By: Kimberly Pacelli, M.Ed., J.D., Partner, TNG; ATIXA Advisory Board Member
Title IX Advisory Councils play a crucial role in raising awareness, advocating for resources, and driving cultural change around Title IX issues. Councils typically include faculty, staff, students, and representatives from key campus offices like Title IX, campus security/campus police, human resources, student conduct, residential life, and general counsel. They may also prepare for complex incidents, respond to new federal regulations, and improve campus engagement with Title IX processes.
ATIXA recently hosted a dynamic community event, bringing together leaders from colleges and universities to share their expertise on creating effective committees, managing meetings, overcoming challenges, and ensuring long-term success. Below, we’ve summarized key takeaways from their valuable insights. Access the event recording here.
Benefits of a Title IX Advisory Council
- Support and Advocacy: Elevates the work of the Title IX office and Coordinator, ensuring Title IX initiatives remain a priority
- Campus-wide Engagement: Allows for input and participation from faculty, staff, and students, helping to make Title IX a shared priority across the institution
- Communication and Transparency: Provides a structured way to share information about Title IX policies, procedures, and trends with the broader campus community
- Resource Allocation: Provides a clearer understanding of and advocacy for the funding and staffing needed to maintain a strong Title IX program, reducing the burden on the Coordinator to convey these requirements
- Continuity and Institutional Memory: Maintains momentum and institutional knowledge around Title IX initiatives, even as individual staff or leadership changes occur
Challenges to the Sustainability of Title IX Councils
Title IX councils and committees face significant challenges that can threaten their long-term viability. Their success relies on achieving campus-wide buy-in, which means the entire campus community, including faculty, staff, and students, supports and actively participates in the council’s work. Cultivating this active support is vital for staying relevant and impactful. Equally important is assembling the right team, led by a capable and committed leader. Maintaining momentum can be difficult, especially when institutional priorities shift, and support from university leadership wanes over time.
The Role of Title IX Coordinators in Councils
Title IX Coordinators are critical in leading these councils and providing guidance and support to foster a culture of campus-wide engagement and shared accountability. Depending on the organization’s structure, Coordinators may also expand the council’s focus to address additional civil rights areas, such as Title VI. K-12 settings may include representation from dual enrollment programs to broaden inclusivity further. Effective leadership in this role requires proactive planning, clear communication, and ongoing advocacy to drive meaningful progress.
Best Practice Examples
LAKE FOREST COLLEGE
The Presidential Title IX Advisory Committee comprises a diverse group of dedicated individuals striving to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable campus community. The committee consists of:
- College President
- Vice President of Student Affairs
- Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs
- Three Faculty Representatives
- Associate Director of Athletics
- Director of Public Safety
- Title IX Coordinator
- Head Coach and Strength & Conditioning Specialist
- Associate Dean and Director of Health and Wellness
- Associate Vice President of Human Resources
- Director of Residential Life
- Five Student Representatives
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
The Title IX Advisory Council is an interdisciplinary team that promotes a culture of respect and inclusivity across campus and collaborates to ensure compliance with Title IX regulations. Membership includes:
- Students
- Student Government Association
- Greek Life Organizations
- Residence Life Representatives
- Faculty
- Department of Social Work
- Department of Psychology
- Department of Criminal Justice
- Staff
- Housing and Residential Services
- Office of Student Engagement
- Health and Wellness Services
Lincoln University also has a Community Coordinated Response Team (CCRT) that brings together crucial partners to address domestic violence through a collaborative and comprehensive approach. The CCRT includes:
- Community Partner-Led Domestic Violence Services:
- Local Law Enforcement (Police and Sheriff’s Department)
- Emergency Aid Organizations (e.g., Red Cross)
- University Representatives
- University-Led Initiatives (OVW Recipient):
- Student Affairs
- Health Services
- Campus Police
- Collaboration with Local Police
- Partnerships with Local Domestic Violence Service Providers
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
The Title IX Stakeholder Committee is a collaborative group of representatives across victim advocacy, violence prevention, and student case management. The committee meets regularly (monthly or quarterly) to foster ongoing coordination and enhance campus safety and support systems and includes:
- Core Members
- SAFE Center (Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention)
- Student Case Management Office
- Dean of Students
- Office of General Counsel
- University Police
- Additional Contributors
- Marketing and Communications
- Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL)
- Clery Coordinator
- Provost’s Office
- Student Affairs Extended Team
- Student Legal Services
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY
Texas law requires county-wide Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART), and the university is an active member of this initiative. The effort is led by the county prosecuting attorney, not the institution. The team meets quarterly to share resources, discuss cases, and strengthen collaboration.
These connections are crucial for supporting students. The SART maintains direct communication with the county prosecuting attorney’s office for those pursuing criminal charges. It also works closely with local shelters and hospitals to provide comprehensive support.
Is a Title IX Advisory Council Right for Your Institution?
Establishing and effectively managing a Title IX Advisory Council is a powerful way to foster a safe, inclusive, and equitable educational environment. These efforts require strong leadership, collaborative engagement, and consistent information-sharing. By leveraging best practices and adapting them to your institution’s unique needs, councils can drive meaningful change—creating supportive spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Contact our team today for customized support in determining how best to engage diverse stakeholders at your institution or school district.