Title IX

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity) in educational programs and activities that receive or benefit from Federal financial assistance.

Southwestern College participates in the federal government’s student loan program for its graduate students and actively supports Title IX rules and regulations.

Title IX at Southwestern College

Southwestern College embeds its core values into all policies and procedures. The College’s core values include service, empowerment, mindfulness, partnership, and love. These values represent our orientation to relationship as we understand the incredible importance of treating each other with respect and providing due process in the resolution of any dispute or conflict. Southwestern College believes in actively supporting human diversity, including sexual and gender identities, and stands against discrimination in all forms. Additionally, should any member of our College community experience discrimination on the basis of sex from any other member of our college community, we shall seek to address this in a manner consistent with the appropriate federal laws and regulations. Our approach to implementing Title IX is consistent with our values. Southwestern College has been a member of ATIXA since 2021.

Southwestern College Title IX Policies & Procedures

Complete Policy can be accessed here.

Title IX Training at Southwestern College for all roles covering the essentials of Title IX compliance (i.e., roles, responsibilities, team structures, and processes), provided by ATIXA, is required for all Title IX designated personnel.

Southwestern College Title IX Officers will have the following roles and responsibilities in relationship to all students enrolled in Southwestern College degree programs and/or a New Earth Institute certificate programs.

Title IX Coordinator
Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs Dr. Virginia Padilla-Vigil, PhD
To report a Title IX complaint, please begin by meeting with our Title IX Coordinator to receive support and guidance for the Title IX policy and procedure.

Title IX Facilitator
Student Services Coordinator Anné Klint
For an informal resolution to a Title IX complaint, the Title IX Facilitator will provide a clear structure and process per the Title IX policy and procedure. And will serve as the facilitator for that process.

Title IX Investigators
Primary Investigator: Registrar Kathy Levine
Alternate Investigator: Tierra Nueva Clinical Director Denise Moore
A Title IX investigator will conduct interviews, gather and examine any evidence, and provide this information to other Title IX officers involved in resolving the complaint.

Title IX Decision-makers
Executive Vice President Katherine Ninos
Chief Financial Officer Allison Frank
Chief Technology Officer Donna Harrington
Two of the three decision-makers will deliberate and arrive at a decision on a given case.

Live Hearing: In a situation where a live hearing is necessary, the Title IX Formal Live Hearing with cross-examination will be conducted by Title IX Decision-makers in conjunction with the College Lawyer.

Appeal of a Title IX Decision:
The College President, Dr. Ann Filemyr, PhD, will serve as the final appeal of a Title IX decision per the Title IX policy and procedure.

Southwestern College Title IX Training Plan
Training to support them in their roles will be provided for all Title IX officers by ATIXA.  ATIXA TRAINING LINK
General Staff training and orientation to Title IX policies and procedures will be provided annually.
General Student training and orientation to Title IX policies and procedures will be provided by the Student Services staff as part of new student orientation.