The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) approved changes to its sexual misconduct policies and procedures at its meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11, in accordance with new federal Title IX regulations that went into effect Aug. 14. The regulations were issued by the U.S. Department of Education in May and build on the existing federal Title IX law.

The regulations mandate how colleges and universities receiving federal funding must investigate and adjudicate sexual misconduct cases under Title IX, the federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, including employment.

At USG institutions, sexual misconduct is addressed under Policy 6.7 in the Board of Regents Policy Manual. Much of the policy remains the same and Georgia Tech will continue to address incidents of sexual misconduct brought to its attention. One notable change will be in the hearing process for Title IX cases — institutions will now be required to provide an advisor to either party who does not have one. The advisor will have the right to cross-examine, in contrast to the previous Title IX process, where all questions during a hearing were submitted to and asked by a hearing panel. 

Georgia Tech’s Title IX office will host information sessions in the coming academic year to provide opportunities for the campus community to learn more.

Student support and services at Georgia Tech remain the same. Confidential victim-survivor support, prevention and education resources, and other services are available through VOICE, Georgia Tech’s sexual violence prevention program. Support is also available through the Counseling Center; Center for Assessment, Referral, and Education; and the Title IX office. Employees also have access to confidential resources through the Employee Assistance Program and health care providers.

Panelists and advisors are a vital part of the hearing process, and faculty and staff volunteers are needed to serve in these roles. Annual training is provided, and panelists and advisors serve on a rotating basis, usually one to two times per academic year.

To learn more, contact Marcia Bull Stadeker, Title IX Coordinator, at marcia.stadeker@gatech.edu or 404.385.5583.