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California State University, Chico

Cozen O'Connor Title IX & DHR Assessment

The CSU voluntarily engaged Cozen O'Connor’s Institutional Response Group in 2022 and 2023 to conduct a systemwide assessment of Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation (DHR) programs. The purpose of engaging Cozen O’Connor Group (Cozen) for an assessment was to strengthen its systems of care and compliance. The assessment concluded in July 2023, and resulted in a public report for the system, as well as separate reports for each campus including one for Chico State. The reports identify core observations and recommendations for improvements at both the system and university levels.

To implement the recommendations from Cozen, the university created a campus Implementation Team to develop and implement a plan that is broken up into four phases. With the initial phases completed, the remainder of the work has been transitioned to EODR to complete. We will continue to share updates as progress is made.

Implementation Plan

The Cozen O’Connor recommendations for Chico State were divided into five areas—infrastructure and resources, strengthening internal protocols, communications, prevention and education, and other conduct of concern—and mapped into four phases to complete within two years.

Read the Plan

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Campus Updates and Communications

Other Communications Include:

  • Regular campus updates via email and inviting campus to attend in-person sessions.
  • An afternoon of five in-person (November 14, 2023) restorative circles (focused on the work of five working groups) that doubled as feedback sessions.
  • An online feedback form to gather additional campus input.
  • A brief presentation on progress to date (December 8, 2023) to Academic Senate.

Reports, Assessments, and FAQs

  • Cozen O'Connor Summary Report

    A comprehensive review of CSU's Title IX and DHR programs, highlighting challenges in infrastructure, trust, and oversight, with actionable steps toward systemic improvement.

  • Cozen O’Connor Systemwide Report

    This systemwide report assesses Title IX and DHR efforts across 23 CSU campuses, urging improved oversight, infrastructure, and trust to support a safer, fairer university culture.

  • Cozen O'Connor Chico State Report

    A detailed evaluation of Chico State’s Title IX and DHR operations highlights areas for growth, urging clearer coordination, increased staffing, and student-centered, proactive education.

  • Independent Assessment

    Chico State’s process evaluation affirms appropriate administrative handling of consensual relationship violations, alleged threats, and promotion decisions involving a faculty member under scrutiny.

  • FAQ

    This page answers common questions about CSU’s Title IX and DHR evaluation, clarifying the scope, purpose, and next steps for creating safer, more equitable campuses.

  • State Title IX Audit Report

    The state audit outlines opportunities to strengthen CSU’s Title IX practices through clearer policies, consistent investigations, and improved oversight to ensure safe, respectful campus environments.

Implementation Team

Meeting Agendas

Browse a list of meeting agendas from the Chico Implementation Team.

Members

  • Ashley Gebb – Interim Chief of Staff
  • Erika Romo – Assistant Vice President of Equal Opportunity and Dispute Resolution (co-chair)
  • Autumn Alaniz-Wiggins (2023–24), Chris Sullivan (2024–25) – Associated Students President
  • Mahalley Allen – Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Success
  • Janell Bauer – Department Chair, Journalism and Public Relations
  • Katie Callahan – Student and Safe Space Peer Lead (2023–24)
  • Lexi Coffman – Chico State Student
  • Emma Contreras – Chico State Graduate Student
  • Ines Duenas – Clinical Director, WellCat Counseling Center
  • Nathan Heggins Bryant – Assistant Professor, English
  • Carly Hines – Chico State Graduate Student
  • Emma Jewett – Basic Needs Project Case Manager
  • Julia Lape – Administrative Support
  • Seya Lumeya – Director of Adaptive Dispute Resolution
  • Scott Lynch – Director of Faculty Affairs Labor Relations
  • Sawyer McAvoy – Advocate/Administrator, Wellcat Safe Place
  • Kendall Ross – Director, Recreational Sports
  • Tim Sistrunk – Academic Senate Representative
  • Erin Tarabini – Clery Director and Compliance Investigator
  • Maleta Wilson – Director, Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • Sheryl Woodward – Associate Vice President for Human Resources

Sub-Committees

  • Infrastructure and Resources:
    Focuses on developing a project plan to address infrastructure and resource gaps related to Title IX and DHR programs, including if the current physical location of the Title IX and DHR office (Kendall Hall) meet client needs.
  • Strengthening Internal Protocols:
    Focuses on accountability and strengthening internal protocols within the Title IX and DHR programs.
  • Communications: Ashley Gebb (co-lead), Janell Bauer (co-lead), Kendall Ross
    Focuses on maintaining transparency and accountability with our internal and external stakeholders, while using marketing and website improvements to create greater awareness of policies and resources related to Title IX and DHR programs.
  • Prevention and Education:
    Focuses on attention to programming, training, professional development, and awareness related to Title IX and DHR programs and promoting legal compliance with the Violence Against Women Act provisions of the Clery Act.
  • Other Conduct of Concern:
    Focuses on developing a statement of conduct in conjunction with the Chancellor's Office that encompasses unprofessional conduct, microaggressions, acts of intolerance, disruptive behavior, free speech, academic freedom, and professionalism as well as strengthening the protocols of professional development.