USM Comments on Proposed Changes to Title IX On November 16, 2018, the U.S. Department of Education issued its long-awaited notice of proposed rulemaking regarding additional regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This provided the public with an opportunity to review, consider, and comment on draft regulations before they are finalized. 

The comments submitted by the University System of Maryland are available here. 

More information on Title IX and the proposed changes is available here and in the Retriever Courage website library. 


]]> On November 16, 2018, the U.S. Department of Education issued its long-awaited notice of proposed rulemaking regarding additional regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of... https://courage.umbc.edu/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/81927/guest@my.umbc.edu/74ac5fbdc47a02fefe03d2d938a4e816/api/pixel Retriever Courage https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/retrievercourage https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/original.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/large.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/medium.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/small.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxsmall.png?1543953890 Retriever Courage 2 0 true Fri, 08 Feb 2019 09:14:01 -0500 Fri, 08 Feb 2019 09:16:41 -0500 Reminder: Feb. 7 information gathering session with Retriever Courage consultant team

Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

As we announced earlier this month, a procurement committee of faculty, staff, and students has selected consultants Jody Shipper, J.D., and Cherie Scricca, Ed.D. of Grand River Solutions, Inc. to help UMBC address how our community can better prevent and respond to sexual violence/misconduct. This marks an important next step in our Retriever Courage initiative, in addition to early action steps completed by Retriever Courage partners.

On February 7, Shipper and Scricca will be on the UMBC campus for the first time, to hold initial meetings with the Implementation Team and Title IX staff. In order to give the UMBC community the opportunity to share input,Shipper and Scricca will hold an information gathering session on February 7, from 4 to 5 p.m., in the Proscenium Theatre, Performing Arts and Humanities Building.


Shipper and Scricca will return to UMBC on February 21, 22, and 28, and March 1, for meetings with Retriever Courage partners, as well as with campus groups that they and Retriever Courage partners have identified. Shipper and Scricca will hold another information gathering session for the UMBC community during this time, and we will update the campus when details are confirmed.


For those who prefer not to share publicly or are unable to attend either information gathering session, you may use this anonymous Google form and your feedback will be shared with Shipper and Scricca.


More information on the consultant visits is available here.
 ]]> Dear Members of the UMBC Community, As we announced earlier this month, a procurement committee of faculty, staff, and students has selected consultants Jody Shipper, J.D., and Cherie Scricca,... https://courage.umbc.edu/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/81904/guest@my.umbc.edu/969dcf86d9e62430aef1677bae106991/api/pixel Retriever Courage https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/retrievercourage https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/original.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/large.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/medium.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/small.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxsmall.png?1543953890 Retriever Courage 3 0 true Wed, 06 Feb 2019 15:39:28 -0500 Feb. 7 session with Retriever Courage consultant team Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

As we announced earlier this month, a procurement committee of faculty, staff, and students has selected consultants Jody Shipper, J.D., and Cherie Scricca, Ed.D. of Grand River Solutions, Inc. to help UMBC address how our community can better prevent and respond to sexual violence/misconduct. This marks an important next step in our Retriever Courage initiative, in addition to early action steps completed by Retriever Courage partners.

On February 7, Shipper and Scricca will be on the UMBC campus for the first time, to hold initial meetings with the Implementation Team and Title IX staff. In order to give the UMBC community the opportunity to share input, Shipper and Scricca will hold an information gathering session on February 7, from 4 to 5 p.m., in the Proscenium Theatre, Performing Arts and Humanities Building.

Shipper and Scricca will return to UMBC on February 21, 22, and 28, and March 1, for meetings with Retriever Courage partners, as well as with campus groups that they and Retriever Courage partners have identified. Shipper and Scricca will hold another information gathering session for the UMBC community during this time, and we will update the campus when details are confirmed.

The information gathering sessions will start with a brief introduction to the consultants and their proposed work on campus. Then, participants will be invited to share ideas and concerns with the consultants in order to inform their work at UMBC.

Shipper and Scricca will discuss how they plan to work with Retriever Courage partners and the UMBC community throughout the spring semester to review current university processes, policies, procedures, and practices regarding sexual misconduct. They will help determine what is working well and where we can learn from other institutions’ best practices and from evidence-based research. This effort will have a broad scope, beyond the specifics of Title IX alone, also including models for prevention and training for students, faculty, and staff, and best practices for providing support to those impacted by sexual violence.

For those who prefer not to share publicly or are unable to attend either information gathering session, you may use this anonymous Google form and your feedback will be shared with Shipper and Scricca.

