Prior Campus Updates

The Title IX and Gender Equity Office is committed to keeping our campus community updated and informed. Periodic campus updates is one way the Title IX and Gender Equity Office meets this commitment. Each campus update is intended to promote accountability and transparency in the Title IX Office. You may review these updates here:

2023.11.16 - Campus wide email sent by the interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer, Peter Lim
- Title IX Update, Nov. 16, 2023
  
  Sent: November 16, 2023
  
  From: Peter Lim, interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer
  
  Dear Campus Community,
  
  Each year, the university disseminates its Notice of Nondiscrimination to reinforce our commitment to equity.
  
  This university’s Nondiscrimination Policy describes the university’s response to reports of protected status discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. The Nondiscrimination Policy also applies to instances of retaliation that occur because a person reported a potential violation of the Nondiscrimination Policy, or participated as a Party or witness in a related investigation.
  
  Statement of Nondiscrimination
  The CSU is committed to maintaining an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect. We embrace our community differences in Age, Disability (physical and mental), Sex, Gender, Gender Identity (including nonbinary and transgender), Gender Expression, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Nationality, Race or Ethnicity (including color, caste, or ancestry), Religion (or religious creed), Sexual Orientation, Veteran or Military Status. All Students and Employees have the right to participate fully in CSU programs, activities, and employment free from Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking and Retaliation.
  
  The Nondiscrimination Policy
  The university’s Nondiscrimination Policy is available at https://www.sjsu.edu/titleix/policies-
  procedures-and-training/index.php
  
  Who to Contact for Help:
  There are two campus offices that oversee the university’s response to potential violations of the Nondiscrimination Policy.
  
  1. To report discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex or gender, which includes sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, please contact:
  
  The Title IX and Gender Equity Office
  Title IX Incident Reporting Form
  Peter Lim, Interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer
  titleix@sjsu.edu
  (408)-924-7289 (M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm)
  (669) 877-0620 (After-Hours Voicemail/Text Message)
  Clark Hall 1st Floor, Office 126
  
  2. To report discrimination or harassment on the basis of other protected characteristics such as age, disability, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, ancestry, religion or religious creed, and/or veteran status or military status, please contact:
  
  The Office of Equal Opportunity (DHR - Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation)
  Julie Paisant, Senior Director, DHR Administrator
  equal-employment@sjsu.edu
  (408) 924-2250
  
  If you are unsure which office to report to, feel free to contact either and the offices will coordinate to ensure your complaint is directed to the appropriate office.
  
  Contact Authorities
  1. University Police Department
  Phone: (408) 924-2222
  
  2. San Jose Police Department
  Phone: (408) 277-8900
  
  3. The Office for Civil Rights (U.S. Department of Education)
  50 Beale Street, Suite 7200 San Francisco, CA 94105-1813
  Phone: (415) 486-5555
  Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov
  
  4. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division
  Phone: 1-833-591-0289
  Email: Community.SJSU@usdoj.gov
  
  5. The California Department of Fair Employment
  Phone: (408) 325-0344
  Address: 2570 North First Street, #480 San Jose, CA 95131
  
  6. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
  Phone: (800) 669-4000
  Address: North Third Street, #250, San Jose, California 95112
2023.10.13 - Campus wide email sent by the interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer, Peter Lim
- Title IX Update, Oct. 2, 2023
  
  Sent: October 2, 2023
  
  From: Peter Lim, interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer
  
  Dear SJSU Community,
  
  With the semester well underway, I want to provide you with an update on our work in the Title IX Office. When I joined the university last year, I committed to help build a Title IX program that was welcoming, approachable, and responsive to the needs of our campus community. Last year, our Title IX program was evaluated by two external entities: the California State Auditor’s Office and Cozen O’Connor’s Institutional Response Group. While I am encouraged that both external entities were complimentary of our current Title IX program, I still believe we can do better. With that in mind, let me share some important developments in the Title IX Office.
  
  New Interactive Data Dashboards on the Title IX Office’s Website
  
  Our staff aims to be candid and accountable regarding our work. To demonstrate the work we have been doing, our team has developed a digital and interactive way to quantify the results of our work from the past two years. On our website, you will find two new dashboards.
  
