Pathway Descriptions

Investigator Pathway – Schedule

The Investigator Pathway is a new offering this year and focuses on the critical topics for professionals conducting Title IX investigations. As part of this pathway, ASCA is debuting a new Level 1 Investigator certificate. Taught by experienced faculty, this practical skill-based training will include the following topics:

1. Overview of Relevant Laws, Regulations, Guidance, and Case Law: The foundational knowledge and principles necessary to understand the current Title IX landscape.
2. Title IX Process Before an Investigation: Steps that occur before a case reaches an investigator, from report to intake to complaint assessment.
3. The Role of an Investigator: Understanding the role and responsibilities of an investigator, including where the role begins and where it ends.
4. Investigation Process Considerations: Research and best practices to set up an investigator for a successful process.
5. Investigation Planning: Determining the framework and structure for an investigation, including an understanding of scope, strategy, policy, and more.
6. Interviewing Strategies: Techniques and strategies to elicit relevant information from all involved parties.
7. The Effective Use of Evidence: Understanding different types of evidence as well as guidance for the evaluation of that evidence.
8. Drafting an Investigation Report: Effective template structures and writing mechanics to draft a high-quality report.
9. Finalizing an Investigation Report: Compiling a final report following the review period from involved parties.
10. Title IX Process After an Investigation: Steps that occur after the investigation is complete, including an investigator’s role in a hearing.

Advanced Practitioner Pathway – Schedule

The Advanced Practitioner Pathway provides an opportunity for those in non-investigatory roles or with more experience to dive into a seminar-style series covering Title IX’s intersections with other parts of higher education. Participants will have an opportunity to learn from other current practitioners in the field, as well as participate in experience-based discussions with other attendees. Topic examples include:

1. Title IX x Clery Compliance: Focuses on how institutions approach Clery compliance in light of VAWA and other regulatory definitions.
2. Title IX x Title VI: Process considerations and best practices for professionals working in one or both of these compliance areas with differing procedural requirements.
3. Title IX x Athletics: Focus on how Title IX Offices partner or integrate with on campus athletics to effectively support athletes and comply with regulatory requirements.
4. Title IX x Employment: Considerations for employee involvement in cases and discussion of how to collaborate effectively with campus partners such as HR, unions, and faculty affairs.
5. Title IX x Supportive Measures: Discussion of how institutions can change the narrative on supportive measures. Particular focus on equitable implementation of supportive measures for complainants and respondents.
6. Title IX x Free Speech: Review applicable case law and regulations addressing free speech on campuses. Discussion on how to protect the First Amendment rights of those engaged in an educational program activity while maintaining the protections afforded under Title IX.
7. Title IX x Informal Resolutions: Examine the components of an effective informal resolution program and how to develop a program or new form of informal resolution on your campus. Discussion of exploring means of partnering across campus and using institutional resources efficiently.
8. Title IX x Self Care: Reflection on how supervisors in the field can support their staffs through the difficult work they do every day. Discussion on what self-preservation and a healthy approach to self-care look like from a managerial level.
9. Title IX x Student Orgs: Understanding the intersection of organizational misconduct and judicial processes with the requirements of the Title IX regulations. Additional discussion of recent legislative efforts and the impact of the Stop Campus Hazing Act on sexual misconduct cases.
10. Title IX x Legal Tightrope: Exploration of the difficult tightrope between legal compliance and student care. Reflection on how institutions navigate this line and discussion of best practices found through experience.
11. Title IX x Different Institutions Types: Discussion of how offices are structured across different institutions and how these structures reflect the priorities of the institution. Collaborative session focused on learning through evaluation of the past experiences of attendees.

Are you ready to register for the Institute? Click here to complete your registration!