By: Saundra K. Schuster, M.S., J.D., Partner, TNG; President, ATIXA
In an ever-evolving legal and social landscape, the role of a Title IX practitioner is more critical than ever. ATIXA offers training and membership to help you process the uncertainty and maintain compliance. On October 26 – November 1, we are thrilled to bring our 13th Annual ATIXA Conference back to Philadelphia at the Loews Hotel, with more than 30 speakers and 18 ATIXA curriculum-based certification courses.
As President of ATIXA, I am committed to encouraging diverse discussions and a supportive experience for our members and the broader Title IX community. Our conference and the associated pre- and post-conference certification courses address several topics, including the 2020 and 2024 Regulations. Training content is tailored to K-12 and higher education environments. The conference facilitates real-time problem-solving alongside colleagues and experts who understand your challenges and will celebrate your successes.
A Multifaceted Approach to Learning
The field of Title IX is evolving beyond its traditional confines. Title IX offices are increasingly addressing issues that extend beyond sex and gender discrimination and harassment. Due to regulatory demands, practitioners often engage with pregnancy-related matters and other civil rights issues. As a result, Title IX Coordinators may serve as point persons for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) issues, Clery Act, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Section 504, and ADA. In response to this evolution, we have thoughtfully designed this year’s conference to expand the scope of topics relevant to your daily responsibilities beyond Title IX Regulations.
High-Impact Featured Sessions
Our featured sessions provide innovative solutions to your most challenging and complex cases that you can immediately apply in your role. Whether that means exploring alternative dispute resolution, collaborating with the Clery Center, or understanding the legal framework of Title IX, you will return with a fresh perspective. Featured sessions include early intervention and sanctioning, addressing sexual harassment among the faculty, as well as strategies for alternative resolution, negotiation, mediation, shuttle diplomacy, and restorative justice. We also address the connection between employee relations and employee rights as it relates to discrimination and Title IX. This topic remains a significant point of discussion, with ongoing questions of who should take the lead and the implications of those dynamics.
What I value most about the conference is our vibrant and engaged community, diverse in its training needs and expertise. Each participant brings unique insights, transforming the conference into a lively exchange of knowledge. The conference offers ample time for networking, interacting with affinity groups, and enjoying downtime in the Super Member and K-12 Professional Development Package Holder Lounge, where you can connect with others in similar roles. This dynamic sharing of information bonds attendees and enables ATIXA to remain a catalyst for growth in the Title IX field.
A Community Like No Other
The Annual Conference delivers much more than training and resources. If you’re part of our listserv, you’re already familiar with the abundance of daily insights shared by Brett Sokolow, J.D., and our impressive consultants. This ongoing support translates into questions answered on the spot during the conference, creating a tangible camaraderie that enhances the overall experience.
We understand that our sessions can be intense and often overwhelming, but that’s intentional to make the experience impactful. My fellow consultants and I agree we will not leave you hanging if you have follow-up questions. Please find us at the conference after sessions, email us, or post to the listserv; we are here to help.
Many associations and firms are doing the work we do, but none of them have the community of professionals we do. With over 14,500 members and nearly 70,000 certifications granted, we provide a support system that no other organization can match. ATIXA is more than your training provider, service provider, Decision-maker, or Investigator. We represent a community of people who “Show Up.” We’ve got each other’s backs.
Exceptional Training Opportunities
ATIXA has been educating and growing the Title IX field for over 13 years. During this time, we have discovered that providing our members and community with certification-based learning opportunities before and after the conference enhances the availability of essential knowledge. This approach allows for extensive exploration during the two-and-a-half days of the conference without sacrificing the need for attendees to engage in learning opportunities through subsequent scheduled trainings.
While we know this can leave attendees feeling both overwhelmed and exhilarated, they consistently express that they wouldn’t change a thing about their experience. We often hear remarks such as: My mind has exploded! I’ve taken detailed notes and will return to my institution to process everything I’ve learned. This sentiment echoes every time. Without fail, every attendee I speak with after a conference mentions that while it took time to sift through materials and notes, the value they gained was undeniable. You genuinely get your money’s worth.
An Investment in Innovation
We believe in the power of collective knowledge and mutual support. Attending ATIXA’s Annual Conference is an investment in your professional growth and the success of your school or institution. It’s a chance to join thought leaders and be part of a vital community while you enhance your skills and gain invaluable insights that will empower you to lead confidently. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something extraordinary.
We look forward to welcoming you at ATIXA’s next in-person training event, the 2025 Winter Symposium, in Henderson, NV, and working together to shape the future of Title IX. Register today by clicking here.