Thank you for your commitment to Retriever Courage and for the input and suggestions you are sharing to inform this work. While some important actions are already underway, this work is just the beginning. It is challenging, and it calls for each one of us to be involved, to listen, and to learn from one another, so that UMBC will become a stronger community and Retriever Courage can have a lasting impact on the campus and beyond. There are many different ways to be involved, such as joining an advisory committee, participating in educational workshops and training, becoming an advocate for survivors, and committing to being an observant, vocal community member.

We encourage those who have observed or experienced sexual violence/misconduct to seek support as needed at any time. There are many resources available on campus and in the community that offer confidential medical support, confidential psychological/emotional support, and interim protective measures (e.g., no-contact orders, housing adjustments, academic concerns). For emergency situations, contact campus police via 410-455-5555 or local police via 911.

The Implementation Team will continue to share updates on the consultants’ future campus visits and process, additional Retriever Courage progress, and ways to stay engaged.

We wish you a successful start to the spring semester.

—Retriever Courage Implementation Team ]]> Dear Members of the UMBC Community, As we announced earlier this month, a procurement committee of faculty, staff, and students has selected consultants Jody Shipper, J.D., and Cherie Scricca,... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/81762/guest@my.umbc.edu/7aa1fa9eb5829149104d713230147e35/api/pixel Retriever Courage https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/retrievercourage https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/original.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/large.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/medium.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/small.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxsmall.png?1543953890 Retriever Courage 4 0 true Thu, 31 Jan 2019 14:48:46 -0500 Comment Period on Proposed Title IX Changes Extended Comments must be received on or before January 30, 2019 From the U.S. Department of Education:

The Federal eRulemaking Portal was temporarily unavailable from the afternoon of January 16, 2019 until the evening of January 17, 2019 due to technical issues. To ensure that the public will have had sixty days in total to submit comments on the Department's proposed rule under Title IX (Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance) using the Federal eRulemaking Portal, the Department is extending the public comment period. We must now receive your comments on or before January 30, 2019. 

Comments may continue to be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
www.regulations.gov/document?D=ED_FRDOC_0001-0830
or by postal mail, commercial mail, or hand delivery addressed to:
Brittany Bull, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW,
Room 6E310, Washington, DC, 20202


]]> From the U.S. Department of Education: The Federal eRulemaking Portal was temporarily unavailable from the afternoon of January 16, 2019 until the evening of January 17, 2019 due to technical... https://courage.umbc.edu https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/81525/guest@my.umbc.edu/30e5a8f927420fde8732d6c1eeea798e/api/pixel Retriever Courage https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/retrievercourage https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/original.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/large.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/medium.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/small.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxsmall.png?1543953890 Retriever Courage 1 0 true Mon, 21 Jan 2019 11:52:28 -0500 External Firm Selected to Work with Retriever Courage Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

We are pleased to announce that Jody Shipper, J.D., and Cherie Scricca, Ed.D. of Grand River Solutions, Inc. have been chosen to help UMBC address how it can better prevent and respond to sexual violence/misconduct. These consultants were selected after a formal competitive procurement process during the fall semester, which involved input from students, faculty, and staff. 

Shipper and Scricca are recognized for their expertise in both law and education. Shipper is a national expert on Title IX, and Scricca is known for her innovative approach to program development and management.

This team has broad and deep experience working with colleges and universities to address Title IX compliance in a framework that provides effective trauma-informed support and care, as well as experience developing programs that help prevent sexual misconduct. Their approach encourages lasting change by engaging all stakeholder groups, understanding the campus culture, and developing effective solutions to reduce our society’s tolerance of sexual violence and sexual assault. 

Shipper and Scricca will work with Retriever Courage partners and the UMBC community to review current university processes, policies, procedures, and practices regarding sexual misconduct to help determine what is working well and where we can learn from other institutions’ best practices and from evidence-based research. This effort will have a broad scope, beyond the specifics of Title IX alone, also including models for training students, faculty, and staff, and best practices for providing support to those impacted by sexual violence. 

The Retriever Courage Implementation Team, composed of UMBC administrators, faculty, staff, and student leaders, will facilitate the engagement of the university community with Grand River Solutions staff and share periodic progress reports with the campus.

We want to thank the members of the Procurement Evaluation Committee for their insight and contributions during the selection process: Bruce Herman, director of health and counseling; Bobbie L. Hoye, Title IX coordinator; Susan McDonough, associate professor of history and affiliate faculty of gender, women’s, and sexuality studies; Jess Myers, director of the Women’s Center and advisor of We Believe You; Christopher Murphy, professor of psychology; and Valerie Rolandelli, procurement lead. 

