Webinar: Investigate and Adjudicate Sexual MisconductDecember 9, 2015 at 1–2:30 p.m.

Summary

Much attention has been paid to the sexual misconduct of students, but schools also struggle with the application of Title IX, Clery and VAWA to faculty members' behavior.

Faculty members' behavior profoundly affects the student experience. Issues of power, authority and grades can dominate the relationship dynamic and can create a hostile environment. The intersection of tenure, employment policies, university policy and law shapes an institution's response.

Join this important discussion on how relevant laws apply to faculty members' behavior both in and out of the classroom. Our expert presenters will examine the line between academic freedom and sexually harassing materials or comments.

In addition, you will examine how universities can handle investigations of allegations of faculty sexual misconduct, which allegations include inappropriate comments of a sexual or gender-based nature, sexual harassment and sexual assault. Lastly, our presenters will discuss the issue of faculty training and the importance of obtaining institutional support on the issue of faculty sexual harassment and assault.

Panelists

Claire K. Hall, J.D., is the Director of Student Conduct and Special Advisor to Student Services at Johnson & Wales University. Claire is a licensed attorney and has been practicing law for more than 15 years. Claire advises student affairs professionals on all four of the university's campuses. Claire was instrumental in reviewing and revising university policies and procedures for compliance with Title IX and the DCL, and continues to provide guidance to the university on issues related to sexual and relationship violence on campus.

Elizabeth Canning, J.D., is the director of equity and compliance services at Johnson and Wales University. She is also the university's Title IX coordinator. Elizabeth oversees the university's compliance with Title IX and VAWA requirements and is responsible for coordinating the institution's efforts around prevention of, and response to, sexual harassment and assault, dating violence and stalking. She works collaboratively with stakeholders to facilitate prevention and response efforts on the four campuses of the institution.

Topics Covered

As a result of this webinar, you will take away

• An understanding of the application of Title IX, VAWA and Clery as it relates to faculty behavior " and how to develop your policies accordingly.
• How to identify the difference between sexually inappropriate and academically relevant class materials and topics.
• How student-faculty dynamics can affect reporting and student response " and strategies for mitigating this.
• Effective approaches to investigations of faculty misconduct that you can consider for your campus.
• An understanding of the importance of training faculty members on university policy and expected behavior and methods you should consider to obtain the institutional support to bring this training about.