An ATIXA and NABITA Testimonial by Matthew Gregory, Ph.D., M.A., Eastern Michigan University
I had the incredible opportunity to attend the first-ever ATIXA and NABITA joint Winter Symposium in Henderson, NV. It was an inspiring gathering where Title IX, behavioral intervention, and threat assessment professionals came together to learn, connect, and grow.
As the Title IX Coordinator and Director of Sexual Misconduct and Prevention Programs—and the Interim Director of the Disability Resource Center—I found the event invaluable. My ATIXA certifications in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 gave me the foundation to take on this dual role, and my ongoing training with both associations has taken my expertise to the next level.
At the Winter Symposium, I completed ATIXA’s inaugural Title VI Compliance Foundations Level One for Educational Settings and NABITA’s updated Structured Interview for Violence Risk Assessment (SIVRA) trainings. I was deeply impressed by the faculty members’ proficiency and clarity; they truly understand the realities of being practitioners. This experience reinforced my belief in the value of in-person training for managing complex cases and making well-informed decisions.
The Importance of Continuous Training with ATIXA and NABITA
I have completed every certification training offered by ATIXA. That includes the Title IX Coordinator Foundations Level One: Compliance Essentials for K-12 Education training, which is particularly relevant as we do trainings with dual-enrolled students at Eastern Michigan University. This training has helped me work closely with K-12 students and, soon, their educators and administrators, guiding them on compliance requirements.
On the NABITA side, I have completed the SIVRA (previously known as SIVRA-35) and Building an Individualized Threat Management Plan (previously known as Threat Management) trainings. Attending NABITA’s Annual Conference in 2023 was a turning point for me. The presentations were carefully crafted for key decision-makers who sign crucial university documents. I felt empowered to train our “boots on the ground” teams—those who gather vital information to help me make educated decisions before signing.
A pressing question in Title IX has emerged: with many Title IX processes and programs housed under Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), where will they go now? Title VI has become a buzzword for their potential destination. Demonstrating its field leadership, ATIXA launched its Title VI training at the Winter Symposium, and I was thrilled to be there. The program is designed to prepare Title IX professionals with the skills to either assume Title VI responsibilities or support the development of dedicated coordinators and offices.
Title IX and Behavioral Intervention Teams (BITs) are closely connected in effective risk management. The Title IX regulations mandate an individualized safety or risk analysis before an institution can limit educational access, such as emergency removal. This analysis often can and should take the form of a Violence Risk Assessment (VRA). Comprehensive training in VRAs offers practitioners the expertise and confidence to make accurate, legally sound decisions that balance campus safety with equity. I highly encourage all Title IX professionals to complete NABITA’s SIVRA training.
To continue reading about my NABITA SIVRA training experience, click here.
Following Title IX Procedures for Title VI Matters
While I have a solid foundation in identifying discrimination and have worked closely with HR offices (my Bachelor’s degree is in HR Management), my expertise has largely been shaped by the intersection of Title IX and civil rights. In my role, there’s often an overlap between the two, and we’ve structured our processes to accommodate this. For example, even when handling non-Title IX discrimination cases, we follow Title IX procedures—investigations and hearings. This training reassured me that if Title IX were ever to transition under Title VI at our institution, our current framework would remain largely intact. We’re already well-positioned to maintain consistency in our processes.
One key takeaway from the Title VI training was the emphasis on preparing coordinators for potential responsibilities and job description changes. As Title VI becomes more prominent, coordinators will likely need a deeper understanding of it, and this training was a decisive step in that direction. It prepared attendees to anticipate these shifts and equipped us to handle them effectively.
The case studies presented during the training were particularly impactful. Hearing different perspectives provided clarity and helped frame how these changes might play out in real-world situations. It also reinforced the reality that this is uncharted territory for many of us. Knowing that this was the first time ATIXA offered this Title VI training reassured me that I was in the right place, learning alongside others navigating similar uncertainties. Many participants, like me, had extensive Title IX experience but were newer to Title VI. This mutual learning environment helped us prepare for the possibility of evolving roles or, in a worst-case scenario, a reduction in Title IX’s scope, something I sincerely hope doesn’t happen.