  The first dashboard allows you to navigate and toggle through data on the number of reports the Title IX Office received in a given month and/or year; the types of reports we received; demographic details on the individuals involved in reports; and the number of people who requested and received Supportive Measures from the Title IX Office. You may also compare the data from AY 22-23 to the data from AY 21-22.
  
  The second dashboard allows you to toggle through data relating to investigations undertaken by the Title IX Office. On this dashboard, you will find data on the number and types of investigations we opened; the number of investigations we closed; and the outcomes.
  
  A quick note on the data
  
  As you review the data, it is important to note the distinction between a “report” and a “complaint.” A report is any information shared with the Title IX Office that involves suspected Title IX misconduct. A report can be made directly by a complainant, or by anyone else who wants to share information with the Title IX Office, including a witness or Responsible Employee. When we receive a report, we promptly send a letter to the complainant with information about supportive resources and investigation options, as well as an offer to meet. If the person then submits a complaint, we commence an investigation in every instance where there is a possible violation of the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy. Because we prioritize a complainant’s agency and autonomy, we generally only initiate an investigation upon request. Therefore, the number of reports reflected in the data is greater than the number of investigations opened by the Title IX Office.
  
  Looking ahead
  
  We are working to further improve our response to harmful conduct based on any protected characteristic, including sex and gender. I am excited to announce that we will be consolidating our Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation programs into one central office: The Office for Title IX and Equal Opportunity.
  
  We recognize that this is an important and meaningful step. To ensure we consider a broad range of campus perspectives, we have empaneled a Campus Implementation Team to work on this project. The Implementation Team includes students, staff, faculty, and subject matter experts. The Campus Implementation Team aims to launch the new Office for Title IX and Equal Opportunity in the spring of 2024. You may find information on our Campus Implementation Team on our website.
  
  It takes time to make positive change, and your feedback helps make us better. If you want to share your thoughts, please contact me at titleix@sjsu.edu.
  
  Warmly,
  
  Peter Lim
  Interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer
2023.05.02 - Campus wide email sent by the interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer, Peter Lim
- Year-End Update from Title IX
  
  Sent: May 5, 2023
  
  From: Peter Lim, interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer
  
  Dear SJSU,
  
  As we approach the end of the academic year, I wanted to share a year-end update from the Title IX and Gender Equity Office (Title IX Office). This past year, our team has worked hard to enhance many of our services. While we still have work to do, we have made considerable progress. The enclosed fact sheet illustrates some of the recent improvements to our services.
  
  Your feedback makes us better. I will be holding an open Q&A on Tuesday, May 9, from 2-3:30 p.m. in Clark Hall, Conference Room 336 (3rd floor). All are invited to attend!
  
  It has been an honor to serve as your Interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer this past academic year.
  
  Warmly,
  Peter Lim
  Interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer
2023.02.10 - Campus wide email sent by the interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer, Peter Lim
- Message from the Interim Title IX & Gender Equity Officer
  
  Sent: February 10, 2023
  
  From: Peter Lim, interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer
  
  Dear SJSU,
  
  Last semester, I committed to keeping you updated on our work. I share these updates to promote accountability and transparency in the Title IX and Gender Equity Office (litle IX Office). The spring semester is already underway, so I wanted to share another update.
  
  New Informational Materials
  
  In a continuing effort to improve our services, we recently created the following informational items to help explain some of the services we provide:
  
  • A Guide for Responsible Employees and Confidential Resources;
  • A flowchart that explains the Title IX investigation process;
  • A flowchart that explains the Informal Resolution process,
  • An informational guide for Complainants;
  • An informational guide for Respondents; and
  • A poster on Reporting Options.
  
  All of the above informational items are available in our office and on our webpage.
  
  Additionally, the CSU policy prohibiting sex discrimination and related grievance procedures (Nondiscrimination Policy) is available here.
  
  Trainings and Other Educational Programming
  
  We want to be out in our community increasing awareness about our services. We do this through trainings and other educational offerings. Since the start of the academic year, we have delivered 72 live Title IX trainings and tabled at seven campus-wide events. If you want to request a training - big or small - simply fill out this form.
  
  We Value Your Feedback!
  
  Your feedback and input makes us better. Sharing input by email at titleix@sjsu.edu is one way to reach us; however, I value the opportunity to talk directly with members of our community about the work we do. This semester, I will be holding open Q&A sessions. Please stay tuned for more information!
  
  Information About the Title IX and Gender Equity Office's Staff
  
  On January 9, 2023, we added a second full-time Title IX Investigator, Arielle Egan. Arielle is an experienced investigator with specialized training on the impact of trauma. We now have six fulltime staff members working in the Title IX Office.
  
  You may find information about all of our professional backgrounds on our webpage.
  
  Cozen O'Connor's Audit and Assessment of SJSU's Title IX and DHR Programs
  
  CSU's Title IX and OHR policies and practices are currently undergoing a systemwide assessment. A team from Cozen O'Connor's Institutional Response Group (IRG) - the law firm engaged by the CSU system conducting the assessment - is asking for your direct feedback in the form of a survey, which must be completed by February 15, 2023.
  
  TAKE THE SURVEY
  
  The Department of Justice and the Resolution Agreement
  
  We continue to work collaboratively with the Department of Justice. Information about the Resolution Agreement and the commitments we made to improve our Title IX program are available on our website here.
  
  Warmly,
  Peter Lim
  Interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer
2022.12.16 - Campus wide email sent by the interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer, Peter Lim
- Gratitude from the Title IX Office
  
  Sent: December 16, 2022
  
  From: Peter Lim, interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer
  
  Dear SJSU,
  
  As we reach the end of the semester, I am writing to express my gratitude for your continued engagement and invaluable feedback these past few months. We have heard clearly that the campus needs more from the Title IX and Gender Equity Office (Title IX Office), and our entire team is working to meet those needs. I wanted to provide you with another update on our Title IX program.
  
  A New Location
  
  The Title IX Office is now in Clark Hall 126. Please feel free to drop by for a visit.
  
  A New Website
  
  I hope you will find our new Title IX website easier to navigate and much more informative. The website is available at httP-s://www.sjsu.edu/titleix/ and includes content on how to access services, educational programs and events, and helpful resource guides. We are always looking for ways to serve you better, so please let me know if you have any ideas on how we can further improve the website and its content.
  
  An Expanded Team
  
  We added two Title IX lnvestigato􀀄s to our team. In September, we added an experienced Title IX Investigator, Mary Keating. And I am pleased to announce that we have hired a second investigator, Arielle Egan. Ms. Egan, an experienced investigator, will start on January 9, 2023. With the addition of Ms. Egan, the Title IX Office will be staffed with six dedicated team members: the Interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer, the Interim Deputy Title IX Coordinator, the Interim Title IX Project Manager, the Title IX Analyst, and two Title IX Investigators.
  
  More Trainings
  
  This semester, we dramatically improved the quality and volume of our Title IX trainings. As I said in my last campus update, our goal is to be out in our community as much as possible. Since the start of the semester, we have delivered 54 live trainings and tabled at six different community events. To build on this work, we sent a training invitation to 106 additional campus supervisors this past week, inviting each of them to schedule a training for next semester. Each invitation included an offer to customize the training to meet the needs of their particular team. If you would like to request a training, you may easily do so by emailing us at titleix@sjsu.edu.
  
  Title IX Liaisons
  
  To help expand our campus reach, we have designated two university employees outside of the Title IX Office as Title IX Liaisons . They are Senior Director of Employee Relations Julie Paisant and Director of Student Conduct and Ethical Development Alex Froehlich Hankinson. While they do not undertake any responsibilities for the Title IX Office, both serve as ambassadors to the Title IX Office and are well equipped to discuss our processes and services to interested students, staff, and faculty members.
  
  Hosted the DOJ
  
  In October, we hosted a small team from the Department of Justice for a four-day campus visit. During their visit, they met with members of the Title IX Office and other campus constituents as part of providing us with ongoing feedback on our Title IX program. While our efforts are ongoing, the DOJ recognized progress in key areas, including the addition of new staff, improvements to the Title IX website, and the implementation of our Wellbeing Attendant Policy in our Athletics department. I look forward to continuing to keep the SJSU community updated about our progress in the coming months.
  