We also thank the Faculty/Staff/Student Procurement Advisory Group for their invaluable input: Nadia Benaissa, gender, women’s, and sexuality studies major and president of We Believe You; Michelle Bobovych, specialist, Division of Information Technology; Meryl Cozart, lecturer, sociology, anthropology, and health administration and policy; Jodi Kelber-Kaye, associate director, Honors College; Christa Lewis, doctoral student, human services psychology, clinical psychology and behavioral medicine track; Marcela Mellinger, associate professor, social work; Margarita Correa-Mendez, Ph.D. candidate, molecular and cell biology; Jim Milani, assistant dean of administration and operations, College of Engineering and Information Technology; John Platter, gender, women’s, and sexuality studies major and executive director of the LGBTQ Student Union; and Laura Ting, associate professor, social work. 

We encourage those who have observed or experienced sexual violence/misconduct to seek support as needed at any time. There are many resources available on campus and in the community that offer confidential medical support, confidential psychological/emotional support, and interim protective measures (e.g., no-contact orders, housing adjustments, academic concerns). For emergency situations, contact campus police via 410-455-5555 or local police via 911.

Thank you for your commitment to this work. The Implementation Team will continue to share updates on the consultants’ campus visits and process, additional Retriever Courage progress, and ways to stay engaged. 

Retriever Courage Implementation Team ]]> Dear Members of the UMBC Community, We are pleased to announce that Jody Shipper, J.D., and Cherie Scricca, Ed.D. of Grand River Solutions, Inc. have been chosen to help UMBC address how it can... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/81425/guest@my.umbc.edu/10e4f943bd79b7d45efe13feb3049c15/api/pixel Retriever Courage https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/retrievercourage https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/original.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/large.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/medium.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/small.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxsmall.png?1543953890 Retriever Courage 4 0 true Tue, 15 Jan 2019 10:26:58 -0500 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 10:27:26 -0500 Updates on our Retriever Courage Initiative Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

We are writing to share the latest information about Retriever Courage, UMBC’s initiative to strengthen campus prevention and response efforts related to incidents of sex discrimination and sexual violence/misconduct.

Retriever Courage committees have formed and are beginning their work, with representation from students, faculty, and staff across the university community. These partners will work together to provide a voice for and share feedback from constituents. The Faculty/Staff Advisory Committee and Student Advisory Committee will take recommendations to the University Steering Committee (USC). The USC will work with the Implementation Team to finalize recommendations for submission to vice presidents and deans, who will review and submit them to the president for final approval. If you would like to join the Faculty/Staff Advisory Committee or Student Advisory Committee, please visit the Partners page on the Retriever Courage website. 

During the fall semester, we’ve addressed some immediate needs that reflect the initial feedback we received from the UMBC community. Improvements to campus lighting are ongoing. A new UMBC ID with emergency contact information was designed and we anticipate the new card will be ready in the spring. We’ve also started rolling out mandatory in-person and online Title IX/sexual misconduct response and prevention training for administrators, faculty, and staff, and will begin developing and implementing mandatory training for our students through a collaborative process with the Student Advisory Committee and our external consultant/firm. Our procurement process teams — made up of students, faculty, and staff — are now conducting interviews for an external consultant/firm to review current university processes, policies, procedures, and practices regarding prevention and response, and we expect to announce the selection after we return from winter break.

Lasting change requires both short- and long-term work. This is just the beginning. In the coming months, we will be reviewing all aspects of UMBC’s sexual misconduct prevention and response policies and practices, and training and awareness programs, to help determine what is working well and where we can learn from other institutions’ best practices and from evidence-based research. We will cover all processes in response to sexual misconduct; models for training students, faculty, and staff; and best practices for providing support to students.

This work will be challenging, and it calls for each one of us to be involved, to listen to and learn from one another, so that UMBC will become a stronger community and Retriever Courage can have a lasting impact on campus and beyond. There are many different ways to be involved, such as joining an advisory committee, participating in educational workshops and training, becoming an advocate for survivors, and committing to being an observant, vocal bystander. We ask that you continue sharing your feedback as well. An anonymous input form is also available.

We encourage those who have observed or experienced sexual violence/misconduct to seek support as needed at any time. There are many resources available on campus and in the community that offer confidential medical support, confidential psychological/emotional support, and interim protective measures (e.g., no-contact orders, housing adjustments, academic concerns). For emergency situations, contact campus police via 410-455-5555 or local police via 911.

Thank you for helping us make UMBC a safer, more caring living, learning, and working environment for all. We wish you an enjoyable and restful winter break.

