University hosts UT Systemwide Title IX training

(Photo by UTHealth Houston)

UTHealth Houston welcomed Title IX professionals from across The University of Texas System Aug. 5-6 for the annual UT Systemwide Title IX training, marking the first time the university has hosted the event. The two-day event brought colleagues together for training, collaboration, and meaningful discussion.

During sessions at University Center Tower, participants representing the system’s 13 institutions examined complex issues related to Title IX compliance, exchanged insights, and shared best practices for creating safe, respectful, and equitable learning and working environments.

For UTHealth Houston, hosting the event was an opportunity to strengthen connections with Title IX professionals across the UT System and underscore the university’s commitment to working collaboratively on issues that affect students and employees.

Karen Spillar, JD, senior vice president of Human Resources and chief human resources officer at UTHealth Houston, introduced Melina R. Kibbe, MD, president of UTHealth Houston, who welcomed the hybrid audience during the opening of the training’s second day.

“We truly believe that every single person who works and learns at any of our campuses across the UT System deserves an environment that is safe, respectful, and fair,” Kibbe said. “You all are the ones who help make that happen. The work you do every day—supporting our students and employees, navigating complex issues, and helping our institutions uphold those values—makes a meaningful difference across the UT System. Bringing this group together gives us an important opportunity to learn from one another, strengthen our partnerships, and continue that work together.”

That spirit of collaboration carried throughout the two-day training as participants shared perspectives, strengthened connections, and learned from colleagues across the system.

“Hosting the UT Systemwide Title IX Annual Training for the first time is a great opportunity for UTHealth Houston to bring colleagues from across the UT System together on our campus,” said Deana Moylan, deputy Title IX coordinator at UTHealth Houston and associate vice president of University Relations and Equal Opportunity. “We’re proud to host this training and to be part of an ongoing conversation about how we can continue to support safe and respectful environments across the UT System.”

Bringing Title IX professionals together

The program, facilitated by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, was designed to provide Title IX coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, facilitators of informal resolution processes, and other professionals with training required for their roles.

“Our goal with the annual training is to cover the training requirements for anyone in a Title IX-related role. There’s a lot of different requirements for Title IX coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, facilitators of the informal resolution process,” said Krista Anderson, UT Systemwide Title IX coordinator. “Here, they are getting the minimum training requirements that we want to make sure they complete annually, and we are able to provide that service free of charge.”

The breadth of the program reflected the varied responsibilities of Title IX professionals. Day one included sessions on Title IX enforcement and investigations by the U.S. Office for Civil Rights, recent case law and executive orders, reporting and intake, initial case assessment, investigations, live hearings and the role of advisors.

Day two opened with Kibbe’s welcome remarks before turning to case study discussions, pregnancy and related conditions, the intersection of Title IX with other laws and protections, complex compliance issues, and athletics.

“We try to make it as efficient as possible, which is why we cover so much in two days,” Anderson said. “The amount of topics is incredibly varied. Many of our professionals have different roles and wear different hats, which allows us to cover a lot of different topics that either cross their particular role, are adjacent to their role, or directly related to their role.”

For UTHealth Houston, the training offered an opportunity not only to host colleagues from across the UT System, but also strengthen the relationships that support their shared work.