Complete your Title IX training by Oct. 31

Sept. 17, 2021

Dear University of Alaska employees,

Thank you for your work toward creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where students and other employees feel safe and supported. The university provides tools to assist you in knowing what to do when you become aware of difficult situations, including sexual harassment or assault, through Title IX training and online resources. UA Safe Title IX Training is mandatory, and will be available to employees beginning August 31, and must be completed by October 31, 2021.

In previous years the required training for employees differed from the training provided to students. This year, employees will be taking the same, highly-successful training, developed in-house through the University of Alaska Anchorage, that students are required to complete. The online course in Blackboard is more applicable to Alaska and to our universities. It is based on the latest version of university policy and guided by Federal mandates.

What you need to know:

  1. Mandatory Title IX Training “UA Safe” has been switched to Blackboard for Fall 2021. Here is the link. 
  2. UA Safe Title IX Training is open now and is available now and the completion deadline is October 31, 2021. 
  3. You will continue to receive reminder emails until you complete your training.

Many elements of university policy were updated last year in response to changing definitions on a Federal level. The definition and scope of sexual harassment under Title IX changed significantly, as did the processes for formal investigations, grievances and appeals. It is important to remember that inappropriate behavior which may not be covered under Title IX will be addressed under other existing policies and conduct requirements, and UA will continue to provide supportive measures and outreach to students who request assistance. Additionally, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex — including pregnancy, parenting and all related conditions — in education and in programs and activities that receive federal funding.   Our commitment to ensure safe campuses continues. 

Following are online resources available to you:

UA faculty and staff are reminded of your duties as a “responsible employee.” University employees are required to report any sexual- or gender-based discrimination, including sexual assault and sexual harassment, they become aware of to their campus Title IX coordinator within 24 hours of becoming aware. 

Contact your university’s Title IX Coordinator at:

University of Alaska Anchorage

Sara Childress, Director/Title IX Coordinator

uaa_titleix@uaa.alaska.edu 

(907) 786-0818

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Margo Griffith, Executive Director & Title IX/ ADA-504 Coordinator

uaf-tix@alaska.edu 

907-474-7300

University of Alaska Southeast

Ryan Wark, Director Office of Equity and Compliance 

uas.titleix@alaska.edu

907-796-6371 

The Title IX training course will cover sensitive issues. If you would like to request to be released from this course:

The key to creating a safe and respectful workplace is using the tools provided through Title IX training to stop sex and gender-based discrimination. All of us have to be responsible to prevent and promptly report all types of misconduct. Your continued dedication to this effort is appreciated.