President Freeman Hrabowski
Provost Philip Rous
Adam Harvey, University Steering Committee Chair ]]> Dear Members of the UMBC Community, We are writing to share the latest information about Retriever Courage, UMBC’s initiative to strengthen campus prevention and response efforts related to... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/81032/guest@my.umbc.edu/758fc57f449af025a5a49a6313ab29df/api/pixel Retriever Courage https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/retrievercourage https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/original.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/large.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/medium.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/small.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxsmall.png?1543953890 Retriever Courage 1 0 true Thu, 13 Dec 2018 11:26:40 -0500 Mon, 17 Dec 2018 14:27:28 -0500 For Faculty and Staff: Accessing Online Title IX Training and background information on in-person training

Based on recommendations from the UMBC community, and consistent with recent changes in Maryland State law, all employees will now undergo in-person training on sexual misconduct prevention and response.

Information about in-person and online training is available here.

All faculty and staff will also be required to complete a complementary online training module.

If you are having trouble finding your email with a link to online training:

Using your web browser, go to the SafeColleges website for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County: https://umbc-md.safecolleges.com/

Enter your user name: your UMBC ID number

Once you log into the site, click on a course title to begin the training. Each course has audio, so be sure to turn up your speakers if you'd like to listen. You must complete each section of the course in order to receive full credit.

If you need additional assistance with online training, please contact Bobbie Hoye at bhoye@umbc.edu.

If you have questions about in-person training, please contact Sarah Shin at shin@umbc.edu.


]]> Based on recommendations from the UMBC community, and consistent with recent changes in Maryland State law, all employees will now undergo in-person training on sexual misconduct prevention and... https://courage.umbc.edu/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/80836/guest@my.umbc.edu/7dd4cca91300b6c311c1351929571ee9/api/pixel Retriever Courage https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/retrievercourage https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/original.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/large.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/medium.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/small.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxsmall.png?1543953890 Retriever Courage 1 0 true Wed, 05 Dec 2018 09:11:26 -0500 Thu, 06 Dec 2018 15:46:22 -0500 Proposed Title IX Regulations Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

We are writing to inform you that the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights recently issued proposed amendments for the implementation of Title IX’s prohibition against sex-based discrimination, including sexual assault and sexual harassment. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity that receives federal funding.

The proposed amendments come in the midst of our community’s ongoing, important conversations about safety and well-being, including prevention and awareness of and response to sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct. While Title IX’s prohibition against sex-based discrimination remains intact, the proposed Title IX regulatory amendments seek to revise, among other matters, what constitutes sexual harassment for purposes of rising to the level of a civil rights issue under Title IX, and what triggers a school’s legal obligation to respond to incidents or allegations of sexual harassment. In light of the proposed regulations, it is important for the campus to know that the University’s focus on strengthening our response protocols, prevention and awareness efforts, and student-centered support and resources will not diminish.

Staff in the University’s Office of General Counsel are working with the Office of the Maryland Attorney General and University System of Maryland colleagues to understand how the proposed regulations relate to current Maryland law and USM policies that regulate issues of sex-based discrimination in higher education. All upcoming Title IX training at UMBC will address current standards and provide a broad overview of the proposed new rules. In addition, when more is known, Title IX staff will meet with the Retriever Courage Student and Faculty/Staff Advisory Committees to share background and discuss the potential impact of the proposed regulations on UMBC policies and practices. We will continue to be guided by our values and work to provide a safe, supportive, and equitable environment for all students and employees. 

The next step in the federal rulemaking process is that the Department of Education will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register, and the notice will state the date by which all comments must be submitted. Once the comment period opens, individuals and institutions may submit comments on the proposed regulations for 60 days. We will continue to monitor the regulatory process and keep the campus community updated on key developments.

We encourage those who have observed or experienced sexual violence/misconduct to seek support as needed at any time. There are many resources available on campus and in the community that offer confidential medical support, confidential psychological/emotional support, and interim protective measures (e.g., no-contact orders, housing adjustments, academic concerns). For emergency situations, contact campus police via 410-455-5555 or local police via 911.

President Freeman Hrabowski 
Provost Philip Rous
Adam Harvey, Chair, University Steering Committee, and Vice President, GSA ]]> Dear Members of the UMBC Community, We are writing to inform you that the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights recently issued proposed amendments for the implementation of Title... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/80537/guest@my.umbc.edu/7677591b13e60f55208e277105b37386/api/pixel Retriever Courage https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/retrievercourage https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/original.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/large.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/medium.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/small.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxsmall.png?1543953890 Retriever Courage 2 0 true Tue, 20 Nov 2018 15:02:22 -0500 Mandatory Title IX/Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training
Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

We are writing to update you on the implementation of mandatory Title IX/sexual misconduct awareness and prevention training that is required of all faculty, staff, and students. These required training activities expand on those already underway at UMBC. 

