Knowledge. Accountability. Care. September 18, 2014 Dear Xavier Students, Staff & Faculty, As I head into my second year as Xavier’s first full-time Title IX Coordinator, I would like to share the significant strides we have made over the last year to effectively prevent and address sex discrimination at Xavier, and to ensure the safety of all members of our community. To assess our work, I have asked three primary questions: 1. Are we getting the message out? 2. How have our outreach, education, and visibility efforts impacted reporting? 3. Has the work positively impacted climate? The three primary metrics in place to measure the impact of our work are: education provided, reports received, and the annual climate survey. Data related to these metrics includes the following statistics from the 2013-2014 academic year. The Title IX Office (TIXO):    Provided education on Xavier’s efforts to prevent sex discrimination, how to report if it does occur, how we respond, and where to find support to 3882 students, staff, faculty and administrators. Responded to 53 reports of sex discrimination-a fivefold increase in reports from the previous year. 85% of the 53 reports were made by students and 15% by employees. Administered Xavier’s third annual Campus Climate Survey for Sexual Harassment & Sexual Violence. A comparison of the past three years of data tells us we are headed in the right direction in many important areas, including significant increase in student and employee familiarity with Xavier policies, comfort reporting, a growing sense that Xavier takes complaints seriously and responds effectively, and an increased understanding of Title IX and my role on campus. It also tells us we have substantial room for improvement in many areas and challenges ahead. I am confident that we have the infrastructure and leadership in place to meet those challenges in this next year and beyond. The increase in reports this year tangibly demonstrates the value and impact of central, visible leadership on these issues as well as an increasingly well-informed community. Of particular note, 42 of the 53 reports received this past year were reported in the first instance not to me, but to a fellow student, staff member or faculty member. This underscores the value of the University-wide education on these issues and how critical collaboration is in this work- I thank you for your willingness to partner with me in that regard. Title IX Office ● 3800 Victory Parkway ● Cincinnati, Ohio 45207-4541 P 513-745-3046 ● www.xavier.edu The progress made over the last year was a truly collective effort. I offer my heartfelt thanks to each of you who have supported this important work. Where to next? With input and guidance from the Title IX Advisory and Executive Committee members as well as other students, staff and faculty, I have identified 4 strategic priorities for the next year. Your thoughts and feedback on these priorities, particularly how we might work together to meet these goals, are welcome and greatly appreciated. 1. Expand TIXO outreach and education efforts more broadly and deeper into student, staff and faculty communities in order to more fully integrate core concepts into our campus ethos; 2. Continue strengthening our policies and procedures to align with current Title IX standards and guidance, emerging best practices, and Xavier’s mission; 3. Drive the development of University-wide prevention education programming; and 4. Proactively and regularly share the work of the TIXO with the campus and external community. As I shared with the incoming class of 2018 a few weeks ago– how we approach these matters is a direct reflection of who we are as individuals and as a community. It is a measure of our cura personalis and our integrity. With full acknowledgement that we have a long road ahead and many opportunities for growth, I would offer that if what I have shared here is a measure of what we can do together in one year, I am inspired and energized to think about what we can accomplish this upcoming year and in the years to come. Warmest Regards, Kate Lawson Title IX Coordinator Title IX Office ● 3800 Victory Parkway ● Cincinnati, Ohio 45207-4541 P 513-745-3046 ● www.xavier.edu