Cozen O'Connor Title IX and DHR Assessment
The CSU voluntarily engaged Cozen O'Connor’s Institutional Response Group(opens in new window) (Cozen) in 2022 and 2023 to conduct a systemwide assessment of Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation (DHR) programs. The purpose of engaging Cozen for an assessment was to strengthen the CSU's systems of care and compliance. The assessment concluded in July 2023 and resulted in a public report for the system (PDF) as well as separate reports for each campus including one for Chico State (PDF). The reports identify core observations and recommendations for improvements at both the system and University levels.
To implement all of Cozen's recommendations, the University created a campus Implementation Team to develop and carry forward a plan. Each subcommittee helped develop an implementation plan that is organized into phases.
While the phases of implementation will take time, the continued effort and support of this community—from employees to students—are vital to our commitment to creating the best possible experience for everyone, now and in the future. We will continue to share updates with the campus community as progress is made on the recommendations.
Campus Updates and Communications on Implementation Plan
- August 22, 2024 | President's Convocation | Title IX and DHR Improvements (PDF)
- May 2024 | Presentation on Chico Implementation Team for Academic Senate, Staff Council, and Associated Students Government Affairs Council (PDF)
- May 6, 2024 | Presidential Communication | Spring 2024 Update on Implementation of Title IX and DHR Improvements
- February 2024 | Implementation Plan Accomplishments
- November 29, 2023 | Chico Implementation Team Feedback Session Slide Deck (PDF)
- October 5, 2023 | Presidential Communication | Update on Implementation of Cozen O’Connor Title IX Recommendations
Campus Community consultation in 2023–2024
- During the Implementation Plan development phase, the campus community was invited to attend in-person sessions
- An afternoon of five in-person restorative circles (focused on the work of five working groups) was organized on November 14, 2023, which served as feedback sessions
- An online feedback form(opens in new window) was also created to gather additional campus input.
- A brief presentation on progress to date was shared at Academic Senate on December 8, 2023.
- Ongoing updates via email were sent to campus each semester
Implementation Team
- Members
- Chief of Staff – Seema Sehrawat (co-chair)
- Assistant Vice President of Equal Opportunity and Dispute Resolution - Erika Romo (co-chair)
- Associated Students President for 2023-24 – Autumn Alaniz-Wiggins
- Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Success – Mahalley Allen
- Department Chair, Journalism and Public Relations – Janell Bauer
- Academic Senate Representative - Tim Sistrunk
- Basic Needs Project – Emma Jewett
- Director of Faculty Affairs Labor Relations – Scott Lynch
- Advocate/Administrator, Wellcat Safe Place – Sawyer McAvoy
- Director, Student Rights and Responsibilities – Maleta Wilson
- Associate Vice President for Human Resources – Sheryl Woodward
- Executive Director of University Communications – Ashley Gebb
- Assistant Professor, English - Nathan Heggins Bryant
- Director, Recreational Sports - Kendall Ross
- Clinical Director, WellCat Counseling Center - Ines Duenas
- Student and Safe Space Peer Lead - Katie Callahan
- Director of Adaptive Dispute Resolution Director - Seya Lumeya
- Chico State Graduate Student - Emma Contreras
- Chico State Graduate Student - Carly Hines
- Chico State Student - Lexi Coffman
- Associate Vice President for Student Affairs - Juanita Mottley
- Clery Director and Compliance Investigator - Erin Tarabini
- Administrative Support - Lisa James
- Sub-Committees
- Infrastructure and Resources: Sheryl Woodward (lead), Emma Jewett, Katie Callahan, Seema Sehrawat
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: Mahalley Allen (lead), Scott Lynch, Emma Contreras, Carly Hines
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: Sawyer McAvoy (lead), Autumn Alaniz-Wiggins, Ines Duenas, Carly Hines, Lexi Coffman, Juanita Mottley, Erin Tarabini
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: Seya Lumeya (lead), Maleta Wilson, Nathan Heggins Bryant, Tim Sistrunk
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.
- Infrastructure and Resources: Sheryl Woodward (lead), Emma Jewett, Katie Callahan, Seema Sehrawat