Based on recommendations from the UMBC community, and consistent with recent changes in Maryland State law, all employees will now undergo in-person training on sexual misconduct prevention and response. All faculty and staff will also be required to complete a complementary online training module.

In response to recommendations made by students, campus leaders and consultants will also be working with the student advisory committee to develop comprehensive mandatory training for all UMBC students on sexual misconduct awareness and prevention, to supplement the training they receive during orientation and other campus programs. We will continue to update the UMBC community as the plan for the training of students is developed and implemented.

Mandatory, in-person training for faculty, staff, graduate assistants, and student leaders is scheduled as follows:
 
Group 1: All academic, administrative, and student leaders will undergo training on December 6, 2018 (2 sessions).
Group 2: All remaining Responsible Employees will undergo training on one of the following days: January 16, 17, 22, and 23, 2019 (13 sessions, including one evening session). 
Group 3: All remaining employees will undergo training on either May 20 or May 21, 2019 (6 sessions).
 
All employees will soon receive a personal email containing information on which group they belong to and instructions describing how to sign up for one of the appropriate face-to-face training sessions.
 
Each face-to-face educational/training session will address the following topics:
In addition to the face-to-face trainings, all faculty and staff are required to complete mandatory online training. The online training module, “Not Anymore for Employees,” will take about 30 minutes and must be completed within 60 days. A link to the training will be sent separately. This online training is designed for employees in higher education institutions to help them better understand Title IX and their roles as they relate to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct. It includes UMBC-specific policies and procedures, resources, and information on how each of us can support and appropriately care for our fellow community members.

Thanks to the Training Implementation Team for their hard work in rolling out the trainings:
These mandatory trainings are one aspect of Retriever Courage, a holistic campus effort to create a safer, more caring environment for all members of our UMBC community. Each of us has a role to play in this important work and we want to thank you for your partnership.

Freeman Hrabowski, President
Philip Rous, Provost
Adam Harvey, University Steering Committee Chair
Sarah Shin, Training Implementation Team Chair and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
]]> Dear Members of the UMBC Community, We are writing to update you on the implementation of mandatory Title IX/sexual misconduct awareness and prevention training that is required of all faculty,... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/80495/guest@my.umbc.edu/1b3afd605b60e526302c77cc58cde1e2/api/pixel Retriever Courage https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/retrievercourage https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/original.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/large.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/medium.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/small.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxsmall.png?1543953890 Retriever Courage 2 0 true Mon, 19 Nov 2018 10:23:22 -0500 Retriever Courage Website The Retriever Courage website is now available. This website documents UMBC’s ongoing work to prevent and respond to sexual violence/misconduct and provides a platform for continued campus engagement with the process. 

The website currently includes the latest updates on Retriever Courage initiatives and resources for education, engagement, support, and training. It will be updated with UMBC voices and additional information as our collaborative work as a university community continues. A Retriever Courage myUMBC group will complement the website. 

Community-wide involvement will help ensure Retriever Courage has a lasting impact at UMBC and beyond. Thank you for your continued partnership. ]]> The Retriever Courage website is now available. This website documents UMBC’s ongoing work to prevent and respond to sexual violence/misconduct and provides a platform for continued campus... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/80038/guest@my.umbc.edu/ff545ee716b3850a66d87702f4cc2d72/api/pixel Retriever Courage https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/retrievercourage https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/original.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xlarge.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/large.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/medium.png?1543953890 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/small.png?1543953890 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xsmall.png?1543953890 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/546/1c425b7eeb0c59ed96f91d86812a1887/xxsmall.png?1543953890 Retriever Courage https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/080/038/e5f5a940fe5e5581170531cb322c6ee0/xxlarge.jpg?1541608307 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/080/038/e5f5a940fe5e5581170531cb322c6ee0/xlarge.jpg?1541608307 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/080/038/e5f5a940fe5e5581170531cb322c6ee0/large.jpg?1541608307 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/080/038/e5f5a940fe5e5581170531cb322c6ee0/medium.jpg?1541608307 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/080/038/e5f5a940fe5e5581170531cb322c6ee0/small.jpg?1541608307 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/080/038/e5f5a940fe5e5581170531cb322c6ee0/xsmall.jpg?1541608307 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/080/038/e5f5a940fe5e5581170531cb322c6ee0/xxsmall.jpg?1541608307 8 0 true Fri, 02 Nov 2018 15:46:01 -0400 Wed, 07 Nov 2018 11:32:00 -0500