Informal Resolution Mediator (or Facilitator) is an individual either internal or external to the College who has been trained and given authority to facilitate between the Complainant and Respondent mutually agreed upon conditions to resolve a matter than might reasonably constitution sex discrimination under Title IX using the Informal Resolution process.  The conditions must also be acceptable to the College.

Title IX regulations require all facilitators of an informal resolution process to be trained on the rules and practices associated with the institution’s informal resolution process and on how to serve impartially, including how to avoid conflicts of interest and bias.

This training will feature tips from a faculty member who has served as an Informal Resolution mediator as well as logistic tips from a Title IX Coordinator. 

Attendees will focus on:

·         Definitions

·         How to avoid conflict of interest and bias

·         How to serve impartially

·         Informal Resolution Process

·         Practical tips - Title IX Coordinator

·         Practical tips – Informal Resolution Mediator

Attendees:

·         MUST bring their institution’s Title IX Policy.

·         Each institution customized their policy, so, having your institution’s policy with you at this training will help facilitate conversations regarding how your institution will respond to a complaint.

Register:  - To register, click the registration link below.  ONLY register for one event. 

Registration closes one day before each event.  Attendees will receive the Zoom link after 4:00 pm on the day before the event. 

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 - 9:30 am to 11:30 am

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 - 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Presenter:  Dr. Benjamin VanDyke

Dr. Benjamin Van Dyke earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alabama and completed his internship and fellowship in Adult Behavioral Medicine.  He has worked at Young Harris College as Assistant Professor of Psychology for 5 years, including 3 years as Faculty Director of the First-Year Experience.  Dr. Van Dyke is trained as a Title IX informal resolution mediator and hearing panel member.

Presenter: Dr. Laura Whitaker-Lea

Dr. Whitaker-Lea serves as the Associate Vice President for Policy and Compliance and College Ombuds at Young Harris College. In this role she also serves as Title IX Coordinator. Previously, she has served as the Chief Student Affairs Officer at three institutions and began her 34-year career in higher education as the Coordinator of Student Conduct at a small liberal arts institution. She holds a BA degree from Berry College, an MA in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University (OH), and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from Georgia State University.

Presenter:  Judith W. Spain, J.D., CCEP

Judy currently serves as the GICA Compliance Program Consultant and serves on the Board, Society for Corporate Compliance and Ethics.    She is a Professor Emeritus, an attorney licensed in Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and is a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional.  She served as General Counsel and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at Eastern Kentucky University and Manhattanville College, where she developed and implemented compliance programs.  Judy is the author of the first book on higher education compliance, Higher Education Compliance:  Blueprint for Success.  Judy is also the author of Compliance Risk Assessments:  An Introduction published by the Society for Corporate Compliance and Ethics.  Her third book, Higher Education Compliance: What Governing Boards Really Need to Know is available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook.