An ATIXA Testimonial by Mary Beth Tucker, Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator at the University of Arizona
Everything changed on April 4, 2011, when the Department of Education released the Dear Colleague Letter (DCL). I was the Director of the Office of Institutional Equity at the University of Arizona for this watershed moment in Title IX history.
The guidance document heightened the critical importance of Title IX compliance, introduced new obligations, and reinforced the responsibility of institutions to proactively address sex discrimination. While it delivered a clear mandate to schools and institutions, it also introduced nuance and complexity, such as balancing a complainant’s wishes with the institution’s duty to investigate certain cases. The letter signaled the Department of Education’s heightened focus on Title IX, further emphasizing its role in safeguarding students.
The Founding of ATIXA Came at the Right Time
ATIXA was established in the wake of the 2011 DCL as the first professional association dedicated to supporting Title IX Coordinators. I vividly remember ATIXA’s inaugural training conference in August 2011 in St. Louis, where we immersed ourselves in every detail of the DCL. The sessions delved into core Title IX topics, equipping coordinators with the knowledge and tools needed to drive meaningful change. From these early efforts, ATIXA quickly became an essential resource, offering comprehensive training, expert guidance, and a collaborative community for professionals navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Title IX compliance.
At the time, the University of Arizona was a large institution serving approximately 40,000 students across its campuses in Tucson, Sierra Vista, and Phoenix. My primary focus shifted to capacity building and strategic planning, aiming to develop efficient systems for managing the complex and critical aspects of Title IX. A key component of this work was fostering strong partnerships and collaboration with campus stakeholders to ensure compliance while promoting a safe, equitable environment.
Where Theory, Guidance, and Practice Align
With the rapid changes in federal guidance on Title IX, being part of a dedicated Title IX association connected to a network of peers proved invaluable. We worked diligently to review our policies and procedures, ensuring compliance while managing reports and navigating shifting federal enforcement priorities. It often felt like “flying the plane while building it,” as ATIXA’s leaders like Brett Sokolow say. But more than just constructing the aircraft mid-flight, we knew that our highest responsibility, like that of any pilot, was to those who placed their trust in us.
As federal regulations changed in 2020 and 2024, we turned to ATIXA for guidance, just as we had in 2011 and through every shift in federal guidance and the legal landscape. At each point in time, we were not just building a plane, we were reinforcing its structure, refining its navigation systems, and ensuring that those on board could rely on us. ATIXA’s best practices remained our flight plan, helping us strengthen our policies, support systems, and commitment to those we serve.
The Perspective of the ATIXA Community
ATIXA members and faculty view Title IX through a broader lens, across different institutions (large to small), and in various roles, such as external investigators, hearing officers, and expert witnesses. This perspective is valuable because it allows for deeper understanding.
For those of us working internally, we often face limitations. We oversee case after case, which can make it hard to see beyond our immediate environment. What’s helpful, though, is leveraging professional associations like ATIXA. I can reference best practices and demonstrate alignment with national standards. It’s also a way to address unique challenges or novel issues. ATIXA’s listserv and resources let me pull in insights and experiences from colleagues across the country, helping me approach cases with a broader and more informed perspective.
Title VI Training: Gaining Knowledge and Enhancing Practices
The landscape of civil rights compliance has shifted over the last two years, and the rise in awareness of Title VI feels similar to 2011. Changes are happening with new guidance and findings from OCR and the federal government. To stay ahead, we registered one of our most experienced team members for ATIXA’s latest Title VI training at the Winter Symposium in Nevada. The goal was to review our practices against ATIXA guidance, learn from others and the panelists, and identify any additional strategies to help us improve. This is a good example of how our work constantly evolves and requires ongoing professional development. While our core practices remain the same, we are using ATIXA’s most recent guidance to update brochures, resources, and training for our community.
ATIXA Trainings are Overwhelming in the Best Way
Attending an ATIXA training is an opportunity to step back and reflect on things you may not have had time to consider during the demands of your daily work. Throughout the session, you will likely encounter familiar concepts—ideas you already know and have applied. But what truly stands out are the novel, challenging, or complex issues that catch your attention and spark new insights.
Ultimately, training sessions are about more than the “aha” moments. They’re about taking actionable insights back to your organization, sharing them with others, and implementing practical follow-ups to align policies and practices with the needs of your team and the institution as a whole.
TNG Services Provide Valuable Support and Responsiveness
Our experience with ATIXA and its parent consulting firm, TNG, has been consistently positive. Over the years, we have engaged their professional services in many ways, from completing ATIXA certifications and utilizing TNG’s consulting expertise to benefitting from insights on the listserv. As both a client and trainee, I can confidently say these resources have been invaluable in helping us navigate complex Title IX compliance matters.
The variety of training options, including the flexibility of virtual offerings in recent years, has been incredibly useful. Additionally, when we have reached out to TNG partners for consulting support, their responsiveness has been timely (often on the same day) and helpful. That level of service has left an impression on us and is a key reason for our ongoing partnership with ATIXA.
ATIXA and TNG are ready to drive meaningful change at your institution. Elevate your efforts by becoming an ATIXA Super Member or hosting a private TNG training session for your team. To learn more, contact inquiry@tngconsulting.com.