S02E03 -- Having the Hard Talk about Title IX in Graduate School and Early Career in Higher Education

Summary: Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics related to sexual violence, stalking, and misconduct. If you are triggered addressing such issues, consider skipping this episode. In this episode of the Unlikely Academics, we address the topic of Title IX. For our non-American colleagues, Title IX is a series of regulations related to discrimination based on sex, gender, or harassment. Most Americans associate Title IX with sexual harassment and athletics; however, it is much more expansive, including students, faculty, and staff in institutions of higher education. Any institution receiving federal funding must address campus sexual violence. We are joined by two very experienced individuals at the heart of this topic area here at UT Chattanooga. Our first guest is Ms. Stephanie Rowland, Title IX Coordinator, who oversees sexual misconduct and relationship violence prevention on campus including notifications, investigations, and training related to Title IX. In terms of education, Stephanie received her B.A. in English from Virginia Tech in 1996 and a J.D. from the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law in 2006. The second guest is Ms. Sara Peters, Director for the Center for Women and Gender Equity and serves as a victim and survivor advocacy as well as programming and training on issues related to women, LGBTQ+, gender equity, and masculinity. Sara earned both her B.A. and M.A. in History from Auburn University. Currently, she is working on her doctorate in the Learning and Leadership Program at UTC. In this episode, Chris interviews Stephanie and Sara regarding their professional roles in Title IX on UTC Campus. They first provide information regarding what Title IX Is and how it applies to policy enforcement and education. Stephanie and Sara discussed how their role both converge and diverges based on the needs of the student. While Stephanie addresses many of the legal implications, Sara assists in finding and offering resources for victims. Together they work to place interim measures to protect students. The guests then shift to discussing how being a graduate student and interacting with undergraduates can be a gray area when it comes to dating and relationships. Yet both agree avoiding such relationships is optimal to prevent future breakups and drama. They discuss the topic of mandatory reporting (see our previous Creeper episode) and why reporting is so essential. They consider how Title IX applies to all in Higher Education including new faculty, staff, and in some cases GA or TAs. They discuss the problem of perceived power held by instructors or supervisors over students. In conclusion, our guests suggest to report (even if in doubt), know your federal, state, and local laws as well as campus policies and procedures. Ask representatives on your campus about how and who addresses Title IX claims, who (if any) serves as a victim advocate, and know the process for reporting. They also offer other feedback regarding seeking information and avoiding gossip and anything that re-traumatizes victims.