett, Katie Callahan, Seema Sehrawat  
• Strengthening Internal Protocols: Mahalley Allen (lead), Jay Blando, Scott Lynch  
• Communications: Ashley Gebb (co-lead), Janell Bauer (co-lead), Kendall Ross  
• Prevention and Education: Sawyer McAvoy (lead), Autumn Alaniz-Wiggins, Ines Dueñas  
• Other Conduct of Concern: Seya Lumeya (lead), Maleta Wilson, Nathan Heggins Bryant, Tim Sistrunk  

All subcommittees are working toward a December 15 deadline to provide a report on our implementation plan and progress to the Chancellor’s Office. We will provide a comprehensive update to campus at that time, too.   

Our goal is to be transparent with the campus community in our progress to address the recommendations. Agendas for each meeting are shared on our Chico Implementation Team webpage, and are viewable by any member of campus. We also invite anyone with feedback or questions to reach out to the committee at any time by emailing titleix@csuchico.edu.  

We will hold restorative circles focused on each subcommittee topic on Tuesday, November 14. The purpose of these circles is to facilitate meaningful conversations and to gather feedback to inform our Implementation Team. The circles will lead up to a campuswide forum on November 29, where each subcommittee will give a report and further provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to share concerns and ask questions.   

Save the dates:   

• Restorative circles: Tuesday, November 14, 1–3 p.m. in the BMU. Specific locations, facilitators, and additional details will be announced closer to the date.  
• Campus Title IX Forum: Wednesday, November 29, 1–2 p.m. in BMU 203. For those unable to attend, a Zoom link will be shared in future reminders.  

Thank you to the Implementation Team for taking on this important work, and to all who will help make the necessary changes possible. This implementation will take time, but the end result will help us prevent and respond to discrimination and harassment and ensure Chico State is a place where everyone can learn, work, and live to their fullest potential.   

Thank you,  

Steve Perez