  It is my mission to provide SJSU with a Title IX Office, and team that is approachable and responsive to your needs. If you have any feedback to share, please do so here:
  
  I hope you all have an enjoyable and restful holiday season.
  
  Warmly,
  Peter Lim
2022.12.16 - Campus wide email sent by the interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer, Peter Lim
- A Messaae from the Interim Title IX & Gender Equity Officer
  
  Sent: September 22, 2022
  
  From: Peter Lim, interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer
  
  Dear SJSU,
  
  With the semester well underway, I wanted to provide you with an update on the Title IX Office. My name is Peter Lim and I have been serving as the Interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer for SJSU since July 1, 2022. By way of background, I am a member of Cozen O'Connor's Institutional ResP-onse GrouQ, a practice group dedicated to helping educational institutions prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based harassment and violence. At times, members of our practice group provide short-term support for universities seeking to develop meaningful Title IX programs. I previously served as a senior Title IX Investigator with the University of Pennsylvania and a sexual violence and homicide prosecutor with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.
  
  Over the past few months, I have solicited and received feedback from the community through individual and group meetings with students and staff. Through these meetings, I have consistently heard that the Title IX Office must do better. We, as an office, must build a more robust system of care for individuals impacted by and accused of sex- and gender-based harassment and misconduct. I sincerely appreciate the time, engagement, and thoughtful insights provided by the students, faculty and staff who contributed to my understanding of SJSU's current Title IX program, as well as its culture and climate on sexual and gender based-harassment and violence.
  
  I continue to be available to meet with anyone who wants to provide additional feedback on the Title IX Office and its efforts to foster gender equity here at SJSU. Please email me at titleix@sjsu.edu if you would like to schedule a meeting.
  
  A few UP-dates on the Title IX Office:
  
  I am excited to announce that the Title IX Office will be moving to a new location on October 3. The new office will be conveniently located on the first floor of Clark Hall, suite 126 (where the Writing Center used to be located). The new space will have dedicated offices for sensitive meetings and a relatively large common area for trainings, meetings, and events. We hope you will drop by for a visit to check out the new space and meet the team.
  
  I am pleased to inform you that the Title IX Office has been out in the community. for trainings, meet-and-greets, tabling events, and to provide other forms of educational programming. Since July 21, the Title IX Office has delivered 26 individual trainings, held three tabling events, and participated on a resource panel for students and parents. We welcome all opportunities to meet with interested students and staff either individually or in group settings. If you would like to plan an event or training with the Title IX team, please email us at titleix@_sjsu.edu.
  
  In the coming weeks, the Title IX Office will be launching a redesigned website that will: 1) be easier to navigate, and 2) include more information on the services we provide. I plan to send you another update shortly after the newly designed website goes live.
  
  This semester, the Title IX Office will continue its campaign to raise awareness about its services. You should see testimonials and other information about the Title IX Office on LED screens across campus, as well as on social media. We are always looking to improve, so we welcome any feedback on our campaign efforts.
  
  Our team is growing, I am grateful for the support and resources the university has provided to the Title IX Office, which has enabled us to build a larger team of caring and dedicated professionals. In February, the university selected Karina Hernandez to serve as the Title IX Analyst. In May 2022, the university recruited its former Title IX and Gender Equity Officer, Wendi Liss, to serve as the Interim Deputy Title IX Coordinator. In July 2022, the university hired Andrew Nguyen to serve in the newlycreated position of Title IX Project Manager. In September 2022, after an exhaustive and thorough search, the university hired Mary Keating to serve as a Title IX Investigator.
  
  In the coming months, the university will commence a national search for a permanent Title IX and Gender Equity Officer. The Title IX Office will make an official announcement before launching the search and all will be invited to provide input on the selection process.
  
  While it takes time to make positive change, it is my intention to build an office that is approachable and responsive to the community's needs. I, and we, care about your wellbeing and are here to support you.
  
  Warmly,
  Peter Lim