I genuinely appreciate ATIXA’s efforts to protect the integrity of Title IX. However, it’s critical to be prepared for any eventualities. If my role were to shift away from a focus on sexual assault, discrimination, and support, I’m reassured that I could still contribute by concentrating on issues related to race, ethnicity, and sovereignty—key areas of Title VI. Adaptability and a commitment to equity will remain central to our work, no matter what the future holds.
What stood out to me most was how ATIXA’s training fosters confidence in handling these complex conversations. As someone without a legal background, I approach my role in a way that resonates with students, meeting them at their level and creating an approachable environment. This relatability is vital in ensuring students feel supported and understood. ATIXA’s focus on empowering coordinators to navigate these challenges reflects their commitment to equipping us to serve our institutions and students effectively.
Quieting the Fear of Being Wrong
The value of in-person training with skilled trainers is unparalleled. ATIXA and NABITA faculty know the material inside and out. They’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, and they understand best practices in a way that ensures the people they train can avoid pitfalls and achieve the best outcomes. That kind of expertise is rooted in real-world experience.
I’d be lying if I said the fear of making the wrong decision doesn’t creep in. Sometimes I ask myself, “Did I make the right call? Did I handle that fairly? Could this decision get me fired?” These thoughts are human—we’ve all been there. However, the training I’ve received through ATIXA and NABITA has gone a long way in quieting those fears. The trainings have given me confidence. They have helped me understand the legal implications of my role and what resources I need to respond effectively.
The foundations ATIXA and NABITA provide allow me to answer questions from senior leadership, general counsel, attorneys, union representatives, and anyone else involved. I can explain that the goal is always to achieve a fair and unbiased process. When exceptions are made, I can justify them based on the parties’ needs while staying within the bounds of university policy and the law.
I advocated for my university to become a Super Member of ATIXA because I’d rather have access to as much information as possible before hearing the words from our General Counsel, “We’ve got a lawsuit.” With ATIXA’s resources, I can double-check policies and ensure that what we’re doing aligns with the law in a way that translates into clear, student-friendly policies. That matters because I want students to understand the basics of the law, and that’s something ATIXA makes possible. They break things down into plain, accessible language, not legal jargon.
ATIXA has been instrumental in helping me understand the distinctions between a university’s Title IX and legal processes. The listserv, in particular, has been an incredible resource, allowing me to see other coordinators asking questions I’ve had myself. Sometimes, I’ll see conflicting responses from people with far more experience, and that’s oddly comforting. It reminds me that even seasoned professionals interpret things differently. That realization helps me feel more confident in my decisions. They might not always be perfect or the “final” answer, but they’re as close as I can get with the information and tools available.
Proficiency is about continuous learning, leaning on a supportive community, and trusting your training and resources. That helps me address my role’s challenges and approach each decision with confidence.
Download the Conference Apps!
I’ll admit that I don’t usually rely on conference apps for networking and resources. But at this symposium, I decided to see who else was from Michigan—and it paid off! I met two professionals new to Title IX, and we had breakfast together. As a mentor, I shared that while they didn’t need to sign up for mentorship officially, they could reach out to me with questions anytime. I also encouraged them to join the Mentor Match program. A few days later, one sent me a series of questions. That’s the kind of supportive community these associations aim to build—helping professionals find a starting point and connecting them with trusted peers for advice and solutions.
This is what makes ATIXA and NABITA in-person training so valuable. It’s not just about learning from experts; it’s about connecting with others and realizing you’re not alone. Sometimes, hearing “I understand what you’re going through” is the reassurance you need.
ATIXA’s next in-person training event is the 2025 Summer Symposium in Portland, OR, from June 9-14, 2025. Featuring 20 certification courses and workshops, including four Title VI courses and a VRA workshop, the Symposium is designed as a tailored experience. Attendees can tailor their schedules by choosing the trainings that align with their professional goals and needs. Register for the Symposium.