Title IX at The University of Akron

Do you need help? Help for sexual misconduct.

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities. Title IX provides: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Sexual harassment (which includes sexual violence and assault) is a form of sex discrimination and therefore a violation of Title IX. Specific behaviors that are prohibited by Title IX include, but are not limited to, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual exploitation, and other forms of non-consensual sexual activity; stalking; and relationship violence that is gender-based. Title IX also prohibits discrimination of pregnant and parenting students. Many behaviors that violate Title IX also constitute crimes. Title IX provides for the equitable treatment of all individuals at the University, including in admissions, grading of student coursework, and in athletics.


Gender-Based Misconduct and Title IX Policy & Protocol


Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy


Non-Discrimination Statement


Title IX leadership at The University of Akron

To ensure compliance with Title IX and other federal and state civil rights laws, the University has a designated University Title IX Coordinator. The coordinator is charged with monitoring compliance with Title IX and ensuring that reports of sex discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual violence are investigated and addressed by the University.

Any student, faculty or staff member with questions or concerns about the applicable University policies or who believes that he or she has been the victim of sex discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual violence is encouraged to contact The University of Akron's Title IX Coordinator.

Services and support for branch campuses are integrated. Students attending classes at branch campuses including The Wayne College and the Medina County University Center are provided the same support and resources as all University of Akron students and are welcome to seek services at whichever location is most convenient.


Title IX team

Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Rosa Githiora, Associate Director, Inclusion and Equity
Leigh Hall, Room 309B
330-972-5462
rgithior@16300a.com

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students
Mike Strong, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
Student Union, Room 152
330-972-6048
mstrong@16300a.com

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students
Jacqueline Fausnight, Assistant Dean of Students
Student Union, Room 152
330-972-6048
jfausnight@16300a.com

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Regional Campuses
Sonya Wagner, Manager Student Services Wayne Campus
Wayne Campus, Boyer HPE Building, Room A206
330-972-8935
sew30@16300a.com

Deputy Title IX Coordinators for Athletics
Jacklin Wallgren, Senior Associate Athletic Director Instructional Services
InfoCision Stadium 269
330-972-5512
jwallgren@16300a.com

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees
Emily Lenke, Director Employee and Labor Relations
Administrative Services Building, Room 125E
330-972-6195
emf22@16300a.com

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Law School
Andrew Costigan, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs
McDowell Law Center 106
330-972-5170
acc142@16300a.com

Investigators

Investigators for Student Concerns
Dale Adams, Jr.
Director of Student Conduct & Community Standards
Simmons Hall 302
330-972-2580
adamsjd@16300a.com

Tiffany Sukys
Coordinator of Student Conduct and Community Standards
Simmons Hall 302
330-972-5794
tsukys@16300a.com

Jesse Redwine
Coordinator of Student Conduct & Community Standards
Simmons Hall 302
330-972-8646
jredwine@16300a.com

Susan White
Associate Director, Student Conduct & Community Standards
Simmons Hall 302
330-972-7011
susanwhite@16300a.com

Investigator for Employee Concerns
Tami Hannon
Senior Director, Human Resources
Administrative Services Building, 143
330-972-7300
tlz2@16300a.com

Kelsea Homer
Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Specialist Sr.
Administrative Services Building, 140
330-972-7300
kld67@uakorn.edu

Police Investigator
Angela Paonessa
Captain, University Police Department
Physical Facilities Op Center
330-972-5598
angelap@16300a.com

Hearing officers

Dr. Toni Bisconti
Associate Professor of Psychology
College of Arts and Sciences 341
tb33@16300a.com

James Gilbride
Chief, University Police Department
Superior Building Station 2
jpg2@16300a.com

Michael Szczukowski
Director Materials Handling
Administrative Services Building 68
mas149@16300a.com

Darrell Claytor
Captain, University Police Department
Superior Building Station 2
dclayto@16300a.com